When you don't think you can endure "that"....

A few weeks ago I had a problem with my leg that was broken so badly. Its been almost 3 years since the original injury, but there have been so many complications I was told I would always have trouble.

In our backyard the ground is very uneven and there were many large tree roots. My husband and I were doing some yard work there and when we finished, I realized that my leg was very sore. Then I remembered that the surgeon warned me that at the point where the strong metal plate on the bone ends and the remaining unprotected bone continues, there is an area that can easily be cracked. I thought about how uneven the ground had been and realized that I may have actually cracked the bone. I felt a sick feeling come over me.

I decided to just stay off of it as much as I could and put ice on it and see if it would feel better the next day. But, when I woke up the next morning and got out of bed, I felt that same, sickening pain. I was afraid that I had really broken it again and I just told God that I didn't think I could deal with more trouble with my leg.

I quickly realized what I had said. I wasn't willing to yield to God's will, I just wanted things my way. I wasn't willing to persevere through that trial. I also realized that I was trying to do things in my own strength again, and not relying on God's strength.

Thankfully, the Lord didn't allow that particular trial into my life. My leg is getting better. But, I sure did have an awakening and God showed me these sins in my life so I could repent and change my thinking. God is good!

This morning I awoke with excitement in my heart as I got myself ready for church. I was actually going to sit in the service after 6 whole weeks out. Six blessed weeks of either being in the nursery or teaching Sunday School. It was a good 6 weeks, but I am telling you I missed the fellowship of listening to a sermon with my brothers and sisters and walking among them greeting one another as we leave to gather our little ones. Then, the unthinkable happened! Is that a cough I hear? A sneeze perhaps? Who is blowing their nose!? Ugh! No church for me this fine, sun - shining morn! I battled a brief moment with discontentment. Why now? Why this particular Sunday? Couldn't my daughter (bless her little heart) have just waited until I had been able to listen and fellowship for a week or two before having her own personal hack fest? No, no, it was not possible. Indeed, the nose was running and the cough proceeded vehemently out of her mouth. No fever, no headache or tummy ache, just a good old fashioned cough and cold. Of course ever since the rest of the family left for worship this morning I haven't heard a single hack, sniff, sniff, kerchoo! I am sure the cough and cold meds are doing their fine work.

Now, I cannot wait till Community Group this evening - my life line! The life line of any mother , Sunday School teacher and nursery worker. We get to hear thoughts on the sermon, laugh and cry and care for one another. Oh the bliss of connection with the blood purchased body of Christ. These people feed my soul and are hands and feet and mouth of Jesus to a woman sucked dry. It doesn't take much for my soul to feel parched and ready to be watered with the word and the sweet communion of the saints. Which is why I can't imagine living in my own little corner in my own little world apart from my brothers and sisters at Missio Dei Fellowship. The members of my Community Group, the young woman who comes to help me with school every other Wednesday, the women who put up with me week in and week out as we meet for discipleship and accountability, the friends who pray for us and care for us and sharpen us, my shepherds who lead us and care for our souls. Ah, Body life! Missio Life! The life of a disciple of Jesus Christ- oh Jesus how I thank you for your people. Thank you that we are not by ourselves. Thank you that this young, busy, frantic, helpless, needy mommy has a family. Missio Dei, I love you!

School Days

Homeschool, sweet Homeschool.

Oh to hear a little voice successfully read their first word.

The triumph of a well written book report.

The joy of reading stories while sipping coffee on the swing set with everyone gathered round and asking for one more chapter on a cool crisp morning.

The tears wiped away after a frustrating math lesson.

The cries of a toddler as he tries to leave his play area and wander while we do school.

The laughter and talking interrupted by a reminder that they are to be working not playing.

The talks on diligence and doing hard things, persevering through the tough lesson.

The quiet arguments as I leave the room to get a load of laundry.

The extra assignments for lack of faithfulness to finish in a timely manner.

The re-writing of sloppy papers.

The fun of learning about toads, and frogs, and trees and flowers.

The mega tons of worksheets and color crayons, and pencils, and paper, and erasers, and markers, and books lying around, scattered all over the dining room and living room.

Ah, yes, school is back in session and I love it!

I wouldn't trade all the redemptive moments, hugs and kisses, stories and tears, shrieks and squeals of excitement, lists of spelling words, math corrections and chaos, and interruptions for anything. Thank you Lord for the blessing and freedom to teach my kids at home. I don't care what anyone says, it's worth it.

A Life That Says Welcome

"Entertaining puts the emphasis on you and how you can impress others. Offering hospitality puts the emphasis on others and strives to meet their physical and spiritual needs so that they feel refreshed, not impressed, when they leave your home" ~ Karen Ehman

Karen Ehman is the author of A Life That Says Welcome. It is a book on hospitality - not on entertaining people. This book starts with a biblical definition for practicing hospitality and then take you through the practical implications of God's expectation for His people to be a hospitable people. She argues well the whys - the heart of the matter and then takes you on a practical journey to get you started and keep you going.

Ms. Ehman takes you to 1 Peter 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. She shows the reader that this is something expected of God's children; it is assumed that we will be sharing our lives and homes with each other and strangers. She will take you through stories in the Bible where hospitality is seen in action, sometimes done well, sometimes not so well.

The author will also take you on the journey with her through her own experiences and growth in the area of hospitality. So if you like good stories about peoples lives, I think you will enjoy reading this book.

She encourages the reader to press on and practice hospitality from Romans 12:13 "contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality." To practice means: "To do or perform habitually; to make a habit of; to exercise or perform repeatedly in order to acquire or polish a skill." ( Websters Dictionary)

She admonishes us to roll up our sleeves and get to work! She says: "Whether you live in an apartment, a modest home, or a mansion, you are not exempt from our Father's admonition that you show hospitality to His children and those who are yet to be His children. Yes, our being willing to offer hospitality can help people to new life in Christ."


So often we can be told to be hospitable and be given every Biblical and theological reason behind it and be left wondering where to start. Not so with this book. We are given how to start with our family. She encourages us to start small, like sending notes or picking flowers for someone to encourage them.

The book gives us step by step instructions on how to de-clutter and then teaches us to speed clean so that we are always ready for company at any point in time. There are even recipes to make your own cleaning products.

The book is packed with advise and clear instructions on how to prepare for overnight guests. She gives a list of things to keep on hand like, little bottles of shampoo, and soap, and nice lotions, guest towels, and shaving cream; etc.

Recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinners, and desserts are also supplied in this book.

After reading this book, I was encouraged to grow in contentment realizing that being content with what God has given me will manifest itself in sharing it no matter how great or small. The flame of passion for practicing hospitality was fanned and I felt encouraged to press on and do it all the more and improve. I came out hopeful that over time my skills in showing hospitality will grow. I came out being reminded that if you yourself are kind and put on the apron of a servant, lend a listening ear, and care for the concerns and needs of those around you, it does not matter what condition your physical home is in, whether you have changed your decor to meet the demands of the changing culture ( you will read a story of a woman who hadn't changed a thing in her house for 20 years and yet people loved to be with her in her home), it won't matter if you wear the right clothes, have the biggest space, a new table, or are even the best cook. If you yourself are welcoming, people will feel welcome and overlook any imperfections in your home, cooking, or appearance.

I think this book is helpful for any season of life and every hospitality skill level. I would highly recommend it as a group study as well, because it may give opportunity to encourage one another in this area.

So read this book and roll up your sleeves and get to work, because after reading this you will have no excuses, you will know where to start and how to continue on.

** Details will be coming soon about an online book discussion using this book.

Hello Everybody!

Hello everybody! It has been a while since I last sat at the computer and let my fingers go wild on the keyboard typing away thoughts, quotes, family news, or books reviews. My fellow bloggers were very gracious and allowed for me to take a nice long break. Life has been filled with....well....life. Go figure. Five kids, a husband, Bible study, tears and laughter over coffee, late night talks with wonderful friends whom I care deeply about, walks around the lake, hurting after Tuesday night Hip Hop class, planning for the school year, organizing the house, praying earnestly for God's provision and for our future - it's been quite the summer.

I have not accomplished even half of what I desired to this summer, but good has come of it none the less.

Not as much baseball has been played in the yard as in summers past because the mosquitoes have done their best to chase us back in the house day or night, but the weather has improved as of late and we are trying to make up for lost time.


Some young ladies I had been meeting with individually came together as one group and we have learned much about one another and a deep affection has formed between us as we look at the word together and talk about our lives. I count this summer as being one of the most blessed because of what God is doing through and teaching me in these particular relationships.

I believe firmly that I am benefiting from taking a closer look at Ephesians as a few of us are going through a study called: By His Wounds You Are Healed by Wendy Alsup. It is never a bad thing to think deeply and frequently about the lavish grace that God bestows on us in His beloved Son.

I have also felt conviction from our most recent sermon series at MDF on the Spiritual Discipline of Self-Control. I have been contemplating my relationship with my husband, whom I love greatly and have much respect for, but realized that I am not as purposeful in enjoying him and cultivating affection as I should or could be. I tend to live like I can work on that tomorrow and in doing so show that I expect tomorrow to be there even though the words "Lord willing" would roll freely from my tongue. So almost 11 years later I am determined to live with my husband like I know tomorrow is not promised, and enjoy the unity and care in that relationship as gracious gift from my Father. I am determined not to put off my most important earthly relationship until tomorrow. We have a really stable and great marriage, but I need to stop treating it like a task to accomplish. It will do greater good for the sake of the Gospel if I treat it like a relationship.

I have read some of my book list, but have not read all of it, so I better get busy because I am not moving on until I have conquered the list... at least that is my plan, we shall see what God's plans are.

The weather is suppose to be very nice, if the Lord wills, so I plan on taking advantage of it through picnics, playing, and taking walks, and reading stories on the swing set with my children.


So that is about all I have to say for the moment about myself. How have you all been this Summer?

Parrells between adopting a pet and believer's adoption by God

I was trying to get my kitties, Aubie and Boomer, to come and sit on my lap recently. But, like most kitties, they just looked at me and kept doing what they wanted to do. I felt kind of sad that they didn't come running over and jump into my lap and start purring. Were they mad at me? Were they thinking I was just a weird person? Who knows with cats!

Sometimes they do come and sit on my lap on their own initiative. I really like it when they want to sit with me and let me pet them. Its nice when they come over when I call them but, it is much better when they come on their own. It means more when they come because they want to.

This made me think about my relationship with God. I chose them from a group of many kittens, just because I liked them and thought they were cute. The Bible says in Ephesians 1:4 and 5, that God chose His Children (believers) before the foundation of the world according to the kind intention of His will. Not because of anything I had done, since He chose me before I had even been born. He just picked me because He wanted to. I am so thankful and humbled that He did.

Another parallel between God adopting me and me adopting my kitties is that I love God because He first loved me (1 John 4:19). If I had not first loved my kitties, they most likely would never had loved me.

I said before how much more it means to me when they come to me of their own free will. I think God feels the same way. He never forces anyone to come to Him. But, I think He does draw believers to Himself.

Isn't it amazing how God can use simple things to show us more about Himself?

An afternoon with my Grandson

My daughter-in-law has been in town with my grandchildren while my Son is in California training with his squadron. It is so good to see them! Both of them have really grown since I saw them last. My grandson, who is 3 years old, has started talking more and he has become a real character.

One day while they were visiting at our house, we had been sitting in the recliners in the sunroom watching Alvin and the Chipmunks and Austin kept wanting to go behind the recliners and peek through the space between them. His mom asked him not to do that several times. She needed to leave the room for a few minutes to take care of my baby granddaughter, Ashley. He immediately went behind the chairs and whispered to me "is she back yet?" Just like most other kids, he figured he could disobey and as long as his mom didn't see it, he was in the clear.

I told him that even if his mom didn't see him disobeying her that God still saw. I don't think he had ever realized it before.

I think that adults think the same way sometimes. We forget that God sees everything. Its a sobering thought.

I challenge you to remember that God is always watching as you go through your day. Would He be proud of you or disappointed?

My thoughts on Psalm 34

I enjoy reading Psalm 34, its one of my favorites.

In verse 4 it says:"I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears". Verse 6 thru 10 say: "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O fear the Lord, you His saints; for to those who fear Him there is no want. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing". Then verses 15 thru 22 go on to say: "The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones, not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned".

These words and promises from the Lord help me to put my focus back on Him when I feel overwhelmed by the troubles of life and as I see the world become more chaotic every day. It seems from my vantage point, that almost every day there is some kind of natural disaster. Just last night, we had a line of storms come through our area that released 7 1/2 inches of rain in a 2 hour time period. The weatherman even commented that a storm like that one was a "once in a hundred year event" and its happened 3 times already this summer! Earthquakes are not even front page news anymore since they are happening so often. I also feel afraid to watch a world news program because it just reinforces the chaotic mess in the world, especially in the Middle East.

But, when I read this Psalm, I realize that I don't have to be afraid because no matter what, God will deliver me. Hard times and persecution may be on the horizon, but if I "keep my eyes on the prize" I can know that ultimately God will bring me home safe and I will live with Him forever!

Reading

At the beginning of the summer I made a reading list for myself. I have not read as much as I wanted to by this time, but I am not doing too shabby. I read a Liz George book years ago that spoke to the problem that mothers of young children have reading. She said to read on the subjects of marriage and mothering for 5 minutes a day and that you would be surprised by how much reading can get done. That bit of practical advise has been very fruitful in my life. I have taken that principle and done so with other subjects outside of marriage and mothering. I have been able to work through some systematic theology books, history books, books on biblical womanhood, biblical counseling, spiritual disciplines, the gospel, evangelism, and hospitality.

I recently noticed that I have been reading less and less outside of my normal Bible reading and decided that it was time to start over again at the 5 minutes a day. What helps me is deciding what I want to read, make a list, get the books and put them in an accessible place; usually in a pile by my bed.

So here is my current list that I plan on getting through this summer.

Cross Talk by Michael Emlet - This is the book the women at our church plan on discussing in August.

A Life That Says Welcome by Karen Ehman.

A Sweet and Bitter Providence by John Piper.

The Power of Words and the Wonder of God by John Piper, Justin Taylor and various contributors.

The Faithful Parent by Martha Peace and Stuart Scott.

Womanly Dominion by Mark Chanski.

Gospel-Powered Parenting by William P. Farley.

When Sinners Say I Do by Dave Harvey.

I have read the first three on this list so far. We shall see how far I get before the summer is over. Maybe between changing diapers, story times, backyard baseball games, math lessons, meetings, and Bible study, I will also get a chance to write some reflections on what I have read.

What are you reading this summer?

Little things become the big things

I ran across a bit of advice the other day that I wish I had heard years ago. The advice is to "enjoy the little things in life, for one day, you'll realize they were the big things", and as I look back on my life, this has proven to be so true.

When I was a young mother, it seemed like changing diapers and crying babies were going to last forever. Day in and day out, I delt with the same things. Then they entered the "terrible twos" and again, I thought this stage would last forever. As they continued to grow up, there were many different stages and I always thought they would last forever.

I wasn't very interested in taking a lot of pictures back then. We didn't have digital cameras in the old days so, we had to take a large amount of pictures before we could take the film to be developed which was rather expensive. Then about a week later, we had to go and pick up the prints which may or may not have turned out. And besides, I didn't think I would ever forget those days.

Well, now that my boys are all grown up, I realize that I don't remember much about those days and the pictures I have are now very precious to me.

So, my point in all of this is that young moms or anyone for that matter, should take every opportunity to take pictures or journal about little things that happens in their lives. I have learned how important this is. It is so true that the little, everyday moments of our lives are what make up the big things in life.

Looking back on the past

I enjoy listening to music. I play my Christian CDs and my Irish CDs and other times I listen to KLOVE, a radio station that plays Christian contemporary songs. I don't feel as lonely during the day when I have music on.

A few months ago I was switching through stations because KLOVE was not coming in clear. I heard a song I had not heard in a long time so I listened for a while. As it turned out, it was an oldie's station and I was shocked that I remembered every song...I guess music from the 70's and 80's is now considered oldie's!

After I got over the shocking realization that I must be an "oldie" myself, I continued to listen and enjoyed hearing the songs again. For me, most times these songs bring back memories of what was going on in my life back when it was popular. I found myself thinking about the plans I had for my life and then thinking about how it actually worked out. My life turned out so different than the way I wanted it to. I started feeling sad and restless.

I was very bummed out for a few weeks. I felt like nothing was "worth it" anymore. I wanted to go back in time to a place where I was happy and had a lot to look forward to. As it turned out, an old friend called and we got together for lunch. We talked about the "olden days" and how our lives had worked out. She has 2 school age kids and I am already a grandma! We really didn't have much in common anymore and that made me feel even worse.

I decided after a few weeks that I needed to stop thinking about the past. I turned the radio back to KLOVE and I heard a new song named Blink by a group named Revive. It talks about enjoying the time you have now instead of just thinking about the past and how "it could have been". The refrain spoke to my heart;

"slow down, slow down
before today becomes our yesterday
slow down, slow down
before you turn around and its too late"

I realized that I didn't enjoy the "now" when I was young. I just wanted to grow-up and be on my own as fast as I could. My friend had done that and consequently, when we talked at lunch she had lots of good memories and even though I was with her during these good times, I really didn't remember them. I realized that I had wished my life away.

I have been praying that God would help me to just slow down and "smell the roses". I have a tendency to go through my life one crisis at a time and always be on the lookout for the next crisis so that maybe I can nip it in the bud. I am not happy and I honestly do not enjoy anything because I don't allow myself to. I need to make this change in my life not only for myself and my health, but also so that I can show non-believers that I am trusting in the Lord and that I have joy. I think that people today are looking for peace, joy and contentment but, they don't know where to find it. I want to be a witness for Christ and if people see these qualities in my life, maybe I will have an opportunity to share my faith with them.

I have been reading A Sweet and Bitter Providence by John Piper. I have read through the book of Ruth once a year since I was a kid. I can't remember a time when I wasn't pretty familiar with the story. This book by Piper has caused me to look at this little book of the Bible in a completely different way then I have ever seen it before. I have received more instruction and rebuke from it then I ever have. I have received more encouragement from it then I ever have before. This little book has enlarged my love for my God, and increased my faith more then I imagined the book of Ruth could. I highly recommend reading this book.

I want to share with you this excerpt from the book that I keep rereading because of how it struck me:
The book of Ruth wants to teach us that God's purpose for His people is to connect us to something greater than ourselves. God wants us to know that when we follow him, our lives always mean more than we think they do. Naomi had no idea in the land of Moab that God was making her a the ancestor of the Messiah. For the Christian there is always a connection between the ordinary events of life and the stupendous work of God in history.

Everything we do in obedience to God, no matter how small, is significant. It is a part of a cosmic mosaic that God is painting to display the greatness of his power and wisdom to the world and to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places ( Ephesians 3:10). A deep satisfaction of the christian life is that we are not given over to trifles. Serving a widowed mother-in-law, gleaning in a field, falling in love, having a baby-for the Christian these are all connected to eternity. They are part of something so much bigger than they seem.

Piper goes on to point out that the best is yet to come for the man and woman who follow Jesus in faith. God is at work! And God uses the darkest times in our lives to get us there!

They disappeared and you could hear their faint cries as they disappeared under the ice!

Pride. Arrogance. Foolishness. The young family that we read about toward the end of the book, Call of the Wild, manifest these character traits quite clearly. Clearly enough that my nine year old sobbing son said, "Mom they were so foolish! They didn't listen to anybody." He was right in his assessment.

I began to say that foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child. It is bound up in us all. Those who stiffen their necks and harden there hearts, do not do themselves any good, but much harm. I looked Jackson directly in the eyes and asked him why he thought there were verses in the Bible ( Proverbs) that start with, "Now then, my sons, listen to me." and "My son, give attention to my words." or "My son, give attention to my wisdom." " Hear o my sons, the instruction of a father."

We were able to briefly discuss how we must learn to heed those who are godly and wise. We spoke of how we must guard against arrogance that says, "I know best."

Verses came to my mind as we discussed the demise of this small family. It was such a devastating picture of what a foolish person's end can be. The opportunity was right to discuss with my children, Jackson in particular the importance of listening to their parents. How God in his goodness has given us to them to help them grow in wisdom and protect them. We discussed that God has graciously given us godly older men and women who we can trust and ask for counsel (if we are humble and wise) and listen to.

We were able to look at or quote verses like:
Proverbs 15:5 A fool rejects his father's discipline,But he who regards reproof is sensible.
Proverbs 13:10 Through insolence comes nothing but strife,But wisdom is with those who receive counsel.
Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid.
Proverbs 10:17 He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who ignores reproof goes astray.

We talked about how over and over this family was warned and given sound counsel, but they refused it because they were wise in their own eyes.
Proverbs 26:12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

It led to more about how we were all guilty of foolishness and going our own way, because we reject God and each of are going astray. We talked, with Noelle and Jackson leading much of the discussion, about God (the one whom we reject and sin against) and laying our sins and foolishness on Jesus. We were heading to our ultimate and eternal death, but God in His mercy sent His only Son, who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf. Oh what a savior! He rescued us! He did not allow all of us to continue to go our own way!

Please pray with me that we would know and love our savior more! Please pray for my little ones, that they may see the Gospel of God and turn to Jesus. Oh how I pray that Calvin, Silas and Gabe heed the call of the gospel and do not harden their hearts against it. And how truly grateful I am for His gracious work in so many of my family members, including my son Jackson and daughter Noelle!

Lord, grant me more passion to call others to Jesus, Who rescues us from death.

Eager looks, tear-filled eyes, pleadings for one more chapter, laughter and breaks to talk - that is what reading classical literature has done in my children. We have read through books like The Secret Garden, Black Beauty, Swiss Family Robinson, and Call of the Wild.

The latest, Call of the Wild, has been filled with anxious looks and tears, mostly as we have read of the depths of the cruelty and depravity of man and beast.

As we were reading the other day, something struck me - I am getting more out of it then I am certain the author intended.

As we read of a family coming from the gentle Southland to the harsh Arctic for adventure and to search for gold without a clue how to live and survive, thinking entirely too highly of themselves, relying on their own wisdom, and neglecting the counsel of those who have lived, loved, lost, and knew the terrain, many things flooded my mind. As we read on, we experienced with this family their hardships, and cringed as we saw what the 'toil of trace and trail' made them. The author (Jack London) said, "The wonderful patience of the trail which comes to men who toil hard and suffer sore, and remain sweet of speech and and kindly did not come to these two men and the woman." Oh did it strike my heart! What has '"trace and trail', or trials, and wrongs done to me, produced in me?

Has it produced the complaining, argumentative, angry, and bitter spirit it produced in these people?

Or, has God produced the inner beauty that is precious to him? That of a gentle and quiet spirit? A strength produced that stands firm, unshaken in times of trouble? Is my joy and peace founded upon The immortal, invisible, God only wise? The One as Romans 5:2 says, "through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God."

These verses came racing to my head:

James 2:2-3 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

1 Peter 1:6-8 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,

so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

As I continued to contemplate the dangers and tribulations that this family endured that produced bitterness, strife, foolishness and ultimately their death. I took stock of the little I have suffered in my life and began to cry out to My heavenly Father, who is the only one who can refine me, my heart, my speech, my character.

Next week I would like to share with you the thoughts, and talks about wisdom and the gospel I had with my children that this unlikely book produced.

My will vs. God's will

This is the first summer in several years that I am able to get outside and enjoy God's creation. I am enjoying it so far, even though its been cloudy and cool outside. I thank the Lord every day for healing my leg!

Lately I have realized that I am enjoying it so much that I am causing myself to get extremely tired and have much pain. As some of you know, I have several autoimmune diseases as well as a hurt leg. When I over-do-it, these diseases cause me to become very tired and weak. I know that when I "crash" I need to slow down my activity and allow my body to rest. This is especially hard this summer since I want to get out and do things that I have been waiting so long to do.

I have also been doing much more with my hurt leg than I have in years. The surgeon told me to let pain be my guide as far as what I can and shouldn't do. I wasn't following that advice and now my leg and knee is so sore that I dread walking on it.

My point is that I am driving myself too hard because I want to do things that I think are necessary. I am not happy that I have restrictions. But, I need to remind myself that God promises to provide the strength to do what He wants me to accomplish each day, not necessarily what I think needs to be accomplished.

I need to accept that I have physical limitations now and that God has allowed these limitations for a reason. I realize that I am fighting against God and that is never smart.

Most everyone has a limitation of some kind. It could be physical or maybe it is a time issue. I think we all need to ask ourselves if what we want to do coincides with what God's will is. Otherwise, we are just like mice running around and around on a wheel but never getting anywhere.

Colossians 3:12-15
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

I have been meditating on and praying through this particular passage of scripture, desiring for my life to be marked by compassion, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all love.
I desire to be one known for pursuing the unity that we have been called to through our savior Jesus Christ. As I go before my heavenly Father in prayer today with this in mind, the Valley of Vision is guiding my prayers and thoughts, and repentance through this particular prayer:

Mighty God,
I humble myself for faculties misused, opportunities neglected, words ill-advised,
I repent of folly and inconsiderate ways, my broken resolutions, untrue service, and backsliding steps, my vain thought.

O bury my sin in the ocean of Jesus' blood and let no evil result from my fretful temper, unseemly behavior , provoking pettiness.

If by unkindness I have wounded or hurt another, do thou pour in the balm of heavenly consolation; if I have turned coldly from need, misery, grief, do not in just anger forsake me: If I have withheld relief from penury pain, do not withhold thy gracious bounty from me.

If I have shunned those who have offended me, keep open the door of thy heart to my need.

Fill me with an over-flowing ocean of compassion, the reign of love my motive, the law of love my rule.

O thou God of all grace, make me more thankful, more humble; inspire me with a deep sense of unworthiness arising from the depravity of my nature, my omitted duties, my unimproved advantages, thy commands violated by me. With all my calls to to gratitude and joy may I remember that I have reason for sorrow and humiliation; O give me repentance unto life; cement my oneness with my blessed Lord, that faith may adhere to Him more immovably, that love may entwine itself round more tightly, that His Spirit may pervade more fiber of my being.

Then send me out to make Him known to my fellow-men.

Two Years Later

Wow, it is hard to believe that the True Women blog has been around for two years! I remember sitting in Betsy's sewing room with Jasmine and Esme brainstorming the colors and setup for the blog and deciding which days we preferred to blog on. I remember the nervous feeling in my stomach when we landed on May 5, 2008 as the date we would post our first blog, which I believe was a "Get to Know the Writers" post about me. I remember the hours Esme spent making me pose with some books in my living room, taking pictures after pictures for that post! Good times. :)

We've made a few changes along the way. Esme has stepped away to serve in other areas although I can assure all of you that she still provides us with lots of feedback and ideas! Betsy has also stepped back in order to better serve her family and her church down in Kentucky. We have much excitement for her and her family as they embark on this new phase of their lives and wish them well. Karen has joined our group and its been such a blessing to work with her!

One of my favorite aspects of writing/editing this blog is the way that I get to know the ladies working alongside me. Jasmine and I had a close relationship going in to this, but the blog really provided the means for me to develop significant friendships for Esme, Betsy, and Karen. It has been a huge blessing for me to get to know these women and grow in my love for them as sisters in Christ.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who read our blog. It still amazes me that people do! We have a lot of fun writing it and hope that you all enjoy it as well. Of course, we always love feedback from all of you so feel free to shoot one of us an email or leave a comment on one of the posts if you have any ideas.

I also want to thank Jasmine, Karen, Betsy, and Esme for the work they have put into the blog. It takes a surprising amount of work to come up with something to write about each week and they have done so admirably. Thank you so much for your thoughts and insight, ladies. I look forward to reading your posts each week!

God has blessed me so much through this blog and I thank Him every day for the work that He is doing in me through it.

Lord Bless,

Nichole

Testimony of God's Graciousness

As some of you know, I had the opportunity last week to travel for work. I was gone Sunday night through Friday night and traveled back and forth between Franklin, MA and Apex, NC every day. It was a long trip, but a good one. The schedule made for a week of very little sleep and much stress but I was struck over and over again by the graciousness of God being poured out on me!

I am a Henry and as such, pretty much expect thing to go wrong in any undertaking, but especially when traveling. Most of you have heard tales of Henry camping trips. :) I was traveling with another person the first two days, but after that was on my own. I spent much time in prayer asking for God's grace as I negotiated my way through unfamiliar airports and car rental agencies and then finding my way to hotels and client locations. I get lost sooo easily!! By the way, the picture above is one of my first ever rental car...have you ever seen a dumber looking car?? At least it was a normal one, the next car was a hybrid that didn't have any keys; you had to go through a complicated button pushing routine to get the darn thing going.

I never got lost. The first night on my own the GPS brought me to a freeway that was closed down. Of course. But without any troubles I just went past the on-ramp and the GPS found me another freeway to take. I was never late - or even close to being late! Several times my flights landed early (!). Most of my flights I had a seat to myself or a quiet person sitting next to me. Twice, a flight attendant came up to me and asked if I cared to move to a different row that I could have to myself!

One night I had a layover and didn't have a chance to eat before my first flight. It would be midnight before I got my rental car and another hour or so after that before I got to my hotel. I had prepared myself to just deal with being hungry but that airline (Jet Blue, if anyone is wondering) gives free snacks. And since I had a layover I got everything double!! Ended up not being hungry at all!

My suitcase was always one of the first few to come out at the baggage check.

There were so many opportunities for things to go wrong and nothing ever did. I have never experienced a smoother trip. God showed me so much grace and mercy in countless little ways that I was in a state of absolute thankfulness and wonder each day. I wanted to share this testimony with all of you and also give a brief reminder to be on the lookout for gifts of God in every day life. He truly is so good to us!

Bedtime Blessings, Prayer and Singing

Before our 5 children go to bed for the night, we usually, Lord permitting, pray with them, bless them, and sing a song or two.

Desiring God Ministries has blessing cards that use scripture to pray a blessing over your children.

This has become a sweet time for our family. Rick and I do not always do this together. Some times we are both present and other times it depends on who is home when the kids go down to bed. Either way, if you try to put them to bed at our house without reading a blessing card, praying and singing, you will quickly and passionately be reminded. I prayed through a Psalm with the kids and blessed them while my husband was at the Library (Monday night); they were not sleeping when he got home and still asked their dad to bless them! I called them little blessing hogs! :-)

Through this little tradition and short time of worship with the kids, it has given me much to delight in God as I am consistently reminded of God's faithfulness, kindness and sufficiency as I read through these Bible blessings and pray and sing. Most every night I sing from 2 verses right out of Psalm 121. It is my children's favorite, must have song before bed and it one that I frequently go bed myself thinking about. Silas will cry out, "The moon doesn't hurt you Mom! God doesn't let it hurt you! Sing it!" Many years ago two people who used to attend my church wrote music to it. I truly wish I could find the tape with the song. Yes, that is how long ago it was, not a CD, a tape!

Psalm 121:5-6 The Lord watches over you, He is your defender, The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

As I go to bed I thank you Father that you are guarding your people. You never cease from your sovereign care, even in the darkest night. You will never sleep nor slumber.

My Easter Celebrations

We had a great weekend celebrating Jesus' death, burial and Resurrection. From Friday on we had friends and family over to eat and remember that God in His rich mercy sent His only son to die in our place for our sins. On Friday we ate dinner and watched the Passion movie with friends. Saturday we dyed Easter eggs and watched an animated version of the Passion with the kids, read scripture from Isaiah, Romans and 1 Corinthians together, and talked much about Jesus' death and then ultimately His rising from the dead. Sunday we worshiped with our brothers and sisters purchased by the blood of the Lamb who was offered as a sacrifice once for all time. We came home with family and friends and ate ham and talked about the sermon. We did egg battles, egg hunts and relaxed. By the end of the weekend we were tired, but refreshed at the same time. Our savior is not dead! He lives and is seated at the right hand of the Father. My sins are forgiven. I belong to Jesus. I am God's child. Hallelujah! This is something worth celebrating, even without all the food and fun.


1Corinthians 15 :3-4 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,