Lineage of Grace

Today we concluded our five week Bible Study, Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers. This study impacted me more than many and for what reason, I'm still not sure. It could be that in each story, although very familiar to me, a different lesson gripped my heart. In Tarmar, I learned that we can overcome our circumstances. In Rahab, I learned that the faith of my parents is not enough. I need my own, God given faith that I must seek and find alone. In Ruth, I learned about loving others and putting their needs before my own. In Bathsheeba, I learned about God's redeeming Grace. No matter what my downfalls may be, God is always there to pick me up and forgive me as long as I come to Him with a humble heart.

But out of all the stories, Mary's story touched my heart the most. We've all heard the story of Jesus but to hear it from Mary's point of view was so overwhelming. I thought about what it would be like to mother the Son of God. To know that the child you bore would one day save the world! What a feeling! We all are blessed by the children God gives us and they have so many great purposes to fulfill, but none as great as the one Jesus was sent to complete. I was reminded of a very important lesson through the story of Mary as well. The children that God gives us are not ours. God entrusted Jesus to Mary and Joseph, just as He entrusts us with our special gifts, to grow and nurture until the day He would fulfill His calling. As Grace and Matthew's mother, I find myself worrying about their spiritul lives and the huge task set before me to lead them on the right path. Rather than worry, I have been called to spend my days loving them, teaching them the ways of Christ and modeling a godly life. After that, I must let go and let God. I pray everyday for them but just as Mary could not worry about her precious Son, I too must put my faith in the One who gave me my preicous babies. They belong to Him and if I am faithful to do my part, He will be faithful to do His.

Where Does the Time Go?

I was riding in the car with my sister last night and she played this song for me.  It reminded me how quickly the time with our children goes.  As a mom who feels like there is never enough time in the day, I felt challenged to focus on my children rather than the things that will always be there.  Sure there are things that need to be done...laundry, meals prepared and an occaisional wipe down of germy surfaces...but why must I continue to stress about things that don't really matter?  This is the time of my life where I will have toys all over the floor, a continual flow of laundry and dishes that NEVER seem to stop and dust on my furniture.  I pray that the Lord will help me to look past these things and concentrate on playing with my children, loving on my them and teaching them to be the godly children that God has called them to be.  I thank the Lord for little reminders, such as this song, that keep me focused on His calling and purpose for me at this time in my life.  So, I'm off to build some towers out of blocks and dress up like a princess!!

Ecclesiastes 3:1
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

Ready, Set, Here I Go!

Well, I have decided to become a blogger.  I have been thinking about all of the many new things that I am taking on in my life and I decided that this would be the best way to record it all.  I used to do so well recording our family happenings in a scrapbook but since becoming the mommy of two I have quickly let that fall by the wayside.  Not to mention, my memory is fading fast and I thought this would be a nice, quick, easy way to record all of the amazing adventures that God is leading us on.  So welcome to our crazy, busy, blessed life!  I hope we make you laugh and encourage you on this journey we call life!  Ready, set, here I go!