The Very First Time. . .

Three children equals LOTS of conversations about the dreaded 'O' word. . .

OBEDIENCE.

We talk quite a bit in our house about obeying the first time. . .delayed obedience is not obedience. . .IF I HAVE TO ASK YOU ONE MORE TIME YOU'RE GETTING YOU'LL BE SORRY!!!!!!!!! Not that I have ever resorted to yelling. *Please note the sarcasm *

It seems this is one of life's hardest lessons for those of us who might be, shall we say, slightly strong willed. I have NO IDEA where these children of mine get that particular trait.

Let's just say, probably not from their laid back Daddy.

Well, two of the little blessings were playing outside the other day on a crisp fall day-so gorgeous and rarer (is that a word) to come by with each passing day- that I gave them some extra time, but finally it was time for the Little's to come in for lunch then take their naps.

So, I called to them (secretly dreading what was about to come, KNOWING neither wanted to come inside) so I took a deep breath remembered that IN FACT I am the mom (seriously when did that happen??) and called them in from the stunning fall day.

Low and behold two little bodies came running! Praise the Lord and Glory!!

I began praising and praising them. " Great job coming the first time I called Guys, I am so proud of you! Treats after lunch because you obeyed the first time, even when it was hard!!"

Then my beautiful little daughter stopped 2 feet from the door. Just stopped. Looked at me and stopped. Two feet from the door.

No fit, no ugly attitudes, just stopped.

Big brother had run past us both by now and was inside waiting at the table.

I called her name again. ." Come on in, Honey. Remember we obey the first time Mommy says." Still just looking at me.

I took a few steps to her took her by the hand and lead her the rest of the way inside.

Now there are tears. . no not mine, but don't think that hasn't happened before!

Reassuring words. " Mommy always loves you but you aren't getting a treat after lunch like Brother. He obeyed the first time, you needed Mommy to help you obey."

Eventually, all was well and we had a peaceful afternoon. But, I couldn't help but thinking about my behavior when the Lord asks me to do something. How many times do I start strong but stop just inches from doing what He asked of me? How many times has He had to firmly take me by the hand and lead me to what He's asked of me?

How many rewards have I missed out on from not obeying the first time? Yes, I can still rest in the peace that I am loved and cared for by my Saviour, for that NEVER changes but how much better off would I be if I'd just do the thing the first time??

I'm so glad He never stops asking things of me and allows me the choice to obey the first time!

To Everything There Is A Season

Fall is in full swing here in my part of the country!

Leaves are turning beautiful colors, pumpkins and scarecrows abound and hot chocolate is in order when you come in from out side. Winter is quickly nipping at Falls heels this year!

As I was driving into our weekly Bible study at church, I was thinking about the seasons.

But, I wasn't thinking about the weather patterns here in middle America, I was thinking about the seasons of life.

Let me start by saying, Thursday mornings are a bit, shall we say HECTIC around here.

Things are on a tight clock Bible study mornings. In fact, my boys know on Thursdays you DO NOT mess around when it's time to get ready for school!

Typically, the two boys go off to school for the day and baby girl and I head to class.

I like to be there an hour before it's time to begin so I can get any last minute things set up make any copies and pray a prayer of dedication and blessing over our room.

Today was not a typical day.

The boys are out of school and a certain someone who is supposed to be potty trained chose this morning to not be.

And then there was the decision . .. is my 11 year old, old enough to stay at home by himself for the 4 hours I would be gone?!?

So, as we were making the 20 minute drive in I asked my 6 year old to 'please, sit quietly this is when Mommy prays and gathers her thoughts to Jesus on the way to Bible study.' He looked at me like I was crazy, but complied for as much as a little wild 6 year old boy can.

But, I must say the thought went through my head. . .I bet Beth Moore doesn't have to deal with all this in her way to teach Bible study!

And then as I looked around at the red and orange trees, the thought struck me.

It's only for a season.

Just like that there will be no chattering in the back seat, no calls to look at the picture being drawn, no chocolate milk to pour, no boo boos to kiss, so perhaps I should just sit back and enjoy the splendor before me. For that is what these little creatures are God has so daringly entrusted me with for this season.

So, we turned our praise on, sang a little louder and laughed at the sights we saw along the way.

And, I'm not sure, but I think perhaps I was a little better Bible study teacher today.

Thank you, Lord for the seasons. Help to embrace each one of them and to know that they are only here for a short time.

You just don't understand. . .. .

I was recently reading Psalm 139.

It is such a beautiful passage and each part has meant different things to me over the years.

But, one of the neatest (that is the theological term- from the Greek, meaning Awesome) and greatest things about the Bible is that it is alive and active! So, even reading a passage you've had memorized or have heard many times over can speak a fresh word to you. How cool is that?!

So, as I was reading, this verse struck me:

² You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
³ You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
(New King James Version)

I was just stuck by the second part of verse two.. .You understand my thoughts afar off.

It seems to me that women ( maybe men feel this way too, but I can only speak to the girls here) are forever trying to be understood or to make their Man understand them. Or their girlfriends, boss, children, Mom. You name it and we are forever trying to explain ourselves.

Why we do the things we do, why we feel the way we feel.

I found this verse so freeing.

Girls, we've got to let them off the hook. Hard I know, because we so desperately want someone (especial our man) to 'get us'.

BUT, you will be understood. Your creator understands you, He knows why you're doing what you're doing. And, might I be so bold to suggest that He loves and adores you for all your quirky ways?

Maybe, I am the only one that needs the reminder that he didn't just make this body

¹³ For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;^{b]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[b]}
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

But, He also made this mind, these emotions.

So freeing to know the Creator of the Universe understands my silly, scatterbrained, sensitive mind!

For me and those around me.

Let's stop trying to explain ourselves every 5 minutes and glory in the fact that the ONE who made us- knows and LOVES us--Yes, just the way we are!

That's What I Like About You

In honor of my firstborns birthday, eleven things that make him a great kid.

C, thanks for letting me be your mom and for putting up with being our 'practice kid'!

1) You love Jesus and aren't afraid to show it!

2) You love music and want to use to bring worship and honor to the Lord!

3) You have the best smile, it lights up your whole face!

4) You devourer books. I love the way you look at a new book like a treasure and can't hardly put it down!

5) You don't ever notice the color of people's skin! I've never once heard you refer to someone by the color of their skin!

6) You always try and include everyone and you hate to see someone feel left out or excluded!

7) You are so encouraging to Me about my Bible study & writing and the blog!

8) You love to dress up and go to new places!

9) You look at a vacation as an adventure and you enjoy the journey as much as the destination!

10) You like to smell good!

11) You love your Grandparents and spending time with them!

I could name lots more but those are 11 great reasons, I'm glad you are YOU!!

God blessed me beyond measure with my children. Being C's mom has been one roller coaster adventure after another. . . and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Thank you, Lord for making me have to hold on to You on this wild and crazy ride!