Five Minute Friday Familiar

The smell of bacon, eggs, and potatoes being fried up on a Saturday morning. A smoke alarm that buzzes every time the oven is opened that also served as a signal that it was time to get up and eat breakfast. These are memories from my childhood. A warm mug of hot cocoa, a well-loved book- these are all memories that come to mind as I think of the word familiar. My children’s favorite nursery rhymes and songs, the sound of them pretending to be cats or dogs as they frolic in their imaginative play. The weight of their sleeping bodies on my lap; the sound of their laughter- these are the sights and sounds of my ordinary life. A favorite Bible verse, a familiar hymn, asking God’s blessing through prayer before meals and at bed time. These are moments that are familiar to me, and I pray that they will be fond memories that my children have as adults.

 

Five Minute Friday Silence

Ecclesiastes 3:7

a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

I am not always good at keeping silent. Silence can sometimes feel awkward and I want to fill that awkwardness with words, even if the words aren’t necessary. Silence can sometimes make me feel nervous. “Should I say something? Is anyone else going to say something?” But when I embrace the awkwardness of silence, I sometimes learn things that I would not have known if I had been quick to fill the silence . It may mean giving my daughter time and space to talk, without injecting my two cents worth right away. If I do this, I may learn more about her heart and her hopes and dreams. It may mean listening even when I really want to speak to show others I truly value what they are saying and want to share. Sometimes, even awkward silences are good. Living life addicted to noise can leave me feeling empty. I need to take the time to enjoy the beauty of silence.

 

 

Five Minute Friday Need

If you ask me on any given day, there are many things that I may tell you that I “need.” As a homeschooling mom of three kids eight and under, I may tell you that I need more time to get everything done, or I may tell you that I need a few minutes peace and quiet to clear my head. On some days, I might think I need to another cup of coffee or a piece of chocolate, but what do I really truly need? I need Jesus, and I need to recognize that I need Him more than any other thing that I might desire. I love the line in the Jars of Clay song I Need You “Do I need the shelter from the rain, the rain to wash me away?” Most days I do not know whether I need shelter from the storm or if I need to stretch my arms to Heaven and embrace God’s healing rain. The good news is that, God does know what I need. I can trust that He will meet my needs, and that His plans are for my good and His glory.

 

31 Days of surrendering to God Day 31 Rest

As a mom of three children, I find it hard to rest. There is always more work to do, and if I do somehow find myself caught up with my to-do list, my children’s request can always help me fill that list right back up again. I am tempted to think that I cannot rest until everything is done. I then get discouraged because I don’t know if there will ever be a point when everything is done. Most nights I go to bed with my to-do list for tomorrow already pretty full. I think I need to start putting rest on my to-do list. After all Jesus rested. He took time to get away from the crowds either alone or with the disciples and He prayed. I am so thankful for the example that Jesus set for us. I need to rest, and be still and know that God is God. (Psalm 46:10) I know that rest is a critical step for being the wife and mom that God has called me to be. What are some ways that you find rest in the midst of busy seasons of life?

 

 

Day 30 of Surrendering to God Being Open to the Refining Process

John 16:33

³³ I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Jesus did not say in the above verse that we might have trouble. He said that we would have tribulation in this world. It is a part of living in a fallen world. Then, why I am so surprised, and discouraged when I find myself or those that I love in seasons of trials? I need to remember the below words from 1 Peter.

1 Peter 4:12

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

I have been studying Ephesians 6, and learning about the shield of faith. I told the other ladies in the Bible study that I sometimes think I panic drop my shield of faith, and cover my head with my hands, instead of taking up the shield of faith. I need to constantly remind myself of what is true, and keep pressing on in faith in what God has called me to do. I need to not fear the refining, but remember that God is with me every step of the way. I need to call out to Him and lean on Him.

 

 

Day 29 I will follow You

This is my oldest daughter’s favorite song. I hope that it is still one of her favorites when she is old enough to understand the message. I have mentioned before that my church is studying Priscilla Shirers  Armor of God Bible study. One of the things that I have learned through this study is that trusting in God, believing in His goodness and faithfulness has to happen before truly following Jesus. I need to know deep down in my gut that He is a good, good, Father before I take a step out in Faith. The more that I see His goodness, the great my trust and faith in Him will grow. I want to have the kind of faith described in this song. I want to have the kind of faith that the disciples had dropping everything and following Him.