A Lesson Within A Lesson

"I want this Easter to be different." 

I can only imagine how perplexed my face must have looked as my 9 year old began our nightly "tuck-in-talk" with that statement.  He was so matter of fact...so determined...so sure. 

 

"Do you remember last year when I got so frustrated because I couldn't get my Lego pieces to fit together?  I wanted that to work so bad because, you know, it was cool.  I think I was so excited to have those Legos that I didn't even think about why I was really celebrating Easter.  This year I think we should read a devotion before we get too into everything fun."

 

Again, I just sat there looking into that sincere face.  I hugged him and we shared some very special time together.  After I left his room to go and finish up for the night my heart was soaring.  It is and has been our prayer from the beginning that our children would seek, no, that they would crave God's word.  We have prayed for our children to be surrounded by Godly role models, friends, and that WE, as parents, would exhibit the behavior that we would want them to mimic.  Hearing my little boy want to know more and keep things in perspective just did something to me.  For a time I felt proud.  I felt that we were doing the right things.  We were setting him up for success.  I was thankful we had found an amazing church that surrounded us with love and such sound Godly teaching.  Before I even realized it, I was taking credit for my son's faith.  Yes, perhaps we are planting the seeds and are blessed to watch them grow.  But God is the one who has led us to make the decisions we have made.  It has been through prayer and  his infinite wisdom that has brought my son to where he is today.

 

After shaking my head at how quickly I had gone off track, I once again thought about my son.

 

"I want this Easter to be different."

 

How can I make this Easter different?  How can I incorporate EVERYTHING and EVERYBODY??  I want it to be fun.  I love all the crafts and activities.  Hmmm.  Different...different...different.

 

And I realized at that moment, in trying to find ways to make this Easter different, I was once again caught up in the glamor of it all.  I was thinking about glitter, stickers, breakfast, and how to tie it all in with Jesus.  Shameful.  Jesus is not the "tie in" to Easter.  Jesus is Easter.  He is why we celebrate.  His sacrifice is what bridges our way into Heaven and his resurrection fulfilled his promise.  THAT is why we celebrate Easter.

 

Yes, my sweet child.  This Easter will be different.  It will be different indeed.   

 

 



Resolutions

It's that time again; time for new goals...new dreams...new beginnings.  It's a brand new year; time for those life-changing resolutions!

Some want to be more fit while others want to be more organized.  Personally, I want them both; along with being more fiscally responsible, a better time manager, a more submissive wife, be a more joyful server and to spend more time in the Word!  Wow, that's a lot!  In fact, at first glance, it could seem overwhelming.

As I paused to reread my lengthy list of wants, I realized something quite profound.  Although my desires seem quite daunting at first glance...they're really not...at all.

In fact, my resolutions can be summed up rather quickly.  This year I am going to spend more time in the Word.  By doing that I will become:  more fiscally responsible; a better time manager; a more submissive wife; a more joyful server and I will take better care of myself.  Everything we need to know to live our lives can be found in God's Word.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Dedication is never an easy thing for anyone.   However, by dedicating yourself fully to something, especially something as wonderful as our Creator, a whole new level of understanding and love will be revealed before our eyes. Besides, let's face it, in a world that's ever-changing, the only thing constant we have that we can fully rely on is God's Word.  He is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)  So, that is my New Year's resolution.  I am going to spend more time in the Word.  As for all of the other goals?  I know they will all fall into place.  

Take Five

It started out as any other day; breakfast, dishes, cartoons. It wasn't long, before we decided it was a good idea to do our Christmas cleanup. This is completely changing our family tradition, as we usually wait until after the New Year. I just thought it would be nice to start 2012 off with a freshly cleaned home. Plus, it would be great to have help hauling all the Christmas decorations back up into the attic.  What began with a simple Christmas "tear-down" quickly turned into a "clean your room, reduce your clutter, empty your junk drawer, go through your closet" kind of day.  It was a beautiful sight for a Mother to see.  Everyone was participating...except for the little ones of course.  They were peacefully playing on the floor with their new Cinderella castle. 

Mike and I were talking, when he came up with the most brilliant idea.  He thought the children should come up with 5 old toys they don't play with any more to donate to Goodwill.  I thought that was simply genius!  Especially since the children had been so blessed at Christmastime!  It would be a wonderful opportunity for them to "give back".  So we called a family meeting and Mike explained to the children what he wanted them to do.  I fully expected moans and groans along with all types of resistance; not one negative word came from their lips.  In fact, they were eager to pick out their toys.  It did take some time for them to filter through their goods, but they all made wonderful choices that would make any child happy.  What amazed me the most, is what started out with choosing 5 things quickly turned into 10 and then 15 and then 20 things.  Before it was all over, we had 5 big bags full of things to donate.  Of course, I did help them go through clothes to see what could be passed down and what could be donated, but as far as toys, books and art supplies; they did that all on their own. It's not everyday that we get the opportunity to help someone in a big way. However, everyday presents us with a chance to help someone in smaller ways. It can be as simple as holding the door for someone; thanking a cashier for her help or sharing a sincere smile.

While choosing 5 favorite toys to donate may be small potatoes to some, it was HUGE for my children. Sharing God's love comes in all shapes and sizes...and THAT'S what I want them to take from this. God will always present us with opportunities to help others. We just have to look.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others 

Philippians 2:4

Commitment

After 3 months of marriage

 

I, Ashley, take you Mike, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day 

forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to 

cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.

When I first looked into Mike's eyes and said my vows I just knew...as long as we had love we could get through anything!  I knew that our lives would always be as full of romance as they were right then and that no matter what, we would always be able to make one another happy.

Marriage.

We, like so many before us, fell into the trap of believing those common misconceptions that couples have when they say their "I do's".  We all think we are going to ride off into the sunset and our lives are going to be nothing but sunshine and butterflies.  Never do we dream of all the challenges we will inevitably have in store for us. 

Children...housework...deployments...arguments...work...family...loss...
sickness...debt...decisions...relocations

The one common denominator all these things hopefully have is commitment.  There are times in marriage
when you will be stretched and tested beyond your limits, or what you once thought were your limits.  There will be some times in your marriage when you will look at your spouse and not even like who you're looking at it.  Then there will be those pivotal moments when you realize there is no one else in this world you would rather walk through the pits of hell with than the man/woman you are married to.


Marriage is not always about the feeling of love.  At some point it becomes a decision to love.  A husband and wife have to decide over and over again to put forth the effort into the relationship, even when they don't feel like it and especially when those trials inevitably come along.  You have to decide to encourage one another; to respect one another and to put in the effort it takes to keep a marriage alive.

By no means do I have all the answers, nor will I EVER pretend to.  In fact, the ONLY thing I know for sure is that no relationship comes with a lifetime guarantee.  Author, Gary Thomas talks about marriage and says,

"If happiness is our primary goal, we'll get a divorce as soon as happiness seems to wane.  If receiving love is our primary goal, we'll dump our spouse as soon as they seem to be less attentive. But if we marry for the glory of God, to model His love and commitment to our children, and to reveal His witness to the world, divorce makes no sense." 

  

Remember...for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health...

until death do us part.

After 10 years of marriage.

Doulos

It's a word that not many are familiar with.  In fact, up until last Sunday I wasn't either.  However, it
is definitely something that can cause intense rebellion in some and immediate defiance in most. 

Doulos.

  1. A slave.  One who gives himself up to anothers will.
  2.  A servant.  

I squirmed in my seat last Sunday as my Pastor explained to the congregation what a doulos was and how it pertained to us as Christians.  Although slave and servant are both definitions of the same word, it can be a bit tricky as they, in fact, have slightly different meaning.  A slave, indicates a position of inferiority.  A person or position in which one cannot leave his master.  A servant on the other hand is when one chooses to serve his master.  As the service went on Brother Andy took a step further into some uncomfortable territory...sin.

We all do it.  We all battle with our own demons.  Some of us struggle with foul language...sexual immortality...gluttony...greed...anger...pride.  The truth of the matter is we're all going to be a slave to something...or someone.  We just need to choose our master.  Thankfully, that is a choice that God has left up to us to make.

We can choose to allow sin to dictate how we live.  We can allow sin to drag us down and give it the chance to define us as a person.  Or we can be the light of the world.  We can lead others to Jesus; show them what real, unconditional love is all about. That is what we're instructed to do. (Matt 5:16)

It is impossible to serve God and Satan at the same time.  I cannot be praising God with the same mouth I am shouting profanity with just moments beforehand.  I cannot possibly be living for God and harming His temple (my body) at the same time.  I must choose who I am going to serve; who I am going to be a slave to.  It seems, even as I type, that it would be such a simple choice.  However, as soon as I start thinking about my every move, thought and word, it suddenly becomes increasingly difficult.  Living for God is not as easy as it sounds.  It takes work.  You must constantly be on your toes and remind yourself to make the "next right choice."

I realize this blog is a bit more "preachy" than I normally am,  but for some reason it's been heavy on my heart all week.  I definitely think it is noteworthy for me to add that by NO means am I indicating that I am anywhere NEAR where I need to be in my walk with Christ...remember, I am a work in progress.  But I am always grateful for these quiet, precious moments when I can sit back and say WOW....I choose you right now.
 

Don't you realize you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey?  You can be a slave to sin, 

which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.

Romans 6:16

Finding My Focus

It has been a very long time since I've blogged.  So long, in fact, I'm afraid it would take days and days to catch up.  The ironic thing is, it's not as though things haven't been happening.  In fact, lots of fun things have been going on!  We've celebrated birthday's...gone to Disney...put Ethan back in public school...Victoria's started middle school...Ethan is playing TACKLE football...the twins may be going to preschool 2 days a week...Christian is reading full on chapter books and he's barely in the 1st grade....  Whew!!!  My fingers are tired just from typing it all.  As you can see, our lives have not stopped.  It's just me. 

The changes I am experiencing now are so different.  I don't fear these changes as I have others in the past.  But I must admit, the newness of everything is overwhelming...even though they are all good things!  It's been difficult adjusting to days with only the twins at home.  It sounds strange, I'm sure.  Having 2 children at home is a lot easier than 5, right?  Here's the thing...turns out I'm crazy in love with my kiddos.  While I am thoroughly enjoying my 'little girl' time, I miss having my big kids around.  Plus, now that all my children are back in school, they are spread out around town.  Yep, they are all three in three different schools and now that Victoria is in middle school there are many more things to keep up with.  Three afternoons a week we are rushing to hug, do homework and get out-the-door to be on time for football practices.  Every evening, I am checking and double checking to make sure all lunches are packed and that I've signed all agendas and papers...knowing if I forget, my child may be penalized.  It has been nuts.  I have found myself spending the majority of my time trying to stay one step ahead of the school.

All that being said, I have been so happy to have made it a habit to get up before the children and have my daily time with God.  That always sets me up for a good day.  However, I have realized that although I'm having my quiet time, I'm not really devoting myself to God.  I read my passages and I pray...but I can't honestly say that I don't have other things going through my mind.  I have lost my focus.  I have been so busy thinking about the daily "to-do's" that I haven't been fully committing myself to the One who made all things possible...to the One who blessed me with these children to look after...to the One who has allowed me to stay at home and take care of my family.  Starting today my mind, body and soul will act as one when I am spending time with my Creator.  Perhaps, having put things in perspective, my life will not seem as chaotic.

Thank you Lord for helping me find my focus. 

The Tough Questions

I Will Praise You In This Storm

By: Casting Crowns

I was sure by now

God You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day

But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear Your whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

And every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I remember when

I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry to you

And you raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on

If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

And every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes unto the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord

The Maker of Heaven and Earth

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sometimes God allows things to come our way that seem so unfair. Sometimes/oftentimes, they're things we never saw coming. What do we do when we feel the rug has been pulled out from under us by the One who loves us the most? Well there it is...the question that so many of us think, but often don't admit. 'Geesh, things were going so well God, why would you allow this to happen?' or 'Why me?' or just 'Why?' It's so hard to wrap our minds around those thoughts, take them captive and own up to them. The truth is...our God is big enough to handle them. ALL of them. The bottom line is when that blasted rug is pulled, no...sometimes yanked from beneath us, those are the times our faith is tested the most. Now that we're in these new predicaments, what are we going to do? Yes, initially we're going to question, be sad, be angry, but then what? What do we do with these new situations? How do we deal with the unknown? How do we face the uncertainties that lie ahead. Believe me, I can recite the Sunday school answer of "just trust God". How can something be so simple and yet so difficult at the same time? The answer: it just is. Praising Him through the storms of life is what faith is all about. It's not easy. I struggle with it constantly. However, time and time again God has gently shown me that He indeed has a plan for me. I am so thankful for the spiritual growth that has developed within me over the years and I know that without changes that have seemed so painful I never would be where I am now. So, I will trust, that although the time has come for yet another change and again my heart may be aching...I will praise Him through these storms.

"When you go through deep waters,

I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty,

you will not drown.

When you walk through the fires of oppression,

you will not be burned up;

the flames will not consume you.

For I am the Lord, your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

Isaiah 43: 2-3

Perfection? I Don't Think So.

This morning my family and I decided to load up and head to Atlanta for the day! We had big plans folks! Earlier in the week we made the decision to adopt a puppy and today was the day we were all set to pick up the newest member of our family! Along the way we ran into one of the coolest school supply stores I've ever seen! It was called The School Box. In fact, it looked so neat that we thought everyone should partake of it's goodness : ) That's right, we unloaded everyone and went inside together to check out what treasures this shop had to offer. It still makes me giddy just thinking about it...it had EVERYTHING! My favorite part was that the clearance stuff was right up front! Plus, they were practically giving away good stuff! Seriously...did these people know what was in these clearance bins and what their "sticker prices" actually said!!?! After I picked my jaw up from the floor I continued on my pursuit to find good deals that will help with our school. I was looking at books for cursive writing and came across this one:

This was a great book to teach a child cursive and the price was definitely right. The problem was and still is the saying in the medium sized star at the top left-hand corner...Practice Makes Perfect. I'm not sure if anyone else would even give this a second thought, but my mind began to move a thousand times an hour. "What do they mean practice makes perfect?" "Those are forcing unreal expectations on children!" "Do they realize no one can be perfect at anything no matter how often they practice?" On and on the dialect went in my brain...almost to the point where I just had to walk away and take a deep breath. What was holding me back you might be asking? I'm ashamed to admit it...the price. After much deliberation I decided to keep the book and use this ridiculously unachievable saying as a "teachable moment" for my children. Number one...God's Word specifically tells us that perfection is unobtainable. The only perfect person was Jesus Christ. Number two (how can I even follow #1 up with a #2) a better slogan for our family to have might be Practice Makes Progress. That, to me, sounds more obtainable...don't you think?