tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80725904121102106532024-03-13T18:48:11.241-05:00Simply BolesLiving a simple, beautiful, redeemed life.Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.comBlogger322125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-75023349732119915972016-02-06T21:49:00.003-06:002016-02-06T21:54:24.333-06:00Frosted Windows and Fogs of Doubt
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Recently, we were rushing out the door to get to church. As many of you can imagine this process did not go as Reagan and I might have hoped. Maybe not in your house, but in our house, everyone seems to forget how to dress themselves when we are trying to go somewhere. "Did you brush your hair/teeth?" "Change your shirt." "Get a coat!" "Do you have any pants that are clean?" <br />
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Anyway, this particular morning was no different and we were running late. As we rushed out the door, we climbed into the car and realized that the entire windshield was covered in a sheet of frost. We couldn't see a thing. My mind raced with possible solutions- should we go in the other vehicle? Where was the ice scraper? Reagan quickly found something that would work and jumped out of the car and began clearing the windshield. Due to our running late, he only cleaned off the driver's side of the vehicle and we started down the road to church. Suddenly, I realized just how uncomfortable I was with not being able to see where we were going. I knew we were moving- I could feel it, and slightly see the landscape passing by outside my side window. Yet, I could see nothing, but a sheet of frost when I looked ahead. It felt very unsettling! I could have distracted myself with my phone or by talking with the boys in the backseat, but the unsettled feeling would have still been there. Only when I looked at Reagan, who was driving, did I feel at peace. I realized that he could totally see everything and that he was a trustworthy driver. I trusted him, and I felt a peace.<br />
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Honestly, I felt that way spiritually too. Recently, God made a move for our family that led us right out of our comfort zone. I knew He had moved us, but I couldn't see what was ahead. Nothing, but a cloud of uncertainty fogged my perspective. I could let myself get distracted by life or by the relationships in my life, but my anxiety would have still been there. Only when I looked to the "driver" of my life- the Father- would I feel peace. When I looked to Him, I realized that He is trustworthy. He has never failed me, and I can have peace even when the road ahead is frosted with doubt or questions. <br />
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Eventually, the frost dissipated and I was able to see the road ahead clearly. The same will be true during this season of change. Eventually our spiritual eyes will see and understand clearly all that was hidden when the first step was taken. <br />
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Friend, if you are in the midst of an uncertain season, you can trust the driver. He will safely lead you until the path ahead is clear. Rest in Him and His character when the fog of doubt is heavy. <br />
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Blessings...Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-78421219468771804262015-10-22T10:15:00.000-05:002015-10-22T10:15:04.508-05:00Boys and Spray PaintTucked into the fold of countless trees, my boys, along with several of the neighbor kids, have created a fort at the end of our cul-de-sac. With walls of broken branches, discarded tin sheeting, and any additional scrap found from garages, it has become a place of refuge and ownership for them all. They even "marked" it with spray paint in order for others to know that it was claimed, owned, and for their use only. There is only one problem.....<br />
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They do not own it.<br />
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Not one plant.... not one tree.... not one patch of dirt that the fort is on.....<br />
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None of it is theirs to own.<br />
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This land does have an owner- one who is oblivious to the "squatters" on his property. Ha! Yet, my sons believe wholeheartedly that the small patch of privacy they have carved out of the wooded lot is theirs- theirs alone.<br />
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As I have thought about that this week, isn't that true of us? We look at "our" homes, cars, jobs, money, and property wave them about as flags of our earthly success. Yet, who truly provided for it all? When we begin to recognize that the Father is the source of all that we hold in our hands, it becomes easier to trust Him with it all. We can trust that He will provide when the need is greater than the resource. We can trust Him when He calls us to give our allotment to others trusting that it was never truly ours anyway. We can trust Him because we are merely the caretakers of His resources- it is all His, His alone. <br />
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This also frees us from chasing after significance in and through possessions because our significance is in Him. It also frees us from the "rat race" of get it all and have it all because He is the ultimate source of ALL that we truly need. We no longer have to live in fear of the "what-ifs" in life. Instead, we rest in the knowledge that He has overcome it all and through Him we have grace to overcome as well.<br />
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He is truly all that we need. Truly.<br />
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How about our kids? Am I stepping on toes now? Who gave you your children? The Father. Who knows every intimate detail about them- including the number of hairs on their head? The Father. Who loves them with a deep, abiding love - great enough to die for them? The Father and our living sacrificial lamb, Jesus Christ. Our children are His. We are merely their earthly caretakers. Have you entrusted them to Him? Do you parent them in a way that is honoring to the Father, their "owner"? <br />
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Unlike the owner of the woods, our Father is fully aware of the "claims" we stake in life. Often, He challenges our claims through trials and challenges so that we might finally recognize the source of all- Him. His longing is for you to see and know, deeply and intimately, that He alone is all you truly need. Truly.<br />
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Blessings!<br />
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1. Is there an area of your life that you have staked a "claim"? If so, what?<br />
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2. How does it feel to recognize that the Father is the resource to all that we need in life? Upsetting? Freeing?<br />
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3. What changes do you need to make as merely caretakers?<br />
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<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-56558906819715144832015-09-15T17:18:00.000-05:002015-09-15T17:18:40.053-05:00What is Your Name?What is your name? No, not the name that your parents gave you or even the name that your friends call you. I mean what is the name you call yourself deep within. The name that no one knows, yet you hear it repeated in the echos of your mind. Perhaps it stems from a past wound that has never quite healed. Maybe it was that one comment that stung marrow deep? Does it reflect a history that seems to parade itself before you with each failure or trial?<br />
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Here are a few that seem to come to mind..... Failure. Forgotten. Unloved. Broken. Sick. Addiction. Used. Ugly. <br />
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So, what is your name? We all have one. Our enemy makes sure of it and he has whispered it repeatedly in your mind. The world has certainly given you one. In the darkest of moments, that name screams from within with the purpose of defeat. <br />
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In Daniel, four of God's chosen young men were given new names too. When Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, captured Jerusalem, he chose to bring several of the young Israelite boys with him to Babylon. They were "without physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace." ( Danie1:4) For three years they would be trained before entering the king's service. The chief official selected new names for each of them - ones that were more suited to the world they found themselves in.... Daniel became Belteshazzar. Hananiah became Shadrach. Mishael became Meshach. Azariah became Abednego. Why is this important? Our world, too, gives us new names that seem to reflect the world in which we live- anything that will make us forget our homeland and our heritage. <br />
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Daniel went from "God is my judge." to "protect his life." Hananiah went from "the Lord shows grace" to "command of Aku." Mishael went from "Who is what God is?" to "Who is what Aku is?" Azariah went from "the Lord helps." to "servant of Nego/Nebo." You see, the enemy not only gives you a new name, but he gives you a false representation of your history, heritage, and future. It will often mimic your God given identity, but with a very different purpose. The enemy does not want you to truly see your identity through the eyes of the Father. Instead, he hopes you will settle on the false imitation because then your impact on this world is limited. Children of the King shackled to fear with our false name(s) engraved on each link. <br />
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The One True God sent His only Child to this broken world for the sole purpose of giving us a new identity- His. You are not Failure, Forgotten, Unloved, Broken, Sick, Addiction, Used, or Ugly.... you are REDEEMED, CHOSEN, HEIR, LOVED, VICTOR, HEALED, and NEW. You are His beautiful bride- Sought and bought with the blood of the perfect lamb! My dear one, your value is unmeasurable!<br />
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"<em>But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, " Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir." Galations 4:4-7 NIV</em><br />
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I ask again, what is your name? REDEEMED HEIR<br />
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1.) What "worldly" name has plagued you? Do you see how the enemy has used that name to restrain you from your God called destiny?<br />
2.) What does it mean to you to recognize yourself as an heir of Christ? How can that reshape your thoughts and inward attitudes?<br />
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Challenge: Write your "worldly" given name on a piece of paper and destroy it. Then, allow God to free you from that burden. You might even write out a Christ given name in it's place. For example, "Failure" is replaced with "Victor in Christ"..... If you feel comfortable, share your story with me! <br />
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BlessingsJuleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-47565793093423077392015-06-24T15:07:00.001-05:002015-06-24T15:07:22.872-05:00Comparison... Sometimes I am left scratching my head at my sons and their different personalities. One is always timid and has to be pushed into new or unfamiliar territory while another jumps at such opportunities. Instead, I often find myself pulling his reigns back in an effort to encourage him to slow down and savor the moment. Another son is very detailed and precise and agonizes over the smallest of details to make sure all is correct. <br />
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Recently, when traveling, I allowed two of my sons to place their hand on mine while I shifted the gears of our manual transmission car. One jumped at the opportunity as he has wanted to drive a vehicle since he was in diapers- well, almost! The other was hesitant and unsure of the experience. I gave both of my boys the same experience, but with two distinct purposes- to build confidence in one and satisfy the eagerness of the other. <br />
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I think this is one of my hardest struggles in parenting- knowing when to push them and when to pull them back. Knowing when to rush in and assist and when to allow them the struggle. Knowing when to give them freedom and when to love with restraint. Too often, I fall into the pit of comparison to determine my steps. It seems like there is comfort in being in the "normal" category. Normal behavior, normal size, normal dress, normal struggles equals not being alone or different. Yet, when you or your child do not fit in that category, it can leave you heartbroken. <br />
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The Father never meant for us to look towards comparison for security! He is our security for He alone is using circumstances to shape us for a future that only He can see. Our Father has never made a mistake and our differences and challenges did not slip past Him and will not hinder you from His perfect calling for your life. Instead, they will be used for our growth and His glory! Remember, He knitted you together in womb and is the only One who knows His perfect purpose and plan for you and your children. <br />
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Comparison can become dangerous in our faith walk as it often robs us of our joy, peace, and focus. Even more dangerous, is that it robs us of intimacy with the Father as our eyes shift from Him to others. Suddenly, they become the standard by which we live and determine what is good and right. <br />
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The enemy loves to use comparison to make us feel a "false security" in our sameness or to make us feel isolated because you are different. Both responses draw us to the wrong conclusion that it is all up to us. Rather than looking to the One who created us for His purpose, we look at fellow creations. Would you criticize a plate for not being a bowl or a knife for not being a spoon? Yet, we make such comparisons daily about ourselves or our children. <br />
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Recently, the Father is teaching me to seek after Him for guidance in parenting each of my children, and allow Him to grant me wisdom in their uniqueness. I find such comfort in that. I often repeat to my boys that I just want them to follow Christ and His leading- that is our view of success. So, I have to be prepared that often that journey will not follow the main path of society. Yet, what greater legacy could I instill in them, but to follow Him wherever He leads?<br />
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Today, are you struggling with a lack of joy or peace in a situation? Could it be that comparison is distracting you from His perspective or will?<br />
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How is fitting in the norms of society comforting to you? How is it difficult if you do not fit in those "norms"?<br />
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If the Father has created you for a special purpose, how does it feel to know that your challenges and struggles are not without purpose and will not prevent you from fulfilling the calling He has for you?<br />
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Praying for each of you today.... Blessings!<br />
<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-16955946058989349982015-04-29T12:34:00.000-05:002015-04-29T12:35:24.138-05:00StormsOver the weekend, our area was hit by some fierce storms. Many friends and family members are dealing with the remaining damage and necessary repairs. It is a heart wrenching thing to experience and yet most of us with tread through a storm at some point in our life. Storms can be physical- like the ones this weekend- as well as mental and emotional. Here are some common threads of storms....<br />
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<strong>There is often a calm and stillness before the storm hits. </strong>In the minutes before a storm arrives, there is often a calm quiet and stillness. The wind disappears as trees will stand as soldiers on duty- not moving. Sometimes there will be a sweet scent of approaching rain. In life, a storm will often follow a period of happy contentment as difficulties and conflict will seem non-existent. All of life seems to put off a sweet scent of favor.<br />
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<strong>Storms can build slowly or arrive suddenly. </strong>Storms can build over a period of hours or days when you can prepare and plan while others seem to knock the breath right out of you with their random suddenness. The same is true with the storms in our life. Some we "see" coming and do our best to prepare- maybe a relational conflict or issues with a child. Other conflicts seem to shatter our peaceful lives within a heartbeat- a job loss, an unfaithful spouse, a doctor's visit gone horribly wrong... Both are painful and equally devastating.<br />
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<strong>The ripples after a storm can extend well beyond those directly affected. </strong>Storms will always have the most impact on those directly affected, but the ripples flow out encircling countless others in the waves of sorrow and grief. After a storm, businesses who are impacted are unable to help their customers. Family members may have to put off plans and duties to rush to the aid of loved ones in need. Life rarely continues as "normal" for a community as a whole. The same is true of emotional storms... Often those in the center of the storm do not see the effect it is having on others as they are too encompassed with their own damage and pain. Yet, the ripples do have impact on lives....the closer you are to the storm, the more ripples you will experience.<br />
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<strong>The "choice" of who is impacted can seem so random.</strong> One house could sustain such heavy damage that repairs are impossible and it will need to be torn down while the house next door may only have broken limbs off of trees. Whole towns can be affected while other communities had no damage or impact. Life struggles, too, can seem so random. One family may be devastated while close friends may never seem to face the harsh winds of trial or heartache. However, our Father is never "random" and the harsh storms we face always have a divine purpose to draw us to Him. Painful?- yes. without purpose?- Never. <br />
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<strong>Dealing with the aftermath of a storm can take much longer than the storm itself lasted.</strong> Repairs to homes, vehicles and such can take days upon days. Depending on the severity of the storm, months or years may even be required to fully restore things. Emotional damage after a life storm may take great time from which to recover. Unfortunately, you can not put a "rush" order on healing. Seek after Him and rest in His timetable and healing process for you.<br />
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<strong>It's always best to be in the storm shelter when the storm hits.</strong> Being safe and secure in the storm shelter when a storm hits makes a huge difference in the kind of aftermath you will face. Oh, isn't this true in life as well? With those life trials come, we desperately need to run to the shelter of the Most High God! <br />
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<em>"Thou art my rock and my fortress; for thy name's sake lead me and guide me." Psalm 31:3 RSV</em><br />
<em>"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55: 22 RSV</em><br />
<em>"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." Psalm 62:8 RSV</em><br />
<em>"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee." Isaiah 26:3 KJV</em><br />
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"To know God as He really is- in His essential nature and character- is to arrive at a citadel of peace that circumstances may storm, but can never capture." Catherine Marshall<br />
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<u>Impact Questions:</u><br />
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1. Are you being hit with a "storm" right now? Are you in the ripples of a storm that has hit someone close to you? What impact are you struggling with currently?<br />
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2. What could the Father be seeking and/or teaching you through this season? <br />
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3. What is preventing you from running to the shelter of the Most High God? Anger? Hurt? Discouragement? Try confessing that to Him!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Julie<br />
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Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-67344587972278329362015-04-24T10:43:00.003-05:002015-04-24T10:46:27.209-05:00Dealing with the GrassburrRecently, I heard my youngest son beckoning me to come to his aid. Now, as a mom to three kids, I often try to work needs out from my current place of work or rest- being honest! Yet, something in me knew that this plea was different. I found him sitting on the floor with a small grass burr or sticker in his foot. Now, in Texas, these painful burrs grow on weeds in our yards and they seem to stick to anything and everything. They are very painful when you step on one. <br />
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He was in pain from the experience. I saw that, in just a few moments, I could relieve him of the pain, stress, and worry about getting it out. However, he would not let me near the source of the pain. He wanted me there. He wanted my help. He just didn't want me to touch the source of the pain. Yet, the only way that I could bring him conclusion to it all was to touch and deal with the source of the pain- the grass burr. Truth is, he was fearful of the inevitable pain that would come from removing it. Fear was the real enemy here- and a possible lack of trust- because that, and that alone, was prolonging the pain he was experiencing. <br />
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This experience made me reflect on my own experiences. Times when I cried out to the Father to remove or deal with a painful situation I was facing only to hold Him at bay due to my lack of trust or fear of "dealing with it". Our Father allows us to face such trials and times for the exact plan of growing our trust, courage, and maturity. Often these seasons will be painful, but all have purpose. Sometimes, the pain is prolonged because we shrink back in fear- denial becomes our masquerade as we limp through a season. He longs for genuine healing....wholeness. We, too often, prefer to mask the brokenness than be vulnerable and required to forge into the mess that brings purpose to the pain. He wants more for you!<br />
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<em>"Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT)</em><br />
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Check out the message version of this passage....<br />
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<em>“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)</em><br />
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Too often, we read this passage and thinking that we will never face difficult or painful times, but that is not the case. Instead, He comes and bears the weight of the burden on Himself until we reach the point of healing and wholeness. Until that time, we find rest in His perfect peace and comfort. He is our sufficiency to walk through today... and the following days. I love how the message says that we will <em>"learn to live freely and lightly."</em> We learn.... we learn that limping in a masquerade is a burden and yet allowing Him to walk us through that "grass burr" to healing brings rest. <br />
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1. Are you dealing with a "grass burr"?<br />
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2. What is preventing you from dealing with it? Is it fear? If so, what are you afraid of?<br />
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3. Do you trust, truly, that He has your best interest at heart? What prevents you from trusting Him wholly?<br />
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Blessings!<br />
Julie</div>
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Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-24719639535476768222015-04-21T16:14:00.001-05:002015-04-21T16:14:09.049-05:00A Nightly Ritual...Each and every night, I have a ritual that I do.... I tiptoe into the back bedroom stepping over scattered Lego landmines and laundry that has overtaken the carpeted floor. I, first, pull back the covers on one son who cannot sleep unless he is buried under a quilted sea. He often gets too hot and I find a sticky sweat covered face. Then, I look to our youngest son who cannot seem to go to sleep with anything covering him. It is not uncommon to find him curled into a tight ball longing for warmth. Two boys, same room- yet differences abound.<br />
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That is parenting, huh? Knowing your child so intimately that you know when to pull back and give them freedom to fail and grow as well as when the time is right to draw in close and pour words of wisdom into their hearts and minds. Do I pull back the things in their life that are harmful or that will lead them into sticky situations? Do I diligently cover them in prayer daily? Recognizing that life will often leave them cold and looking for comfort-- oh, may they find it in HIM! Friends, I do this every single night. As their mother, I cannot rest until I know that they are well tended and cared for in their beds. Often, this has driven me from my nice cozy bed...<br />
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How intimately does the Father know you?<br />
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<em>"GOD, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful— I can’t take it all in!</em><br />
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<em>Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there! If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon, You’d find me in a minute— you’re already there waiting! Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I’m immersed in the light!” It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.</em><br />
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<em>Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.</em><br />
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<em>Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful! God, I’ll never comprehend them! I couldn’t even begin to count them— any more than I could count the sand of the sea. Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you! And please, God, do away with wickedness for good! And you murderers—out of here!— all the men and women who belittle you, God, infatuated with cheap god-imitations. See how I hate those who hate you, GOD, see how I loathe all this godless arrogance; I hate it with pure, unadulterated hatred. Your enemies are my enemies!</em><br />
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<em>Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life." (Psalm 139:1-24 MSG)</em><br />
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The Father knows EVERYTHING about His children.... and He is ALWAYS with them. There are times when he will allow you to sweat out sticky situations to see areas that you need to strip out of your life. There are also times when He allows you to feel the chill of a life lived in your own self-sufficient efforts in order for you to see and long for His protective covering. Yet, He is ever on guard and watching over you. That is the nature of a loving relationship....a protective Father allowing His child the opportunity to grow and mature.<br />
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1. Is the Father revealing an area that you need to "strip" out of your life? How have you seen His protective covering in your life?<br />
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2. What part of Psalm 139 touched you most? Did any part of the Psalm surprise you?<br />
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3. How does it feel to know that the Father is always with you, if you are His child? Does it bring comfort or make you anxious? Why?<br />
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Blessings....<br />
Julie<br />
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<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-51039510730180295412014-10-17T12:32:00.001-05:002014-10-17T12:32:15.448-05:00The TicketHe was SO excited! Kendall almost knocked me over when I picked him up from church recently because he had been given a precious gift... a ticket to a FREE movie that our church is showing tonight. He kept jumping up and down telling me that he had been given a ticket to movie night and what a prize it truly was. In reality, every kid in the class got a free ticket that day, but in his mind, it was a rare treasure.... so much so, that even I (as his mother) was not allowed to touch the ticket! He ran up and down the halls of our church stopping everyone he saw to show them his ticket and tell them about the upcoming movie night. Oh, his joy became contagious! I laughed.... as did everyone else he talked to that evening. To be brutally honest, everyone is invited to movie night and the ticket isn't even needed to get into the event. Yet, to my incredible four year old, it has meant the world... he is suddenly special, precious, chosen.<br />
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Friends, through the blood of my precious Savior, Jesus, I, too, have been given a "ticket" to a redeemed life where all my past faults and failures have been transformed for His glory and my betterment. I have been given life.... but, not life as this world holds, life that is reflective of the one who has restored and given me purpose. I have found freedom in Lamb of God who bore the sins of the world! Yet, do I share it with the same conviction and excitement that my young son held for this movie? Do I find such delight that I have to stop everyone I see to share this tremendous thing? Is my joy about being a redeemed child of the one true King contagious to others? Oh, dear ones, I feel deep conviction about this.... if I have been given SO much from our precious Lord, <strong>WHY </strong>do I fear sharing? <br />
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<em>"You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:11-15 NIV)</em><br />
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Friends, we have been a gift- beyond our imagination and it is to be used for His glory to transform lives, bringing healing, and restore life! Yet, we bury it deep within due to fear of offense or rejection. Isn't it better to be rejected than to have never shared? You have the ticket to life within- if you withhold it from others- you withhold life from them as well. Oh, Lord, please don't let that be! Also consider this.... He chose you to be the one to share His life-giving message. All resources and possibilities are His and yet, <strong><u>He chose you</u></strong>! Let that privilege not fall of deaf ears. It is an honor that you were selected to carry His gospel to a world in need! Will we share the freedom we have?<br />
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Blessings!<br />
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Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-24261906154269087382014-10-11T07:30:00.000-05:002014-10-11T07:37:05.752-05:00Confessions of a ParentCan I confess to you?<br />
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I often struggle with parenting. I desperately love my kids and I long to do this thing right. I want them to grow into mature, responsible, and productive members of society. I want them to succeed and thrive in whatever place they find themselves in society, work, and life. I long for them to discover love and marry precious daughters-in-love for me to spoil! I want so much for them....<br />
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So, as their parent, I feel the weight of preparing them for living this life they have been given well. Each small moment of discipline and instruction begins to feel mountainous as it all seems to have tremendous impact. Sometimes, I feel like I am too easy on the boys and other times I feel like I am the mean mother who resembles more of a military officer as I bark commands and orders at them. On occasion, I am the mother who just wants to hide in the closet... with chocolate. I love my children, but this endeavor we call parenting is HARD. <br />
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More than anything, my heart cry is to see them fall in love with the Savior who gave His very life-giving blood that they might have life--- not this physical life, but life that extends beyond their last breath. I long for them to know that depths that HE went to for them to have relationship with them. I want them to seek after Him for their entire lives. I think the reason for this is that no matter what else they face in life, if they have Christ, they will have all they need. He is the resource of all that is truly needed in the life.<br />
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Sometimes, I just need a perspective check. I will often fail in parenting. They will never have perfectly creative and homemade Halloween costumes. I may always burn the garlic bread. I will sometimes allow them to have dessert for a meal. On occasion, we will have fun instead of school. They will, at times, wear there socks outside instead of shoes. I have accepted that burping at the table will still happen, at times.<br />
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Yet, of all things.... please let them cling to the Father. I want to live out a real active faith before them. Moments of tearful praise followed by daily obedience. Weakness transformed into strength by the unseen hands of a very real God. Prayers answered and acknowledged in thanksgiving and praise of the One is the resource of all. Please, Father, if I can get but one thing right in this season of parenting, let it be that they see YOU in me.....<br />
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Blessings!Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-24049335587864526762014-10-10T11:14:00.000-05:002014-10-10T11:14:10.677-05:00Lost in Walmart<em>"Attention Walmart customers. Would customer Julie please come to the dressing room area? Kendall will be waiting for you."</em><br />
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As you might already imagine, this was NOT one of my most stellar parenting moments. Just minutes earlier, I had come across a huge clearance sale on several items and I wanted to look through them. The boys grew impatient as we were at the store for a birthday gift for a friend originally. So, Caleb asked if he could go to the toys area with his younger brothers since he had his phone, and he would be responsible for Kendall. Caleb has really grown in maturity in this area and I agreed to his offer. Shortly later, Caleb returned with Kendall who wanted to convince me that the toy he found for himself would be a good purchase. When I did not agree with that, Caleb went to return the toy and Kendall -in anger- ran off. Before I knew it, he was lost....<br />
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I searched through all the areas close to me and still did not find him. The only thing I could think of was that he wanted that toy, and I quickly headed to that section of the store where the older boys helped me search, but no Kendall. My panic was nearly to capacity when I heard the announcement calling my name and that Kendall had been found. I was relieved, desperately so- and more than a little irritated.<br />
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When I arrived at the designated pick-up area, I expected... nay, wanted to see a frightened little boy. I wanted him to feel the depth of fear I had felt in that moment. However, that was not what I found. He was calm and happy. The sales assistant couldn't get over how un-upset he had been. He gave them all the needed information- my name is Kendall Boles and my mother is Julie Boles. No fear. No tears. No anxiety. <br />
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After I thoroughly hugged, kissed, and chastised him for running off, I asked him if he had been frightened. "No," he responded, "I knew you would come get me." Ugh! Really!?!? I was shaking, and he had no fear! Later, as I processed this (and confessed all this to Reagan) (and Facebook) the Lord helped me to see two things:<br />
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First, he knew who he belonged to... and he knew his name. Friend, sometimes I forget who I belong to- do you? I am a child of the ONE TRUE KING! I am His precious redeemed daughter. His name is branded on my soul and I have taken His name--- CHRISTian. He is my precious Father. Why do I fret when the storms of life threaten? Why do I cower in fear of the unknown? Whom do I have to fear? Oh, that I could know- truly, deeply, bone-marrow deep that I am His chosen child.... how different would my life look?<br />
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Second, Kendall knew me so well that there was no fear of my not coming to find him. He rested in that knowledge. Oh precious friend, if I just knew my Savior that well..... Sure, we all say that He is ever faithful, but when we are the ones being tossed about in the midst of the winds of change, conflict, and difficulty... are we as confident? Sometimes we just need to be reminded of His faithfulness in the past to rest in His presence in the midst of an uncertain future. His faithfulness endures and He never fails us! I want to know Him that intimately. How about you?<br />
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Let that be the cry of our heart today- that we might know to whom we belong so intimately that all fear and anxiety is abated. We can rest in HIM!!! <br />
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Blessings!Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-36125346489189354602014-09-25T12:59:00.002-05:002014-09-25T12:59:17.300-05:00A Siren in the NightYou know that place of deep, peaceful slumber when you are fully and completely asleep. If you are a parent, you know the absolute value of this treasure. Some of you may not have experienced this in <strike>days, weeks, months</strike>, years.... a restful night is truly a gift of great value! Last night, I was experiencing this wonderful thing when a brief, sharp, very loud, piercing sound startled Reagan and I both to alertness. We quickly determined that it was a sounding from one of the smoke detectors in our home. After much debate- remember we were very comfortable in bed- we decided that it was best to check out the situation. (Yeah, I know we are sounding like great parents at this moment.... the headline here could be "Couple Waits Until Smoke Takes Over House to Get Kids Out"...) We walked around the house and saw nothing that indicated a concern. I bravely suggested that <strong>Reagan</strong> go check out the attic! Nothing. So, back to bed we went in hopes of additional slumber. We had just settled into our pillows when the short and sharp sound went off again. We finally determined that it was something with our electrical service since nothing else was showing up and our alarms are hard-wired into the electrical part of the house.<br />
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Sleep didn't come too quickly afterward.... I was on alert. <br />
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Sometimes I wish my spiritual life had an alarm like that. One that would sound as soon as I strayed too far from my security, my life source- Jesus Christ. Perhaps one like the stores have here in the United States if the salesperson forgot to take off your security tag or like the sound that large pieces of construction equipment make when backing up???? That would certainly get my attention and make me think twice, huh? Ha! The truth is, our precious Father has given us an alarm like that called the Holy Spirit. IF you are truly seeking a life after the Father's heart, you will notice a small uneasiness that pierces your heart when something has changed in your relationship. There will be a nagging sense that something is "off" and the renewal and joy You experience daily in His Presence will dim. This is an alarm, dear friend, a loud sounding in your soul crying out for you to return to Him and access the source of it. <br />
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Recently, I experienced it for myself. I had struggled with a growing distance in my personal relationship with the Father. I even expressed to my husband that I felt like I was sinning against the Lord in some way because I sensed several things: a loss of intimacy with Him, a struggle to spend time with Him- reading His word or praising Him, an inability to do certain things that I normally felt His presence guiding and leading me through... namely, writing. Several times in the past week, I found myself sitting in front of a blank computer screen with no hope of processing or expressing what was happening.<br />
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In a serious of events, the Father gently revealed to me an area where I had not been obedient to an action and decision for our family. Following my repentance, I felt as though the dam that had held back so much, broke. I praised Him afresh with a renewed heart and mind. I felt relief and the fear that had held me captive in my lack of obedience was replaced with hope and trust in Him. My worship became real again- not just an act of solemn obedience- but a truly genuine outpouring of a thankful heart. Words, suddenly started pouring forth from His heart into mine. Renewed. Restored. Refreshed. <br />
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I am thankful for the silent siren call through the Holy Spirit that drew me back to intimacy with the Father. I am thankful that He is ever faithful to give wisdom and insight when we ask- mainly, I imagine, because He longs for that intimacy to be restored as well! Where are you in your spiritual journey, dear friend? Have you experienced what I described before? Are you in a current season of "silent sirens" calling out to you?<br />
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If so, here are some things that helped me:<br />
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<em>Find a place of quiet reflection, and pray genuinely to Him- asking Him to reveal what area of your life is "off" or not honoring to Him.</em></div>
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<em>Listen.... listen to Him speak to you through the Holy Spirit.</em></div>
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<em>When, He reveals something to you, repent and seek to be obedient in whatever ever He asks of you.</em></div>
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<em>Praise Him!</em></div>
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Let me share that it took several sessions of "quiet reflection" for me because my heart was not ready to truly deal with that particular area of struggle. That may be the same for you.... persistence, endurance, and continued seeking after His Heart through prayer will help you make a break-through. I will be praying for you- my unnamed friend- and carrying you to the cross. Feel free to make your needs know to me by e-mail (<a href="mailto:jdboles@hotmail.com">jdboles@hotmail.com</a> ) or comment below. <br />
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Blessings!<br />
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<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-46445090330644817682014-09-24T11:19:00.000-05:002014-09-24T11:19:20.800-05:00When the Toddler Tries to Clean the Table.... With His Tongue...Last night, as an ode to the end of summer, we went to a local drive-in restaurant for their half price vanilla cones. When the waitress delivered our cones, Reagan quickly surmised that sitting in our vehicle to eat them would not be a good thing.... for our car. I mean doesn't that just scream insanity to give a four year old the leaning tower of ice cream and expect him to not get it all over <strike>the car ...himself... his brothers...</strike> <strong>everything</strong>! So, we decided to get out and sit on one of the tables outside of the restaurant. We had barely sat down when Kendall accidentally brushed his ice cream tower against the table itself. I looked over to see him sticking out his tongue and leaning forward in the attempt to lick the ice cream off the table. I cannot express the shear terror of that moment. This may, in fact, seem like an exaggeration, but who KNOWS what germs were on that table. <br />
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I screamed, "NO!!!"<br />
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Kendall was caught quite off guard by my sudden reaction. I mean, he was just creatively cleaning up a mess, right? Oh, but I long to protect my children from so much- germs, are but a start. Danger, heartache, pain, loneliness, illness..... the list could go on and on. Yet, I can't seem to fully protect my adventurous bunch. To be completely honest, I am learning- more and more- that it is best to not protect them from all harms. Life, real life, is lived out in glorious seasons of both victory and defeat. In fact, one can never fully grasp the joy of victory unless they have truly felt the despair of defeat. Both are need, necessary, and important for growth and maturity in life... and beyond.<br />
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Our Heavenly Father allows us to experience both, doesn't He? Mountain tops, valleys and the climbs in between.... all are needed and necessary. God never wastes your efforts. All events that are woven in the tapestry of your life were planned and passed through the fingers of the Almighty. The tears shed and the smiles savored were all a part of His glorious plan. Victory brings us hope and encouragement while trials grow our strength and endurance. Each are essential. Yet, too often, we revere the victories as our own and claim our trials are His lacking..... yet, neither is true. Our precious Father <strong>can do all things</strong>, but restrains Himself when, in His perfect knowledge, a greater lesson of perseverance is needed. He loves you too much to allow you to remain a babe of the faith.... just as any parent longs for their child to grow and mature in a healthy manner. He will constantly bring events into your life to grow you, mature you, strengthen you, and draw you ever more aware of your desperate need for HIM.<br />
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How does this change my parenting? Of course, I am going to scream out in warning if my toddler runs out from my grasp in a parking lot, (or tries to clean the table with his tongue- oiy!) but I may hesitate and allow him to learn and grow when he struggles with a new skill... like tying shoes, writing his name, or making a new friend. I am there- always- watching and giving guidance when the Spirit leads, but waiting and watching just the same. HE is doing the same for you, dear friend, so, you can find rest, peace, and joy in that. <br />
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Blessings!<br />
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Are you going through a current season of victory or trial? Do you trust Him as He parents you through it? What area of this season is difficult for you? What scripture are you clinging to during this time? <br />
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Needing prayer? Please feel welcome to comment with your need below or send it to <a href="mailto:jdboles@Hotmail.com">jdboles@Hotmail.com</a> . Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-43704602678525694502014-09-22T14:02:00.000-05:002014-09-22T14:10:06.252-05:00FingerprintsFingerprints..... I find them on my refrigerator door, car windows, mirrors, light switches and doors. I am keenly aware that there are three boys living in the house.... very actively living in this house, I might add. I love my boys. I love the way they keep me laughing, but finding yogurt covered fingerprints on my freshly cleaned refrigerator door does NOT result in a chuckle from me. Last night, I was almost asleep in bed, when Reagan called me into the bathroom finding some strange looking fingerprints on our bathroom cabinet. He called it blood. I decided to call it "dirt" since all three boys are alive and kicking and no one had brought to my attention any massive blood loss in the past few days. :) Sometimes, in parenthood, ignorance may be a blessing in disguise.<br />
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I have decided that our Father leaves fingerprints behind too.... because I see Him in the midst of my day. I see Him when the perfect scripture for my current season pops up on social media, or when the perfect song addressing my feelings comes on the radio. He is in the last minute delays, the forgotten meetings, and malfunctioning alarms that protect us from harm. He is in the quiet calm of a beautiful sunrise and the rewarding rest of sunset. I see His hand in the vibrant fall colors as well as the fresh green renewal of spring. He is even in long summer nights and pure white of glistening snow in winter. He is anywhere and everywhere and His heart is always reaching out to touch you... to draw you close and remind His children that they are loved, redeemed, chosen, and never forgotten. Fingerprints of the master creator imprinted into the lives of His most precious creation- His children. The creator still shapes and molds the lives of His creation.<br />
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To be honest, I see His fingerprints best when my life seems the messiest. When my life seems to being going perfectly without the blemish of struggles or muddy confusion in the midst of trial, I see His prints less.... maybe I am not looking or maybe my eyes don't see them as clearly....but, they are there just the same. However, when I am mired in the midst of a messy situation, I look ever so desperately for His hand... and He is always there. <br />
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Maybe today, as I clean yogurt covered fingerprints off the refrigerator, they will serve a reminder for me to search for His fingerprints in my life. How about you? How have you "seen" His print left on a situation in your life recently? <br />
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Blessings!Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-32943334655686870852014-08-25T08:54:00.000-05:002014-08-25T21:56:15.647-05:00To all mothers, today....To all mothers, today, whether you just sent your babies off in a bright yellow bus or you are preparing lessons for your children at home.....<br />
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You are enough.<br />
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To the mother who spent hours, at various stores, trying to find pocket folders with brads and could only find ones in "ugly" colors or styles....<br />
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You are enough.<br />
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To the mother who got up early this morning to do final "First Day of School" preparations and still burned the toast.....<br />
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You are enough.<br />
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To the tear-stained mother who just dropped off her baby- and her heart- at Kindergarten for the first time today.....<br />
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You are enough.<br />
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To the homeschool mother who is silently worrying, "Am I preparing them fully?"....<br />
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You are enough.<br />
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To the mother who finds herself almost giddy at the thought of freedom for the next several hours....<br />
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You are enough.<br />
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To the mother who is juggling work as well as parenthood and marriage....<br />
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You are enough.<br />
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To the mother who just dropped off her baby for their "last" first day of school....<br />
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You are enough.<br />
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You are enough because God designed you for your children- just as He designed them for you- no matter how they joined your family. You were given all the tools, wisdom, and abilities needed to guide and nurture them into the future only He knows. Perfection is impossible, but growth and maturity grow best in soil mixed with victory and failure- we learn from both. Flood your heart and mind with His words and praise...breathe deeply, rest in Him, and know- completely- that you are enough.<br />
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<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-23789006656353664132014-06-23T10:13:00.000-05:002014-06-23T10:13:30.580-05:00When God Fails Us....I was in a sea of hands raised, all clamoring for my attention, last night as I assisted in the Bible lesson portion of our church VBS. I selected several different children to take part in the activity before we continued, but in the minutes afterward, I noticed a scowled face looking in my direction from my second son. He was mad. I had not chosen him to participate in the activity. Later, in the car, he commented, "My very own mother did NOT choose me." He was hurt and felt betrayed. <br />
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The truth is that I had thought about selecting him, but only a limited number of kids were going to be selected and I tried to select a variety of kids. It didn't seem like that big a deal to me, but to him, his disappointment was very real. Of all the kids in the room, he was suppose to the be the "special" one because his mom was leading...<br />
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The Father opened my eyes to how often I have viewed my walk with Him from that same perspective. Have I not looked at the blessings of others and been jealous? Have I not looked in frustration at my Father and felt betrayed because He chose to bestow upon another a treasure I had longed for? Does this feel familiar to you, as well?<br />
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So often, as precious children of the Most-High-King, we begin to feel entitled to whatever we wish. Yet, our Father is far more interested in developing a spiritually-mature faith that is hard core and marrow deep than trying to entertain us in order to keep us happy. He knows us so intimately, as the knitter behind our frame, and everything that comes into our life is used to grow and mature us. That fact is easy to accept when it is a blessing, huh? What about when a trial comes or when circumstances befall you that literally knock the wind out of you? A death....a betrayal....a crushed dream.... a desperate need.... is it easy to trust that He has purpose for THOSE events in your life? Tis, often, a hard pill to swallow.<br />
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I read the following statement this morning, "We're all looking for a quick fix, but God is after lasting change. He leads us to a lifestyle of Christianity." (Beth Moore, <u>Praying God's Word Day by Day</u>) What He is leading us to is a real and genuine faith that has been tested and tried for the sake of its purity. That kind of faith is rare and priceless to our King. If you are walking a difficult journey, it is because He sees great potential within you for more.... more faith.... more purity.... more strength.... more love.....more hope.... more of all that reflects of His very own character. It is love that pushes you to the limit of your own personal abilities and beyond in order for you to see HIM more clearly. At the end of your life, what will have more value and worth? The temporary reprieve or request that you so desperately want- or a purity of character in faith developed by our King of Kings? What is the treasure you long for most?<br />
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<em>"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39 KJV)</em><br />
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Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-16851889396845666882014-05-21T10:39:00.003-05:002014-05-21T10:39:56.137-05:00WithheldYesterday, I had a sick one in the house- the ugly kind. Caleb had awakened early in the morning with a sick stomach. So, I had gone and purchased some survival supplies-- Saltine crackers, Gatorade, and Sprite. I had purchased plenty for everyone just in case the illness spread to the rest of us.<br />
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Once I got home, my youngest son, who was not sick, wanted some of the Gatorade. Now, I know my son. In fact, I know my son so well that I was fairly sure that the Gatorade was not going to taste good to him. So, I explained that the tempting red beverage was for his older brother who was sick. Yet, he proceeded to cry and voice his frustration over being excluded from this privilege of drinking the Gatorade. I decided it was best to allow him to have a taste of it rather than feel that he was being purposefully excluded. Sure enough, one small taste was all it took to wrinkle his nose in disgust. He didn't like the taste of it.<br />
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Truth is, I knew that was how he would react. My decision to not give him the drink originally was from my deep knowledge of him and from the logic that it was not what he needed at the time. Yet, he felt distrust and sadness as though I was withholding a treasure from him. Yet, so quickly, he realized the mistake that he had made..... <br />
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My precious Father, spoke to my heart through this experience. How many times has He- in His intimate knowledge of me- not given me something that I wanted? How many times did I feel distrust and as though He was withholding from me? Yet, all along, He knew it was not what I needed at that moment and time or that we still have something to learn or accomplish beforehand. Our Father never withholds from us without purpose! We may not have understanding for a time, and in some cases, not until eternity. Yet, He is whispering to our innermost being, "Trust me." <br />
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There have also been times when the Father allowed me to "taste" whatever I so desperately wanted only to realize that it was not all that I dreamed it to be. I then could see that I had not been cheated out of something precious, but protected from a greater hurt or loss.<br />
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My friend, is there an area in your life that you feel He is withholding from you? Do you feel as though He has failed you? No lesson is harder than trusting Him when it goes against our very nature and heart's desire--- but, it is in those moments that the harvest within is greatest! He willingly sacrificed Himself for the benefit of you; so, don't you think He would give you whatever you are struggling so desperately for IF it was what was best for you? Trust Him. Even when your eyes don't see Him, when your ears struggle to hear His call, and your feet are tired from the journey- trust Him! He will NOT fail you! <br />
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Are you struggling with trusting Him in a certain area?<br />
Can you confess your distrust of Him in that situation?<br />
Will you commit to walk through the challenging days ahead knowing that He will never leave your side?<br />
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Praying for you- blessings!Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-25293786012973492632014-05-13T09:40:00.002-05:002014-05-13T09:40:33.388-05:00Phone TroubleOn Sunday morning, as we were rushing out the door for church, I had my arms full- literally and figuratively- as these past few weeks have been so hectic and busy. Often, when you have your hands full, something gets "dropped"..... Boy, I can think of more than one thing over the past few weeks, but on Sunday morning, it was my phone that dropped. My heart stopped, but I was relieved when I picked it up and saw no damage. Feeling like I had dodged a bullet, we left and went to church. However, minutes later, I discovered that it would not turn on.... not. at. all. <br />
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If you know me at all, you must know that I love my phone! I am never without it. It is my Bible. It is my GPS. It is my internet. It is my world at large- outside the walls of my house. Now, I try to use restraint with my phone, but I admit that it is a slight addition. Suddenly, it was gone. Ugh! Just months before, I had dropped my previous phone and the screen had shattered, but it worked fine. I used that phone- with it's shattered screen- for two months before getting another one. In order to keep my new one safe, I had purchased a nice "tough case" for it.... well, it looks perfect, but does not work.<br />
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The thought hit me how that description fits so many people in our society. Some look "shattered" but are whole within while others look "normal" and are deeply broken from within. Which of the two would you prefer to be? <br />
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Another conviction that hit me was that my phone had become the ultimate "resource" for me, but that is what my Father wants to be for my life. He wants to be my resource for answers, my guiding map, my relationship maker, and my communication tool- spiritually, of course. Do I miss Him as intimately as I miss my phone? Oh conviction! <br />
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I need the Father daily. I need His love poured in and through me to handle all that is needed and required of me each day. I cannot walk the difficult days without His power and strength from within. I hope that long after my phone is repaired, that it is a visual reminder of my true resource for life- my Savior from whom all blessings flow. <br />
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Questions:<br />
Is He your ultimate resource? Do you look to Him or other people/things when trials come?<br />
When you look at society, do you see the "normal" but broken people that God places in your path?<br />
Do you strive to look "normal" but struggle within? Is that working for you?<br />
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Blessings!Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-36724296381139917982014-05-12T13:02:00.001-05:002014-05-12T13:02:48.678-05:00Open VesselBehind the locked door to our bedroom, the tears fell heavy and fast. Exhausted from my own feeble efforts and retreating back from the defeat that seemed to mark my week, I whispered, "Father, I cannot do this anymore. It isn't working. I feel like such a failure." <br />
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Can you relate? Truth is, parenting is one of the hardest challenges I have ever been given. I love my boys, and they are truly treasures that we have been entrusted with to grow and nurture. Yet, they have their own mind and will that often does not reflect mine or that of the Father. It has always been the desire of Reagan and I to correct, love, and discipline them as consistently as possible. The thinking being that consistency in love, correction and discipline would give us happy, loving, Christ-following children. So, the recipe for our "good" kids has been follow through, follow through, follow through- day after day, day after day...... Yet, our children have pushed and tested us continually to see if we would be consistent in any and all parenting situations. <br />
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So, at the end of my own strength, I found myself locked away- hiding from my "treasures"- exhausted and desperate for answers. Hadn't I followed the "recipe"? Who were these children and why were they testing me in every, possible, way? <br />
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Through my brokenness, the Father spoke to my heart.... "You have been doing this all in your own strength and you need Me. You cannot do this- parenting, homeschooling, housework, job, wife, friend- without ME." <br />
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In His perfect timing, we are doing a great study by Bill Lovelace entitled, "Living Life Through a New Source." The premise of this study is that we, as humans, are not designed to live the Christian life through our own efforts. Instead, in total dependence on Christ, we allow Him to live through us. It is the realization that our fruitfulness, as a believer, is based on our total dependence on Him rather than our efforts or abilities. We often ask God to "help us" in situations rather than asking Him - in desperate dependence- to work through us in that situation. This was not a new revelation to me- at least in my mind- yet, I realized just how much lately I was not living it out. I had slipped into my old patterns of living life within the limits of my own strength and abilities. How did that work for me? Well, hiding from my children and desperate tears is NOT a good indication of success!<br />
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This morning, I started off in prayer asking God to use me as a vessel by which He loves my children. In other words, Father, please love my boys through me. Please pour Your perfect wisdom and strength into me as You train and discipline them through me. I am but a vessel in total dependence on Him. There is freedom in that- I no longer have to bear a burden that I was never meant to carry. My sole task is to seek after Him and allow Him to work in and through me. It also frees me from attaching my value or worth to the accomplishments of my children- whether good or bad. Our children have their own choice. Sometimes their decisions will bring great joy to us and other times, heartache. Regardless, we cannot attach our value or self-worth to raising perfect kids. Instead, our value has to rest in Him and being the most pure, open vessel by which He is allowed to love, train, and nurture them. <br />
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Friends, I can never love, correct or discipline my children into perfection. If they succeed in life, it will be because of the Father's grace pouring in and through them- not my perfect parenting. When they fail, it is a result of their independent choices and I can only pray that they will learn and grow from the experience. Let's be honest, life for all of us is a mix of the two extremes, isn't it? Mountain tops and valleys are all a part of life, but when we live in total dependence on Him, all of it can be used for His glory in our lives. <br />
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So, today, I am resting in Him and trusting that His perfect love will carry us all through the different seasons of life- He is sufficient when I am not.<br />
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Questions:<br />
Are you trying to live life in your own effort or total dependence on Him?<br />
Is your self-worth tied to the success or failures of your children?<br />
Do you trust Him enough to work out all challenges and situations for His glory and for your benefit?<br />
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Blessings!<br />
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<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-55305634016535954362014-02-12T09:01:00.004-06:002014-02-12T09:01:39.840-06:00Personal LoveAngry words and a thrown Hot Wheel car were the exclamation point behind the anger in my toddler's world this morning. His wishes were not granted and His will was not enough to change my mind. His anger- hot and fast- took over his actions. My discipline was equally as swift and he stood rigid in the time out corner. Soon following, when both his anger and resolve had cooled, he came to seek forgiveness. Arms wide open in search of physical confirmation that our relationship was restored he came along with the words, "I am sorry Momma. Please forgive me. I was wrong." This hard core mother's heart melted. His touch caused a flood of emotions to spring forth. He is my child... my precious son.... forgiveness comes so easily out of my deep love and his tender brokenness.<br />
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As I pondered that, I thought of the cross. the moment that the veil tore from top to bottom so that we- you and I- could have unlimited access to the Father. No longer would a priest have to stand in the gap between us and our Holy God. Christ, being a living sacrifice, became the path all of us can choose to take to our Father... any time, any place, and any situation. Suddenly we can talk directly to Him and fully embrace His forgiveness. There is something precious about the one on one physical embrace, especially in matters of forgiveness....<br />
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As I reflected on my exchange with my son this morning, I can only imagine that our Father feels similarly when we come to Him in tender brokenness. He must flood with love and compassion for us as He fully surrounds us in His personal embrace reminding us that His love is real, true and deep enough to cover all shortcomings. His love is personal and came at great sacrifice because He wanted to be the one we found when in times of need. Not a priest in human flesh... but our Father with arms outstretched waiting on you. The great I AM, Alpha and Omega, and Creator of All.... giving you unlimited access because His rich love is a deeply personal one.<br />
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What is holding you back? Blessings!Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-60862565267554376872014-01-31T09:36:00.001-06:002014-01-31T09:36:23.539-06:00He is ThereA couple of days ago, we had a rough start to the day. One son was standing in the timeout corner crying and upset while another was yelling at me from his room. I felt tired and it was only 9 am. Parenting is hard. Most of long to be good parents, and a majority of us truly do the best we can to teach and train our kids. Yet, there are some days when the thought of running away sounds good. I even looked at the remaining son who was just watching the tears and insults go flying around the room. I told him that I was glad he was not in such a mood as the other two.... if he went "off" I might have to put myself in the timeout corner.<br />
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Things calmed and the day ended well despite our tortuous beginning. In the quiet moments of reflection of how I felt in those weak moments, the Father spoke to my heart and reminded me that He never runs from us. No matter what we go through or how we respond in the midst of it, He is ever faithful to us....<br />
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Even when we choose to go against His wishes,<br />
He is there.<br />
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Even when our actions bring shame and harm ourselves,<br />
He is there.<br />
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Even when we yell in anger at Him for not doing things our way,<br />
He is there.<br />
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Even when the world seems to be crashing down around us,<br />
He is there.<br />
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Even when we cannot see how we can go on in the midst of a painful situation,<br />
He is there.<br />
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Even when the words won't come,<br />
He is there.<br />
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Always. Faithful. Present. Active. Alive. Involved. Committed. <br />
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He is there.<br />
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<br />Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-56789138912549491252013-12-12T11:12:00.001-06:002013-12-12T11:20:31.364-06:00CHRISTmasTen beautiful fingers and ten precious toes.... skin so soft to the touch and those first cries of life. Memories like that become seared in the hearts and minds of parents. A new babe born brings delight and joy. Life is newness and renewal. A fresh start birthed out of pain and anguish. A picture of redemption- the redemption that our Father offers to each of us. <br />
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A young mother and father entered into the small town of Bethlehem. Filled to the brim with travelers returning to their homeland for a census ordered by the ruler of that time, all of its nooks and crannies were filled to the measure. They came in search of a place to rest... to wait for the cries of new life that were all to soon coming. Their search was fruitless. No one was willing to give up their coveted position and security to risk being left out in the cold. Only one, with an ever so humble offering, was willing to help. A stable. In truth, a shelter for animals, was all that was made available to them. <br />
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Within its meagerness, stench and filth, the King of Kings came forth into this world. Wrapped in far more that swaddling clothes, He was all-immortal wrapped in humble flesh and bone. He was part of the Creator of the universe restrained by the will of the Father to become a child- dependent on the creation He had helped form. He fate sealed before His first cry- born in pain and to die in pain it was all for our redemption. All redemption is marked by pain because all true redemption begins at the birth and death of our Savior.<br />
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His birth was the beginning of redemption- MY redemption. He came for me, for you, for all humanity. How can Christmas be anything less than a celebration of that fact? <br />
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Yet, we focus on gifts, shopping, parties, snacks and decorations.... we, too, say to our precious gifted Savior, "We have no room for you this holiday." Such words may not cross our lips, but do they play out in our actions? He, alone, is CHRISTmas- our greatest undeserved gift. <br />
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Merry Christmas!Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-14638503687043924372013-11-28T11:16:00.001-06:002013-11-28T11:43:24.115-06:00Happy ThanksgivingHappy Thanksgiving! I hope many of you are able to celebrate this special holiday with family and close friends. In America, I love that we take a day to just celebrate all that we have been given and the blessing we have in our lives. So many of my friends have been posting on Facebook all the things they are thankful for in their life. As I have read them, one thing I noticed is that many of the things that were mentioned do not come with a price tag.... family, friends, cherished moments, and our faith are truly what we hold dear when life is stripped down to core.<br>
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Last night, my mom and I tried to teach the boys how to play the game "42". Now, this game is a southern tradition that is played with dominoes and I have dear memories of playing with my parents and grandparents. They loved it! The funny thing was that Kendall, the three year old, wanted to play. His focus was often on building things out of his dominoes until he had to play one of them. I watched and he had some incredible "hands", but his focus was on building his "house" out of the remaining dominoes in his possession. <br>
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How many times is my focus on building my "house" not fully realizing the great blessings I have right within my reach? My friend, on this day of thanksgiving, let us realize and truly see all the blessings we have been given in our hands.... Our treasure is not in the things we can buy or have in our possession. Savor your memories being made today with your children, parents and grandparents as those are the real treasures in our life.... all too soon those moments will have passed to never return.<br>
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So, this morning I had an extra cup of coffee while I sat and visited with my parents. There was no need to rush, but just sip and treasure those beautiful moments. I am going to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade with my kids and just delight in the joy they find in it. I want all the hugs and cuddles they will give.... and, I think we will have a huge game of 42 later! <br>
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Those are my treasures! How about you?<br>
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Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving!Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-64516527552584390002013-11-22T09:53:00.000-06:002013-11-22T09:53:07.021-06:00Boys Eat.Boys eat. I mean, really... boys EAT. Some of you are laughing as I haven't even made it to the real impressive teen years of food consumption for my boys, but some days I just shake my head at it all. Kendall, the toddler, will wake me up with the words, "Can I have (yogurt, pop-tart, banana, cereal)? I haven't had any today!" Not...Good morning! Not.... I love you. Not... You are an incredible, awesome mother to get up early with me every morning. Nope. Just a request for food. The other day, Kendall had a banana, yogurt, bowl of cream of wheat, and a bowl of cereal for breakfast- and wanted a snack mid-morning!<br />
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This morning, the boys discovered that the new box of pop-tarts only had one single pop-tart remaining. A battle ensued over who would get the remaining breakfast treat that could simply be compared to a world wide war. How is a mother to handle such issues? I hadn't even had my first cup of coffee yet!?!? My response was <strike>calm and collected </strike>(okay, slightly agitated).....to offer to eat the remaining pop-tart which would not allow them to have any at all or to cut it into three parts. They chose the latter option. Food. It is very important to boys.... it may, in fact, be their love language.<br />
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So, here is the thought that hit me..... I want to hunger for God in the same way. I want to long and crave Him as much as the food I partake of at least three times a day. How does a longing like that grow? Love. When we fully grasp the depth and width of the love of God to send His only Son to take our place on the cross, a desperate, hungry love develops. When we fully recognize that Christ could have taken himself off the cross at any point, but remained in tremendous pain and heartache because it was His love for US that pinned Him to the wooden beams that day.... how can we not cling to such a beautiful love? It is a love so rich, so full, and so deep that there is nothing on this Earth to compare it to, and we struggle to understand it. <br />
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<em>"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21 NIV)</em><br />
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I want to grasp how wide and long and high and deep that love is for me.... and I want to know, to truly KNOW, this love. I am going to pray this scripture for myself over the next several days and weeks asking God to help me grow in insight over this. I want to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God because, my friends, that is what life is truly about- isn't it? Max Lucado stated in his book, <u>Just Like Jesus,</u> this, "Step away from the puny pursuits of possessions and positions, and seek your king. Don't be satisfied with angels. Don't be content with stars in the sky. Seek him out as the shepherds did. Long for him as Simeon did. Worship him as the wise men did. Do as John and Andrew did: ask for his address. Do as Matthew: invite Jesus into your house. Imitate Zacchaeus. Risk whatever it takes to see Christ."<br />
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This is just my opinion, but I think our world has tried to find joy and fulfillment in everything but the One who can truly satisfy. They long for Him, but seek filling in everything else. If we live a life of mission revealing the depth of His love for us to them.... we couldn't keep them from wanting a relationship with Him. This love, this grace-filled, passionate love is that addicting. <br />
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"Only a love that has no regard for vessels and jars- appearances or image- only a love that will lavish its most treasured essence on the feet of Jesus can produce the kind of fragrance that draws cynics and believers alike into His presence." (Gloria Gaither)<br />
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Oh Father, I want THAT kind of love! How about you? My friend, seeking the depth of His great love for us is a life-long pursuit. It is one that has no end because His love for us as no end. Why do we hold back from the One who loves us so much? I want to hunger for the things of HIM........<br />
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My plate is empty, Father. Fill it!<br />
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Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-41185358937413758722013-11-21T12:57:00.000-06:002013-11-21T12:57:47.179-06:00Trust the CookThis morning the boys helped me make pancakes. Carson took on the duties of mixing the batter while Caleb took charge of pouring the batter, cooking them, and flipping them. I love that they are willing (Okay, I don't really make it an option, but they comply fairly quickly) to help in the kitchen. I want my boys able to cook, clean and feed themselves when they move out of the house. So, anyway, as we were working together in the kitchen, we began to play some praise music. The time of praising Him while working together was so tender and sweet... it is those moments I will miss dearly when they grow too fast and leave my kitchen for their own. <br />
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As Carson mixed the batter, I realized that the proportions of the mix and water were very specific- and needed to be if the pancakes were to turn out correctly. It appeared that Carson may have added a little too much water and some additional mix had to be added. As I helped him stir and make ready the batter, the Lord reminded me that He is the one who knows the perfect "mix" for my life. The trials, challenges, victories, strengths, and weaknesses I have within my life and world are a perfectly designed mixture used to draw me closer to my Father. It is no accident when I am draw to my knees by the difficulties in this life- it is meant to make my reflection more like His own. He has the perfect recipe for each of our lives to grow and mature our faith. Never question what he chooses to add or detract from our world - instead praise and keep your eyes on the cook.<br />
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As Caleb waited on one of the first pancakes, he could not wait to flip that pancake! As a result, the pancake crumbled.....it was not ready to be flipped. I had to teach Him to watch the bubbles in the batter and explained that when most of the bubbles had formed and popped in the center, it was ready to flip. He just had to watch for the signs that it was ready. The Father whispered to my heart that I, too, have to wait for Him and His perfect timing. How many times have I rushed things- in a panic- and made a mess of my life because I wanted to rush His timing? Just like with the pancake, I have to watch for His timing and trust that the outcome will be so much better when I trust Him. I just get so impatient with waiting.... but, when I rest in my trust and faith of Him, the outcome is always better.<br />
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My friend, trust the pancake cook, and the pancakes will turn out well. Trust the Father and allow Him to create in you a well lived life! Blessings!<br />
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Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072590412110210653.post-75709701287716247592013-11-20T12:52:00.001-06:002013-11-21T12:13:46.170-06:00For My Busy Mom Friends...I enjoy coffee..... no, I love coffee. I confess to you that some nights I go to bed with a smile on my face because I know in just a few hours I will wake up and have the pleasure of savoring a cup. Yep, it is an addiction, my friends, an addiction. Today, I have thought a lot about why I enjoy coffee so much. As the weather becomes cooler, I love the warmth of holding the hot mug in my hands as well as how it warms me from within as I sip it. I also enjoy the flavors I tend to add to my coffee- while it might not be acceptable to eat an almond joy candy bar for breakfast, it is- in fact- perfectly acceptable to enjoy a cup of joe with almond joy creamer.... or hot chocolate chip cookie creamer, or crème brulee creamer, or cinnamon roll creamer..... I think you get the point. I also confess that I really do not enjoy mornings and having a slight jolt of caffeine makes the process of getting up and dealing with the onslaught of morning demands easier.<br>
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But, there is another reason I love coffee.... <br>
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I get to sit down when I drink coffee and do nothing. Nothing. For those brief moments of sipping my hot beverage I am not answering countless questions, tackling the long "To Do" list that grows daily, or cleaning our home that seems to never want to stay clean.... I get to sit. <br>
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I believe that I am like most moms in our society. We are so busy and rarely take the time to just sit and rest. Now, so many of us have to even take our coffee on the go because we can't even stop for those brief moments to savor it. So, we pick up our coffee through the drive up window and race through our "drive through" lives.... and we rush from one task to another. <br>
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Working moms are constantly trying to balance the demands of work, being an active and involved parent, committed spouse to their husband, and maintaining the home..... plus, making sure meals are on the table and clean clothes are in the closet. Working moms often struggle with guilt over how much time this all requires when they long to just spend some time with their kids and spouse. Stay at home moms are constantly pushing themselves for validation- trying to be the "perfect" mom, cook, baker, house cleaner, and parent because that is our job. So, we look for validation by staying over-committed and trying to maintain a level of perfection within our home that is never fully reached. The crazy part is that this too comes at the sacrifice of time with the ones we love.<br>
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Here is the common thread.... we are tired. Every... single... one... of ... us. We constantly question ourselves and our decisions. We give until our cup is empty. We kiss "boo-boos" and wipe tears. We love our kids and hate how fast they are growing. We skip meals to finish projects and grab take out because we are too exhausted to cook. We hug. We cook. We clean. And, we are tired.<br>
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I don't want to rush through this life. I want to savor the coffee in my cup and the fleeting moments of joy that life has to offer. I want to watch a movie from start to finish and play a board game with my kids. I want to have truly lived this life I have been given. I think there are many others who know what I am talking about..... but, the question is how? How do we make this happen?<br>
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It means saying one word that we often forget is effective.... "no". No, to frivolous activities that have no purpose. No, to having the perfect house with perfectly clean floors- no one eats off them really! (and even if they do, will it kill them?) No, to doing it all and having it all. No, to tasks and jobs we do because we felt pressured to do them. No, to making the best costume for our child's school program that will only last about 20 minutes. No, to defining our purpose by the expectations of others.<br>
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We also need to say "yes"... yes, to taking time for ourselves. Yes to take out meals when it is necessary- with no guilt- and yes, to sharing the workload. Yes, to lowering our expectations of ourselves and realizing it is okay to not live in a Pinterest approved home. Yes, to taking some time to read scriptures and pray. Yes, to a long bubble bath or a pedicure. Saying yes to yourself means you value the person God made you to be. It means you recognize that you have value and are important to others in your life.<br>
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My friends, my fellow moms, today find one thing you love and give yourself permission to enjoy it. Life will go on and you will be happier, rested and energized. Value yourself- remembering the precious creation you are in Christ and take the time to rest.... <br>
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My coffee pot is full and I am ready to share..... Have a blessed day!Juleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16475938653326684756noreply@blogger.com0