Learning to live for HIS glory

I've been thinking recently that I should try to write some more during this unique and interesting time we find ourselves in.  Not sure what all of that will look like exactly, but I decided today maybe I'd start a series called "Mama Lessons."   I've found that motherhood often has much to teach me. Some lessons encouraging, some rather challenging! Recently I've been thinking some about Psalm 131. It goes: "O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; Nor do I involve myself in great matters, Or in things too difficult for me. Surely I have composed and quieted my soul;  Like a weaned child rests against his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me. O Israel, hope in the LORD From this time forth and forever." Children resting against their parents is such a sweet thing. We've just recently completely weaned Hudson,  And now when he comes to snuggle close he's not hungry, He's jus...

It's uncertain times we're living in. And they make me all the more thankful for the certainty of God.   That He is. That He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Heb. 11:6) That He loves the world. Enough He sent His son to die. That all who believe in Him will not perish. Instead they'll have eternal life. (John 3:16) That He is our refuge. Our strength. Our VERY present help in trouble.  And so we don't need to fear when the earth changes... (Psalm 46) And it sure is changing isn't it? Daily sometimes it seems,  Or faster. It reminds me of the gift of a God in whom there is no change. No shifting shadow.  (James 1:17) And that is where my hope lies. All that is true of Him is true all the time. Even now. Especially now. Praise Him! Don't think I've got it all together, I still have my moments (and days) of worry and fear! But these truths are what I just keep coming back to again and again. They are w...

Today I've been thinking about how thankful I am for the Word of God.   Psalm 19: 7-11 says:  "The law of the Lord is perfect,     reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure,     making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right,     rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure,     enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean,     enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true,     and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold,     even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey     and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned;     in keeping them there is great reward" (ESV). And that's just one section of verses on the Word of God. There are so many more... Talking about how it is profitable for  Doctrine, reproof, correction, training in ri...

3 years today.   We've been married three years. And while there is much to tell from those years, Much joy, Much heartache, I've yet to tell the story of our engagement...! I figured today was a good day to reminisce :) If you missed the first part of our story, it starts here:  Our Love Story (Part 1) I had spent January (of 2016) in Missouri, And because of the complications that come with distance, Short engagements, And premarital counseling-- We both knew that the next time we saw each other Carl would ask, And I would say yes. His next visit was planned for March... Or so I thought! It was the eve of my 24th birthday. I was supposed to be at young adults, But due to a snowstorm I ended up staying home. Normally I would have talked with Carl on my way to young adults, But this night he had told me he'd be working late. Since I didn't go though, I think I sent him a text to let him know. It didn't go through. ...

What are you thankful for today? I've been reminded recently of the power of thanksgiving.  It's absolutely necessary in the life of a follower of Christ! Not only is it commanded, But it's powerful for fixing our gaze where it needs to be- On Christ and His blessing of us- No matter what our circumstances look like. Today I'm taking these moments to praise God for: A roof over my head Sweet Hudson's giggles and smiles A refreshing walk with a dear friend God's Word- A lamp to my feet and a light to my path 10 sealed jars of pickles (plus two we'll just have to eat up quickly!) Books Truth Friends and family that pray. Our church Bible study with friends The privilege of looking at the Word of God together And talking over gospel themes That the gospel is, Christ is alive, And He lived and died perfectly, To save me from my very imperfect existence! Life everlasting, That my name is written...

It's been awhile! Life has been full and busy, But thanksgiving is still so, so important. I'm thankful it gets talked about around our dinner table,  Even if the words don't make it on this blog! But for multiple reasons, I'm wanting to get back in the habit of these Thursday posts. Funny how taking 5 minutes out of our day to write our thanks Can feel so difficult to remember to do, Isn't it? But it's worth it! I know. Because the One I give the praise to is worth it! Would you join me on this journey of praise?  Today I'm praising God for: Prayer: The privilege and blessing of it. His beautiful creation, And the chance to take a walk and enjoy it! Friends to walk with. Gardening, A little buddy who loves stroller rides. All the fun of watching Hudson's new discoveries. (He loves playing in the bathtub-without water!) Laughter Simple joys The team that is working with us to see Perspectives happen ...

Hello friends! Happy Thursday :) Today I am thankful for: The chance to sit down and write this, The Christmas season, And it's reminder of the great love of our Savior. I'm marveling especially this year that God stepped down into His creation, And became a baby. The One who holds the universe together, Humbled Himself as an infant in need of constant care. All that one day He could go to the cross, And die a horrific death to take the punishment for the sins of the world. I'm thankful that the gospel is indeed a TRUE story, And that Christ offers Himself to all of us as Immanuel. All we must do is believe God raised Him from the dead, And confess Him as Lord. I'm thankful He is such a good Lord. Faithful to show us where we stray, Yet loving and liking us despite our sin. He is SO good. I'm thankful for Hudson, For the gift of a son. For sweet snuggles as he falls off to sleep, For the beginnings of little smi...