Non-negotiables

Everyone has at least one non-negotiable. They are found in contracts, parent/child relationships, and even what you are looking for in a new car or house. I was thinking about non-negotiables in my life especially in terms of my schedule. I was listening to Beth Moore and she talked about how as a young mother she carved out time with God each day. It was a non-negotiable. I find often when my schedule gets busy or I get up late, I am tempted to forgo my time with God. When I do neglect this time, I miss walking fully in His strength. I may even miss some wisdom that would help with the problems that arise during the day. When I do take the time, I find things don't necessarily go better but I do realize I am not alone. Most of all, the fruit of the Spirit is more likely to evident in my interactions.

In the weeks ahead our schedule will be crazy but I am planning on making my time with God a non-negotiable for each day. It won't be easy and I won't be doing it on my own strength. Each day I have a choice. I just need to make the right one.

Dear God, Thank you that you want to spend time with your children each day. May I look forward to my time with you each day. May I be a Mary at your feet, taking in your wisdom and taking time to worship. In Jesus name, Amen

Sleeping Habits

In the past few years, I have had some trouble off and on with a left sore hip and my left side of my jaw also being sore. The chiropractor I went to suggest I try sleeping on my back which would keep my body in better alignment. It was hard at first but after some time I was able to sleep comfortably on my back. I did find this helped my hip and jaw so continued with this new sleeping habit. The last few evenings I have found myself full of energy and restless. I could not get to sleep. I soon found myself turning over to sleep on my stomach and soon was asleep. In my struggle to find sleep I resorted to an old habit that left me slightly sore in the morning.

I find that something similar happens in my personal life. Good relational skills are developed and then stress comes and poof I am retreating to old ways of relating that are not good. I am sure the only way for this to be overcome is not in my strength but God's. To everyday submit myself to be filled by God's spirit.

The next few weeks will involve travel, stresses, goodbyes and all sorts of adventures. I pray that I will be able to walk each day in the Spirit and not resort to old habits that do not promote God's kingdom.

Dear God, Thank you for how you continually work in making us more like Your Son. May I seek each day to walk in the steps You have for me. May the fruit of your Spirit be evident in all my interactions. In Jesus name, Amen

Thoughts on Packing

It seems these past few months I have done much packing and unpacking and yet I am again in the stage of packing once again. As I look to our departure overseas, my mind is filled with many thoughts. Will I need this or that? Can everything possibly fit? Should I buy the next size up for the kids in shoes, shirts, etc? I think of the Proverbs 31 woman and how she provided for her family and wonder if I have planned sufficiently. My mind then remembers Phil4 and God's promise to supply all our needs and Matt 6 where Matthew reminds us of God clothing the lilies of the field. To me, it is a tightrope. We are to be good stewards yet trust God's provision. My prayer is that I am doing both.

Dear God, Thank you so much for your provision in every area. May you be in our packing. May we think of those things that we will need to get here. May we trust also in your supplying our needs. Be with us as we make many transitions. May we do so with grace. In Jesus name, Amen

17 Years

Today is my 17th Wedding Anniversary and I thought I would share my bouquet of 17 flowers with you. When we were dating my DH gave me red daisies once and I have loved them ever since. Tonight W and D will hang out with their Aunt and Uncle while their mom and dad go on a date.

This year has been one of our toughest years and by God's grace we feel like our marriage is stronger than it was. We have been challenged in our communication and staying connected. Most of all, we have discovered that our marriage is worth the fight and work needed to make it what God wants it to be.

Here are my take aways on marriage for the year.
1. Pray, pray, pray. Marriage is a picture of Christ and the church and for that reason is an enemy of Satan. I am in prayer not only for my marriage but those around me. My prayer is also for God to show me how to be the wife my DH needs.
2. My DH and I need not only quality time but quantity time as well. It helps us know that we are both on the same page and see each others heart. Our morning walks have been a good way for us to not only get exercise but talk about the day. In the evening, it is good when we are able to talk for a few minutes and maybe just enjoy some time reading or watching something on the computer.
3. Timing is key. This year I have learned about the boxes men have where things are compartmentalized and they like to focus on one thing at a time. One thing I have started doing is emailing my husband with things I don't want to forget to tell him or even things we need to address as a family. It helps us with the thought process and timing. Also it's kind of fun.
4. I am married to an amazing man who wants the best for our marriage and family just as I do. I always need to remember this as I trust him to lead our family.
5. God is using my family to make me more like Jesus. This means I need to focus on what kind of wife and mom I am rather than trying to help everyone else with their jobs.
6. God is good.

Dear God, Thank you for 17 years of marriage with my DH. May you be in the center of all we do. May our marriage glorify you as we seek to serve you each day. In Your Son's name, Amen

Blue Hole

This past Saturday my family and I were on a hike in Hells Canyon, Oregon. The hike started off innocent enough meandering along a rushing stream through a forest. A lady had said the hike would be two miles to the Blue Hole and of course two miles back. About a mile into the hike we came to a stream that went over our trail. We would have to go across a log to get to the other side. Now I don't really like this kind of thing but being a good sport I went across. We had three more water crossings so I thought that was enough challenge for me. We could tell we were getting closer to the Blue Hole by the soundof rushing water but the trail was getting a little more tricky. As I looked ahead, I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to proceed. It looked a little scary. My mind raced with what ifs in regard to myself and my children. What if someone slipped? What if someone was hurt? My DH noticed my reluctance and tried to reassure me that it would be okay. I still wasn't quite so sure. He then asked me if I trusted him. I wanted to tell him yes but I hesitated. My DH does a great job of keeping us safe and making wise choices on our hikes. I had no reason not to trust but my mind was overwhelmed with my fears. I admitted I did trust him a little but it was hard. Gulping down my fears, we proceed. My children had no fear. They simply followed trusting their guide. I tried to do the same. I found the trail to not be as scary as I had feared. I soon relaxed and began to enjoy the adventure and the view. After a few more minutes of hiking, we came to the Blue Hole, an area of rushing water where salmon can get trapped. It was beautiful and well worth overcoming my fears. God has a trail each of us are to follow. Sometimes the way is easy just like strolling by a stream and through fields of wild flowers. Other times there are streams and other obstacles we must overcome. As we navigate through what God has for us, our faith grows and we learn to trust when things get hard. Still there are times when we look ahead and we freeze. The path ahead is unknown. It looks scary. Our mind is full of worries real and imagined. God asks us as my DH did, "Do you trust me?" Do I trust Him? The obvious answer is yes. How can you not trust God? But you hesitate. You want to believe and even voice your concern. It is then that God takes us by the hand and leads us through the unknown proving his faithfulness once again. The days ahead for us are full of the unknown. At this time, I am not fearful but am able to trust in God who has seen us through thus far. Yet I know myself and know I will be faced with the question of "do you trust me?" again and again. In those unknown situations I hope to cling to the promise found in Isaiah 43:2. " When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

Dear God, Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for loving me and taking me by the hand even when I doubt. May I remember perfect peace is found only in trusting you. Amen