Just a thought...

One time Greg was preaching (I believe from Numbers 11) and he was talking about the fire of God... you have two options:

1) be consumed with it
2) be consumed by it.

I listened to a podcast this morning from our old church and Pastor Wayne Benson (not too sure who he is) was preaching on yet again... the fire of God, and he said the following...

1) the fire of God will comfort the afflicted
2) the fire of God will afflict the comfortable

There's something to it.

"Breathe"

by Anna Nalick is an amazing song. The lyrics are amazing... and remind me of my family. Immediate and extended -- the Bride.

People... if you know nothing about me - here is a window into my soul:

I think too much.

So frustrating... it's not something you can't do, but it's hard to stop once I start.

Jellyfish

I was able to watch the sunrise this morning. Can you take a guess at how long it has been since I've done that? I can't even tell you. It's been at least 17 months. I take every ounce of sleep I can get while T-Puppy is sleeping, which usually means waking anywhere between 8-9. As far as rising early and going to my solitary place... it's usually once T-Pup has had breakfast and is playing that I get to sit down and spend some time with the Lord. It was such a treat though to see the sunrise. I was reading in "Let Me Be A Woman" by Elisabeth Elliot, and I had totally new revelation. She says:

"The jellyfish and tiger know what they were made for. They, with all the sea monsters and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and frost, mountains and hills, beasts and all cattle, praise the Lord. By being a jellyfish, the jellyfish glorifies its Creator, for by being a jellyfish it fulfills its Creator's command."

So... who wants to be a jellyfish? (Sounds like a strange gameshow!). Rest in the fact today that you were created to glorify your Creator. Get up early and watch the sunrise. Walk in the image you were made in.

...it encouraged me, hope it can do the same for you :)

Remeber when?

Remember when my son was this small? Wow.


This past weekend, W had a overnight retreat to go to so I decided to leave town as well. T-Pup and I traveled together to Mtgy. He actually did really well. I definitely missed my hubby's presence though - as for us it is so much easier to travel with both parents. This weekend was my brother's last weekend at home - he left this morning for SOI (School of Infantry) and will be there for about 2 months. Also, an old friend from high school got married. I knew I would see some old faces, but I had no idea I would see nearly every face I haven't seen in 4-5 years.

I feel comfortable enough saying it was maximum overload for me. There were high school friends. There were college friends. There were the people who there was never friendship with because I wasn't in the party crowd. There was even a woman who somewhat chewed me out... yes. After speaking with her for a while I figured out there was a bit of bitterness for not being invited to my wedding. I guess she has had to hold in that frustration for nearly 3 years and then let it out as soon as she saw me. Crazy.

In the midst of all of this - I'm praying. Lord, please, somehow encourage me and let me encourage. Back in those days I was all about letting people know that my life was different from theirs. Now, not so much. My life is my life. I walk it each day as close to the Spirit of God as I can...but not perfect in any way. But, I don't want to "rub it in" anyone's faces. I would rather them see it, desire it, and walk the same way.

So... that was that. It was great to see my friend get hitched, and was great to see some old faces (and faces that I still communicate with - Stacy! And her belly with baby Captain Jack).

Spending time with my brother was... well, I'll say this. All frustration comes from unfulfilled expectation. I can't not love him, but some of the decisions he makes... he chooses to make them. I'm searching for the place to see him as the Lord sees him, to interceed for him as the Spirit does. To love him in spite of bad decisions. I long to be in that place with everyone in my life.

It's always good to travel, but it's always better to be home. I loved the moment of walking into our house, smelling that smell (a vanilla-cinnamon type smell), and just know that we're home. Back in our little cleft of the rock, our refuge... our abode in which we abide (couldn't leave it out, haha). T-Puppy is still adjusting. The day after traveling is usually rough for him, getting back into routine and all. Last night he was so restless - I think when W comes home for lunch we might take a power nap while Thomas is sleeping :) at least I will.

Well, my readers (all 4 of you) - continue in brotherly love.