So there is something you should know about me... I can be mean.
Mean, Mean, Mean.
When I get tired, stressed, lonely, hurt or sometimes for know reason at all (my husband is shaking his head in agreement) I can just be plain old mean.
Hence this morning when I was reading a book... which I will blog about tomorrow on... I came across this verse and have decided to practice what it preaches.
You may not be mean like me sometimes...but everyone can use a little truth.
Ephesians 4:31-32 (The Message)
31-32Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
(NIV)
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Getting rid of ALL of it,
Lindsey
Showing posts with label God Sized Things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God Sized Things. Show all posts
Monday, April 9, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Message Monday: The Beginning of Holy Week
He came. On a donkey.
4-5This is the full story of what was sketched earlier by the prophet:
Tell Zion's daughter,
"Look, your king's on his way,
poised and ready, mounted
On a donkey, on a colt,
foal of a pack animal."
6-9The disciples went and did exactly what Jesus told them to do. They led the donkey and colt out, laid some of their clothes on them, and Jesus mounted. Nearly all the people in the crowd threw their garments down on the road, giving him a royal welcome. Others cut branches from the trees and threw them down as a welcome mat. Crowds went ahead and crowds followed, all of them calling out, "Hosanna to David's son!" "Blessed is he who comes in God's name!" "Hosanna in highest heaven!"
10As he made his entrance into Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken. Unnerved, people were asking, "What's going on here? Who is this?"
11The parade crowd answered, "This is the prophet Jesus, the one from Nazareth in Galilee."
Humbled,
Lindsey
One that had never been ridden. Because no one could do what He was going to do. He was the only one who could ever do what He was about to do. Because...HE IS JESUS.
The one and only. The only god we chase after who can where the title of Savior.
This is the beginning of Holy week. The week we celebrate the last few days, hours and minutes of this God-Man's life. The life that has swept mine up into His. He who has saved me from utter darkness. He who just simply Is.
They welcomed Him with the laying down of their coats, the laying down and waving of palm branches. The crying of the word "Hosanna!" which aptly means "SAVE US!" was ringing throughout the city.
They didn't want to be saved the way He was going to save them. He would die a horrific death and thus destroy their dreams of being the king they expected. They were going to be disappointed.
If they only could see what we see...how his death has saved so many of our lives. How it has saved mine.
Read his triumphal entry. Let it change you.
The Royal Welcome
1-3When they neared Jerusalem, having arrived at Bethphage on Mount Olives, Jesus sent two disciples with these instructions: "Go over to the village across from you. You'll find a donkey tethered there, her colt with her. Untie her and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you're doing, say, 'The Master needs them!' He will send them with you."4-5This is the full story of what was sketched earlier by the prophet:
Tell Zion's daughter,
"Look, your king's on his way,
poised and ready, mounted
On a donkey, on a colt,
foal of a pack animal."
6-9The disciples went and did exactly what Jesus told them to do. They led the donkey and colt out, laid some of their clothes on them, and Jesus mounted. Nearly all the people in the crowd threw their garments down on the road, giving him a royal welcome. Others cut branches from the trees and threw them down as a welcome mat. Crowds went ahead and crowds followed, all of them calling out, "Hosanna to David's son!" "Blessed is he who comes in God's name!" "Hosanna in highest heaven!"
10As he made his entrance into Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken. Unnerved, people were asking, "What's going on here? Who is this?"
11The parade crowd answered, "This is the prophet Jesus, the one from Nazareth in Galilee."
Humbled,
Lindsey
Thursday, March 29, 2012
I get to what?
Good morning...and I do mean good! All to often, I wake up feeling differently. Feeling as though my days are not really good, not really bad. Just working to get through another one. Another season. Another stage. (honesty)
But today it so happens, Caroline woke up early and was ready to nap by 8am this morning. So I laid her down and picked up my favorite book and Bible. These words I read:
"The sun climbs the horizon. I throw back the covers, take another breath and begin. I get to. I get to Live." (Ann Voscamp, One Thousand Gifts)
My mind flashes to fifteen minutes prior where my little girl climbed up into my lap, laid the palm of her hand on my face and giggled. A giggle which erupted out of nowhere. Out of thin air. Out of the breath the Lord gave her.
I get to Live.
I get to. She gets to. You get to.
It's as profound as it is simple. We make these days harder on ourselves than they are. (And believe me...these days are hard.) But we are here. We get to Live. We get to breathe. The world might feel like it's falling in around us...but we are here. Here to love on the ones closest to us. To giggle for no reason. To cry when something hurts. To speak up for those who can't speak up. We get to pray. We get to see God in our children. We get to walk out in the sunshine on beautiful spring days. We get to lay down and sleep at night...and wake up to a new day.
I know what it feels like to walk each day out, just trying to pass through. Ann Voscamp calls it the "walking dead". I do it so very often. But to really live, to really embrace each day for the gifts it holds is where I want to be. What I want to do. Even if those gifts come with challenges and pain. I just want to feel...to feel each and everything that comes our way is to Live.
Where I began journaling these wanderings in my journal this morning, was this verse: (I love how God does this)
Psalm 136:2-3, 26
Give thanks to the God of gods. Give thanks to the Lord of lords. Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.
That's it right...a place to start living. Give thanks to God. Give thanks for this day and every day you have. Live them. Fully Live them. Be thankful for them.
I am not preaching to you, but with you. I don't want to waste another day just existing. I want to be fully here for C, for my husband, for my God and for you. Life may be challenging, difficult, hard at times...but each morning I wake with a new day (a new opportunity) to live. I have a choice.
And today...I am Going to Live life today...
But today it so happens, Caroline woke up early and was ready to nap by 8am this morning. So I laid her down and picked up my favorite book and Bible. These words I read:
"The sun climbs the horizon. I throw back the covers, take another breath and begin. I get to. I get to Live." (Ann Voscamp, One Thousand Gifts)
My mind flashes to fifteen minutes prior where my little girl climbed up into my lap, laid the palm of her hand on my face and giggled. A giggle which erupted out of nowhere. Out of thin air. Out of the breath the Lord gave her.
I get to Live.
I get to. She gets to. You get to.
It's as profound as it is simple. We make these days harder on ourselves than they are. (And believe me...these days are hard.) But we are here. We get to Live. We get to breathe. The world might feel like it's falling in around us...but we are here. Here to love on the ones closest to us. To giggle for no reason. To cry when something hurts. To speak up for those who can't speak up. We get to pray. We get to see God in our children. We get to walk out in the sunshine on beautiful spring days. We get to lay down and sleep at night...and wake up to a new day.
I know what it feels like to walk each day out, just trying to pass through. Ann Voscamp calls it the "walking dead". I do it so very often. But to really live, to really embrace each day for the gifts it holds is where I want to be. What I want to do. Even if those gifts come with challenges and pain. I just want to feel...to feel each and everything that comes our way is to Live.
Where I began journaling these wanderings in my journal this morning, was this verse: (I love how God does this)
Psalm 136:2-3, 26
Give thanks to the God of gods. Give thanks to the Lord of lords. Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.
That's it right...a place to start living. Give thanks to God. Give thanks for this day and every day you have. Live them. Fully Live them. Be thankful for them.
I am not preaching to you, but with you. I don't want to waste another day just existing. I want to be fully here for C, for my husband, for my God and for you. Life may be challenging, difficult, hard at times...but each morning I wake with a new day (a new opportunity) to live. I have a choice.
And today...I am Going to Live life today...
(I hope you do too)
LindseyMonday, March 26, 2012
Message Monday
I am slightly obsessed with Eugene Peterson's rendition of the Bible, called The Message. I love the way the words are written as if it were just a conversation between us and the Lord. I find myself often challenged by the simplicity of it, the ease of the words find more power for me.
So I am starting Message Monday, where I share with you passages of The Message that I am currently learning from. I have been toiling now in the "Beatitudes" and I love the beauty of them this morning. Drink of the words...let them fill the cravings you have with the substance of Him.
3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
That, my dears, is what it means to be blessed. (Much different than what the world defines it as)
I am blessed,
Lindsey
So I am starting Message Monday, where I share with you passages of The Message that I am currently learning from. I have been toiling now in the "Beatitudes" and I love the beauty of them this morning. Drink of the words...let them fill the cravings you have with the substance of Him.
Matthew 5
You're Blessed
1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
That, my dears, is what it means to be blessed. (Much different than what the world defines it as)
I am blessed,
Lindsey
Friday, March 16, 2012
Truth
I write this as I am finishing drying tears from my face.
Do you ever read things that just ring truer than true in your heart. Where it almost startles you as emotion begins to heave the sighs of truth from the center of your heart. That drum starts beating and you can feel the heat rise behind your cheeks...it's there. The Truth.
I share with you what it was that sent tears streaking down my cheeks a few sentences is.
Read it. Hear it. See the Truth.
Let it change you.
Do you ever read things that just ring truer than true in your heart. Where it almost startles you as emotion begins to heave the sighs of truth from the center of your heart. That drum starts beating and you can feel the heat rise behind your cheeks...it's there. The Truth.
I share with you what it was that sent tears streaking down my cheeks a few sentences is.
Read it. Hear it. See the Truth.
Let it change you.
The Importance of Being the Prodigal Parent
I don’t know who said you couldn’t, but they were dead wrong.
You could be death wish over a toilet, a flagrant sinner over a credit card, a Pharisee over a pulpit, and it doesn’t matter.
It doesn’t matter a hill of beans.
And it’s a hill I’d die on, because that’s exactly why a Carpenter really did:
Whoever you are, wherever you’ve been, whatever you’ve done and whatever story you own — you can always come home again.
Read the rest of it here...
A Prodigal Parent,
Lindsey
You could be death wish over a toilet, a flagrant sinner over a credit card, a Pharisee over a pulpit, and it doesn’t matter.
It doesn’t matter a hill of beans.
And it’s a hill I’d die on, because that’s exactly why a Carpenter really did:
Whoever you are, wherever you’ve been, whatever you’ve done and whatever story you own — you can always come home again.
Read the rest of it here...
A Prodigal Parent,
Lindsey
Thursday, March 8, 2012
A New Way to Pray
I have written a couple blogs before on praying for your child, or prayers I have prayed for C. But to be honest I have not fully mastered exactly how to pray for my sweet one.
What's even worse I have failed so often to daily pray for her and my husband out of my own self-pity stage. I have rambled on and on about me, my needs, my problems...but stop there. My sweet Father has gently been reminding me that I NEED to be praying for them (husband and daughter) I NEED to be interceding (BIG Christian word) for them.
As I read my Bible I see Paul and the other Apostles say things like "I have not stopped giving THANKS for you, remembering you in my prayers." Ephesians 1:16
"We always thank God the Father when we pray for you." Colossians 1:3
"We CONSTANTLY pray for you" 2 Thessalonians 1:11
We love well when we pray for one another. I am never loving my family more than when I pray for them. But how often I fail at this.
It's because I bite off more than I can chew. I feel as though I have to get everything in every time I pray. I have to pray for our marriage and Caroline's future spouse. I need to pray for their walk with the Lord. I have to pray for work and work ethic. I have to pray for their mind and thought life. I have to pray for their relationships. I have to pray for their faith.
So much to pray for. So much.
So I have decided that I am going to pray a new way. I will pray for all these things but break them down over the course of the week. Each day I will pray for a specific thing listed above. I will start with thankfulness as that seemed to be a running theme Paul kept bringing up. Just to praise the Lord for putting these 2 extraordinary people in my lives. To praise them for their uniqueness. Praise Him for allowing me to be in their lives.
Then from there, Monday through Saturday, I will pray for a different facet of their lives. Just a little bit each day. Less of me...more of them. More of Him.
I journal my prayers...it helps me to stay focused. I can look back and see where prayers have been answered where tears have stained the sheets of paper. I love having these treasures. One day when I am gone my sweet daughter will have them to remember me by. She will know my heart for her and the cries of my heart for her life. I hope she will treasure them too.
embarking on a new journey,
Lindsey
What's even worse I have failed so often to daily pray for her and my husband out of my own self-pity stage. I have rambled on and on about me, my needs, my problems...but stop there. My sweet Father has gently been reminding me that I NEED to be praying for them (husband and daughter) I NEED to be interceding (BIG Christian word) for them.
As I read my Bible I see Paul and the other Apostles say things like "I have not stopped giving THANKS for you, remembering you in my prayers." Ephesians 1:16
"We always thank God the Father when we pray for you." Colossians 1:3
"We CONSTANTLY pray for you" 2 Thessalonians 1:11
We love well when we pray for one another. I am never loving my family more than when I pray for them. But how often I fail at this.
It's because I bite off more than I can chew. I feel as though I have to get everything in every time I pray. I have to pray for our marriage and Caroline's future spouse. I need to pray for their walk with the Lord. I have to pray for work and work ethic. I have to pray for their mind and thought life. I have to pray for their relationships. I have to pray for their faith.
So much to pray for. So much.
So I have decided that I am going to pray a new way. I will pray for all these things but break them down over the course of the week. Each day I will pray for a specific thing listed above. I will start with thankfulness as that seemed to be a running theme Paul kept bringing up. Just to praise the Lord for putting these 2 extraordinary people in my lives. To praise them for their uniqueness. Praise Him for allowing me to be in their lives.
Then from there, Monday through Saturday, I will pray for a different facet of their lives. Just a little bit each day. Less of me...more of them. More of Him.
I journal my prayers...it helps me to stay focused. I can look back and see where prayers have been answered where tears have stained the sheets of paper. I love having these treasures. One day when I am gone my sweet daughter will have them to remember me by. She will know my heart for her and the cries of my heart for her life. I hope she will treasure them too.
embarking on a new journey,
Lindsey
Friday, March 2, 2012
Fear Based Parenting
First let me say... I am so thankful for the small group of women that pour into my life and help me up out of the pit when I am so desperately making my bed in the mud and mire. I am beyond grateful for their wisdom, help and sincerity. This is not about them but about me, and my journey in motherhood.
I realized something huge (HUGE) today that I need to share. I, my dear friends, have been parenting ( or lack there of) out of fear. I have been so scared of the little person C is becoming that I truly have been scared into doing nothing. I don't know how to parent a strong willed child, so I have let her rule this house. I have let her climb, throw, hit (don't judge) and even bite me sometimes with out any recant from me. I just didn't know what to do...and when I don't know what to do in life I revert into the coward I can be.
But, and I do mean but, not anymore (God willing). Today I choose to stop parenting out of fear and choose to parent out of faith. I choose to love her enough to tell her no, to get up and go to her and not shout from the other side of the room. I choose to put her in time out and do it again and again until she gets it. I choose to be active in this role and not passive. I choose to love her by disciplining her out of that love and not out of the sheer frustration I feel so much of the time. I choose to be the parent.
This might seem like a "well duh" moment for you, but not for me. I truly am not sure what to do at times, this being my first go-round. I want my daughter to grow up with confidence in our love for her and thus use her strong will for good and not bad. I want her to grow up with confidence in herself and how God made her and thus use that confidence to help others and not just herself. I want her to grow up believing in the leader God has made her to be ( I know she will be) to make wise choices instead of ones that will lead her down a destructive path. I want more for her. I simply want her to love God, us and others well.
I can only teach her these things by doing them first. So by faith I trust that God is working out of me the "people pleaser" that I am and the hope that you will all think my daughter is the cutest, sweetest thing ever. Because you won't. I give up worrying that you might think I am a bad parent because I choose to spank or not to spank. I don't care what you think. I am doing what I think is best for us. I choose to not pay attention to the looks you give me when my daughter (who is a full blown independent toddler) bucks me and throws a fit in front of you. She will do it and I will do my best to handle it respectively.
For all the moms out there who are trying to find your way, like me, choose to engage your child and raise them not out of fear but out of confidence in your role. Out of all the parents God could have chosen for my sweet little girl, he choose me. He obviously thinks I have what it takes to be the best parent for her. He. HE. HE! No one else but Him, really matters. So if He thought it good...then it's good I am Caroline's mom. I choose to move from fear based parenting to faith in HIM parenting.
This is for me today,
Lindsey
I realized something huge (HUGE) today that I need to share. I, my dear friends, have been parenting ( or lack there of) out of fear. I have been so scared of the little person C is becoming that I truly have been scared into doing nothing. I don't know how to parent a strong willed child, so I have let her rule this house. I have let her climb, throw, hit (don't judge) and even bite me sometimes with out any recant from me. I just didn't know what to do...and when I don't know what to do in life I revert into the coward I can be.
But, and I do mean but, not anymore (God willing). Today I choose to stop parenting out of fear and choose to parent out of faith. I choose to love her enough to tell her no, to get up and go to her and not shout from the other side of the room. I choose to put her in time out and do it again and again until she gets it. I choose to be active in this role and not passive. I choose to love her by disciplining her out of that love and not out of the sheer frustration I feel so much of the time. I choose to be the parent.
This might seem like a "well duh" moment for you, but not for me. I truly am not sure what to do at times, this being my first go-round. I want my daughter to grow up with confidence in our love for her and thus use her strong will for good and not bad. I want her to grow up with confidence in herself and how God made her and thus use that confidence to help others and not just herself. I want her to grow up believing in the leader God has made her to be ( I know she will be) to make wise choices instead of ones that will lead her down a destructive path. I want more for her. I simply want her to love God, us and others well.
I can only teach her these things by doing them first. So by faith I trust that God is working out of me the "people pleaser" that I am and the hope that you will all think my daughter is the cutest, sweetest thing ever. Because you won't. I give up worrying that you might think I am a bad parent because I choose to spank or not to spank. I don't care what you think. I am doing what I think is best for us. I choose to not pay attention to the looks you give me when my daughter (who is a full blown independent toddler) bucks me and throws a fit in front of you. She will do it and I will do my best to handle it respectively.
For all the moms out there who are trying to find your way, like me, choose to engage your child and raise them not out of fear but out of confidence in your role. Out of all the parents God could have chosen for my sweet little girl, he choose me. He obviously thinks I have what it takes to be the best parent for her. He. HE. HE! No one else but Him, really matters. So if He thought it good...then it's good I am Caroline's mom. I choose to move from fear based parenting to faith in HIM parenting.
This is for me today,
Lindsey
Thursday, February 23, 2012
A Season for Solemn Reflection
I don't think I have ever really understood the season of Lent before. To be honest I was somewhat confused by it. I only heard about it from some Catholic friends I had that were, in their eyes, forced to give something up for 40 days. Some did it cheerfully, some did it unwillingly and some gave up before they even started. So needless to say, I never really took to the Christian occasion.
But as I have grown older and have become a Christ-follower myself, I have circled back around and have found myself face to face with this season again. The time for Lent.
Chris and I have recently switched churches and found ourselves in a congregation that celebrates the many different seasons of the Christian faith. I would not call this new church non-denominational, but more inter-denominational.They have looked across the divide of many Christian faiths and pulled pieces from each to appreciate and practice. I love the unity of this church. I love learning about the Christian calendar and why certain things are celebrated. Thus just coming out of my first season of advent I was beautifully surprised about the stirring of my heart for the purpose of stopping to pay attention to the "Christmas" season. It was about Christ coming...It was about Him here with us now...It is about Him coming again. It was beautiful.
So now we are through the season of Epiphany and I am partaking in my first Lent experience. So to do so I have done some research and came to the conclusion that this experience is so worth it. As a late comer to the Christian faith I think I have some what of a different view in my walk with the Lord. I wasted so much time the first 24 years of my life that I want to make the next however many long years I have count. I want to know Him more, I want to devote my life to Him and His mission. I want to go deeper with Him and understand as much about Him and me as I possibly can. I want Him...no more, no less.
So this season of Lent, this season of solemn reflection, is me taking the time to spend with Him so that He can form me. It's me taking the time to sacrifice something important to my everyday life to even begin to understand His sacrifice to me. That I may in the slightest way become more like Him.
One of my favorite writers explained it in her blog "Lent is not as much about forfeiting as much as it is about formation". And if there is anything I need more of it is to be formed in the likeness of Christ. Especially as a mother.
Hence why my forfeiting is coming in the form of social media. Yes, I am giving up Facebook for Lent. I told my sister this and she laughed. As might you. But to be honest, I spend a lot of time on it. I will peruse and peruse for aimless downtime hours just to not be lonely or to put off something more I should be doing. Like spending time with my daughter. Like coloring with her. Reading to her. Working with her on her talking. Simply giving her more of me.
And even more so... I give Facebook the first part of my morning. While Caroline watches her PBS (I am real tight with Sid the Science Kid) I play on facebook and catch up on all that I missed. It is a daily morning thing for me. Bad I know. I have realized that there is just one thing that deserves the first part of my morning. And that's Him.
So I could have given up meat or sweets or TV, but to be honest, the one thing I knew would help me to experience more of Him and more of the daily moments I have is to let go of Facebook. I will daily be reminded of why I am doing this and why I am taking back this precious time. It's to be more like Him. Plain and Simple.
So if you are like me...and you want to embark on this 40 day Lent season. Just do it. Find something that would be a daily reminder of Jesus and what He did for you as He prepared to go to the lonesome tree that has your's and mine's name on it. Just do it, cause He didn't think twice about giving His life up for yours.
Lovingly,
Lindsey
But as I have grown older and have become a Christ-follower myself, I have circled back around and have found myself face to face with this season again. The time for Lent.
Chris and I have recently switched churches and found ourselves in a congregation that celebrates the many different seasons of the Christian faith. I would not call this new church non-denominational, but more inter-denominational.They have looked across the divide of many Christian faiths and pulled pieces from each to appreciate and practice. I love the unity of this church. I love learning about the Christian calendar and why certain things are celebrated. Thus just coming out of my first season of advent I was beautifully surprised about the stirring of my heart for the purpose of stopping to pay attention to the "Christmas" season. It was about Christ coming...It was about Him here with us now...It is about Him coming again. It was beautiful.
So now we are through the season of Epiphany and I am partaking in my first Lent experience. So to do so I have done some research and came to the conclusion that this experience is so worth it. As a late comer to the Christian faith I think I have some what of a different view in my walk with the Lord. I wasted so much time the first 24 years of my life that I want to make the next however many long years I have count. I want to know Him more, I want to devote my life to Him and His mission. I want to go deeper with Him and understand as much about Him and me as I possibly can. I want Him...no more, no less.
So this season of Lent, this season of solemn reflection, is me taking the time to spend with Him so that He can form me. It's me taking the time to sacrifice something important to my everyday life to even begin to understand His sacrifice to me. That I may in the slightest way become more like Him.
One of my favorite writers explained it in her blog "Lent is not as much about forfeiting as much as it is about formation". And if there is anything I need more of it is to be formed in the likeness of Christ. Especially as a mother.
Hence why my forfeiting is coming in the form of social media. Yes, I am giving up Facebook for Lent. I told my sister this and she laughed. As might you. But to be honest, I spend a lot of time on it. I will peruse and peruse for aimless downtime hours just to not be lonely or to put off something more I should be doing. Like spending time with my daughter. Like coloring with her. Reading to her. Working with her on her talking. Simply giving her more of me.
And even more so... I give Facebook the first part of my morning. While Caroline watches her PBS (I am real tight with Sid the Science Kid) I play on facebook and catch up on all that I missed. It is a daily morning thing for me. Bad I know. I have realized that there is just one thing that deserves the first part of my morning. And that's Him.
So I could have given up meat or sweets or TV, but to be honest, the one thing I knew would help me to experience more of Him and more of the daily moments I have is to let go of Facebook. I will daily be reminded of why I am doing this and why I am taking back this precious time. It's to be more like Him. Plain and Simple.
So if you are like me...and you want to embark on this 40 day Lent season. Just do it. Find something that would be a daily reminder of Jesus and what He did for you as He prepared to go to the lonesome tree that has your's and mine's name on it. Just do it, cause He didn't think twice about giving His life up for yours.
Lovingly,
Lindsey
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
It's Quiet Here
There are times in my day, where it is quiet. Not often... but every day I have moments where the sweetness is sleeping and I am left to a quiet house. Normally I would clean or do something but today, with the rain falling outside, I just sit here and enjoy the silence.
We are a week away from Thanksgiving. (My second favorite holiday of the year) I have been reading peoples post on Facebook about what they are "thankful for". All sweet things like family, homes, health, happiness and etc. etc. I love hearing people's innermost thoughts on Facebook, some people don't, but I do. And I have enjoyed the "thankful for's" but after reading this, I am silently processing if I really am all the thankful myself.
It's easy to be thankful when things are going good and your not stressed out. But this past year, learning how to become a mom, has been somehow a painful process for me. From the lack of sleep, crying fits, sacrificing most me time, the change in our marriage, separation anxiety and now the disciplining I have constantly been on my knees before the Lord asking for help. But very rarely, if ever, did I just go before Him to say "thank you". Of course I have been thankful for my little girl...I mean she really is the best thing that has ever happened to me outside of my salvation and my husband. But I haven't really truly been thankful, to the fullest extent. Because isn't to be truly thankful you need to be thankful for all things? I believe that the answer is yes and thought provoking all the time. Because this powerful lesson has to press you further into the goodness of God in everything. Even the painful things.
As I think about it now...these are some of the things I am thankful for.
Life is messy, but God is faithful. I choose today to accept His grace and be thankful.
Hebrews 12:28 "Therefore since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe."
As we enter this first bit of Holiday season, let the power of who God is wash over you. Choose to be thankful in the things that don't make sense. In the everyday things that we let stress us out. In the marriages that seem to be falling apart before our eyes. In the family situations that prove difficult day after day. In your sleepless nights. In the unanswered prayers... be thankful because He is God and He never stops working. EVER!
Utterly Thankful for Him,
Lindsey
We are a week away from Thanksgiving. (My second favorite holiday of the year) I have been reading peoples post on Facebook about what they are "thankful for". All sweet things like family, homes, health, happiness and etc. etc. I love hearing people's innermost thoughts on Facebook, some people don't, but I do. And I have enjoyed the "thankful for's" but after reading this, I am silently processing if I really am all the thankful myself.
It's easy to be thankful when things are going good and your not stressed out. But this past year, learning how to become a mom, has been somehow a painful process for me. From the lack of sleep, crying fits, sacrificing most me time, the change in our marriage, separation anxiety and now the disciplining I have constantly been on my knees before the Lord asking for help. But very rarely, if ever, did I just go before Him to say "thank you". Of course I have been thankful for my little girl...I mean she really is the best thing that has ever happened to me outside of my salvation and my husband. But I haven't really truly been thankful, to the fullest extent. Because isn't to be truly thankful you need to be thankful for all things? I believe that the answer is yes and thought provoking all the time. Because this powerful lesson has to press you further into the goodness of God in everything. Even the painful things.
As I think about it now...these are some of the things I am thankful for.
A BIG mess to clean up.
Toys all over the floor all the time.
Leaky sippy cups.
A mischevious chocolate faced little girl.
These aren't terrible things, but they are things that I have let get the best of me sometimes. My house is messy. Clothes needed to be folded and put away. I need to go grocery shopping. Dishes need to be done. Life is messy, but God is faithful. I choose today to accept His grace and be thankful.
Hebrews 12:28 "Therefore since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe."
As we enter this first bit of Holiday season, let the power of who God is wash over you. Choose to be thankful in the things that don't make sense. In the everyday things that we let stress us out. In the marriages that seem to be falling apart before our eyes. In the family situations that prove difficult day after day. In your sleepless nights. In the unanswered prayers... be thankful because He is God and He never stops working. EVER!
Utterly Thankful for Him,
Lindsey
Monday, October 31, 2011
Daily Affirmations
I am not sure where this post will go, because I have so much on my heart. In the past couple weeks I have fallen deeper and deeper in love with the Jesus. Not for any other reason other than I desperately need Him. And time after time He has shown up...comforting me in ways I had not expected.
One way He has done that is through a daily devotional blog called "A Holy Experience".
It is simply beautiful and it is causing me to remember to be thankful in ALL things. I need nothing more on this earth more than I need Him.
I don't know about you, but I can tend to be more negative than positive sometimes. I am choosing today to be positive.
I love being a mom.
I love being a wife.
I love my family.
I love my friends.
I believe God for BIG things.
I choose His way and His way is AWESOME!
I have plenty.
I am blessed beyond words.
Today is going to be a great day!
I am beautiful to the people that matter.
I have purpose.
I have a plan.
I am smart.
I can do anything I put my mind to do.
I am a good mom and I know what to do because God equipped me for this job.
I am patient.
I am kind.
I am lovable.
I am a daughter of the King and because of that I am an heir to righteousness.
What are yours today? Share them below.
I leave you with this little girl... I want to raise Caroline to do this!
Happy Monday (and Halloween)
Lindsey
One way He has done that is through a daily devotional blog called "A Holy Experience".
It is simply beautiful and it is causing me to remember to be thankful in ALL things. I need nothing more on this earth more than I need Him.
I don't know about you, but I can tend to be more negative than positive sometimes. I am choosing today to be positive.
I love being a mom.
I love being a wife.
I love my family.
I love my friends.
I believe God for BIG things.
I choose His way and His way is AWESOME!
I have plenty.
I am blessed beyond words.
Today is going to be a great day!
I am beautiful to the people that matter.
I have purpose.
I have a plan.
I am smart.
I can do anything I put my mind to do.
I am a good mom and I know what to do because God equipped me for this job.
I am patient.
I am kind.
I am lovable.
I am a daughter of the King and because of that I am an heir to righteousness.
What are yours today? Share them below.
I leave you with this little girl... I want to raise Caroline to do this!
Happy Monday (and Halloween)
Lindsey
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
A Heavy Heart but Holy Experience
This morning I come with a heavy heart. I am lonely again. I know that God made me for relationship, I thrive on interaction with others, yet my daily interaction is with a one year old. Alone, in this house...day after day.
Sure we go out. We go to the mall playground. The playground at the end of our road. And of course, because we are girls...we go shopping. I have a weekly play date with other moms, but unfortunately it's not enough.
It's for this reason that I have entertained the idea of going back to work. So yesterday I pondered what it is that I could do to fill this longingness inside of me. But to no avail, I can find nothing I would love more to do than to be with my little girl. So I have a conundrum. How do I do this stay at home mom thing and not be lonely?
Thus a devotional I read this morning...if you have 3 minutes please read this amazing woman's words.
This woman wrote a book called A Thousand Gifts, which chronicles the daily gifts God gives us in the ordinary realm to show us His Unfailing Love. I don't know if you know that...but His love is UNFAILING!
I learned this morning that when we cry out to Him in our distress, He delivers us from it. It doesn't say when He is ready to deliver us He will. It just says He delivers us. The point is we have to constantly be in a place where when we are lonely, sad, hurting, frustrated or anything that seeks to devour us...we cry out to HIM. WE go to Him first and He in His UNFAILING LOVE delivers us. IMMEDIATELY! That's what His words do... they heal, they bind up our wounds, they give us courage and strength to hang on, they give us direction and insight...they give us HOPE!
Oh how I love Him. How I am reminded that He IS the only thing that satisfies. I can be lonely for a second until I realize that I always have Him with me. Do I need others, YES! He made me this way and I believe that the enemy would love nothing more than me to just sit around my house and mope. BUT, I will not. There is too much to do and many other woman like me... I just need to find them :)
Today I trust Him and His deliverance from this loneliness. I believe He will send me to others who are just like me. "Anything is possible for those who believe." Mark 9:23
Giving Thanks,
lindsey
Sure we go out. We go to the mall playground. The playground at the end of our road. And of course, because we are girls...we go shopping. I have a weekly play date with other moms, but unfortunately it's not enough.
It's for this reason that I have entertained the idea of going back to work. So yesterday I pondered what it is that I could do to fill this longingness inside of me. But to no avail, I can find nothing I would love more to do than to be with my little girl. So I have a conundrum. How do I do this stay at home mom thing and not be lonely?
Thus a devotional I read this morning...if you have 3 minutes please read this amazing woman's words.
This woman wrote a book called A Thousand Gifts, which chronicles the daily gifts God gives us in the ordinary realm to show us His Unfailing Love. I don't know if you know that...but His love is UNFAILING!
I learned this morning that when we cry out to Him in our distress, He delivers us from it. It doesn't say when He is ready to deliver us He will. It just says He delivers us. The point is we have to constantly be in a place where when we are lonely, sad, hurting, frustrated or anything that seeks to devour us...we cry out to HIM. WE go to Him first and He in His UNFAILING LOVE delivers us. IMMEDIATELY! That's what His words do... they heal, they bind up our wounds, they give us courage and strength to hang on, they give us direction and insight...they give us HOPE!
Oh how I love Him. How I am reminded that He IS the only thing that satisfies. I can be lonely for a second until I realize that I always have Him with me. Do I need others, YES! He made me this way and I believe that the enemy would love nothing more than me to just sit around my house and mope. BUT, I will not. There is too much to do and many other woman like me... I just need to find them :)
Today I trust Him and His deliverance from this loneliness. I believe He will send me to others who are just like me. "Anything is possible for those who believe." Mark 9:23
Giving Thanks,
lindsey
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