Authenticity

 

If we don't acknowledge pain, strife, and imperfections, how can we relate to a hurting world?

 

There are some people whom I know but don't really know.

They always seem upbeat and positive and thankful. 

They are fun to be around because they seem to always see the glass as half full.

They have a way of making others feel discontent, without even trying to because they never reveal a struggle, a need, or a wound.

 

Yet, the ones dearest to my heart are not these ones with shallow smiles

and lives of perfection on display.

The dear ones aren't afraid to tell me that they totally blew it and yelled at their kids or that they are struggling in their marriage, or feeling faithless, depressed, hopeless, or over-tired. 

The ones close to my heart are the ones who know their humanity to the extent that they don't need to pretend that everything is always wonderful. 

Because we all know that it isn't and won't be...until Heaven.

 

It has been said that friendship begins the minute someone says, "No way!  You too?"

 

If you are looking for a true friend, a bosom buddy, a kindred spirit...someone who is truly going to rock your world, don't hide behind a perpetual smile or build a wall of pride and independence.  Don't be afraid to cry sometimes, or rage, or let them see you in your pj's, with dirty dishes or a bad attitude.  Ann Voskamp talks about how the walls we build to keep others out, (yes, even with a smiley, happy facade), become our prisons that isolate us.  I know that well, having lived through a time in my life where I refused to open up and overcome shyness, only to have people think I was snubbing them in pride when I was really just afraid.  True joy comes from being vulnerable, letting people know and love you just as you are. 

 

Authenticity is where awesome begins.

Unworthy To Be So Blessed...

Today, the verse that really jumped out at me during my Bible reading was Genesis 32:10a.  Jacob is begging God for help as he prepares to meet up with his brother Esau again after a long time away...after deceiving Isaac and stealing Esau's blessing.  He says to the Lord:

 

"I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant..."

 

I immediately thought of Dave Ramsey's famous line, "I'm better than I deserve." 

How accurate it is that all of the blessings in my life are not only undeserved, but ill-deserved. 

God has been endlessly faithful and loving even when I have gone my own way.......sometimes I don't even stop to consider this truth.

 

It's easy for me to get caught up in what isn't going right in my life or have selfish ideals of how life should be and forget how amazing it is that I am breathing, that I'm forgiven, and that I can think, and feel....for the wonder of my family, and little ones to grow and teach, and opportunities to share His love, and the blessings of provision for things we need. 

 

Yes, there is too much laundry to do.

Yes, that one kid of mine just cannot seem to understand the basics of math.

Yes, I have to get that bill mailed, and that person called, and that job done, and those chores finished, and that meal made, and those crumbs cleaned up, and that toilet scrubbed, and that package sent, etc. etc. etc.

Yes, motherhood seems overwhelming and absolutely exhausting many a day.

 

But I have so much to be thankful for. 

Chief among those many, many things that I can praise God for is His faithful presence, which is with me in any and every situation, including my toughest days as a wife and mom.

Psalm 126:3

 

 

I love to look back over my photos and remember special moments where God was at work.

This picture of my friend Lori is one of my all-time favorites as she trusted God for the safety of her baby after some difficult pregnancies and the stillbirth of her precious baby girl, Ava Grace.

When this picture was taken, she didn't know what would happen with her pregnancy, but she clung to this verse.  Just a couple of days after this was taken, she ended up being sent to Denver, many miles from home, to spend a few months at a special hospital, on bedrest, waiting for Asher's birth.  Asher was a healthy 3-pounder when he was born, 2 months early, and now he is the happiest, sweetest lil' 2 year-old guy ever!  And...just a week ago, a dear friend of Lori's gave birth to a baby girl and named her Ava in honor of Lori's child...what a beautiful gift!  

 

A Poem for Someone Who is Suffering

The Thorn
by Martha Snell Nicholson
(a "mendicant" is a beggar)

I stood a mendicant of God before His royal throne

 

And begged him for one priceless gift, which I could call my own.

 

I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart

 

I cried, "But Lord this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.

 

This is a strange, a hurtful gift, which Thou hast given me."

 

He said, "My child, I give good gifts and gave My best to thee."

 

I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore,

 

As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.

 

I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace,

 

He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face.

 

 

Weariness

My sweet friend blessed me with this little "Emergency Packet" of chocolate, coffee, and Bible verses at the beginning of the school year.

If you've ever dreamed of running away from being a mom...if you've ever felt completely swallowed up from the demands of caring for your children...if you are so tired you can hardly see straight...or just need a shot of encouragement and hope to keep going, this is wonderful post!  I've read it a few different times and it never fails to remind me where my strength comes from.

Saying Goodbye to Survival Mode Challenge--Day Two

 

Today's challenge was to stop comparing yourself to others and to think of the characteristics you like about yourself.  So many women today feel like they don't measure up...to the air-brushed photos of models and actresses we see or gorgeous displays of talent we see on Pinterest or other social media, to the "celebrity Christians" we tend to put on a pedestal, or even to our own friends and neighbors.  It was very good for me to sit down and make a list of my strengths and to ask my husband what he considers to be my talents/gifts.

 

I often focus on my weaknesses, failures, or flaws instead of being thankful for the talents and gifts God has given me.

 

One of the gifts my husband sees in me is that I'm an encourager, which is the whole purpose of this blog! 

 

Today, my devotional reading from "Streams in the Desert" included this little poem which I thought went along perfectly with today's challenge:

 

Others may do a greater work,
But you have your part to do;
And no one in all God’s family
Can do it as well as you.

 

 

A Beautiful Thought for the New Year

 

 

A lovely sunrise captured last week combined with a lovely quote from Ann's blog.

Invade 2014

As I scribble out a list of goals for 2014 and look to the year ahead I find my patience draining like water through a sieve at the kids' constant fighting, whining and demands....tarnishing the feeling of newness this day brings.  I'm thankful that God brought "Invade" to my attention today.  Though many of you have probably heard it, today was the first time I've heard it.  I love this song, and am making it my theme for 2014.

Jesus, come and walk the halls of this house,

Tread this place and turn it inside out,

with your mercy

Jesus, teach us the prayers that open these doors,

Until your light floods in and illuminates these floors,

And let your Truth be on our steps

and in these rooms.

Jesus, invade!