Toddler Humor

The other day Lauren was at my parents house playing with Grandpa. She handed her play phone to my dad and this is the conversation that took place...

Lauren: "Grandpa, call Megan."

Grandpa: (punches in a bunch of numbers) "Hello, Megan, Lauren would like to talk to you."

Lauren: "Hi, Megan."(continues on with a lot of babble that Grandpa couldn't understand")
She talked for about a minute then looked at Grandpa funny and said, "This not Megan"(followed by a big huff).
She quickly redialed and must have gotten the correct number, because she quickly said, "Hi, Megan," and continued on with her one-sided conversation!

Poor Grandpa didn't even have a chance at getting that right!

Looking Upward

"...The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up those who are bowed down. Psalm 146:13& 14

"...we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has pourd out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given to us." Romans 5:3-5

It is hard for me to find the words to describe how I am feeling. For the most part I feel amazingly peaceful about this whole situation. I know that God is in control. He knows the pain I am in. He knows that I would love to be up taking care of my family. He knows that at times I feel like a burden to my family members. He also knows that I am looking to Him. I am waiting on Him. I am learning to let go and let Him shape my character through this trial.
I have had my share of tears. Some due to a feeling of helplessness, but most from the pain. The Lord knows my heart and He is really working on me emotionally and spiritually. He is strengthening me, refining me.

I have had a good deal of uncertainty, but the Lord knows this, too. He is helping me to let go and trust in Him. He is upholding me and I am leaning gratefully on Him as I wait for him to show me the way.

'So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you in my righteous right hand. For I am the Lord, your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid,...for I myself will yelp you,' declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 41:10, 13 & 14

Thankfully I have the strength, love, mercy and goodness of the Lord to help me through this without Him I would be lost.

Still Learning and An Update

Thank you to all of you for the heart-touching comments and prayers. I have gained some amazing friends through blogging and I am thankful for each and everyone of you!

I am struggling with a decision. I'm not sure what to do. I haven't gained any relief, as of yet, from the Chiropractor. I am going twice a day. This afternoon when I went in he said the adjustment he had made this morning had popped back out. I know this won't be a quick fix, but the pain is getting hard to bear. I started taking the pain medication again last night out of desperation. I just lowered the amount I take. It is helping some. Joel and I need to decided by Tuesday whether I will keep the appointment with the Neurosurgeon. At this point I just don't know what to do. If I should just stick with the Chiropractor or see what the Neurosurgeon can do. I would like to avoid surgery if at all possible, but who wouldn't! Please pray that we will know which way to go with this.




It's been about 11 years since I had to deal with prolonged bedrest. It isn't easy. Especially for a mama! I have deeper understanding of what others have gone through when they have been stuck in bed. Oh, how I wish I could get up and resume my role as wife, mother and household manager. It has been really hard on me to see Joel assuming both roles. I just want to jump up and help him. I am grateful, however, that he has been so willing and loving as he cares for me and our children.


I'm sure there is a lesson waiting to be learned here. I'm pretty sure it has to do with a control issue. Most likely in the realm of giving total control of my life over to Lord. And that I don't have to do it all and be all. I am taking this time to seek out what He has for me to learn.

In the meantime, I have learned some pretty important skills, like typing while lying on my back. And doing the granny shuffle. And eating with plate to lips and scooping food to my mouth. You know skills that are good to have in a time of need!

The Verdict

Well the verdict is in- I have a bulging disk in my lower back that is pressing on my nerve and causing all the pain.

When I visited the doctor yesterday, He prescribed some pain medication for me. I was more than happy to take it. It was all good until 1:00 this morning when I found out I'm a lightweight. I was attacked with severe nausea and then collapsed on the bathroom floor. Pain medication obviously doesn't agree with me. I guess I'll be sticking with ibuprophen!

I went to the Chiropractor twice today and he says there is and 85% chance that he can fix my back with adjustments. My general practitioner wants me to see a neourosurgeon. Joel and I have decided to stick with the Chiropractor for now. He seems to think he can reduce my pain with in a couple of days. We'll see.

Keep praying for me. I'm still in bed and dealing with severe pain.

Prayer

Please keep me in your prayers. I have been flat on my back, in bed and in excruciating pain since Sunday afternoon. My back is worse than it was previously. I can only stand and sit for a few minutes at a time before I am hurting so bad it takes my breath away.

I will be having an MRI tomorrow morning and hopefully I will know more by Friday.

It has been hard for me. I am so used to running our household and caring for everyone. I'm not getting much of that done lying in bed.

Thankfully, Joel had taken this week off for vacation and has been a big help with keeping everyone fed and tackling the never ending mountain of laundry. However, I do feel really bad about him having to do all this on his vacation. He has been looking forward to this time off for a while and now has been requisitioned to be my nurse and chief cook and bottle washer. But, he is doing all of this with grace and love. It makes me love him all the more.

So, if I am absent for a while it is because I can't sit at the computer. (Thankfully my parents loaned me their lap top so that I could post this) I will try to keep you updated.

Missing you all!

At The Well- Thankfulness in Marriage

Thankfulness in Marriage

The discussion questions are:

What are some things that you can publicly thank God for, in relation to your husband?

A while back I was asked about the story about how my husband and I met (this is for you Jackie!).  I thought this would be a good time to share our story and list some of the qualities that endear me to my love.

                                                                                                         

Twenty years ago I met my husband at church.  My family had just recently moved and we started attending the church that my grandparents were members of.  Joel and his family came to visit our church in December of 1988.  We were having a potluck and I remember he was goofing off and being the life of the party.  Fast forward, four months, his family and mine both became members of the church. Each Sunday and Wednesday we had opportunities to get to know one another a little better. Then, one evening after Wednesday evening prayer meeting, he followed my cousin and I home down the dirt road that led to our church.  I remember turning around and waving at him at each intersection expecting for him to head home, since he lived in the opposite direction from me.  Finally, it sunk in that he wasn't headed home.  I was giddy!  I remember feeling short of breath and excited beyond description.  My cousin dropped me off and headed to her house.  At that moment Joel pulled into the driveway and I went over to his car.  Long story short I ended up sitting in his car talking for 2 hours! 

I knew from the moment he followed me home that I would marry him. He was unlike any other boy who had ever showed any interest in me.  Every time I was with him or thought of him, I knew he was the one the Lord had chosen for me.

I still love him just as much as I did when we were dating and in some ways I love him deeper and more selflessly. Here are some of the reasons why...

• He has an amazing sense of humor! There isn't a day that goes by that he doesn't have me giggling.
• He is a wonderful provider. He works so hard so that I can be home with our children. And he doesn't complain, even if the job he is doing isn't his dream job.
• He still finds me beautiful. And daily he tells me how much he loves me
• He is willing to help others in need and share his time, strength and knowledge with those around him.
• He faithfully attends church with us and talks to our children about God's love for us.

I could go on, but to sum it all up, he is my true love. Given to me from my Heavenly Father and I will cherish him forever.

Book Review- His Name Is Jesus

 

I just finished reading the gift book, "His Name is Jesus" by Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson Publishers).

This book was absolutely beautiful! It is a hardcover book filled with gorgeous pictures and amazing excerpts from 20 of Max Lucado's books.

This book walks you through the life of Jesus starting with His birth and ending with His legacy.  I really enjoyed reading this book because I could easily read it even if I only had a short amount of time.  It is set up in such a way that it is like reading short little stories.  And each story is full of amazing and wonderful truths about our Savior.

Here is a portion of the book so that you can see for yourself the talented writing of Max Lucado...

Maybe you've seen the classic portrait of Christ in the garden.  Kneeling beside a big rock.  Snow-white robe.  Hands peacefully folded in prayer.  A look of serenity on his face.  Halo over his head.  A spotlight from heaven illuminating his golden-brown hair.

Now, I'm no artist, but I can tell you one thing.  The man who painted that picture didn't use the Gospel of Mark as a pattern.  When Mark wrote about that painful night, he used phrases like these: "Horror and dismay came over him," "My heart is ready to break with grief," and "He went a little forward and threw himself on the ground."

Does this look like the picture of a saintly Jesus resting in the palm of God?  Hardly.  Mark used black paint to describe this scene.  We see an agonizing, straining, and struggling Jesus.  We see a "man of sorrow" (Isaiah 53:3 NASB).  We see a man struggling with fear, wrestling with commitments, and yearning for relief.

We see Jesus in the fog of a broken heart.

My, what a portrait!  Jesus is in pain.  Jesus is on the stage of fear.  Jesus is cloaked, not in sainthood, but in humanity.

The next time the fog finds you, you might do well to remember Jesus in the garden.  The next time you think no one understands, reread the fourteenth chapter of Mark.  The next time your self-pity convinces you that no one cares, pay a visit of Gethsemane.  And the next time you wonder if God really perceives the pain that prevails on this dusty planet, listen to him pleading among the twisted trees.

The next time you are called to suffer, pay attention.  It may be the closest you'll ever get to God.  Watch closely.  It could very well be that the hand that extends itself to lead you out of the fog is a pierced one.

No Wonder They Call Him the Savior

I couldn't give this book a proper review without inserting a bit of Lucado's writing.  He has an incredible way of painting such vivid pictures with his words.  If you get a chance read this book you won't be sorry.  It will truly touch your heart.

Keepin' It Real

Thank you for all the uplifting comments you left me yesterday! I truly appreciate them.  I was having an off day.  A down in the dumps kind of day.  But, don't worry I've bounced right back and I'm feeling much more chipper today!

So to keep true to my title- I'm going to keep it real.  Today will be full.  I have taken on a house cleaning job and today is the first time I will be cleaning this home.  However, it is my dear friends house and I have known her since high school, so I don't think it should be too difficult since we are very open with one another.

Then its back home to pick up my own house, make some Mini Boston Cream pies,  and swipe down the bathrooms before our company arrives this evening.  And somehow in midst of all that I will be fitting in some school for the boys.  Yeah, I know, I better just go change into my super woman outfit right now, because I'm going to need it!

Keepin' it Real,

Jenn

 

Brain Freeze

Well, I am experiencing a severe case of brain freeze- a.k.a.- A  major lack of creativity.

Not much is happening around here and I guess that's a good thing. However, it leaves me with a lack of writing material.  Honestly, who wants to here about my kitchen overflowing with dishes. Or the pile of laundry waiting to be folded in the living room. Or the fact that after a morning of schooling my house looks like it is suffering from an internal explosion.

I really desire to write something inspiring or humorous or witty. I am blank. There is nothing rattling around in this brain of mine. I want to write something amazing.  But, all I can come up with is...nothing. 

I guess it all boils down to the fact that I want others to like my blog. I would like other ladies to think my blog is great. I guess its that old popularity thing coming back to bite me.  I've always struggled with the whole aspect or just wanting others to like me. So, I always put pressure on myself to write something I think you all would like to read.  Well, I coming clean today! I am living a very uninteresting life! HA! How's that for honesty.  Most of my days follow the same routine. There isn't much variation in this momma's day!  Thus the lack of creativity.  Hmmmm, I think I'm seeing a pattern here!

So, there you have it- nothingness, blah, boring and unimaginative are the words for the day.  So, if you don't see a post from me in for awhile you'll know its because my brain has refused to cooperate.

Maybe, just maybe, tomorrow will bring me some enlightenment!

 

*Just a note to let all my friends know- I am having trouble with my dial-up.  It isn't letting me download your pages very easily.  It's not even downloading my own page correctly. :(   So, I just wanted to let each of you know that I am reading your wonderful posts, but I am not always able to leave a comment.  Don't give up on me, please! I am still here and still keeping up with all of you.  Hopefully this will correct itself soon.

I Heart Faces- Green

GREEN is the theme for I Heart Faces this week. Go check it out!

I Want To See Jesus

 

"Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus, to reach out and trust Him and say that we love Him.  Open our ears, Lord, and help us to listen, Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus."

Robert Cull 1949-

Can't you just hear the yearning in the first line of this hymn.  So often I close my eyes to Jesus and travel down the path of my own choosing.  I walk blindly, destined for heartache and trouble.  Why is it I so easily forget to open my eyes and look to my Heavenly Father? I can trust Him.  I need to trust Him.  He has my best interests at heart.  But, I am so quick to gather up my affairs and strike out on my own.  Ignoring the love and care He has for me. I don't want to let my heart, meditations and yearnings to get clouded by despair and depression.  I need to open my eyes.  He is right there before me with His arms open wide.

 

Thank you Jesus for loving me as you do.  I so often wander away from you, trying to take control of each and every situation. You lovingly wait for me to come back. And when I do you fold me in your arms, surrounding me with your love, peace and comfort.

The Story of a Two-Year-Old

TWO

Have I ever mentioned that I love this age? How about that this age frustrates me to no ends? Or have I ever mentioned that this age makes me laugh hysterically? What if I told you that this age makes me want to tear my hear out? Wait- did I mention that I wouldn't trade this time for anything in the world?

Here is the story of my two-year-old princess...

There once was a little princess, who was practicing to be a dictator. She worked day and night to rule her little world. She used all the tricks and devices she could dream up. She yelled, she screamed, she demanded her own way, all while crying and wailing as loud as humanly possible.

There once was a little princess, who could melt anyone's heart. She was sweet and round and cuddley. She would talk in the softest manner, look through her long eyelashes, and throw her arms around the neck of her suitor. Before long she would be playing house with the afore mentioned young boy and she would be as happy as could be.

There once was a young princess, who made everyone around her laugh hilariously. Especially on the days when she talked about the adventures of Mr. Goggins, who loved to go to town and was later found out to be a mouse. Or when there was wailing from the bathroom because she almost fell into the "teapot" (or pee-pot as it was once called). Or when she broke into giggles because she passed a little gas. Of course all the young princes around her found that extremely humorous and she attempted to oblige them with a repeat performance. Or maybe that she loved to talk about Winnie-the-Poopie (aka Winnie-the-Pooh). Can you tell this young princess was surrounded by young princes?

There once was a young princess, who was adored by her mama. She easily found an abundance of love was given to her by this lady. Her arms were always open, ready to fold the young princess into a cocoon of love. There was always time for tea parties and book readings, not to mention, strolling of babies. Her mama loved her completely even on the days when the princess was fighting to be in charge. On these days, her mama just continued to surround her with love and discipline.

There once was a young princess, who was and is a most treasured gift from God. Even on the hard days when her Mama's head gains a few new gray hairs!

Jenn

I Heart Faces- Creative Cropping

 Cropped... My nephew has the most gorgeous hair, eyes, and sweet cherry lips.  The photo before I cropped it was pretty poor, but with it cropped to just his face you can see how absolutely beautiful he is.

Uncropped...

 

This week on... 

it's all about cropping.  Go check out all the other wonderful entries at I Heart Faces.

Two Easter Activities to do With Your Children

Easter has been over-run with fluffy bunnies, jelly beans, colored eggs and Easter baskets.  All of this can so easily distort the true meaning of Easter making it easy for our children to miss the true meaning of Easter.  Over the years I have done different activities with my children to help guide their focus onto the importance of Easter and its true meaning. Below are two that we will be doing this year.

Make a mini garden-  For the past five or more years we have done this project.  This project is one that needs to be done on Good Friday, so have your supplies ready before hand.  I searched high and low for  a picture, but could not locate one, so I will try to explain this as clearly as I can.

Supplies: A large plastic bowl, planter or pot (you will be planting flowers in this so make sure you have one that is big enough for the number of plants you wish to pot), potting soil, empty toilet paper tube, stone, flowering plants (I let my kids pick out violas or pansies at the store, something we can plant in the garden later), a clothes-pin decorated and wrapped in cloth to represent Jesus.

Place potting soil in planter (don't fill it all the way up). Lay the toilet paper tube on top and place the flowers around the tube in any way you wish.  Cover your flowers and the tube with soil, making sure to leave one end of the tube open.  Place your clothes-pin Jesus in the tomb and roll across your stone to seal it up.  After everyone has washed their hands talk about Jesus' sacrifice for all people and his great love for us.

On Sunday morning before your kids get up.  Remove Jesus from the tomb and place him among the flowers.  Talk with your children about Jesus' rising from the dead just as He said it would happen.

 

Resurrection Cookies- This was given to me several years ago. I haven't done it yet with my boys, because I was waiting for them to get a bit older so that this activity would go smoothly.  This is the year we will be making these cookies, I think it is a wonderful activity and it will help us focus on Jesus and his sacrifice for us.

This is meant to be done on Saturday evening...

You will need:

Wooden spoon, zipper baggie, Bible, tape and mixing bowl

Ingredients-

1 cup whole pecans

3 eggs whites

1 cup of sugar

1 teaspoon of vinegar

pinch of salt

preheat oven to 300 degrees

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them into pieces with a wooden spoon. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.  Read John 19:1-3

Let children smell and taste the vinegar.  Put 1 tsp. into a mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, he was given vinegar to drink.  Read John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to the vinegar.  Eggs represent life.  Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.  Read John 10:10-11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.  Let them taste it, then put a pinch into the bowl.  Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.  Read Luke 23:27

Mention to your children that so far most of the ingredients have not been very appetizing.

Next add 1 cup sugar.  Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us.  He wants us to know and belong to Him.  Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 11-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.  Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.  Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper-covered cookie sheet.

Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.  Read Matthew 27:65-66

Put cookie sheet in the oven. Close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66

Talk about how your children may be concerned over leaving the cookies in the oven overnight. Explain that Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.  Read John 16:20 & 22

GO TO BED!

On Resurrection morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.  Notice the cracked surface and take a bite.  The cookies are hollow! On the first Resurrection Day, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.  Read Matthew 18:1-9

HE HAS RISEN!

For more Easter stories and ideas visit Becoming Me.

Review-Max Lucado's Hermie and Friends

It's time for another Thomas Nelson Publishers book review.  Except this week I am writing a review on a children's DVD.

My boys just finished watching Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure by Max Lucado for the third time. I think I can safely say they enjoyed it.  This edition of  Hermie & Friends is about being unique and how God has created us just the way he wants us.  The lesson is based on Psalm 139:13-14.

For you created my inmost being you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

What a great lesson for my children! Especially for my dyslexic son.  There have been many times when he has asked me, with tears in his eyes, why he has to have dyslexia.  In the video Skeeter is wondering why his sting is crooked and why God would make him that way.  Skeeter just figures it is a design flaw.  God answers Skeeter's wondering's by saying, "I don't make mistakes.  It doesn't matter what others think of you.  It matters what I think of you, and I think your just right."  I was thrilled to apply that to my son's situation and it was a great reminder to him that God made Him the way he is for a reason.

Here are a few thoughts my boys had on the video:

"I really liked this DVD because the mosquito brothers in this video each found out that God made them special and unique." 7-year-old

"I liked this video because they each learned that God loved them because He made them.  And He made them they way He wanted."  10-year-old

This was a good video.  I was grateful for the lesson it taught and my younger children enjoyed it. 

Beautiful Things

Living on a single income was a choice we made 11 years ago.  It wasn't an easy one, but  was what we felt was best for our family.  Over the years we have learned a great many things.  We have learned to manage our money and live simply.  We have learned that money doesn't buy happiness. And that you really can live on less!

But, there are times like today when I feel the pinch. I have been struggling with back pain for about 4 months.  Today I couldn't stand it any longer, I made an appointment.  It turned out to be an expensive appointment. When I saw the figures and did a mental add up, I felt my heart sink. Then when I found out the my sciatic pain would not be a quick fix I felt anxiety creeping in. Our insurance is not great and won't cover a good portion of the cost.

As I was driving home, I struggled with the weight of the whole ordeal. I know I need to get this taken care of. I am living with an old ladies back and I'm only 35. I need to have back my range of motion and be able go through my days pain free. Yet on the other hand the money issue looms before me.  I slowly allowed a cloud of gloom to shadow my thoughts and feelings.

By the time I got to my parents home to pick up my children I was fighting off tears.  I knew this wasn't a major medical situation and it definitely could be worse, but I had allowed my anxiety over the cost of the whole affair to take hold of me. I had taken matters into my own hands and forgot to just give it to the Lord.  Thankfully He didn't let me wallow in my self-pity for long!  He got a hold of me and placed in front of me a beautiful reminder...

My sweet, little Lauren came up to me as I was wandering the house with my brain all a flutter, and asked if I  would sit down and play the piano with her.  As we settled on the bench, I reached for my song book.  I opened it up and this was the song before my eyes...

Beautiful

Beautiful, beautiful, Jesus is beautiful, and Jesus makes beautiful things in my life.

Carefully touching me, causing my eyes to see, Jesus makes beautiful things of my life.

Words and Music by Dennis Cleveland

I may not know what my Lord has in store for me through this time. But if I allow Him, He will make Beautiful things of my life!

Will You Join Me?

*Before reading this post, please not that it is political in nature. I didn't post this in efforts to offend anyone, hurt anyone or judge anyone, in anyway. This is what I believe and I know it is what God believes; every baby is precious in his sight, because He the creator of all things creates each and every one of them.

I found this on Loni's blog- Writing Canvas and thought it was a wonderful way to show the importance of each and every unborn babies life. She said this is circulating around facebook so maybe you have seen it. I hadn't and thought I would put it on my blog and hopefully get some of you to join in on this simple yet effective idea.

Dear Friends and Intercessors:

This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency. Namely, that he signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. I have been involved in the pro-life movement for nearly 20 years, and it pained my heart to see a man and a political party committed to the shedding of innocent blood. This man, and this party lead our country, but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal.

As I was praying, I believe that God gave me an interesting idea. Out in the garage I have a box of red envelopes. Like the powerful image of the red LIFE tape, an empty red envelope will send a message to Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue. It will be quiet, but clear.

Here is what I would like you to do:

Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington , D.C. 20500

On the back, write the following message.

This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception.

* Don't forget to add your return address. This is very important so there is no cause to believe that it is malicious in any way.  This should not be done anonymously.

Put it in the mail, and send it. Then send this web-site to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the president.

Warmly, Christ Otto

Let’s Send 50 Million red envelopes (and Counting) to the President

 

**If you can't find red envelopes you can print this template out on red paper.  The words are already printed out for you. So all that you will need to do is a little cutting, folding and pasting.  This is how I am going to do it.  It is much cheaper than buying red envelopes. Not to mention that is something I would never be able to find around here. I bought red card stock and we will be printing out our own cards, soon.

...I think we will be doing this project as a family.  Maybe we will even send out these envelopes to our state representative and senators, like Loni suggested.  How about you?

 

Jenn

 

I heart faces- Messy

It is messy faces week at I heart faces. Lauren loves her some cottage cheese- me not so much!

At The Well- Persistence

The discussion questions are:

Think about your daily life as a wife, mother and child of God.

What are some ways that you have persisted when you have been knocked down?

How have these circumstances brought glory to the Father?

Life is full of trials some that knock the wind out of us, some that make our hearts ache and some that are mere annoyances. 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.      

James 1:2-4

In my life I have faced some difficult trials.  One in particular almost took my life.  As a result of this, I was brought to my knees.  The Lord had gotten my attention! Before this I had had a lukewarm relationship with my Savior. Neither on fire, nor cold for God.  I believed in Him and had committed my life to Him at an earlier age, but I wasn't living for Him.  I was living for myself.  My illness brought me to the realization that I needed Him. He needed to be the center of my days.

I gave my life wholly and completely over to Him.

It wasn't any easy path to follow.  For years following my illness I was plagued with anxiety and a fear of sickness.  At times it was intense. Not only did I fear for myself, but for my husband and children.  But, this year has brought change.  I have dug even deeper into God's words and have begun to cling to His promises. One of my favorite verses to quote when I feel a tinge of anxiety creeping in is

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

As I say this verse, I picture God holding me in his righteous right hand.  I repeat it over and over until I feel His strength, love and peace flowing through me.  A couple of years ago when I found this verse, I was a mess emotionally.  I was afraid of every winter, because we often were sick through the whole duration.  Winters drained me physically and emotionally.  I began to dread the colder months.  This year is the first winter when I haven't fought the constant fear of picking up an illness every time we step foot out the door.  God is working in me and I am allowing Him!

*Just in case you were wondering...we have been sick just as much this year as any in the past.  Colds galore, stomach flu, Strep, mysterious rashes (we are actually all sick right now with a miserable cold).  Yet the Lord is helping me through this.  I am not as fearful and anxious.  He is teaching me and strengthening me each and every day. 

Praise the Lord!