Be thou my vision, O lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art. Thou my best thought by day or by night, waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight, Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight. Thou my souls shelter, Thou my high tower. Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my Power
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise, Thou mine inheritance, now and always: Thou and Thou only only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my Treasure thou art.
Ancient Irish Hymn
Oh how true these words ring. I am fortunate enough to get away for a few days of reflection this weekend...a much needed respite from my cares. I am already missing my family, but thankful for a few moments of uninterrupted thoughts thus far. This morning, as I was sitting, with no distraction, basking in silence...I started mulling over the words of this song. Oh that Jesus would be my vision...my dignity, my delight, my souls shelter, my inheritance, my best thought...if I really lived that way...what a difference that would make in my daily rituals. I know these things in my mind...I have been taught from childhood of the greatness of God, but what would it look like if I were really living as if I knew that these things were true? If Christ was really my vision, how would I respond to people, and situations? If God himself were my dignity, not what I look like or what I possess, my heart would be content. My satisfaction would be in Him. The Irish had it right when these words were penned. Oh that you, my Jesus, would be my vision today, my best thought, my shield. Oh that I would seek you and not the empty praise of men. Be first in my heart, my treasure.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Shhh...and Walk
Last weekend I attended a church in my area for the first time. The speaker was a guest (this seems to be the trend when I visit churches...), and it being my first time, my expectations were not high. The music played, the announcements were made, and then the guest got up to speak. The message was about Joshua and the battle of Jericho...how God commanded the people to be quiet, and walk. That's it...be quiet...and walk. He didn't tell them to try to reason with the people of Jericho, to explain what they were doing...I'm sure they appeared to be crazy fools to those behind the wall, after all what were they doing anyway? Why were they walking in silence around and around? Can you even imagine what was said about them the last day when they circled the city seven times in the blazing heat? I believe the same is true of us. We are faced with "walls" in our own lives, and we have a choice of how we are going to handle things. God asked them to be quiet, and walk. I wonder if He asks the same of us. I'm sure he does. Don't get me wrong, there is a time and a place for words, words that have been prayed about and contemplated...but there is a time for being quiet, praying, listening to the Spirit, and walking. We are called to walk in truth, living the life that our words have professed. Its so easy to talk at people, to point out what areas they need help in in their lives, where they have gone wrong, and how they can fix it. Its a natural reaction to try to immediately correct the issues we may face. I think we tend to be people who want to fix things immediately...to have a quick answer to everything, to broadcast our opinion on every subject, to have the cure to what ails...all with the best intentions of course. There is a time, however, where the best answer is silence. Instead of coming up with a quick retort to crush our opponent...really praying and contemplating words that will build, and not tear down! Of course, in the case of Josh and the big wall (thank you Veggie Tales)...when the Israelites were finally aloud to speak...the wall came crashing down, and God delivered the city into their hands. What would happen if we spent the time figuratively walking around our issues, covering them in prayer, asking the Spirit to guide the words that come from our lips and the exact timing of it all...what kind of victory would there be then?
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Free from Organization?
What does it mean, practically speaking, to serve God with your whole being? I know I'm not alone in thinking, most of the time, that we can keep certain parts of us...to ourselves. Compartmentalizing is such a natural human response to life. In fact, I have friends who could put my entire life into neat little boxes and bins with a shiny label on the front! I missed the train when it comes to organization, yet I still section off parts of me...sacred...hidden...left unchanged. How do we,as Christians, open up all of those shiny, neatly stuffed boxes full of whatever we are trying to hide from God, or humanity? The sin, the failure, the fear, the insecurity, whatever the contents of those boxes they need to be emptied...let into the light...confessed to Christ so that we can experience the freedom that He alone can offer. What would it be like if we were totally exposed in Christ, washed clean in His love, with nothing left hidden under lock and key in the filing cabinets of our souls? True freedom. Undeserved. Graciously given. When we find freedom in Him, it is then we can serve Him with heart, mind, and Soul...our whole being.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Be Still...
Often, in my own life, I have spent much of my prayer time asking God for answers and direction. Recently, I have had an experience wherein I found myself begging God for answers…I had moved beyond the polite and patient to a desperate cry. I was expecting a sign from Him that would be so unmistakable that the whole world would see the answer. Funny how things don’t normally happen the way we plan them. My answer came quietly, calmly…it washed over me in waves of peace. I did not get a talking, burning bush…and the sun did not stop its course for me…yet I knew what He was saying. Last night I was reflecting on the past weeks events, and really feel that I received a word from God. I have heard the verse, “Be still and know that I am God,” many times in the course of my life and depending on the pressing problem or situation, have interpreted its meaning differently…this time I feel that new light was shed.
Be Still and Know that I am God means have peace, my love, I am in control of your finances, your job, your children, your spouse, your dreams, your hearts desires, every facet of your life…after all…I am the One who made it all. We don’t need direct answers from Him about every situation…don’t get me wrong, if God had a cell phone..I’d be sending Him a text constantly, but all we need to know is that He is God, and that He will bring about what He wants as long as we are willing.
Trust Him...know that He is God and rest confidently in His peace.
Be Still and Know that I am God means have peace, my love, I am in control of your finances, your job, your children, your spouse, your dreams, your hearts desires, every facet of your life…after all…I am the One who made it all. We don’t need direct answers from Him about every situation…don’t get me wrong, if God had a cell phone..I’d be sending Him a text constantly, but all we need to know is that He is God, and that He will bring about what He wants as long as we are willing.
Trust Him...know that He is God and rest confidently in His peace.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Fear
"Those God uses greatly seem to greatly battle fear." -Beth Moore
I have had the priviledge of doing a study by Beth Moore on the patriarchs in the Bible. It has been great so far, as expected. This week as I was listening to her on the DVD, the words above penetrated my soul. I heard the rest of the lesson, I wrote down the answers to all the fill in the blanks, but I could not escape. "Those God uses greatly seem to greatly battle fear."
In my life, I have greatly battled fear. I have also had a strong desire to be used greatly by God. I struggle with the thought of the two being intertwined, and yet, strangely, it makes sense. Not long ago, fear had become the norm, a way of life. I had no reprive. For several years, I battled panic. I couldn't sit in church without my heart pounding, my mind racing. I struggled to concentrate on conversations, or movies because I was consumed to my core. I would lay awake at night tossing and turning, sweating, struggling to breathe...paralyzed. I begged God on many occasions to heal me, to give me peace. He always answered, and gave me peace for a time, but it wasn't long before I allowed myself to be enslaved once again.
Strangely, throughout this time, I still had a strong desire to do something great for God. I thought that He would use me in a particular way. I had lofty goals, all of which remained unsaid, but lingered proudly in my thoughts and dreams. I was sure that I would be great. That greatness was essential for success...greatness measured by man himself. Therein lies the problem...I would be great. Of course, in my mind I would be doing great things for God, but would the glory be given to God or man?
In July of 2006, my family took a vacation together. Things were going great, I was happy, I was at peace. I was surrounded by my family, never alone, but one night as I was trying to go to sleep, my heart began to race. I began to sweat, and I thought I was dying. I ran down the stairs, where my brother, his wife Christina, and my mom were talking. They immediately noticed something wrong and started to pray. We prayed for hours, literally, for God to deliver me from fear...for me to be released from this oppresion that had taken over my life. God was faithful, is faithful. I can honestly say that I have not had dibilitating fear since that day, July 4, 2006. I have had battles with it, but in the end there is victory. Interestingly enough, my turning point was Independence day...a coincidence? Absolutely not. His every move is intentional, down to the finest detail.
Since that time, my thoughts on being used greatly by God have changed. I admire those who He has called to become public figures for His cause. I also see that there are so many who God uses greatly without their knowledge of it. I hope to be a person, despite my struggles with fear, who can be used by God. I have noticed that He uses me the most when I have the least amount of strength to do it on my own. It is then that I have to completely rely on Him, casting all my fears on Him, depending on Him for every step. Sometimes what God has called us to do seems so insignificant and menial, going unnoticed by others. It is in those times where no glory can come to us, no credit can be given. It is then that He can weave us into the fabric of His great plan. How can we ask for more? Fear, or whatever issue is at hand at the moment, has a way of keeping me on my knees, allowing God to lift my eyes to Him...and away from myself...looking to Him for the next step, which is where I need to be. I wan't to be greatly used by God, even if it means that I greatly battle fear.
I have had the priviledge of doing a study by Beth Moore on the patriarchs in the Bible. It has been great so far, as expected. This week as I was listening to her on the DVD, the words above penetrated my soul. I heard the rest of the lesson, I wrote down the answers to all the fill in the blanks, but I could not escape. "Those God uses greatly seem to greatly battle fear."
In my life, I have greatly battled fear. I have also had a strong desire to be used greatly by God. I struggle with the thought of the two being intertwined, and yet, strangely, it makes sense. Not long ago, fear had become the norm, a way of life. I had no reprive. For several years, I battled panic. I couldn't sit in church without my heart pounding, my mind racing. I struggled to concentrate on conversations, or movies because I was consumed to my core. I would lay awake at night tossing and turning, sweating, struggling to breathe...paralyzed. I begged God on many occasions to heal me, to give me peace. He always answered, and gave me peace for a time, but it wasn't long before I allowed myself to be enslaved once again.
Strangely, throughout this time, I still had a strong desire to do something great for God. I thought that He would use me in a particular way. I had lofty goals, all of which remained unsaid, but lingered proudly in my thoughts and dreams. I was sure that I would be great. That greatness was essential for success...greatness measured by man himself. Therein lies the problem...I would be great. Of course, in my mind I would be doing great things for God, but would the glory be given to God or man?
In July of 2006, my family took a vacation together. Things were going great, I was happy, I was at peace. I was surrounded by my family, never alone, but one night as I was trying to go to sleep, my heart began to race. I began to sweat, and I thought I was dying. I ran down the stairs, where my brother, his wife Christina, and my mom were talking. They immediately noticed something wrong and started to pray. We prayed for hours, literally, for God to deliver me from fear...for me to be released from this oppresion that had taken over my life. God was faithful, is faithful. I can honestly say that I have not had dibilitating fear since that day, July 4, 2006. I have had battles with it, but in the end there is victory. Interestingly enough, my turning point was Independence day...a coincidence? Absolutely not. His every move is intentional, down to the finest detail.
Since that time, my thoughts on being used greatly by God have changed. I admire those who He has called to become public figures for His cause. I also see that there are so many who God uses greatly without their knowledge of it. I hope to be a person, despite my struggles with fear, who can be used by God. I have noticed that He uses me the most when I have the least amount of strength to do it on my own. It is then that I have to completely rely on Him, casting all my fears on Him, depending on Him for every step. Sometimes what God has called us to do seems so insignificant and menial, going unnoticed by others. It is in those times where no glory can come to us, no credit can be given. It is then that He can weave us into the fabric of His great plan. How can we ask for more? Fear, or whatever issue is at hand at the moment, has a way of keeping me on my knees, allowing God to lift my eyes to Him...and away from myself...looking to Him for the next step, which is where I need to be. I wan't to be greatly used by God, even if it means that I greatly battle fear.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
True Love
I went to the wedding of my friend this past weekend. It was beautiful, she was beautiful, and I was reminded of what loving someone really means. The pastor read the familiar 1Corinthians 13:4-8, that I have heard many times before, especially at weddings. However, this time it really hit home, giving me a fresh perspective on how to love my husband and children with true love,as defined by God himself. So I decided to jot down a few things that came to mind as I heard, again, how to make love an action, not just a word or feeling. Each piece of the puzzle alone is wonderful, but when put together creates God's masterpiece...so important to Him that it is the greatest commandment...to love him, and love others. I pray that I can put love into action, and by doing that, become more like Christ.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (New International Version)
4Love is patient,when the kids get out of bed for the 100th time...in one night! Love is kind, even when others are not. It does not envy time spent away from home, or the seemingly unfair amounts of hobbies... it does not boast,even when it would be nice to remind him that you have done the dishes, cleaned the house, and changed diapers way more often than he has. It is not proud, readily admitting wrong doing, and seeking forgiveness. 5It is not rude,even when that sweet man you married asks you why the laundry isn't done, or if you need a bigger sink to house all of the dirty dishes! It is not self-seeking,but goes out of its way to find ways to serve them, making their day go smoothly, without expecting the same in return. It is not easily angered, especially over silly things like a messy room or short attention spans. it keeps no record of wrongs.but forgives easily, wholeheartedly, with abandon 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects,not just physically, but emotionally. Always trusts,even when not trustworthy always hopes,looking for the absolute best, bringing out the best qualities. Always perseveres through moves, children, financial difficulty, tantrums, stages, and spiritual dryness to name a few. Love never fails. The perfect love of Christ, that He has graciously extended to us, is ours to share with the World, starting in our own homes.
I can only hope to be the kind of mother and wife that can exemplify true love to my family. There are times when I am unlovely...yet I am still so loved by the God who created me, and also by my husband, and wonderful girls. Change me, Oh God...help me to really love my family the way You, Lord, have loved me.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (New International Version)
4Love is patient,when the kids get out of bed for the 100th time...in one night! Love is kind, even when others are not. It does not envy time spent away from home, or the seemingly unfair amounts of hobbies... it does not boast,even when it would be nice to remind him that you have done the dishes, cleaned the house, and changed diapers way more often than he has. It is not proud, readily admitting wrong doing, and seeking forgiveness. 5It is not rude,even when that sweet man you married asks you why the laundry isn't done, or if you need a bigger sink to house all of the dirty dishes! It is not self-seeking,but goes out of its way to find ways to serve them, making their day go smoothly, without expecting the same in return. It is not easily angered, especially over silly things like a messy room or short attention spans. it keeps no record of wrongs.but forgives easily, wholeheartedly, with abandon 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects,not just physically, but emotionally. Always trusts,even when not trustworthy always hopes,looking for the absolute best, bringing out the best qualities. Always perseveres through moves, children, financial difficulty, tantrums, stages, and spiritual dryness to name a few. Love never fails. The perfect love of Christ, that He has graciously extended to us, is ours to share with the World, starting in our own homes.
I can only hope to be the kind of mother and wife that can exemplify true love to my family. There are times when I am unlovely...yet I am still so loved by the God who created me, and also by my husband, and wonderful girls. Change me, Oh God...help me to really love my family the way You, Lord, have loved me.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Princess Complex
I have been thinking back on my high school and college days a lot recently. What an amazing time in my life. I was so privileged to have awesome experiences in California and Kansas. I met amazing people, I traveled all over the country, I spent finals week at the beach with dear friends... Unfortunately, I spent many hours during those years being sad about not dating, worrying about getting married...actually worrying about being alone. Don't get me wrong, I have amazing memories, but I really lacked the faith to believe that God was going to bring me a husband.
A great friend of mine told me today that she wished she had some "do-overs," and that some of those would be not to waste so much time worrying about finding a man. I guess I have been thinking about this because I have three beautiful little girls that I don't want making the same mistakes. I feel that we are programmed from a young age that all that life has to offer is a dashing young prince, riding in on his chestnut mare, singing brilliantly, awaking you from your dreamless sleep only to carry you away to his castle...let's not forget that your hair, makeup, and body are perfect, and you are wearing a designer pink gown encrusted with diamonds, real ones, not Swarovski. While this fantasy is enchanting and fun for a time, it causes a dilemma when things don't work out the way they are imagined. The princess complex, at least that is what I like to call it, gives girls a false sense of entitlement, and doesn't demand a focus on developing inner strength and beauty. I want my daughters to really develop themselves, and become amazing, Christian women. I certainly want them to find the man of their dreams, rather God's design. I want them to have the honor of becoming a mother, and the joy of having a family and making a home. However, I want to teach them not to pine away years of their lives, chasing after boys, shaving pieces off of their tender hearts because they are afraid of being alone. I was so afraid of being alone that I worried about it constantly. I want my daughters to be excited about meeting their spouse, but I want them to have peace and let God develop them into beautiful, strong, Christian women. I want them to value themselves for who God made them to be, and have a relationship with Jesus and only Jesus before they find "the one." I am getting ahead of myself here...I have years, but how do I foster this "let go, and let God," thing? I don't want this only in dating and marriage, but in all aspects of life.
"They" say to lead by example, and I can tell you that I have plenty of areas where I need to heed my own advice and give it to the Lord. One example that comes to mind is becoming a home owner. It has always been a dream of mine, second only to being a wife and mother, to have my own home...to fix it up,to have dinner parties in a magical back yard full of twinkling white lights with the sounds of Ella and Frank permeating the night air. I want my home to be my masterpiece, my haven. There are times when I lay awake at night trying to construct an ingenious financial plan in my head to accomplish MY goal...and that is exactly what it is. I am not saying that its wrong to have a plan, to have a goal...these things are wonderful...but when we start devising our own way to get what WE want instead of really seeking what God wants, and how HE wants it to come about..that's when it becomes dangerous. Just like I should have put my trust in God to bring HIS man into my life at exactly the time He wanted him there, and through the exact circumstances that he designed, I should be looking to Him for this as well. God is faithful. He gave me a great husband, whom I love, and appreciate. He entrusted me with three beautiful girls, and the responsibilty of training them, to me...in His time. He owns it all, He can do whatever He wants to do. I want my plan to be HIS plan..I pray that He will show me what He wants from me, that I will be willing take the steps He reveals to me...and the rest is in His hands...literally. When we lay our dreams at the foot of the cross, our burdens become His prerogative, and our souls can rest safely in his care.
A great friend of mine told me today that she wished she had some "do-overs," and that some of those would be not to waste so much time worrying about finding a man. I guess I have been thinking about this because I have three beautiful little girls that I don't want making the same mistakes. I feel that we are programmed from a young age that all that life has to offer is a dashing young prince, riding in on his chestnut mare, singing brilliantly, awaking you from your dreamless sleep only to carry you away to his castle...let's not forget that your hair, makeup, and body are perfect, and you are wearing a designer pink gown encrusted with diamonds, real ones, not Swarovski. While this fantasy is enchanting and fun for a time, it causes a dilemma when things don't work out the way they are imagined. The princess complex, at least that is what I like to call it, gives girls a false sense of entitlement, and doesn't demand a focus on developing inner strength and beauty. I want my daughters to really develop themselves, and become amazing, Christian women. I certainly want them to find the man of their dreams, rather God's design. I want them to have the honor of becoming a mother, and the joy of having a family and making a home. However, I want to teach them not to pine away years of their lives, chasing after boys, shaving pieces off of their tender hearts because they are afraid of being alone. I was so afraid of being alone that I worried about it constantly. I want my daughters to be excited about meeting their spouse, but I want them to have peace and let God develop them into beautiful, strong, Christian women. I want them to value themselves for who God made them to be, and have a relationship with Jesus and only Jesus before they find "the one." I am getting ahead of myself here...I have years, but how do I foster this "let go, and let God," thing? I don't want this only in dating and marriage, but in all aspects of life.
"They" say to lead by example, and I can tell you that I have plenty of areas where I need to heed my own advice and give it to the Lord. One example that comes to mind is becoming a home owner. It has always been a dream of mine, second only to being a wife and mother, to have my own home...to fix it up,to have dinner parties in a magical back yard full of twinkling white lights with the sounds of Ella and Frank permeating the night air. I want my home to be my masterpiece, my haven. There are times when I lay awake at night trying to construct an ingenious financial plan in my head to accomplish MY goal...and that is exactly what it is. I am not saying that its wrong to have a plan, to have a goal...these things are wonderful...but when we start devising our own way to get what WE want instead of really seeking what God wants, and how HE wants it to come about..that's when it becomes dangerous. Just like I should have put my trust in God to bring HIS man into my life at exactly the time He wanted him there, and through the exact circumstances that he designed, I should be looking to Him for this as well. God is faithful. He gave me a great husband, whom I love, and appreciate. He entrusted me with three beautiful girls, and the responsibilty of training them, to me...in His time. He owns it all, He can do whatever He wants to do. I want my plan to be HIS plan..I pray that He will show me what He wants from me, that I will be willing take the steps He reveals to me...and the rest is in His hands...literally. When we lay our dreams at the foot of the cross, our burdens become His prerogative, and our souls can rest safely in his care.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Free from Organization?
What does it mean, practically speaking, to serve God with your whole being? I know I'm not alone in thinking, most of the time, that we can keep certain parts of us...to ourselves. Compartmentalizing is such a natural human response to life. In fact, I have friends who could put my entire life into neat little boxes and bins with a shiny label on the front! I missed the train when it comes to organization, yet I still section off parts of me...sacred...hidden...left unchanged.
How do we,as Christians, open up all of those shiny, neatly stuffed boxes full of whatever we are trying to hide from God, or humanity? The sin, the failure, the fear, the insecurity, whatever the contents of those boxes they need to be emptied...let into the light...confessed to Christ so that we can experience the freedom that He alone can offer. What would it be like if we were totally exposed in Christ, washed clean in His love, with nothing left hidden under lock and key in the filing cabinets of our souls?
True freedom. Undeserved. Graciously given.
When we find freedom in Him, it is then we can serve Him with heart, mind, and Soul...our whole being.
How do we,as Christians, open up all of those shiny, neatly stuffed boxes full of whatever we are trying to hide from God, or humanity? The sin, the failure, the fear, the insecurity, whatever the contents of those boxes they need to be emptied...let into the light...confessed to Christ so that we can experience the freedom that He alone can offer. What would it be like if we were totally exposed in Christ, washed clean in His love, with nothing left hidden under lock and key in the filing cabinets of our souls?
True freedom. Undeserved. Graciously given.
When we find freedom in Him, it is then we can serve Him with heart, mind, and Soul...our whole being.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Love Him Like Jesus
It was the start of a normal day today...we got up and the rush began, as usual. Trying to get three...make that four people dressed every morning with the hair done (and a bow neatly in place for at least the first few hours of school) is quite a challenge. Its a challenge that I enjoy..but a challenge just the same. I dropped my daughter of at school with the same heartfelt advice that I share everyday,"be good, and have a great day...I love you!" I decided that I would treat myself, so I drove a few miles to the nearest Starbucks for a vanilla latte (yes, I ordered skinny). On my way there I decided to listen to Casting Crowns. The words of a particular song really struck a chord with me today. It was talking about the grief that people experience with the loss of a spouse, or child, and how there are so many questions...and our response as Christians is to love them like Jesus. As the tears welled, I really began to ponder what it means to love someone like Jesus. What does that mean? Does it mean that we not only give money to the homeless, but we take them into our homes? Does it mean that we sit and eat a meal with them instead of giving them a hamburger and a Coke and driving away, our guilt appeased for a moment?
On a more practical note, what does it mean to love our spouses like Jesus. I was really thinking about this today...for me I believe it means to serve him without the expectation of being served. For those of you who know me, you know that is impossible...impossible without the Holy Spirit, that is. I want to love my husband like Jesus has loved me. I want to serve him with abandon, to be patient, kind, understanding, and supportive. For me this doesn't mean losing my identity as a woman, it means gaining a new identity in Christ. What a challenge God has placed before me today...one that I'm sure I will be working on until my hair turns white, or completely falls out..but I want to be the woman that God has made me to be, and with His power (the power that raised Christ from the dead, no less) I can accomplish all that he has set before me, and believe me girls, that same power is what its going to take! :)
On a more practical note, what does it mean to love our spouses like Jesus. I was really thinking about this today...for me I believe it means to serve him without the expectation of being served. For those of you who know me, you know that is impossible...impossible without the Holy Spirit, that is. I want to love my husband like Jesus has loved me. I want to serve him with abandon, to be patient, kind, understanding, and supportive. For me this doesn't mean losing my identity as a woman, it means gaining a new identity in Christ. What a challenge God has placed before me today...one that I'm sure I will be working on until my hair turns white, or completely falls out..but I want to be the woman that God has made me to be, and with His power (the power that raised Christ from the dead, no less) I can accomplish all that he has set before me, and believe me girls, that same power is what its going to take! :)
Friday, January 16, 2009
Pinkalicious
Today was the day that I went to my oldest daughter, Emeryn's, class to talk about my job...being a stay at home mom! I decided to put together a little presentation about all of the different jobs moms do...I brought band-aids because sometimes I am a nurse...a rolling pin, because sometimes I am a baker...a hairbrush because with three girls, I am obviously a hairdresser...a needle and thread because I am definitely a seamstress...anyway, I shared with the class that my favorite part of being a mom is having the time to read to my girls. I brought Emmy and Jaidyn's new book, Pinkalicious, and read it to the class...and I served them pink cupcakes with pink frosting. If you have read the book, you understand! Anyway, the class loved it, and we had a great time! Preparing for my "lecture" (such a lofty term for a talk with Kindergarten and First graders), I really started thinking about all the things that we, as moms, have the privilege of doing. At times driving to every event, and baking for all the class parties can seem overwhelming to me...exhausting, but I really want to focus on the awesome gift it is to have these three little ones to raise. God has given me the most precious thing in my girls! He has put these wonderful creatures in my hand..for just a while...to mold and shape, care for, love, play with, drive, nurse, teach, guide...the list is endless. I am so thankful that he has chosen to entrust these three, in particular, to me. I always thought it funny that the Lord gave my husband and me a family of girls! It is not what I had planned, and definitely not what my husband thought of when he dreamed of his life! However, we are enjoying every moment, cherishing every laugh...hoping that God will use us to raise our girls to be Godly women who love Him with all their hearts, and to love each other. We pray that God will give us all the love, the patience, and the courage to raise our girls the way He wants us to!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER!!!
Ok everyone...this is seriously the BEST chocolate chip cookie recipe I have ever had...and unfortunately I have had a lot. It was given to me by my dear friend, Trudy....try it, you won't be sorry!
Trudy’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour and baking soda, set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Blend in the flour mixture. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts. Drop cookies by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Edges should be golden brown
Trudy’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour and baking soda, set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Blend in the flour mixture. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts. Drop cookies by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Edges should be golden brown
New Fruit
Well, to be honest my favorite part of the year is gone now. The final Fall leaf has fallen, and the Christmas Decorations are down...well mostly (give me a break, I have three children...lol). I love the Fall...everything about it makes me happy. The start of a new school year, school supplies all shiny and new, the warm colors...orange, brown, gold, and deep red...the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg coming from the kitchen...its all so inviting. It makes me long to be at home, curled up with my favorite blanket, drinking a steaming cup of coffee (mostly creamer,of course), reading a good book. This past Fall was an especially wonderful season living in the country. It was incredible to gaze on God's creation without having to go anywhere. The leaves on the vines were perfect, I even saved the first crimson beauty in the pages of one of my cherished cookbooks.
I usually don't look forward to the new year, the crispness of January, the resolutions that I usually fail within the first few days of making them...but this year is different. I am looking forward to the fresh start. I am inspired to be more organized, to take some time to better myself spiritually and physically, and to be more like Christ. The vines out my kitchen window are perfectly pruned, lined up, positioned to begin producing the fruit they are created to produce. I want to be the same way. I want the old, dead parts of me to be pruned (gently please, Lord), and I want to be in the position for God to grow new fruit in me. Just like the vines, I want to be open, bare before the Lord, ready for Him to prune away all the clutter that keeps me from being who He wants me to be. I know there are so many things that God needs to change in me, and I know that He is the only one able to do it. I just want to be willing for Him to do in me what he needs to to produce kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, self control...
Psalm 139:23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
I usually don't look forward to the new year, the crispness of January, the resolutions that I usually fail within the first few days of making them...but this year is different. I am looking forward to the fresh start. I am inspired to be more organized, to take some time to better myself spiritually and physically, and to be more like Christ. The vines out my kitchen window are perfectly pruned, lined up, positioned to begin producing the fruit they are created to produce. I want to be the same way. I want the old, dead parts of me to be pruned (gently please, Lord), and I want to be in the position for God to grow new fruit in me. Just like the vines, I want to be open, bare before the Lord, ready for Him to prune away all the clutter that keeps me from being who He wants me to be. I know there are so many things that God needs to change in me, and I know that He is the only one able to do it. I just want to be willing for Him to do in me what he needs to to produce kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, self control...
Psalm 139:23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Introductions
So...I've been inspired by a few friends to start a blog...I like to think of it more as a journal, of my journey with my husband and three little girls. Life in the Vine has a double meaning. First, I am doing my best to live in The Vine...walking with Jesus. I'm not perfect, not even close, but I am trying to live for Him, in Him...and teach my girls to do the same. Secondly, we live on a vineyard. It's amazing. It's peace. It's love at first sight...! We are so blessed to have friends that have given us the opportunity to share in this incredible experience. My home is very modest, but my view is breathtaking. God is so good. I am so thankful. So...here it goes...Life in the Vine...
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