That was a "saying" of my niece's elementary school teacher. It recently struck home to me during my weekly Bible study. We were studying Numbers chapter 11 and 12. The Israelites had been camped around Mount Sinai for forty days and now were on the move towards the promised land!
I love to camp! Packing up all of our gear and heading out into the wilderness where everything is peaceful and quiet..... that's my kind of trip!....for about 24 hours. After 24 hours, I like not just a shower, but a hot shower. I enjoy cooking one or two meals, max, over a camp fire..the smoke, and the way it makes my hair smell, Ugghh! As much as I like the outdoors; truly I am an "indoor" girl.
The Israelites, probably tired, out of shape from sitting in one place for forty days, and bored of eating only manna, complained. They even said they wished they were back in Egypt. God heard their complaints and was angry. Angry enough to place a ring of fire around them burning some to death. God does not like complaints.
God freed them from slavery, just like God freed me from my bondage of sin. They were right in the middle of God's Will for them, and they wanted to be somewhere else. God placed them in the desert, resided with them, and provided for their every need. God has placed me here,I am in His Will for me, far away from my extended family, He's residing with me in my heart, through the Holy Spirit, and He has provided richly for every one of my needs. What do I have to complain about? I am so, like the Israelites as I have complained about many trivial things.
Moses complained as well, but he took his complaints directly to God rather than spreading all that negative energy. God answered His prayer and was not angry with Moses complaints. Perhaps when I feel the need for a complaint, prayer would be the first place to start. Bringing the complaint to God possibly will remind me of the blessings He's given along the way. Three beautiful children...sleepless nights at times when needs are many. The blessing definitely out weighs the complaint! Even on my hardest of days, I have not received what I have deserved. God is good and I have much to be grateful for!
James tells us that in our trials, we should count it all joy. God wants us to trust in Him during the hard times, for He will work it all out for good for those who love Him and follow His commands. Paul tells us to be content in ALL circumstances. That includes the circumstances that cause me to be sleep deprived!
Dear God,
May this wake up call I have received bring about a transformation in my attitude. May I have an attitude of gratitude in all circumstances, praising you for the many blessings I have every day. In Jesus Name, Amen.
I encourage you to read Numbers 11. Chapter 12 deals with the dangers of envy...I could blog on that one too!
James 1:2
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when ever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
Philippians 2:14
"Do everything with out complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation , in which you shine like stars of the universe."
Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God"
Philippians 4:11
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."
Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
1 Corithians 10:11
"These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us."
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Set Apart
This evening we will go to our church for an Ash Wednesday service. All of us will be attending as a family so we thought it would be best to prepare the children.
Here is our dinner conversation from last night.
Do any of you know what tomorrow is?
Josh: Ash Wednesday
Can any one tell me what that means?
Sam: We get to go to church and Pastor Dave is going to write that we love God on our foreheads!
He seemed very excited for this event, thankfully!
Last nights devotion reminded us to be "set apart to the Lord"
Joshua 3:5
Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.'"
We talked about ways we could set ourselves apart to the Lord so that He might do "amazing things among us."
It's in the smallest of things.... that's where we could begin!
We need to do things as if we are doing them for God and not for man.
I asked the children to do all of their tasks at home, school, homework, chores, as if Jesus asked them to do them. They agreed they truly would want to do their very best and to do them with out complaining or grumbling.
"May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart
Bless your Name, bless Your name, Jesus
And the deeds of the day and the truth in my way
Speak of You, speak of You Jesus
For this is what I'm glad to do
It's time to live a life of love that pleases You
And I will give my all to You
Surrender everything I have and follow You
I'll follow You."
Tim Hughes
Colossians 3:23-24
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Philippians 2:14-16
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life---"
Here is our dinner conversation from last night.
Do any of you know what tomorrow is?
Josh: Ash Wednesday
Can any one tell me what that means?
Sam: We get to go to church and Pastor Dave is going to write that we love God on our foreheads!
He seemed very excited for this event, thankfully!
Last nights devotion reminded us to be "set apart to the Lord"
Joshua 3:5
Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.'"
We talked about ways we could set ourselves apart to the Lord so that He might do "amazing things among us."
It's in the smallest of things.... that's where we could begin!
We need to do things as if we are doing them for God and not for man.
I asked the children to do all of their tasks at home, school, homework, chores, as if Jesus asked them to do them. They agreed they truly would want to do their very best and to do them with out complaining or grumbling.
"May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart
Bless your Name, bless Your name, Jesus
And the deeds of the day and the truth in my way
Speak of You, speak of You Jesus
For this is what I'm glad to do
It's time to live a life of love that pleases You
And I will give my all to You
Surrender everything I have and follow You
I'll follow You."
Tim Hughes
Colossians 3:23-24
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Philippians 2:14-16
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life---"
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Purpose or Occupation
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader."
-John Quincy Adams
Today at my daughter's preschool they asked each child what they wanted to be when they grew up. You can imagine the responses from a class of three year olds! One little girl hoped to be Lightning McQueen. My daughter would like to be a cheerleader and her friend wants to be a butterfly....when you're three the sky is the limit!
During my more discouraging days I feel I have to tell my children each little thing to do....make your bed, brush your teeth, don't forget your back pack or coat, do your homework, say thank you, eat your vegetables, say your prayers.......Sometimes it feels my Mommy days are spent micromanaging my three young ones.
After our devotion time in the evenings we pray together as a family. We tell God how much we love Him. We praise him for the day and opportunities that came our way. We pray for each one of our children, that they will help their teacher the next day, be a friend to someone in need, and most importantly want to learn more about God, and yearn to be the young man or young lady God has planned them to be. We have a vision of what we most hope for them, and it has nothing to do with the occupation they might choose.
So whether or not my daughter ever actually becomes a cheerleader or simply cheers others on does not matter. What's important is that she persues a relationship with Jesus and allows Him to lead her life. Through bad times and good He promises to never leave her.
Psalm 139:16b
"All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Ephesians 2:10
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Monday, February 16, 2009
Josh Is Nine Years Old Today!
Nine years ago today at 8:03 AM our biggest boy was born! He must have been in a hurry to get started because we arrived at the hospital at 7:30 AM. He did not even give us time to get signed in! Mr P who is regularly rather squeamish, (he routinely gets dizzy when giving blood) wondered how he would do during this delivery process. He rose to the occasion beautifully and thanks to the teaching of wonderful nurses and staff actively participated. Over the weekend I was able to share with my son how we prayed for him for two years before he was born. We prayed God would bless us with a child, just like him, and when we found out we were "with child" and shared the news, his Papaw Curtis sang the Hallelujah chorus! We gave him the name Buttercup while he was in utero because we wanted to be surprised to find out if he was a boy or girl. We read to him, played music for him, and prayed for his health and future.
Blessedly my mother-in-law was there to share in the excitement of the upcoming birth. She shopped for baby supplies and picked out a special Pooh bear similar to one Mr P had (and still has) as a child! Charlotte battled MS for many years and her victory day was Josh's birthday, both occurred in the early morning hours on February 16, 2000. We found out moments before we left for the hospital and we were unable to absorb or talk about the news. Our doctor handed Josh to Mr P first ....... he looked in his face then at me and said, "Mom saw Josh." There were tears streaming down his face, this was the first time I'd ever seen my husband cry.
We cherish this bond my son and my mother-in-law have. Both are dear souls whom we believe passed that morning. Much rejoicing will be in heaven when we can all be together again...this
time for eternity and Charlotte I feel certain will be dancing!
time for eternity and Charlotte I feel certain will be dancing!Psalms 127:3
"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him."
Ephesians 3:16-19
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith And I pray that you being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to greive like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."
Sunday, February 1, 2009
25 Fun Facts
I've been tagged by two dear sweet gals, from The Patrick Family and The Davidson's to tell 25 random facts. These two extrodinary ladies are also my cousins so it makes it extra fun to blog along with them! My facts are random, silly, and you may have heard them before but here it goes!
1. My favorite days are days I've been outside on a walk either chasing kids on bikes or walks with just me and our dog. The feel of the warm sun on my face just does my soul good!
2. Most days I eat a PB&J for lunch and have for probably..... decades.
2. One of my favorite spots in the world is in our own back yard underneth the shade of our big oak tree watching my children play.
3. I love hot cocoa made with milk-marshmellows are an added decadance!
4. My husband and I call each other "Honeys." As I listen to my daughter pretend play with her dolls the "Daddy" doll and the "Mommy" doll call each other "Honeys."
5. I feel more comfortable in a room full of preschoolers than a room full of adults.
6. I do not really like veggetables but do eat them as an example to my children.
7. We are going to get a motorcycle and tour the US after I turn 50. So when you see an old couple on their Harley feel free to laugh at us ...I know we will!
8. I do not follow any sporting teams but enjoy seeing the excitement of others. I do cheer like a mad woman when my boys play soccer, football and swimming, even though Chuck has to explain football.
9. I do not enjoy playing video games but love to hear my nine year old tell me about how he is progressing in Mario Galaxy. The way he talks about it makes it seem so much more animated and exciting than it ever really could be!
10. We have a huge dog, 73 pound mut black lab mix. He was one of eight. His mom was taken in by a friend of mine and she suspected Gracie might be pregnant, and... well she had eight puppies a week later. She and her sister prayed for each furry baby and each one found a "perfect" home.
11. I enjoy play dough, finger painting, and love reading stories to my children.
12. My daughter and I have real tea parties with china at least twice a week. (Menu PBJ's, and Kool Aide of course!)
13. I enjoy blogging...it's a great avenue to work out your thoughts.
14. I love to bake especially when I have little helpers...their enthusiasm is so contageous!
15. I am not a morning person....but I do try really hard to be nice. Thankfully my husband knows I don't function well until I have a cup of coffee.
16. My favorite color is pink. When I was in seventh grade my room was pink and EVERY article of clothing I wore was pink. I still love pink and wear it if I have to talk in front of a group.
17. I don't like to talk in front of a group :) I'd much rather hug the wall and go unnoticed.
18. Chuck and I took ball room dancing classes and we both equally....stunk. We took the intro class twice b/c the first time we were just so bad... The second time we felt much better....Better enough to go on to the next level....We still stink at it! :) But it was a fun laugh!
19. My house plants love me.... Evidently I have a green thumb.
20. When I am working as a nurse I pray for my patients while I am caring for them, but only have prayed with a patient twice. I wait to be asked. I am hoping God will work ways into my day to spread His love to others.
21. My favorite flower is a daisy....they just look so happy!
22. I love to tap dance and still can double step, triple step in my kitchen for my kids.
23. We sneak in snacks at the movies. (please don't tell!) :)
24. I love to fly kites and only flew my first one two years ago on Jockey's Ridge.
25. I am amazingly blessed to have a wonderful husband and three beautiful children to share this adventure of life with me!
Have a praise filled Sunday!
1. My favorite days are days I've been outside on a walk either chasing kids on bikes or walks with just me and our dog. The feel of the warm sun on my face just does my soul good!
2. Most days I eat a PB&J for lunch and have for probably..... decades.
2. One of my favorite spots in the world is in our own back yard underneth the shade of our big oak tree watching my children play.
3. I love hot cocoa made with milk-marshmellows are an added decadance!
4. My husband and I call each other "Honeys." As I listen to my daughter pretend play with her dolls the "Daddy" doll and the "Mommy" doll call each other "Honeys."
5. I feel more comfortable in a room full of preschoolers than a room full of adults.
6. I do not really like veggetables but do eat them as an example to my children.
7. We are going to get a motorcycle and tour the US after I turn 50. So when you see an old couple on their Harley feel free to laugh at us ...I know we will!
8. I do not follow any sporting teams but enjoy seeing the excitement of others. I do cheer like a mad woman when my boys play soccer, football and swimming, even though Chuck has to explain football.
9. I do not enjoy playing video games but love to hear my nine year old tell me about how he is progressing in Mario Galaxy. The way he talks about it makes it seem so much more animated and exciting than it ever really could be!
10. We have a huge dog, 73 pound mut black lab mix. He was one of eight. His mom was taken in by a friend of mine and she suspected Gracie might be pregnant, and... well she had eight puppies a week later. She and her sister prayed for each furry baby and each one found a "perfect" home.
11. I enjoy play dough, finger painting, and love reading stories to my children.
12. My daughter and I have real tea parties with china at least twice a week. (Menu PBJ's, and Kool Aide of course!)
13. I enjoy blogging...it's a great avenue to work out your thoughts.
14. I love to bake especially when I have little helpers...their enthusiasm is so contageous!
15. I am not a morning person....but I do try really hard to be nice. Thankfully my husband knows I don't function well until I have a cup of coffee.
16. My favorite color is pink. When I was in seventh grade my room was pink and EVERY article of clothing I wore was pink. I still love pink and wear it if I have to talk in front of a group.
17. I don't like to talk in front of a group :) I'd much rather hug the wall and go unnoticed.
18. Chuck and I took ball room dancing classes and we both equally....stunk. We took the intro class twice b/c the first time we were just so bad... The second time we felt much better....Better enough to go on to the next level....We still stink at it! :) But it was a fun laugh!
19. My house plants love me.... Evidently I have a green thumb.
20. When I am working as a nurse I pray for my patients while I am caring for them, but only have prayed with a patient twice. I wait to be asked. I am hoping God will work ways into my day to spread His love to others.
21. My favorite flower is a daisy....they just look so happy!
22. I love to tap dance and still can double step, triple step in my kitchen for my kids.
23. We sneak in snacks at the movies. (please don't tell!) :)
24. I love to fly kites and only flew my first one two years ago on Jockey's Ridge.
25. I am amazingly blessed to have a wonderful husband and three beautiful children to share this adventure of life with me!
Have a praise filled Sunday!
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