Abide.
Abide in me.
Apart from me you can do nothing.
Abide. The being with God as He is doing.
Abide. He is joy and peace.
Abide.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Friday, October 24, 2014
His Grace IS tasty
Crowder's song Come As You Are.
Come out...
Come find your mercy...
...come home you are not too far...
There's hope.
Come sit...
Come taste the grace.
Maybe this is what another David tasted in Psalm 34?
Today I choose His grace.
His grace IS tasty.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Rusty, but still works
We took a loooong break from blogging and formal ministry. Grateful
that Our Daddy does not need or ever takes a break. Sometimes He allows
us to see and experience glimpses of Himself.
His provision as wells are dug and meals are distributed hundreds of miles away.
His timing as a much needed vehicle is presented one Sunday morning.
His steadfast love expressed through a rose to the widows.
His respite for weary parents in an afternoon of free childcare.
His gentle touch as the feet of the homeless are cleaned.
His words as a mother speaks for her daughter who cannot.
His restoration as a vow is renewed.
His beauty, shamelessly radiant and deeper than congenital defects or surgical scars.
His compassion as a body partners to sponsor children.
His strong joy that sustains while trials rage.
His gift of family as an orphan becomes a son.
Sometimes we've misunderstood and expected sunflowers when He's planted daisies. Sometimes we were too distracted by the rocks that we chose to carry or the blisters we did not allow Him to heal. And sometimes, we just got tired and left the tools and the field.
Still He calls,
Still He loves,
Still He reminds us that the rake gets rusty, but still works.
His provision as wells are dug and meals are distributed hundreds of miles away.
His timing as a much needed vehicle is presented one Sunday morning.
His steadfast love expressed through a rose to the widows.
His respite for weary parents in an afternoon of free childcare.
His gentle touch as the feet of the homeless are cleaned.
His words as a mother speaks for her daughter who cannot.
His restoration as a vow is renewed.
His beauty, shamelessly radiant and deeper than congenital defects or surgical scars.
His compassion as a body partners to sponsor children.
His strong joy that sustains while trials rage.
His gift of family as an orphan becomes a son.
Sometimes we've misunderstood and expected sunflowers when He's planted daisies. Sometimes we were too distracted by the rocks that we chose to carry or the blisters we did not allow Him to heal. And sometimes, we just got tired and left the tools and the field.
Still He calls,
Still He loves,
Still He reminds us that the rake gets rusty, but still works.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
"Don't Try So Hard."
We love our kiddos because they are ours. Their behaviors and attitudes may change how enjoyable it is to be around them, but the love remains.
Blessings and boundaries. Growth and guidance. Beauty and brokenness. So many experiences in our parenting journey leading to these fab five children.
"You don't have to try so hard." The many times I've said this to my children, yet I did not believe this was a truth for me too.
In this transition and during this gift of time. Now.
"Aubrey, don't try so hard."
I hear His voice. Father, you are so good.
Romans 8
Don't Try So Hard
Amy Grant & James Taylor
Blessings and boundaries. Growth and guidance. Beauty and brokenness. So many experiences in our parenting journey leading to these fab five children.
"You don't have to try so hard." The many times I've said this to my children, yet I did not believe this was a truth for me too.
In this transition and during this gift of time. Now.
"Aubrey, don't try so hard."
I hear His voice. Father, you are so good.
Romans 8
Don't Try So Hard
Amy Grant & James Taylor
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
His Glory, His Way
God has allowed us to witness His glory firsthand. God, Our Provider, made a way for our friend, Elise and her faithful family to receive a wheelchair accessible van. His plans, Provision, timing and attention to detail even down to the color. Perfect.
He literally put on center stage His heart in the form of a van. He allowed His glory to be seen.
His Love for Elise and her family.
His Provision supplied.
His elevation and approval of His daughter, Elise.
We and the hundreds of supporters, prayer warriors in the home church congregation and The Pastors saw proof that HE IS all and more than we asked for.
A while later when the crowd had gone away and there were a few folks visiting and rejoicing over God's provision I was able to get a closer look at the van. Elise happened to be sitting beside it and began to stir. I went near her and began to pat and smooth her head. I leaned in and said to her in between pats by her ear, " Thank you. Thank you. You have changed everything....thank you."
Jehovah Jireh, Provider. This is His name.
His glory, in His Way.
He IS God!
He literally put on center stage His heart in the form of a van. He allowed His glory to be seen.
His Love for Elise and her family.
His Provision supplied.
His elevation and approval of His daughter, Elise.
We and the hundreds of supporters, prayer warriors in the home church congregation and The Pastors saw proof that HE IS all and more than we asked for.
A while later when the crowd had gone away and there were a few folks visiting and rejoicing over God's provision I was able to get a closer look at the van. Elise happened to be sitting beside it and began to stir. I went near her and began to pat and smooth her head. I leaned in and said to her in between pats by her ear, " Thank you. Thank you. You have changed everything....thank you."
Jehovah Jireh, Provider. This is His name.
His glory, in His Way.
He IS God!
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Duck, Duck Goose and a New Friend
I have so many memories of playing duck duck goose with my own children, children in my classroom and on mission trips. Their joy is contagious! Getting the kiddos together to form a circle-like shape can be an awkward challenge. Often children want to be near by their closest friends or the known fast runners. Sometimes the quieter children or children new to the group have a harder time at first. Soon, the game gets going and everyone is taking turns to run and to chose the goose. The sounds of clapping and cheering each other on, replace earlier awkwardness. Usually, all children are laughing especially when the teachers try to catch the really fast runners! Good times!
Recently, I was with a group of kindergarten and first grade children getting ready to play duck duck goose. Helping to guide the children to make a circle-like shape. Watching as several children not-so-subtly refuse to grab hands with a particular child, complaining loudly, and even going as far as to move to the other side of the room or sit in the middle of the circle-like shape. Eventually the children sit down and the game begins. Soon, the familiar sounds of laughing, cheering and clapping are heard. One by one the chidlren take turns mostly, giving everyone a turn. Some kids taking two or three turns.
I watched the same child that had trouble getting others sit beside him was one of 3 that were still waiting to be picked. Another teacher helps to guide the children to select someone that hasn't had a turn. One of the 3 waiting children is selected.
Soon one of the other waiting children turns to me and says, "Where my turn?"
Tears sting my eyes, because it is my son.
I was very much aware of the other children staring at him, moving away from him or loudly complaining. I was sitting behind the circle and saw how many of the children walked past him without tapping the top of his head.
Duck, duck...ouch!
I struggled to have a gentle answer and positive words for him. Managing a smile and mumbling, "Soon." while silently praying and pleading for him to be picked.
Thankfully, he is selected soon and the game continues. The children start to just run and I see the boys that were complaining the loudest now running with a new friend.
Thank you God for my son, that shows such grace to others and loves with your heart.
This boy is amazing:)
Recently, I was with a group of kindergarten and first grade children getting ready to play duck duck goose. Helping to guide the children to make a circle-like shape. Watching as several children not-so-subtly refuse to grab hands with a particular child, complaining loudly, and even going as far as to move to the other side of the room or sit in the middle of the circle-like shape. Eventually the children sit down and the game begins. Soon, the familiar sounds of laughing, cheering and clapping are heard. One by one the chidlren take turns mostly, giving everyone a turn. Some kids taking two or three turns.
I watched the same child that had trouble getting others sit beside him was one of 3 that were still waiting to be picked. Another teacher helps to guide the children to select someone that hasn't had a turn. One of the 3 waiting children is selected.
Soon one of the other waiting children turns to me and says, "Where my turn?"
Tears sting my eyes, because it is my son.
I was very much aware of the other children staring at him, moving away from him or loudly complaining. I was sitting behind the circle and saw how many of the children walked past him without tapping the top of his head.
Duck, duck...ouch!
I struggled to have a gentle answer and positive words for him. Managing a smile and mumbling, "Soon." while silently praying and pleading for him to be picked.
Thankfully, he is selected soon and the game continues. The children start to just run and I see the boys that were complaining the loudest now running with a new friend.
Thank you God for my son, that shows such grace to others and loves with your heart.
This boy is amazing:)
Friday, January 31, 2014
Wow, I'm disconnected!
We've outgrown our house. Over the summer I began working on updating and decluttering to make selling and moving easier. We've never moved with children before and well, moving with 5 kids is very intimidating and takes a LOT of planning! We have really great kids and they have helped out a lot. Their rooms are so clean and organized!! They helped pick out what toys to have out and what could go in storage or be given away. Very grateful.
Prayerfully, we started making plans to build or buy a house that could work for us now and as the kids grow. We started to dream and look carefully at our budget. (maybe I dreamed more and glanced at the budget) Through the process, it became clear that it wasn't just a house that we were needing, it was connection. Connection and a sense of belonging in our community.
Wow, I am disconnected!!!
Our area is really great and we have acquaintances here, but we are not connected. Our church is also great and we have acquaintances there and some deepening friendships, but we are really disconnected there too. Our family is unique and there are some challenges in raising children with special needs that I am still learning how to navigate. One of the biggest challenges I face is vulnerability, letting others see deeper inside my heart and our family. Other challenges are safety and privacy. It is hard to carry on a conversation with someone while making sure my 5 creative and often adventuresome kiddos are safe and reasonably well behaved. It does get really uncomfortable being asked personal questions about our children and family in a large group setting by people that I have just met or those that happen to be nearby and see me with our kiddos. I've tried to be godly while giving gentle and appropriate answers...but if you've read any of my other posts you already know that doesn't always happen;)
So we started praying and really looking at our family's housing needs but more importantly our family's need to be connected. It is amazing that in years of ministry, serving, teaching, trainings and Biblical study we didn't see how fundamental (and really crucial for ministry to gain traction and support) being connected was. Honestly, I had to admit to God that I had let past hurts, my failures and fears about being rejected personally and as a family keep me so guarded with others that real connection really wasn't possible.
Ouch, owning my stuff hurts.
BUT like the Daddy I have, He has given grace and brought some really amazing people to my life that my family and I have been getting to know better. He has allowed me to see His glory and His connectedness.
He created a world-a place filled with people created for connection, offering up his own son as proof of His love and deep desire to remain connected with people.
He connected a community- to rally together to love and support a precious family's efforts to secure a wheelchair accessible van. This precious daughter, Elise, has accomplished incredible things to raise awareness, encourage others and give God's message of hope. Read her story and about her family's journey here.
He connected a family-a far away orphan with severe facial disfigurements became an accepted and beautifully connected son, my son. Hudson has the biggest heart and has taught me and so many around him the depth of God's love, faithfulness and provision. This little blessing is awesome!!!
There are many more connections to come.
For now, our house is under contract and set to close in a month. We have plans to stay in the area to finish out the school year and participate in the isd's summer camps:) Our heart's desire is to be open to His leading, deeply connected to God first, and moving to a closer connection with others in whatever community He places us. For our good,His glory...and hopefully some more space for the 7 of us:)
Prayerfully, we started making plans to build or buy a house that could work for us now and as the kids grow. We started to dream and look carefully at our budget. (maybe I dreamed more and glanced at the budget) Through the process, it became clear that it wasn't just a house that we were needing, it was connection. Connection and a sense of belonging in our community.
Wow, I am disconnected!!!
Our area is really great and we have acquaintances here, but we are not connected. Our church is also great and we have acquaintances there and some deepening friendships, but we are really disconnected there too. Our family is unique and there are some challenges in raising children with special needs that I am still learning how to navigate. One of the biggest challenges I face is vulnerability, letting others see deeper inside my heart and our family. Other challenges are safety and privacy. It is hard to carry on a conversation with someone while making sure my 5 creative and often adventuresome kiddos are safe and reasonably well behaved. It does get really uncomfortable being asked personal questions about our children and family in a large group setting by people that I have just met or those that happen to be nearby and see me with our kiddos. I've tried to be godly while giving gentle and appropriate answers...but if you've read any of my other posts you already know that doesn't always happen;)
So we started praying and really looking at our family's housing needs but more importantly our family's need to be connected. It is amazing that in years of ministry, serving, teaching, trainings and Biblical study we didn't see how fundamental (and really crucial for ministry to gain traction and support) being connected was. Honestly, I had to admit to God that I had let past hurts, my failures and fears about being rejected personally and as a family keep me so guarded with others that real connection really wasn't possible.
Ouch, owning my stuff hurts.
BUT like the Daddy I have, He has given grace and brought some really amazing people to my life that my family and I have been getting to know better. He has allowed me to see His glory and His connectedness.
He created a world-a place filled with people created for connection, offering up his own son as proof of His love and deep desire to remain connected with people.
He connected a community- to rally together to love and support a precious family's efforts to secure a wheelchair accessible van. This precious daughter, Elise, has accomplished incredible things to raise awareness, encourage others and give God's message of hope. Read her story and about her family's journey here.
He connected a family-a far away orphan with severe facial disfigurements became an accepted and beautifully connected son, my son. Hudson has the biggest heart and has taught me and so many around him the depth of God's love, faithfulness and provision. This little blessing is awesome!!!
There are many more connections to come.
For now, our house is under contract and set to close in a month. We have plans to stay in the area to finish out the school year and participate in the isd's summer camps:) Our heart's desire is to be open to His leading, deeply connected to God first, and moving to a closer connection with others in whatever community He places us. For our good,His glory...and hopefully some more space for the 7 of us:)
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