Thoughts Again In Philippians

One reading my post may conclude that this may be a bit much. Philippians again?! I have to share, however. I love looking at the original language to help me understand better what God has chosen to write. Not that I know the original languages, mind you. I use www.blueletterbible.org to help. The words "take hold of" jumped out at me. They are in there three times. It is written as something that I should do as well as something Christ has already done. The words have an urgency and passion to them. It's not like grabbing something off the shelf at Shop-Rite as I am walking by to add to my heap of groceries, but it is a pursuing or chasing after something (think having your toddler run away from you and is heading into the street). God has something for me to chase after, to have passion for. He chased and pursued me with passion. Paul refers to straining for what is ahead. It involves stretching. There is a prize at the end of this crazy human race. It is worth the pain, the stretching, the pursuit. In my finite mind, one that likes instant gratification, I have trouble keeping that prize in sight. God help me not to get stuck in today and forget to keep moving.

Three for Tea

I had the blessing of having lunch with my mom and youngest daughter today. Grant it, I didn't always consider it a blessing as I was wiping chocolate and sweet cream off of things and making an emergency bathroom run with my little one in the middle of my meal. Despite that we enjoyed our time at the Picket Fence in Haddonfield - great food, chic atmosphere, calming music, beautiful artwork, pleasant service. The real blessing is living close enough to mom to be able to grab lunch occasionally. I love to talk to her. She is a wise woman.

What is Your Interest?

I was reading again in Philippians today. (Great book of encouragement, but be prepared to be challenged in your thinking.) Paul talks about Timothy and comments that he, Timothy, is the only one who takes a genuine interest in Philippian people. Everyone was looking out for themselves. Paul could have looked into my home today in 2008 and said the same thing - and not the praise of Timothy! Sure I can have the token times when I care what others need. I am a mom! But do I really care and put my interests aside as a rule in my life or only when it is convenient? I am not sure how to work this out. How do I make my interests that of Christ?

Panera Date

I am thankful for a wonderful husband who will meet me for lunch at Panera. I love dates. We have been married for 18 years. I trust that we never get tired of spending time together.

Butterflies

I am down to only one child this week. I have to say that as the other three were going their separate ways, I had feelings of butterflies in my stomach. Maybe it's the controlling mom syndrome. Maybe it is that they are my life and when they aren't here it is quiet and my focus has to change. I actually enjoy having my kids around. That said, it is a great thing that they are gone for their sake. Two of them are camping with grandparents - making memories. They will come back exhausted and dirty, but being outside for a week, being creative, and spending time with their grandparents is priceless. My second daughter is at camp this week. She was so excited she couldn't sleep. I was excited for her. She is my social butterfly and loves meeting new people. She is at New Life Island, a Christian camp where I attended as a child. If you ever have the chance to send your child there, do it. What a blessing to have a fun camp where the values and teachings are affirming what you are teaching at home. Our children have always come back not only with a new collection of silly camp songs and crazy stories, but also they are challenged and changed. Well that leaves my baby - really my little girl of 4. We went grocery shopping with Goldfish in tow. We have time for more books and little girls' stuff. I think my week will go too fast.

Watch Your Tongue

I have joked that the verse posted for today is our family verse. Wouldn't life be much better if our kids didn't argue and complain? Well, what would happen if we parents followed the same advice? Our generation definitely has its problems. This verse says that I should be without fault and a shining star within it. How convicting! Am I any different? Are my words encouraging and guiding or are they demanding and self-seeking? The second word , 'everything', jumped out at me. I like to set my own rules. Surely complaining and arguing is acceptable when I really need to get my point across. God doesn't mince words and he is very careful which ones He has put into His Word. 'Do everything without complaining and arguing' should be cut and dry. Life would be so much easier and more pleasant if I just obeyed what God has simply said.

Things Not Normally Heard From a Four-Year Old

. . . can I have a piece of broccoli?
. . . please?
. . . would you mind if I set the table?
. . . I want to take a nap

Peaceful Moments

My son is always on the move. On the beach, with a kite, he was so serene and peaceful.

Discernment

What is discernment? We use that word a lot in our home. Recently it has been a topic of discussion in our Sunday ABF as well. Basically it comes down to thinking Biblically. Why is that so hard for Christians? How can we see both the good and the bad and still choose the bad? I know that our old nature is powerfully at work, but why do we have to make it easy for him to win? Recently I was challenged with a question about our family rules. I wasn't sure how to answer. As my daughter says, "We don't really have a constitution. If Mom and Dad say to do something, you do it." I gotta love that response. Seriously, though, discernment doesn't necessarily involve a list of do's and don'ts. It means examining the facts and testing them to see if they line up with what God has already said to be true. Our problem comes when we don't really want to listen to the truth.

Just Beginning

Welcome to my first attempt at blogging. I don't presume to know what I am doing, however, I hope you can catch a glimpse into my family and the life that God has chosen for me. My life as a wife, mother, teacher, mentor and whatever else comes my way is a journey filled with growing and learning.
I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and four great kids. The kids' ages range from 4-14. They are all unique which is awesome, however, that makes parenting that much more interesting. I enjoy the blessing of teaching our kids at home. Again, that brings its own challenges, but I am thankful that God has asked us to do it and we took on the challenge.
God is working, as He does. Life is busy and throws us much to think about, but I hope you will join me in looking for His blessings daily in the midst of those challenging times.