Tuesday, April 19, 2011

A wake up call

Brad has been out of town since early Sunday morning. That was never easy when he traveled, but now it is something I dread. Our household is busy enough with 2 adults at night but only one adult is insane.

2 nights ago, the 2 youngest kids would not go to sleep! I was working to get them to bed so that I could fold the laundry piled on my bed and do the dishes so that I could go to bed. Finally, at 11:45, they were both in bed. That means I got to bed at 12:30. Then, they both woke up at 6:20 grumpy and tired.

It is no secret that I need my sleep. My body eventually will get sick if I am without sleep for long. I also get VERY grumpy myself without proper sleep. Add that to the stress of getting everything done by myself and you get a momma that made lots of mistakes yesterday. I lost my patience way too much. At the end of the day, I was questioning why God thought 3 kids in our family was the right thing. I felt like I was in over my head and couldn't survive. I also felt like Luke did not get enough attention because Jackson was getting into so much trouble.

I then remembered this verse. I had to search for it because I could not recall the chapter and verse: Proverbs 19:21
"Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails." (NIV)
"We humans keep brainstorming options and plans,
but God's purpose prevails. " (MSG)

Yep, it s not about me on this Earth. It is his plan that prevails. The Message fits me perfectly. I am always trying to plan and brainstorm when I really just need to rely on Him and His plans!

As I read this chapter, verse after verse was relevant to me right now. I found it so funny that I laughed out loud and thought, "Okay God, I heard you loud and clear!" I think that is what I like most about having a relationship with God, he keeps me inline and always has the right thing to say at the right time!
Proverbs 19:3 This is so "in your face" This is the message translation
People ruin their lives by their own stupidity,
so why does God always get blamed?
vs 8 The one who gets wisdom loves life;
the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper. (NIV)
vs 11 A person’s wisdom yields patience;
it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense (MSG) -This one really hurt!
vs 18 Discipline your children while you still have the chance;
indulging them destroys them. (MSG)
vs 20 Listen to advice and accept discipline,
and at the end you will be counted among the wise (NIV)
vs 29 The irreverent have to learn reverence the hard way;
only a slap in the face brings fools to attention. (MSG)
So, this little book was full of sayings that were relevant to me right now. I got that wake up call and hopefully God didn't think I fit verse 29!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Thursday, April 07, 2011

In Due Time

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."
1 Peter 5:6

I have written this scripture before and I have reflected on this a lot. I was drawn to this scripture when Luke was in NICU and I have gone to it often since then. When things don't go as I think they should, this verse pops into my head. I love the fact that this verse mentions God's hand and being lifted up in due time. I love that phrase.. in due time.

How will I pay for this... in due time
When will I get the answers about Luke's health... in due time
When will you heal a friend's mother from cancer... in due time
When will you heal a young girl from cancer.. in due time
When will we find out if my grandmother will get financial help.. in due time
When will we get a bigger house.. in due time

You get the point. My Father is in control and it is in His time. I am so glad it is! As you know, we thought we were done having children but God (and Todd) had other plans. I cried like a baby when I discovered we were pregnant again. However, it was in His timing. I am so thankful for this gift!

Lord, thank you for not allowing me to get in your way! Thank you for the promise of lifting us up in due time. Help me to remember these words and to learn to praise you while I wait for your timing and forgive me in the times I just can't wait! In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen!

His timing has allowed this baby to come a long way! In due time!