My Mommy Heart needed this today... Especially the very last line. And no that's not a Sunday School answer, its the honesty of a Mommy who never thinks she can be good enough or do enough.
I tend to forget alot that I don't have to be enough...
What Every Mom Needs
Showing posts with label My Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My Faith. Show all posts
Monday, August 22, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
5 years
5 years is a long time. Although in the grand scheme of things, not that long. But when it comes to your first baby, it kinda is a big deal. Or at least it is to me.
Our precious baby girl turned 5 today. :) I don't know why but its been kinda hard on this Mom. To me 5 is a big deal birthday. It's like 1 or even 16 (in the grand scheme of things) it means a new start, new things, starting kindergarten, saying goodbye to being a little girl. I mean she's still our little girl, but she's not a baby, not a toddler, not a preschooler any more. All the things that kinda signal being "little".
I could not be prouder of the awesome, sweet, precious, and tender hearted girl she is turning out to be. She has such a sweet heart, and is a blessing to be around. She is a very very smart little girl who is going to be even smarter as she grows up. She is loving and kind, and loves her little brother to distraction! Like I said, she is just an overall blessing to be around!
Does she have her faults? Of course. Are alot of them my fault. Yep. Does she even have a couple of her Dad's faults. Yep! (And yes I enjoy seeing somebody else's faults at times... hey seeing my own all the time gets a little old!) But overall she is such a blessing, and those faults matter a little less when she turns and grins at us or comes running up and squeezes me tight and tells me I LOVE YOU MOMMY!! But still as her Mommy, those faults are ours to correct, and those precious parts of her personality are ours to cultivate as well.
Most importantly as her parents it's our responsibility to train her up in the way she should go. It's our responsibility to lead her to our Heavenly Father, and its His responsibility to do the rest. But are we doing that like we should? I sincerely hope and pray that we are. But if you're a parent you know, you doubt yourself. And even if you're not a parent, you know what its like to doubt yourself.
My verse for her is "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30. I want her to know this verse, I want her to realize that all of the "things" of this world and what she looks like doesn't matter at all. All that matters is her love for her Abba Father and her relationship with him.
Mackenzie, your Mommy and Daddy love you more than you can ever imagine, but you know what, we can't even hold a candle to the amount of love our Heavenly Father has for you! He loved you so much that he sent his ONE and ONLY son to die for you. If you'd been the only precious blonde headed crazy girl on this planet, He'd still have done it. Without hesitation. He loves you that much. We pray with all our heart that you come to the saving knowledge of our Heavenly Father, and that you will be with us as a family, not just for our time on earth but for all of eternity in Heaven. That is our prayer for you.
I can hardly see to keep typing, so I guess I should stop there... I've got so many memories running thru my head I could recount, but then I'd be crying all over my computer and that could create a problem... I think I'll stop with these pictures.
Our precious baby girl turned 5 today. :) I don't know why but its been kinda hard on this Mom. To me 5 is a big deal birthday. It's like 1 or even 16 (in the grand scheme of things) it means a new start, new things, starting kindergarten, saying goodbye to being a little girl. I mean she's still our little girl, but she's not a baby, not a toddler, not a preschooler any more. All the things that kinda signal being "little".
I could not be prouder of the awesome, sweet, precious, and tender hearted girl she is turning out to be. She has such a sweet heart, and is a blessing to be around. She is a very very smart little girl who is going to be even smarter as she grows up. She is loving and kind, and loves her little brother to distraction! Like I said, she is just an overall blessing to be around!
Does she have her faults? Of course. Are alot of them my fault. Yep. Does she even have a couple of her Dad's faults. Yep! (And yes I enjoy seeing somebody else's faults at times... hey seeing my own all the time gets a little old!) But overall she is such a blessing, and those faults matter a little less when she turns and grins at us or comes running up and squeezes me tight and tells me I LOVE YOU MOMMY!! But still as her Mommy, those faults are ours to correct, and those precious parts of her personality are ours to cultivate as well.
Most importantly as her parents it's our responsibility to train her up in the way she should go. It's our responsibility to lead her to our Heavenly Father, and its His responsibility to do the rest. But are we doing that like we should? I sincerely hope and pray that we are. But if you're a parent you know, you doubt yourself. And even if you're not a parent, you know what its like to doubt yourself.
My verse for her is "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30. I want her to know this verse, I want her to realize that all of the "things" of this world and what she looks like doesn't matter at all. All that matters is her love for her Abba Father and her relationship with him.
Mackenzie, your Mommy and Daddy love you more than you can ever imagine, but you know what, we can't even hold a candle to the amount of love our Heavenly Father has for you! He loved you so much that he sent his ONE and ONLY son to die for you. If you'd been the only precious blonde headed crazy girl on this planet, He'd still have done it. Without hesitation. He loves you that much. We pray with all our heart that you come to the saving knowledge of our Heavenly Father, and that you will be with us as a family, not just for our time on earth but for all of eternity in Heaven. That is our prayer for you.
I can hardly see to keep typing, so I guess I should stop there... I've got so many memories running thru my head I could recount, but then I'd be crying all over my computer and that could create a problem... I think I'll stop with these pictures.
Our first family picture.
5 years later.... give or take a few hours.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
I've been challenged
I've been challenged... I don't really do New Year's Resolutions, but I've been thinking how the New Year is the perfect time for me to make some changes I need to make in my spiritual walk.
As many of you know, the first few years with kiddos can be totally insane and all about them! Add in a job like I've got (a 24/7/365 type job) and a wonderful husband, that's a recipe for staying too busy to take time to work on my walk with my Abba Father. I'm almost ashamed to admit how much my personal walk with God has taken a back seat to all the other "stuff" that is going on. That's why they say if the Devil can't have you then he'll make you too busy. Me - Case in point.
This last year has had some really high moments, hello Dylan joined our crazy house and our daily joy, Mackenzie continued to entertain us! And some really rough ones, my 3rd grandparent died from cancer in as many years, and I can't begin to explain the stress of Brian's old job.
BUT God carried us thru all the highs and all the lows! It's in the in-between moments, when everything is ok that I tend to stop taking the time. Do I pray during the day? Yep. Do we go to church? Yep. Do we teach our kids about our faith? Yep. Do we listen to KLove all the time? Yep. Did I take regular time out of my daily schedule to develop my personal walk with Christ? Nope. (Ouch that's painful to type... As I sit here reading this, it breaks my heart)
Here's the big BUT, I'm not doing all of those things to just go thru the motions, because they really do mean something to me... BUT I am not doing ALL I should be doing! I'm not concentrating on my daily walk with my Abba Father that will help me grow and develop into a better wife, mother, employee, friend, and many other things. If I take the time for this one thing, then all else will be even better because God will bless it!
Another but... But I'm scared! What am I scared of? The fact that I'll just say that I'm going to do it, but not do it again! I've been trying to get back to where I need to be for a while, but guess what. Not there! Not even close. I feel like I commit to it, and mean it with all my heart, and then nope the "stuff" happens again! And again I feel like a failure.
I pray with all my heart and soul that this time will be different, that I won't let the "stuff" overwhelm me again! That Brian and I can both deepen our spiritual walk seperately and in turn strengthen our walk together! Father God, give me the desires of my heart! To know you and follow you with all of my heart!
My sweet friend Ashley blogged not to long ago about the Siesta Scripture Memory Team that started on January 1st. When I read her post I felt like I got kicked in the gut! I thought this could be what I need to help keep me on track!! I just couldn't get it out of my head, yet the "stuff" kept happening! But tonight I finally took the time, and pray that I can keep my committment to follow thru with it all year!
You learn 24 verses in 12 months, and it's supposed to be a verse that's relevant to YOU not somebody else or what you think somebody else needs to learn... so here's my first verse. It's a little painful to relate it to me, but again, I'm trying to be honest with myself...
So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
Revelation 3:16 NAS
I'm excited to see where this year takes me personally, as a wife, as a mother, and as a friend, but most importantly as a child of God. I pray that the progress I see from this painful verse #1 to verse #24 is a journey filled with growth and joy. If I let my Abba Father lead the way, how can it not be?
Note:
It's crazy how God works... I mentioned to Brian before I started the post above, how I was thinking about the changes I need to make in my personal walk. And while I was writing the post, he texted me two passages of scripture. (Yep from across the room) They were both special, but this one really fit perfectly.
1 LORD, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief.
2 Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you.
3 The enemy pursues me,
he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in the darkness
like those long dead.
4 So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is dismayed.
5 I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.
6 I spread out my hands to you;
I thirst for you like a parched land.[a]
7 Answer me quickly, LORD;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, LORD,
for I hide myself in you.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.
11 For your name’s sake, LORD, preserve my life;
in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.
Psalm 143
Thank you Father for speaking to me thru my husband.
As many of you know, the first few years with kiddos can be totally insane and all about them! Add in a job like I've got (a 24/7/365 type job) and a wonderful husband, that's a recipe for staying too busy to take time to work on my walk with my Abba Father. I'm almost ashamed to admit how much my personal walk with God has taken a back seat to all the other "stuff" that is going on. That's why they say if the Devil can't have you then he'll make you too busy. Me - Case in point.
This last year has had some really high moments, hello Dylan joined our crazy house and our daily joy, Mackenzie continued to entertain us! And some really rough ones, my 3rd grandparent died from cancer in as many years, and I can't begin to explain the stress of Brian's old job.
BUT God carried us thru all the highs and all the lows! It's in the in-between moments, when everything is ok that I tend to stop taking the time. Do I pray during the day? Yep. Do we go to church? Yep. Do we teach our kids about our faith? Yep. Do we listen to KLove all the time? Yep. Did I take regular time out of my daily schedule to develop my personal walk with Christ? Nope. (Ouch that's painful to type... As I sit here reading this, it breaks my heart)
Here's the big BUT, I'm not doing all of those things to just go thru the motions, because they really do mean something to me... BUT I am not doing ALL I should be doing! I'm not concentrating on my daily walk with my Abba Father that will help me grow and develop into a better wife, mother, employee, friend, and many other things. If I take the time for this one thing, then all else will be even better because God will bless it!
Another but... But I'm scared! What am I scared of? The fact that I'll just say that I'm going to do it, but not do it again! I've been trying to get back to where I need to be for a while, but guess what. Not there! Not even close. I feel like I commit to it, and mean it with all my heart, and then nope the "stuff" happens again! And again I feel like a failure.
I pray with all my heart and soul that this time will be different, that I won't let the "stuff" overwhelm me again! That Brian and I can both deepen our spiritual walk seperately and in turn strengthen our walk together! Father God, give me the desires of my heart! To know you and follow you with all of my heart!
My sweet friend Ashley blogged not to long ago about the Siesta Scripture Memory Team that started on January 1st. When I read her post I felt like I got kicked in the gut! I thought this could be what I need to help keep me on track!! I just couldn't get it out of my head, yet the "stuff" kept happening! But tonight I finally took the time, and pray that I can keep my committment to follow thru with it all year!
You learn 24 verses in 12 months, and it's supposed to be a verse that's relevant to YOU not somebody else or what you think somebody else needs to learn... so here's my first verse. It's a little painful to relate it to me, but again, I'm trying to be honest with myself...
So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
Revelation 3:16 NAS
I'm excited to see where this year takes me personally, as a wife, as a mother, and as a friend, but most importantly as a child of God. I pray that the progress I see from this painful verse #1 to verse #24 is a journey filled with growth and joy. If I let my Abba Father lead the way, how can it not be?
Note:
It's crazy how God works... I mentioned to Brian before I started the post above, how I was thinking about the changes I need to make in my personal walk. And while I was writing the post, he texted me two passages of scripture. (Yep from across the room) They were both special, but this one really fit perfectly.
1 LORD, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief.
2 Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you.
3 The enemy pursues me,
he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in the darkness
like those long dead.
4 So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is dismayed.
5 I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.
6 I spread out my hands to you;
I thirst for you like a parched land.[a]
7 Answer me quickly, LORD;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, LORD,
for I hide myself in you.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.
11 For your name’s sake, LORD, preserve my life;
in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.
Psalm 143
Thank you Father for speaking to me thru my husband.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Grace Undeserved
Over the last few weeks since life has calmed down considerably in our house I've been convicted about my quick temper at times, the frustration I easily give in to, or the aggravation I let take over my reactions. All of these are a result of the insanity that has been our lives the last 6 months or so (and of course my sin nature), but I am still in charge of my reaction. And my reaction hasn't been the appropriate response alot of the times lately.
While being convicted about my reactions I've recently read a couple of blog posts that brought my conviction into a different light. My friend Ashley talks about grace in light of some behavioral stuff going on with her 4 1/2 yr old (just like we've recently been thru) and also by one of my favorite bloggers MckMama talked about it in her reactions to her kids as well. So at least I'm not alone! And thank goodness for other Mommies helping me with perspective.
Grace is something that God so freely gives to all of us. None of us deserve it. Yet all of us receive his endless mercy and amazing grace. (Cue the hymn...) I can only imagine how much like me, when in those moments where I'm doing something I shouldn't (for the 1,000 time) that God is thinking "Seriously, Lindsey???" Followed by an immediate silent "UGH!!" in His head. Oh but wait, that's me when I get frustrated, aggravated, or short tempered with my kids, my husband or even my job.
But who am I to not give grace freely in any of those situations when God gives me His neverending grace in ALL situations, no matter what is going on, no matter who is around, no matter what I did, no matter what he expected me to do or say, NO MATTER!
So as I go thru my daily life I'm challenging myself to remember the grace that God in his unfathomable love so freely gives me. (Disclaimer: Until the last few days) I think I've been doing much better in relation to my precious kiddos (namely the one who realizes there is such a thing as right and wrong) and hopefully even with my husband. However I know I really need to be more conscious of it as I go thru my daily life at work.
Again God is challenging me to keep His grace at the front of my mind as a challenge in my daily life. And as a testament to that, he used a co-worker today to remind me about grace. After I told him how ironic that was he mentioned it, he said "You're Catholic friend has your back!" So I got a good giggle and even more importantly a good reminder of keeping his grace and mercy at the front of my mind.
Abba Father, I can not thank you enough for your undeserved grace and unending mercy.
While being convicted about my reactions I've recently read a couple of blog posts that brought my conviction into a different light. My friend Ashley talks about grace in light of some behavioral stuff going on with her 4 1/2 yr old (just like we've recently been thru) and also by one of my favorite bloggers MckMama talked about it in her reactions to her kids as well. So at least I'm not alone! And thank goodness for other Mommies helping me with perspective.
Grace is something that God so freely gives to all of us. None of us deserve it. Yet all of us receive his endless mercy and amazing grace. (Cue the hymn...) I can only imagine how much like me, when in those moments where I'm doing something I shouldn't (for the 1,000 time) that God is thinking "Seriously, Lindsey???" Followed by an immediate silent "UGH!!" in His head. Oh but wait, that's me when I get frustrated, aggravated, or short tempered with my kids, my husband or even my job.
But who am I to not give grace freely in any of those situations when God gives me His neverending grace in ALL situations, no matter what is going on, no matter who is around, no matter what I did, no matter what he expected me to do or say, NO MATTER!
So as I go thru my daily life I'm challenging myself to remember the grace that God in his unfathomable love so freely gives me. (Disclaimer: Until the last few days) I think I've been doing much better in relation to my precious kiddos (namely the one who realizes there is such a thing as right and wrong) and hopefully even with my husband. However I know I really need to be more conscious of it as I go thru my daily life at work.
Again God is challenging me to keep His grace at the front of my mind as a challenge in my daily life. And as a testament to that, he used a co-worker today to remind me about grace. After I told him how ironic that was he mentioned it, he said "You're Catholic friend has your back!" So I got a good giggle and even more importantly a good reminder of keeping his grace and mercy at the front of my mind.
Abba Father, I can not thank you enough for your undeserved grace and unending mercy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)