Great is our God, for He is good......I am amazed by this simple truth this day. As my Aunt Joyce reminded us today my precious Aunt Nan would have been 49 today, but instead is in heaven with her Father. I can't imagine what she is doing right now. I will leave it there as I only attempt to visualize that picture.
I have been overwhelmed recently by the Word we have been given through the Bible and how much we neglect or fail to let it absorb into every fiber of our beings. Why is this? I have been awed and encouraged by the speakers and teachers that Chris and I have been listening too (mainly Chris). Their boldness and conviction to not water down the word of God has been a refreshing reminder that there are those that don't care about the approval of man but only want to point people to the glory of God.
We are a nation that needs to desperately realize not only the goodness of God but the power of God. The Holy Spirit is welling up inside of me to stop settling for the injustices of this world of this place we live in called America. There is so much that is going on right now that is completely separated from the heart of Jesus. Those of us that call ourselves Christians often times turn our backs to these things and go with the flow, but it is time to stop simply thinking our belefs, but talking living and breathing them. So, basically I have to be more bold and accountable for every choice I make especially what I watch, listen, say and do. Though it might not make me popular on this side of eternity, I don't care. I really don't. My heart wants more than anything to see His glory and understand the fullness of the cross. I don't want to live this life half heartily. I don't want people to wonder if I know Jesus or not. I want people to know by the way I love them....by the way I speak....by the way grace flows from my life....by the compassion I show.....by the truth that is spoken from being filled with the word....by Jesus alone.
Jesus. That's it. Nothing else matters when it is said and done.
He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promises of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised.
Romans 4:20-21
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Carnival Day
We had a good morning just hanging out as a family...wanted to share some pictures from the day! We went to a carnival and grabbed some lunch out. After this we came home and Eli and Chris made the Hope Depot craft project which was a firehouse bank. We went there to see the fire truck exhibit they had set up. He loved it all for the most part. It was fun for us to watch him just be a little boy!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
All things Beautiful
I don't know where that title came from frankly and I have no idea where this post is going. I am just typing....Eli is still asleep, bless his heart. It has been a long few days for him (and Chris and I) as far as taking care of a toddler that has been sick. He is extremely over sensitive when things aren't going well on his inside. It's hard for us to know the best way to handle these times are. It becomes exhausting to a degree, but then we are reminded that this is part of being parents. You take the good and the bad...and the exhausting times...because you realize it's all overwhelmingly worth it at the end of the day.
So anyhow, the delayed blog post has been hard for me. I discussed the dilemma with Chris about the desire to share so much of my heart through the blog...but at the same time being able to figure out what might potentially be used for other things (such as a book....which somedays looks like a small wish instead of God given passion). So, I have been trying to figure out where to go from here. Chris suggested to maybe just share a little less of my heart and a little more about what is going on in family life...which I thought was probably a good idea for a little while...just because I have lacked doing that and therefore, forget what things have been going on with us. So, for now...this work in progress might shift just a little until I can figure out a better way to organize it all!
Bare with me! So with that said...let's try to catch up on family stuff...
Chris celebrated his 31st this month, which was a sweet reminder to me of who the Lord allows me to go through life with on a daily basis. It was a good celebration with friends and family. We also celebrated Mom Keith's birthday which was a good time in fellowship as well. We took a family vacation, which I blogged about that was a good time of rest for the most part. It is a little eery to go to a beach that was so empty, but overall it was a good trip for us. Eli is growing so fast and still loves preschool...though it seems like he hasn't been much this month due to a fall break and his sickness..I am praying that he will be able to go Thursday. This past weekend we ventured to Nashville, which resulted in Eli getting pretty sick at night while we were there, but it was a successful trip for us because I got to see my sister's fun new place (loved it) and Chris got to spend some quality time in nature mowing the land...so, it was a success overall...just wish we were able to bring a well child home instead of a sick one...bless his little heart.
Chris got a wii for his birthday which Eli loves to play....he loves step aerobics...this cracks us up! That is all I can think of on the home front. Hopefully, there will be more to come this week....stay tuned!!
So anyhow, the delayed blog post has been hard for me. I discussed the dilemma with Chris about the desire to share so much of my heart through the blog...but at the same time being able to figure out what might potentially be used for other things (such as a book....which somedays looks like a small wish instead of God given passion). So, I have been trying to figure out where to go from here. Chris suggested to maybe just share a little less of my heart and a little more about what is going on in family life...which I thought was probably a good idea for a little while...just because I have lacked doing that and therefore, forget what things have been going on with us. So, for now...this work in progress might shift just a little until I can figure out a better way to organize it all!
Bare with me! So with that said...let's try to catch up on family stuff...
Chris celebrated his 31st this month, which was a sweet reminder to me of who the Lord allows me to go through life with on a daily basis. It was a good celebration with friends and family. We also celebrated Mom Keith's birthday which was a good time in fellowship as well. We took a family vacation, which I blogged about that was a good time of rest for the most part. It is a little eery to go to a beach that was so empty, but overall it was a good trip for us. Eli is growing so fast and still loves preschool...though it seems like he hasn't been much this month due to a fall break and his sickness..I am praying that he will be able to go Thursday. This past weekend we ventured to Nashville, which resulted in Eli getting pretty sick at night while we were there, but it was a successful trip for us because I got to see my sister's fun new place (loved it) and Chris got to spend some quality time in nature mowing the land...so, it was a success overall...just wish we were able to bring a well child home instead of a sick one...bless his little heart.
Chris got a wii for his birthday which Eli loves to play....he loves step aerobics...this cracks us up! That is all I can think of on the home front. Hopefully, there will be more to come this week....stay tuned!!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sir Frances Drake
I know this is something you have probably heard, but I was reminded of it from another blog (Living Proof Ministries Blog)..which I love reading...It was a sweet reminder to not settle for anything but Jesus...and if you think you have enough....you have settled for not enough.
Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
[Sir Francis Drake]
Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
[Sir Francis Drake]
Friday, September 11, 2009
Beach
So as all three of us lay in the bed here at the beach enjoying one of Eli's music videos I can't help but be grateful for the time we have had to relax and just be a family. We have only seen a handful of people while we have been down here which is nuts for us because we are not use to a nearly empty beach. We have yet to see anyone at the pool here, so it has been a new experience for us. We were praying that we would be able to find people here to be able to just talk to and listen to while we were here, but that has been hard to do. The trip is not over yet and we are about to head to another little town to explore a little and have dinner. Maybe we will meet some people there. Needless to say we have had a good time relaxing. It is a bit hard relaxing with a toddler, but the Lord has been gracious to us, especially after Eli has gone to bed at night. Ha. I thought I would be able to have a ton of time to write on the laptop that I finally have a working battery for, but that time has been slim.
You are reminded of the things in life that matter and the things that don't. So much of what captivates my mind is useless and has no kingdom effect. I struggle with this...but am reminded that the Lord has much bigger things to fill my heart with if I continue to give it to Him.
....so, we are about to go...I will hopefully write more tonight or tomorrow....I just thought for the two people that read this I might give an update as to why the blog has been so delayed in being updated....hope to write more very soon.
The glory of the Lord is evident to me this day through what His hands have created!
You are reminded of the things in life that matter and the things that don't. So much of what captivates my mind is useless and has no kingdom effect. I struggle with this...but am reminded that the Lord has much bigger things to fill my heart with if I continue to give it to Him.
....so, we are about to go...I will hopefully write more tonight or tomorrow....I just thought for the two people that read this I might give an update as to why the blog has been so delayed in being updated....hope to write more very soon.
The glory of the Lord is evident to me this day through what His hands have created!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tuesday Morning
The Lord has amazed me and taught me so much as I have been reading through 2 Corinthians. It has gone along with so many of the issues I am dealing with in my heart. I look at the way Paul writes to the Corinthians and think of the deep love he had for these people. He longed for others to know Jesus. You can tell the passion and urgency he writes with. It makes me look at life and see that I totally don't get it at times. I don't live with a true urgency that this day could be all I have and who needs to have the glory?
If we all lived that way things would look entirely different. I wondered if we respond to life as much as we respond to death? When we loose those around us our hearts go through a lot and we are reminded of how precious our time is on earth. However, most of the time that realization rubs off sooner than we hope. I would type out all of 2 Corinthians right now because it is incredible....but I will leave you with where I was yesterday in hopes that it will encourage your heart this day.
2 Corinthians 4:7-15
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
13It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken."With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, 14because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. 15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Update on Eli:
Preschool seems to still be going well.
His teacher said he was such a good friend.
He learned to play duck duck goose yesterday at Kidsplex and it was priceless!
He attempts to say the pledge and always says amen, amen at the end...it's so funny.
When we are out together he says Daddy so loud that no one could miss it...it cracks me up...Chris doesn't like any attention, but thinks the way he says his name is precious!
More to come...it's time for Eli to wake up and head to another day of school!
If we all lived that way things would look entirely different. I wondered if we respond to life as much as we respond to death? When we loose those around us our hearts go through a lot and we are reminded of how precious our time is on earth. However, most of the time that realization rubs off sooner than we hope. I would type out all of 2 Corinthians right now because it is incredible....but I will leave you with where I was yesterday in hopes that it will encourage your heart this day.
2 Corinthians 4:7-15
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
13It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken."With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, 14because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. 15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Update on Eli:
Preschool seems to still be going well.
His teacher said he was such a good friend.
He learned to play duck duck goose yesterday at Kidsplex and it was priceless!
He attempts to say the pledge and always says amen, amen at the end...it's so funny.
When we are out together he says Daddy so loud that no one could miss it...it cracks me up...Chris doesn't like any attention, but thinks the way he says his name is precious!
More to come...it's time for Eli to wake up and head to another day of school!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Update on my heart
Philippians 4:6-8 (New International Version)
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
What truth and goodness is found in the word of our Lord. Verse 7 is where my heart is today....here is an update on life.
So, we have had a good week overall. Eli seems to really enjoy preschool so that is a blessing. He had a little trouble getting out of the car but he also had only been up for 20 minutes...so, we will work on that aspect.
Anyhow, I wanted to update on the memorial of Josiah...or rather the celebration of his life that occurred on Tuesday. It was the most beautiful service I have ever witnessed (and we did so online). I was amazed at the composure of the father, who also was the pastor of this precious church. You knew beyond any doubt that his faith remained in the One that controls our every breath. He used the opportunity that was given to glorify and tell these people about the love and grace of Jesus. I cried tears of joy and brokeness as I had never met this teenager or this family and yet I was deeply touched because we share the same Jesus. The words and the testimony's of that service penetrated my soul and I will not soon forget the impact of this service.
The Lord has put a passion in my heart to write...which I have just started doing....so a great deal of my heart and thoughts are there, but I can't help but want to share pieces of it....which is why I leave with the thought of if we were to loose someone we loved deeply would our worlds fall apart? What about if we lost Jesus? Are we relying on Jesus for everything that if we lost Him our lives would crumble? This is where my heart is currently and what I am pursing more through writing. Hopefully, at some point I will be able to share all of that journey with you too!
I will Rise by Chris Tomlin....I don't know anyone that hasn't been touched by this song in some way. May it be a sweet reminder of what is to come.
There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say, It is well
Jesus has overcome
and the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise
When He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise, on eagle's wings
Before my God
fall on my knees,
and rise...
I will rise
There's a day that's drawing near
when this darkness breaks to light
and the shadows disappear
and my faith shall be my eyes
Jesus has overcome
and the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
Chorus 2X:
[ Chris Tomlin Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
And I will rise
when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise, on eagle's wings
Before my God
fall on my knees,
and rise...
I will rise
And I hear the voice of many angels sing
Worthy is the Lamb!
And I hear the cry of every longing heart
Worthy is the Lamb!
And I hear the voice of many angels sing
Worthy is the Lamb!
And I hear the cry of every longing heart
(background: “Worthy is the Lamb!
You are worthy! You are worthy!
Worthy is the Lamb!
I will rise
when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise, on eagle's wings
Before my God
fall on my knees,
and rise...
I will rise....
I will rise....
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
What truth and goodness is found in the word of our Lord. Verse 7 is where my heart is today....here is an update on life.
So, we have had a good week overall. Eli seems to really enjoy preschool so that is a blessing. He had a little trouble getting out of the car but he also had only been up for 20 minutes...so, we will work on that aspect.
Anyhow, I wanted to update on the memorial of Josiah...or rather the celebration of his life that occurred on Tuesday. It was the most beautiful service I have ever witnessed (and we did so online). I was amazed at the composure of the father, who also was the pastor of this precious church. You knew beyond any doubt that his faith remained in the One that controls our every breath. He used the opportunity that was given to glorify and tell these people about the love and grace of Jesus. I cried tears of joy and brokeness as I had never met this teenager or this family and yet I was deeply touched because we share the same Jesus. The words and the testimony's of that service penetrated my soul and I will not soon forget the impact of this service.
The Lord has put a passion in my heart to write...which I have just started doing....so a great deal of my heart and thoughts are there, but I can't help but want to share pieces of it....which is why I leave with the thought of if we were to loose someone we loved deeply would our worlds fall apart? What about if we lost Jesus? Are we relying on Jesus for everything that if we lost Him our lives would crumble? This is where my heart is currently and what I am pursing more through writing. Hopefully, at some point I will be able to share all of that journey with you too!
I will Rise by Chris Tomlin....I don't know anyone that hasn't been touched by this song in some way. May it be a sweet reminder of what is to come.
There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say, It is well
Jesus has overcome
and the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise
When He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise, on eagle's wings
Before my God
fall on my knees,
and rise...
I will rise
There's a day that's drawing near
when this darkness breaks to light
and the shadows disappear
and my faith shall be my eyes
Jesus has overcome
and the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
Chorus 2X:
[ Chris Tomlin Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
And I will rise
when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise, on eagle's wings
Before my God
fall on my knees,
and rise...
I will rise
And I hear the voice of many angels sing
Worthy is the Lamb!
And I hear the cry of every longing heart
Worthy is the Lamb!
And I hear the voice of many angels sing
Worthy is the Lamb!
And I hear the cry of every longing heart
(background: “Worthy is the Lamb!
You are worthy! You are worthy!
Worthy is the Lamb!
I will rise
when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise, on eagle's wings
Before my God
fall on my knees,
and rise...
I will rise....
I will rise....
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Josiah
So, my heart broke last night as my sister texted me the news that Grace Chapel's pastor Steve and his precious family had their 19 year old son go to be with Jesus. We have visited their church in Leiper's Fork Tennessee one time so I do not know this family personally. I know that they love Jesus and their church strives to worship and glorify the Lord. As we prayed for them last night I was yet again reminded of the shortness of this life. I was reminded that their is a legacy that each of us will leave behind. I so want that of our family to be a legacy of Jesus like this precious family and young man, Josiah.
My prayer this day is that Jesus will be continued to be glorified through this family and community. I encourage you to read the story of this family. May your heart be encouraged knowing that there are better things to come for those that are His children.
www.gracechapel.net
My prayer this day is that Jesus will be continued to be glorified through this family and community. I encourage you to read the story of this family. May your heart be encouraged knowing that there are better things to come for those that are His children.
www.gracechapel.net
Monday, August 17, 2009
Update on Preschool
Eli seemed to have a great first day of preschool. I was so glad. He talked about eating his snack from his "lunche" box and going to the playground. As soon as he got in the car at 1230 he said I love preschool and I have fun with friends! It was precious. It was hard to understand completely all he had done, but he seemed pretty excited. He was so dirty from the playground I guess, but it did not bother him at all. He is looking forward to going back tomorrow! His conversations was such a sweet blessing to my ears on the way home I had to blog about it.
Hopefully, the blog will now get to be updated more frequently due to the fact that our big boy is in preschool a few days a week! More soon.... Here is a recent picture from our last session with Brandy....
Preschool
Family Updates:
Eli is potty trained (for the most part)...yeah!! Aunt Lindsey and her friend Aubrey came from Nashville about a month ago to hang out with us for about a week. Aubrey is an incredible preschool teacher and knew a ton of tips. She suggested the three day times hardcore underwear approach. After the first half of day he seemed to catch on rather quickly. He of course has had his share of accidents, but overall we feel like he has done well and we are grateful for this transition.
Today Eli started preschool. It is strange to be sitting here without him. It was an adventure for him I think. We will see how his first day goes...I will update tomorrow with all the details that I can find out about it. Chris and I both took him this morning and they got him out of our backseat. He seemed to do well going in...they were painting today and he loves that! We pray that he can learn to be a good friend this year. This has been an ongoing request for us. We have had so many incredible friends in our lives and can look back and see the impact they have had on our lives. We want Eli to be a truly good friend. Not exactly sure what that looks like for a 2 and a half year old, but the Lord does...and He hears our hearts.
We have been on a journey with where we are suppose to be in a local body of believers. We feel like we are still trying to figure that out, but are trusting in the Lord to make this decision clear to us. I feel like we will look back on this season of our lives and see the Lord preparing us for something...though we are unsure what that is right now. Pray that our next steps will be evident to us, but until they are that we will move in way that allows those around us to see Jesus. We want to be faithful with the opportunities He has given us today and not just look to what is coming!
May this be a day that we focus on the gift of salvation.
Psalm 67:1-3
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine upon us,
Selah
2 that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
3 May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
Eli is potty trained (for the most part)...yeah!! Aunt Lindsey and her friend Aubrey came from Nashville about a month ago to hang out with us for about a week. Aubrey is an incredible preschool teacher and knew a ton of tips. She suggested the three day times hardcore underwear approach. After the first half of day he seemed to catch on rather quickly. He of course has had his share of accidents, but overall we feel like he has done well and we are grateful for this transition.
Today Eli started preschool. It is strange to be sitting here without him. It was an adventure for him I think. We will see how his first day goes...I will update tomorrow with all the details that I can find out about it. Chris and I both took him this morning and they got him out of our backseat. He seemed to do well going in...they were painting today and he loves that! We pray that he can learn to be a good friend this year. This has been an ongoing request for us. We have had so many incredible friends in our lives and can look back and see the impact they have had on our lives. We want Eli to be a truly good friend. Not exactly sure what that looks like for a 2 and a half year old, but the Lord does...and He hears our hearts.
We have been on a journey with where we are suppose to be in a local body of believers. We feel like we are still trying to figure that out, but are trusting in the Lord to make this decision clear to us. I feel like we will look back on this season of our lives and see the Lord preparing us for something...though we are unsure what that is right now. Pray that our next steps will be evident to us, but until they are that we will move in way that allows those around us to see Jesus. We want to be faithful with the opportunities He has given us today and not just look to what is coming!
May this be a day that we focus on the gift of salvation.
Psalm 67:1-3
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine upon us,
Selah
2 that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
3 May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Continuing on with the thought of slow to speak...
With some encouragement from Aunt Joyce I am going to attempt to more fully engage my thoughts on the issue of being slow to speak and what I intended that to mean or not mean. As I reread point three from the previous blog post, this point is unclear and incomplete.
Through this section of scripture (in James) I was reminded of the importance that I need to listen first and not always jump into talking about something that I am frustrated about (this is especially true in my relationship with my husband). There are some days that are so long and instead of stopping and giving specific things over to Jesus I try to "fix" things or "speak about" things in a rash matter. This does not glorify the Lord....at least in the majority of the cases it fails miserably. Often times I start "talking" to Chris without talking to Jesus. The times I talk to Jesus first are the times things work out the best.
With all of this said, it does not mean I should be slow to speak in regards to the things of Jesus and issues that are rooted in His truth. There are times to speak loudly. There are times in my head that I vividly remember speaking up in regards to Jesus, but there are also just as many vivid times (if not more) where I have walked away knowing I should have said something or I should have said more. These are times and actions I will be held accountable for. I have a heart to know when to speak and desire to do so clearly. I believe that only occurs by being in the word and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide my entire life...actions and words. It pains me to look back on some situations knowing that I should have just allowed the Spirit to do His work.....I should not have gotten in the way. In those times I should have just let go and let God do what He wanted instead of getting in the way.
As my Aunt Joyce reminded me....there are times we are called to speak. We are called to step out of our comfort zone and address issues and situations that we would like to avoid. However, when we are in complete disobedience when we choose to walk away from the opportunities Christ gives us, and we will be held accountable. In the same way I have learned that I need to be slow to anger and speak....I am reminded that I need to be bold and courageous in speaking about the things of Jesus. Thank you for your challenge on this issue Aunt Joyce...I really needed to be pushed on this! I deeply love you and thank you for allowing me to continue thinking through these thoughts!
1 Peter 3:14-16
14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
3. James 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.
Listening and Doing
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Slow to speak and Slow to Anger. I want to live this. I have learned that this is really helping me. So often I have a tendency to just "speak my mind" and I have tried to do better at not doing this.
I'll just leave it there right now...tons of things I am currently processing through...
Through this section of scripture (in James) I was reminded of the importance that I need to listen first and not always jump into talking about something that I am frustrated about (this is especially true in my relationship with my husband). There are some days that are so long and instead of stopping and giving specific things over to Jesus I try to "fix" things or "speak about" things in a rash matter. This does not glorify the Lord....at least in the majority of the cases it fails miserably. Often times I start "talking" to Chris without talking to Jesus. The times I talk to Jesus first are the times things work out the best.
With all of this said, it does not mean I should be slow to speak in regards to the things of Jesus and issues that are rooted in His truth. There are times to speak loudly. There are times in my head that I vividly remember speaking up in regards to Jesus, but there are also just as many vivid times (if not more) where I have walked away knowing I should have said something or I should have said more. These are times and actions I will be held accountable for. I have a heart to know when to speak and desire to do so clearly. I believe that only occurs by being in the word and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide my entire life...actions and words. It pains me to look back on some situations knowing that I should have just allowed the Spirit to do His work.....I should not have gotten in the way. In those times I should have just let go and let God do what He wanted instead of getting in the way.
As my Aunt Joyce reminded me....there are times we are called to speak. We are called to step out of our comfort zone and address issues and situations that we would like to avoid. However, when we are in complete disobedience when we choose to walk away from the opportunities Christ gives us, and we will be held accountable. In the same way I have learned that I need to be slow to anger and speak....I am reminded that I need to be bold and courageous in speaking about the things of Jesus. Thank you for your challenge on this issue Aunt Joyce...I really needed to be pushed on this! I deeply love you and thank you for allowing me to continue thinking through these thoughts!
1 Peter 3:14-16
14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
3. James 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.
Listening and Doing
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Slow to speak and Slow to Anger. I want to live this. I have learned that this is really helping me. So often I have a tendency to just "speak my mind" and I have tried to do better at not doing this.
I'll just leave it there right now...tons of things I am currently processing through...
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Summer....rolling by
Oh, how I fail on this blog miserably. I know some (my sister especially) question why I even still have a blog due to the rarity of posts. I, too, ask myself the same such questions, but realize that there have been life things that have gone on along with some technology issues that just happen and you can't reason with. Anyhow, I am sitting here hoping Eli will continue to patiently play throughout his naptime as he has been in the habbit of doing so I can do a little recapping from the Summer of 09...with more to go of course.
Well, first we were able to visit with family in both Kingsport and South Carolina which was a blessing as usual. I had three cousins to graduate from high school so it was great to be a part of those celebrations. We could not be happier for them as they look to start a completely new chapter of life in the fall!! Go Mitch, Wes, and Ryan!! We love you all! Ryan, your speech was incredible by the way!
We were also able to spend a week at Myrtle Beach mid June which was such a needed time of rest for us. I was able to be reminded of how Big God is and how He still cares about the details of our lives. I was reminded that the Lord desires us to have deep connections with other people. On the way back, I was able to be in a car with just my sister and I which was nice. I was reminded of how conversations are so often....for lack of a better word pathetic....and how we so easily dodge hard questions and hard conversations. This did not happen with my sister and I, but I was challanged to desire more out of conversations with others. I was challanged to think beyond the ramifications of the day and think about the conversations that are going to last. It was good to just get to talk with my sister about heart issues across the board (the same has been with my wonderful husband lately too). There is a time where we all have to quit settling for metiocrity in our lives, especially relational areas of our lives because there is more that is at stake in this area of our lives than we can even imagine! Our prayer right now is that our lives will be more about the things that do matter and less about the things that don't....across the board.
We had another good weekend with family this past weekend, where I was reminded of how important our freedom is. What a beautiful thing this is! I am in awe of the people that have fought to make that a privalage for us. We will forever honor your hearts and passion to defend this country. May the Lord's blessings be abundant and clear to you during this season!
Then there is my heart....wow, where do I begin....so many things have come into my head over the past few months. I can't begin to remember them all.
Here are a few things off the top of my head......
1. Hebrews 5:11-13
Warning Against Falling Away
11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.
God's word is life.....I say that knowing that I have struggled with consistency being there and realizing that it is the only thing that is true, right, and good. I want to be challanged and again not settle, especially when it comes to loving Jesus with knowing Jesus through His word.
2. Luke 6:44-46
44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
The Wise and Foolish Builders
46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?What we put in our hearts and minds will be what flows out.
If what I am doing or saying does not reflect the glory of Chris then I should not be participating on any level. Strong conviction on this for me. I learned a phrase in 4th grade Sunday School "Input Output what goes in must come out"....that is true.
3. James 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Listening and Doing
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Slow to speak and Slow to Anger. I want to live this. I have learned that this is really helping me. So often I have a tendency to just "speak my mind" and I have tried to do better at not doing this.
I'll just leave it there right now...tons of things I am currently processing through...
Here are other family updates:
1. Eli is not potty trained....and at the point we are baffled at when this might occur.
2. Eli enjoyed the ocean and the beach and LOVES going to the pool with his daddy.
3. Naps 2-3 times a week, maybe.
4. Eli likes bugs...and will still chase them because he thinks they are friends, even if that means allowing his hand to swell up due to ant beds...we hope he has leanred a lesson from that one...only time will truly tell.
5. We continue to be amazed at the new things he picks up and how fast he is changing!
Awed by Jesus and what He is doing in our hearts and lives.
Well, first we were able to visit with family in both Kingsport and South Carolina which was a blessing as usual. I had three cousins to graduate from high school so it was great to be a part of those celebrations. We could not be happier for them as they look to start a completely new chapter of life in the fall!! Go Mitch, Wes, and Ryan!! We love you all! Ryan, your speech was incredible by the way!
We were also able to spend a week at Myrtle Beach mid June which was such a needed time of rest for us. I was able to be reminded of how Big God is and how He still cares about the details of our lives. I was reminded that the Lord desires us to have deep connections with other people. On the way back, I was able to be in a car with just my sister and I which was nice. I was reminded of how conversations are so often....for lack of a better word pathetic....and how we so easily dodge hard questions and hard conversations. This did not happen with my sister and I, but I was challanged to desire more out of conversations with others. I was challanged to think beyond the ramifications of the day and think about the conversations that are going to last. It was good to just get to talk with my sister about heart issues across the board (the same has been with my wonderful husband lately too). There is a time where we all have to quit settling for metiocrity in our lives, especially relational areas of our lives because there is more that is at stake in this area of our lives than we can even imagine! Our prayer right now is that our lives will be more about the things that do matter and less about the things that don't....across the board.
We had another good weekend with family this past weekend, where I was reminded of how important our freedom is. What a beautiful thing this is! I am in awe of the people that have fought to make that a privalage for us. We will forever honor your hearts and passion to defend this country. May the Lord's blessings be abundant and clear to you during this season!
Then there is my heart....wow, where do I begin....so many things have come into my head over the past few months. I can't begin to remember them all.
Here are a few things off the top of my head......
1. Hebrews 5:11-13
Warning Against Falling Away
11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.
God's word is life.....I say that knowing that I have struggled with consistency being there and realizing that it is the only thing that is true, right, and good. I want to be challanged and again not settle, especially when it comes to loving Jesus with knowing Jesus through His word.
2. Luke 6:44-46
44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
The Wise and Foolish Builders
46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?What we put in our hearts and minds will be what flows out.
If what I am doing or saying does not reflect the glory of Chris then I should not be participating on any level. Strong conviction on this for me. I learned a phrase in 4th grade Sunday School "Input Output what goes in must come out"....that is true.
3. James 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Listening and Doing
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Slow to speak and Slow to Anger. I want to live this. I have learned that this is really helping me. So often I have a tendency to just "speak my mind" and I have tried to do better at not doing this.
I'll just leave it there right now...tons of things I am currently processing through...
Here are other family updates:
1. Eli is not potty trained....and at the point we are baffled at when this might occur.
2. Eli enjoyed the ocean and the beach and LOVES going to the pool with his daddy.
3. Naps 2-3 times a week, maybe.
4. Eli likes bugs...and will still chase them because he thinks they are friends, even if that means allowing his hand to swell up due to ant beds...we hope he has leanred a lesson from that one...only time will truly tell.
5. We continue to be amazed at the new things he picks up and how fast he is changing!
Awed by Jesus and what He is doing in our hearts and lives.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
More Jesus.......and some updates from the past month
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
So, I am currently reading through 1 Corinthians....good stuff....it's amazing how sometimes you can come up on things you have read many times and the Lord sheds new light and gives you more delight in how He designed us to work. There are so many ways you can approach the Lord....and so many ways we do that don't glorify Him in the least. I am terribly guilty of that. He is a God who took delight in creating our bodies the way He did. If we are truly His the Holy Spirit dwells in us. I take that for granted more than I can express but the Sprit is living inside those who call Him Father. I want to live these short days on earth in a constant state of gratitude....for I was bought with a price and it is an HONOR to walk and serve Jesus. I just want to do that with a complete wreckless abandonment. I want to make decisions that don't make sense to those that don't know Jesus. We are "set apart".....we are "changed".....how does my life right now reflect that? These are the questions that I continually wrestle with. We are going to have the opportunity soon to stand face to face with the God of this universe....with the God that designed all things good.....with the God who created us in His image......we are going to have to make an account of what we did with our earthly bodies....and Jesus was displayed not only in our public lives but in the parts of our lives that no one sees. I am more convicted about the second as I sit an think about it, because there are so many hours I waste doing things that have no weight when it comes to eternity. I will be held accountable for those times.....I say this knowing that God's grace has covered those times, but in the same breath it leaves me desiring more of Jesus and more evident change in the way I live my life.
These are just the crazy thoughts of my head right now......again not all put together fully, but you can at least catch a glimpse of where I am at....at where Chris and I are at as a whole. We look forward to sharing more with you soon on these questions and the journey we are on.....
Until then I leave you with some updates and praises within our family....Here goes....in no particular order
1. Had the opportunity to see family last weekend.....great times....Dad Keith Birthday party, Cleek family dinner, overnight at Grammies.....reminded yet again that God blessed us greatly in regards to our family.
2. Eli is nowhere close to being potty trained (he holds everything when he is on the potty chair)....I won't share any more details.....let's just say discouraged is an understatement
3. Having some time with just girls is nice.....accountability and prayer is a necessity!
4. Weekends with just the family are so nice.....if Eli would actually sleep through the night it would have been nearly perfect in regards to family time!
5. Eli is talking more, which is a huge plus....but then he will have days where he would rather not talk and let us try to figure out his needs which is extremely hard on the patience level.
6. LPM Blog.......just discovered this one and am loving the updates from Melissa and Beth of Course.
7. Love that shorts weather is here...hopefully to stay, but you never know in Atlanta
8. Eli loves "going long" for the football....although he can't catch it nor throw it very far...still cute to watch.
9. We count ourselves blessed that Eli loves going to nurseries, in different places!
10. We are blessed to have incredible friendships that push us to not get comfortable with where we are.
11. We enjoy playing cards.....thanks David and Elizabeth for a great dinner and Spades game!
12. It is encouraging to be in Bible Study and fellowship with other people!
13. We want to see Jesus high and lifted up in our lives.....show us how we need to change!!!!!
19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
So, I am currently reading through 1 Corinthians....good stuff....it's amazing how sometimes you can come up on things you have read many times and the Lord sheds new light and gives you more delight in how He designed us to work. There are so many ways you can approach the Lord....and so many ways we do that don't glorify Him in the least. I am terribly guilty of that. He is a God who took delight in creating our bodies the way He did. If we are truly His the Holy Spirit dwells in us. I take that for granted more than I can express but the Sprit is living inside those who call Him Father. I want to live these short days on earth in a constant state of gratitude....for I was bought with a price and it is an HONOR to walk and serve Jesus. I just want to do that with a complete wreckless abandonment. I want to make decisions that don't make sense to those that don't know Jesus. We are "set apart".....we are "changed".....how does my life right now reflect that? These are the questions that I continually wrestle with. We are going to have the opportunity soon to stand face to face with the God of this universe....with the God that designed all things good.....with the God who created us in His image......we are going to have to make an account of what we did with our earthly bodies....and Jesus was displayed not only in our public lives but in the parts of our lives that no one sees. I am more convicted about the second as I sit an think about it, because there are so many hours I waste doing things that have no weight when it comes to eternity. I will be held accountable for those times.....I say this knowing that God's grace has covered those times, but in the same breath it leaves me desiring more of Jesus and more evident change in the way I live my life.
These are just the crazy thoughts of my head right now......again not all put together fully, but you can at least catch a glimpse of where I am at....at where Chris and I are at as a whole. We look forward to sharing more with you soon on these questions and the journey we are on.....
Until then I leave you with some updates and praises within our family....Here goes....in no particular order
1. Had the opportunity to see family last weekend.....great times....Dad Keith Birthday party, Cleek family dinner, overnight at Grammies.....reminded yet again that God blessed us greatly in regards to our family.
2. Eli is nowhere close to being potty trained (he holds everything when he is on the potty chair)....I won't share any more details.....let's just say discouraged is an understatement
3. Having some time with just girls is nice.....accountability and prayer is a necessity!
4. Weekends with just the family are so nice.....if Eli would actually sleep through the night it would have been nearly perfect in regards to family time!
5. Eli is talking more, which is a huge plus....but then he will have days where he would rather not talk and let us try to figure out his needs which is extremely hard on the patience level.
6. LPM Blog.......just discovered this one and am loving the updates from Melissa and Beth of Course.
7. Love that shorts weather is here...hopefully to stay, but you never know in Atlanta
8. Eli loves "going long" for the football....although he can't catch it nor throw it very far...still cute to watch.
9. We count ourselves blessed that Eli loves going to nurseries, in different places!
10. We are blessed to have incredible friendships that push us to not get comfortable with where we are.
11. We enjoy playing cards.....thanks David and Elizabeth for a great dinner and Spades game!
12. It is encouraging to be in Bible Study and fellowship with other people!
13. We want to see Jesus high and lifted up in our lives.....show us how we need to change!!!!!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
No Excuses
A Tree and Its Fruit
43"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
The Wise and Foolish Builders
46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
So, to be honest I really just wanted to put the end of verse 45 in here, but then I struggle with not putting things in context....which these two truths bear so much for us to truly look at ourselves and ask.....what is everything my life is about built on? Is what I want to be about what I truly am about? Is what my heart knows is true how I am living? Am I living out a life that Jesus would be proud of? Would Jesus consider me someone worthy to fellowship with? These are hard questions....questions that have taken over my heart as I read these verses. The challenge here in this all......is to read and ask more questions and demand more biblical answers for living this life He has given you. I am one who likes to take a little here and a little there but not seriously applying it with the intention of glorifying Jesus more. My prayer is to continue to fall more in love with Jesus as I get to know Him more completely in the context of the way He intended us to (in other words not taking one verse and running with it...but truly praying that the Lord reveal the meaning in the context of how He intended it to be taken).
So with all of that said....this has been an unbelievable few months in my heart, mind, and soul. I can not pen the emotions as this is being typed. There have been so many to try to describe in words would pail in comparison. I know we have all had those seasons. I am grateful that this season has been one full of Jesus in the middle of it all. It sounds strange, but this month the Lord has revealed Himself in ways as if to remind me "I am more than enough". The situations, trials, confusions of this world pail in comparison to what I have to offer you. This does not mean I have not gone to Him confused and frustrated...it is to say that I know beyond every fiber of my being He was there in every moment as if to say.......rest.....rest in my promises.....I have not left you and I will not forsake you, that is my promise.
My beautiful Aunt Nan passed away Thursday morning April 2nd after heroically fighting cancer for a year and a half. We watched her fight this disease that made her hurt in ways we could not imagine, but through it her faith remained in Jesus. Although we all prayed for her to be healed....we rest in the fact that she is at peace in the place she called "home". We rejoice in the fact that the pain we wanted to take from her has been taken away and that she is with Jesus in all His glory. For the sake of space....I would suggest reading Revelation 4.....this passage makes me think how much more there is to this life then what we tend to make of it.....it has nothing to do with us....and all to do with Jesus....my Aunt Nan is enjoying all things wonderful in heaven where she is declaring..."You are worthy O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created." She is seeing what true beauty is. Oh, may we get a taste of Jesus and only want more of Him!
My heart of course, like all others, has gone through so much since then. I am so glad the Lord created us with the ability to store things in our hearts and minds! We all have precious memories of the times we were able to spend with her while she was here. I thank the Lord for the ability to grieve and the gift of friends and family to share in that with. For the sake of space again, I will not continue....but I hope you have gotten a small glimpse of this time in our lives in regards to the Lord calling her to come home.
It seems so hard to transition from this topic....which is why I will stop here for today...
Chris and I talked last night about the blog...or lack there of of posts...and I am making a commitment to blog at least once a week from here on out...unless we are out of town....so accountability is necessary. Call me out....you know who you are....make sure I follow through with this.
I end with the Chris Tomlin song that has made our hearts overflow....I hope they encourage and strengthen your soul.....
"I Will Rise"
There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
43"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
The Wise and Foolish Builders
46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
So, to be honest I really just wanted to put the end of verse 45 in here, but then I struggle with not putting things in context....which these two truths bear so much for us to truly look at ourselves and ask.....what is everything my life is about built on? Is what I want to be about what I truly am about? Is what my heart knows is true how I am living? Am I living out a life that Jesus would be proud of? Would Jesus consider me someone worthy to fellowship with? These are hard questions....questions that have taken over my heart as I read these verses. The challenge here in this all......is to read and ask more questions and demand more biblical answers for living this life He has given you. I am one who likes to take a little here and a little there but not seriously applying it with the intention of glorifying Jesus more. My prayer is to continue to fall more in love with Jesus as I get to know Him more completely in the context of the way He intended us to (in other words not taking one verse and running with it...but truly praying that the Lord reveal the meaning in the context of how He intended it to be taken).
So with all of that said....this has been an unbelievable few months in my heart, mind, and soul. I can not pen the emotions as this is being typed. There have been so many to try to describe in words would pail in comparison. I know we have all had those seasons. I am grateful that this season has been one full of Jesus in the middle of it all. It sounds strange, but this month the Lord has revealed Himself in ways as if to remind me "I am more than enough". The situations, trials, confusions of this world pail in comparison to what I have to offer you. This does not mean I have not gone to Him confused and frustrated...it is to say that I know beyond every fiber of my being He was there in every moment as if to say.......rest.....rest in my promises.....I have not left you and I will not forsake you, that is my promise.
My beautiful Aunt Nan passed away Thursday morning April 2nd after heroically fighting cancer for a year and a half. We watched her fight this disease that made her hurt in ways we could not imagine, but through it her faith remained in Jesus. Although we all prayed for her to be healed....we rest in the fact that she is at peace in the place she called "home". We rejoice in the fact that the pain we wanted to take from her has been taken away and that she is with Jesus in all His glory. For the sake of space....I would suggest reading Revelation 4.....this passage makes me think how much more there is to this life then what we tend to make of it.....it has nothing to do with us....and all to do with Jesus....my Aunt Nan is enjoying all things wonderful in heaven where she is declaring..."You are worthy O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created." She is seeing what true beauty is. Oh, may we get a taste of Jesus and only want more of Him!
My heart of course, like all others, has gone through so much since then. I am so glad the Lord created us with the ability to store things in our hearts and minds! We all have precious memories of the times we were able to spend with her while she was here. I thank the Lord for the ability to grieve and the gift of friends and family to share in that with. For the sake of space again, I will not continue....but I hope you have gotten a small glimpse of this time in our lives in regards to the Lord calling her to come home.
It seems so hard to transition from this topic....which is why I will stop here for today...
Chris and I talked last night about the blog...or lack there of of posts...and I am making a commitment to blog at least once a week from here on out...unless we are out of town....so accountability is necessary. Call me out....you know who you are....make sure I follow through with this.
I end with the Chris Tomlin song that has made our hearts overflow....I hope they encourage and strengthen your soul.....
"I Will Rise"
There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
Friday, March 27, 2009
Officially the worst blogger ever
I have to say that I must be the world's worst blogger. There, I said it. I really set this up as a means for me to "exhale" and document what is happening in and around our family. I have been lazy, nervous, and vulnerable when I think about sitting down to write. The emotions and excuses are different depending on the day. However, I do need to make some type of goal as to coming and just writing a little bit.
Anyhow, since the last update a great deal has happened. I feel like I have been on some unbelievable life journeys over the past few months. The Lord has been teaching us a great deal and challenging our hearts in rich ways. Two weekends ago we were able to visit family in South Carolina. My dear Aunt Nan who has been heroically battling stage four cancer for nearly a year and a half has started to fight the battle in much more pain and discomfort. We were able to go there and spend the weekend with my family. Chris did an unbelievable job watching Eli while I got to have some quality time with My Aunt, Uncle, and cousin. The conversations we had were conversations I wish we could have recorded, simply because of the richness of them. Hard questions were asked and our hearts were confused, and as I watched my Aunt sit up in her chair I was reminded of how precious and fragile life is. I was reminded of how often I take life for granted. I was reminded that there is such little time we have on this earth and that there is nothing more important that living, breathing, and serving Jesus while we are here. I could continue on about the lessons I learned but want to document the humility and beauty that is my Aunt Nan. I have watched her live and more than that I have watched her give her life away in more ways than I could count. She was always doing things or taking care of things for those around her. I never heard her complain about that one time. She has forgiven people when it is hard for me to see how. She has loved and been there for her son, Ryan, like no other. She is his biggest fan. She and Uncle Randy celebrated 25 years of marriage in August and their love has continued to grow as I have watched her battle this disease. She loves those two men like crazy. For the sake of this not continuing for ten pages I will try to wrap it up.....Aunt Nan is a woman who loves Jesus and it is evident in how she lives. You meet few people that this is the case for.
We are praying that above all else that Jesus Christ be seen in and through this battle and her story. Oh, how we love you.
2 Corinthians 12:9-11
9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Upon returning home Eli got sick upon waking up on Tuesday. He was limping and had a high fever out of nowhere. He had a doctor's visit and blood work in order to rule out some things and ended up diagnosing him with toxic synovitis which goes away without medication. We praise the Lord for His grace and strength in this trial. The Lord gave us a peace about it, but it was still hard to watch his body so tired and hurt. The testing broke my heart of course, but we were even more grateful for the ability to take him to a doctor and allow him to figure out what was going on. God is so good, and so near to the brokenhearted.
Despite all of that, Chris and I, were able to go to Las Vegas....which we wonder if we will choose that location again.....anyhow, what matters is that we had time to ourselves. Our parents were grateful enough to watch him while we did this and it was truly a gift. Though I did call back to check on things a lot we did have the ability to focus on each other, which was really nice. We truly considered this trip a gift. We were able to rest...which is hard to do at home a lot. Needless to say we were reminded again of the precious family we have and the beauty of marriage.
We are back home and enjoying that right now. Hopefully, we will bare down for some family time this weekend as it continues to rain. I am looking forward to that.
I leave with these rooted promises from the Lord. I pray that the encourage your heart this day...they have for me....
Psalm 34:17-19
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
Anyhow, since the last update a great deal has happened. I feel like I have been on some unbelievable life journeys over the past few months. The Lord has been teaching us a great deal and challenging our hearts in rich ways. Two weekends ago we were able to visit family in South Carolina. My dear Aunt Nan who has been heroically battling stage four cancer for nearly a year and a half has started to fight the battle in much more pain and discomfort. We were able to go there and spend the weekend with my family. Chris did an unbelievable job watching Eli while I got to have some quality time with My Aunt, Uncle, and cousin. The conversations we had were conversations I wish we could have recorded, simply because of the richness of them. Hard questions were asked and our hearts were confused, and as I watched my Aunt sit up in her chair I was reminded of how precious and fragile life is. I was reminded of how often I take life for granted. I was reminded that there is such little time we have on this earth and that there is nothing more important that living, breathing, and serving Jesus while we are here. I could continue on about the lessons I learned but want to document the humility and beauty that is my Aunt Nan. I have watched her live and more than that I have watched her give her life away in more ways than I could count. She was always doing things or taking care of things for those around her. I never heard her complain about that one time. She has forgiven people when it is hard for me to see how. She has loved and been there for her son, Ryan, like no other. She is his biggest fan. She and Uncle Randy celebrated 25 years of marriage in August and their love has continued to grow as I have watched her battle this disease. She loves those two men like crazy. For the sake of this not continuing for ten pages I will try to wrap it up.....Aunt Nan is a woman who loves Jesus and it is evident in how she lives. You meet few people that this is the case for.
We are praying that above all else that Jesus Christ be seen in and through this battle and her story. Oh, how we love you.
2 Corinthians 12:9-11
9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Upon returning home Eli got sick upon waking up on Tuesday. He was limping and had a high fever out of nowhere. He had a doctor's visit and blood work in order to rule out some things and ended up diagnosing him with toxic synovitis which goes away without medication. We praise the Lord for His grace and strength in this trial. The Lord gave us a peace about it, but it was still hard to watch his body so tired and hurt. The testing broke my heart of course, but we were even more grateful for the ability to take him to a doctor and allow him to figure out what was going on. God is so good, and so near to the brokenhearted.
Despite all of that, Chris and I, were able to go to Las Vegas....which we wonder if we will choose that location again.....anyhow, what matters is that we had time to ourselves. Our parents were grateful enough to watch him while we did this and it was truly a gift. Though I did call back to check on things a lot we did have the ability to focus on each other, which was really nice. We truly considered this trip a gift. We were able to rest...which is hard to do at home a lot. Needless to say we were reminded again of the precious family we have and the beauty of marriage.
We are back home and enjoying that right now. Hopefully, we will bare down for some family time this weekend as it continues to rain. I am looking forward to that.
I leave with these rooted promises from the Lord. I pray that the encourage your heart this day...they have for me....
Psalm 34:17-19
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
Monday, March 9, 2009
updating
Updating...but truthfully, few will want to read the words that might flow from these fingers simply because it has been a long few weeks in processing a great deal of things.....a great deal of my heart searching has stemmed from the book Crazy Love, which I have mentioned a few times before. Let's just say that if you have not read this book I beg you to get a copy and read it....slow. I would not recommend flying through it simply because it is so full of scripture and issues that are meant to be addressed in the right ways...in biblical ways.
The journey over the past month has not been an easy one as I have realize the ugliness of myself and the things I spend my time thinking about or doing. As I have continued the quest of simply reading the gospels for themselves I am continually blown away by the reality that Jesus demanded all or nothing from His followers. If you wanted to follow Him, you had to put everything you had on the line or walk away. As I've struggled with for years...."American Christianity" has become an accepted nearly easy way to live life. It requires very little sacrifice, especially if you live in the south. However, the question has to be raised by every so called "christian"....is Chris everything we are about. As I've read this book and searched my heart I am convicted of the changes I need to make in regards to a life completely about Jesus. There is really no excuse for how I have made Him part of my life and not my everything. It breaks my heart that there are people that have "prayed THE prayer" and yet nothing changes. I don't think there was anyone I have read about that did pray a prayer and were changed throughout the gospels.....Jesus wanted true heart and life change in response to becoming His follower. He sought true repentance of the soul and nothing less. He did not say it was okay to give Him a few things and we remained in control of the rest.....He said all or nothing....it's almost as He is saying I don't want, need, or deserve your leftovers. I am the One true God who has the ability to give you all the love and acceptance you will ever need in this life or you can continue to figure things out your own way and continue doing life half heartily.
I so want the time I have on this earth to count for His glory....I long to wake up and go to bed saying with all sincerity that He is all I need, my Rock, and my only Salvation. I want to give Him all of me and as I continue to understand areas where I have failed miserably I am reminded of the grace He has given me on this journey. I could go on for a year on this subject...but it all boils down to I want Jesus more today than I ever have before. I need Him like never before. I have tasted His goodness and I want more. I have seen that He is good and He is worth every trial and struggle of this life.
I was reading Chapter seven of this book this afternoon and today's quote for me was this....." Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers." I don't want to make sense to this world....I want to manifest His love back to Him and to this world. We are called to be free to live in Him and free to serve through that love.....
I leave this post with the great words found in Galations 5:13-14
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve on another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: " Love your neighbor as yourself."
The journey over the past month has not been an easy one as I have realize the ugliness of myself and the things I spend my time thinking about or doing. As I have continued the quest of simply reading the gospels for themselves I am continually blown away by the reality that Jesus demanded all or nothing from His followers. If you wanted to follow Him, you had to put everything you had on the line or walk away. As I've struggled with for years...."American Christianity" has become an accepted nearly easy way to live life. It requires very little sacrifice, especially if you live in the south. However, the question has to be raised by every so called "christian"....is Chris everything we are about. As I've read this book and searched my heart I am convicted of the changes I need to make in regards to a life completely about Jesus. There is really no excuse for how I have made Him part of my life and not my everything. It breaks my heart that there are people that have "prayed THE prayer" and yet nothing changes. I don't think there was anyone I have read about that did pray a prayer and were changed throughout the gospels.....Jesus wanted true heart and life change in response to becoming His follower. He sought true repentance of the soul and nothing less. He did not say it was okay to give Him a few things and we remained in control of the rest.....He said all or nothing....it's almost as He is saying I don't want, need, or deserve your leftovers. I am the One true God who has the ability to give you all the love and acceptance you will ever need in this life or you can continue to figure things out your own way and continue doing life half heartily.
I so want the time I have on this earth to count for His glory....I long to wake up and go to bed saying with all sincerity that He is all I need, my Rock, and my only Salvation. I want to give Him all of me and as I continue to understand areas where I have failed miserably I am reminded of the grace He has given me on this journey. I could go on for a year on this subject...but it all boils down to I want Jesus more today than I ever have before. I need Him like never before. I have tasted His goodness and I want more. I have seen that He is good and He is worth every trial and struggle of this life.
I was reading Chapter seven of this book this afternoon and today's quote for me was this....." Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers." I don't want to make sense to this world....I want to manifest His love back to Him and to this world. We are called to be free to live in Him and free to serve through that love.....
I leave this post with the great words found in Galations 5:13-14
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve on another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: " Love your neighbor as yourself."
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Yesterday Eli had tubes put in his ears after multiple ear infections. We praise the Lord for the success of this and the goodness of the doctors and nurses there. He was such a brave little boy. I wish you all could have seen him when he got home. He played and did puzzles for hours and only shed tears when we had to put his ear drops in. We couldn't have asked for a greater experience for something that we were dreading so much! Thank you for your prayers. We pray that this will also help him hear more clearly and not be in pain so much!
Thanks again. We rejoice that this day has come and past and look forward to the future. Love you all.
Monday, February 2, 2009
A prayer that hits the soul
I have written a few things before and this is something I ended with when I helped write some student curriculum and it was brought to my attention at the church we attended on Sunday. It was very much a needed reminder none the less. This is an old Franciscan prayer....
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression and exploitation of people
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them
And turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
This weekend I was able to experience a well of emotions that in the long run don't really matter. I say that not to say that our feelings and situations aren't important; I say that because I was viewing them with the wrong eyes. Again, life is so much bigger than we make it. It hurts me so much when I get caught up in trivial things that have no imprint on eternity.
I was able to attend a "revival" service (for lack of a better term) with my dear sister. Though the service was rich in celebration the part that amazed me the most was the beauty, simplicity, and power of God's word. It stand alone. This was reaffirmed as we went to Fellowship Bible Church on Sunday where His truth continued to flood my soul and remind me that He is all we need. I was also convicted that I don't have enough scripture memorized. That is a fact and I want to change that. So, all that are reading you need to hold me accountable for this!
Anyhow, I was also blessed to have gotten to meet some really neat people as I hung out awhile at the McDonald's playground. People that have such incredible stories and who encouraged me greatly. I was amazed at how God allows us to cross paths with so many unbelievable people on our journeys and how those people leave such sweet imprints. I considered it a blessing to have met them and hope to see them again the next time we head to Tennessee.
I was also reminded the beauty of my own family driving back to Georgia. I realized that having hard conversations allow us to understand each other more and in the process love one another better. I am grateful for this.
I treasure the lessons and challenges that came from this weekend. I am better for them. I am richer for them.
Though I could write a great deal more I will end with the end of God's commission to Joshua. Read the entire section...but for the sake of space I will just include the last couple of verses (Joshua 1:8-9)
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression and exploitation of people
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them
And turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
This weekend I was able to experience a well of emotions that in the long run don't really matter. I say that not to say that our feelings and situations aren't important; I say that because I was viewing them with the wrong eyes. Again, life is so much bigger than we make it. It hurts me so much when I get caught up in trivial things that have no imprint on eternity.
I was able to attend a "revival" service (for lack of a better term) with my dear sister. Though the service was rich in celebration the part that amazed me the most was the beauty, simplicity, and power of God's word. It stand alone. This was reaffirmed as we went to Fellowship Bible Church on Sunday where His truth continued to flood my soul and remind me that He is all we need. I was also convicted that I don't have enough scripture memorized. That is a fact and I want to change that. So, all that are reading you need to hold me accountable for this!
Anyhow, I was also blessed to have gotten to meet some really neat people as I hung out awhile at the McDonald's playground. People that have such incredible stories and who encouraged me greatly. I was amazed at how God allows us to cross paths with so many unbelievable people on our journeys and how those people leave such sweet imprints. I considered it a blessing to have met them and hope to see them again the next time we head to Tennessee.
I was also reminded the beauty of my own family driving back to Georgia. I realized that having hard conversations allow us to understand each other more and in the process love one another better. I am grateful for this.
I treasure the lessons and challenges that came from this weekend. I am better for them. I am richer for them.
Though I could write a great deal more I will end with the end of God's commission to Joshua. Read the entire section...but for the sake of space I will just include the last couple of verses (Joshua 1:8-9)
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Writing
Well, this all might be random or just one huge thought. I am not sure. All I know is that I am sitting down to write for a few minutes....we'll see where it goes. My heart is hurting. That is as simple as I can state it. I am confused and in wonder of why things happen at the times they do. I am reminded however of the verses from the last post that have been used in my life in such a timely way over the past several weeks. Knowing there is a season for all things and that the Lord controls that allows me to exhale. When I hear news that breaks my heart it seems hard for me to exhale when I am trusting in myself but God didn't create us to just take things in He allows us to breathe...He allows us to exhale. I am grateful for that this day. I am grateful that we have a Father that wants us to just crawl up in His lap and sit with Him....to be still....to just be comforted. Right now I proclaim the God I know faithful, true, just, and righteous. I know that He has so many names more than my questions and my hurt. He understands hurt and confusion and in the mist of that desires to deliver comfort and peace. I embrace those offerings this day. I know He is who He says He is and does what He says He can do. I believe not only in God but I believe God.
I leave with these verses today in hopes that the Lord will speak unbelievable truth through it. His word is priceless.
Ecclesiastes 7:2-6
Wisdom
2 It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of every man;
the living should take this to heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart.
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
5 It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke
than to listen to the song of fools.
6 Like the crackling of thorns under the pot,
so is the laughter of fools.
This too is meaningless.
The commentary of my Bible explains that more is leaned from adversity than from pleasure. True wisdom is developed when life is the hardest, not when things seem good, even though he wishes this wasn't the case.
I leave with these verses today in hopes that the Lord will speak unbelievable truth through it. His word is priceless.
Ecclesiastes 7:2-6
Wisdom
2 It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of every man;
the living should take this to heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart.
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
5 It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke
than to listen to the song of fools.
6 Like the crackling of thorns under the pot,
so is the laughter of fools.
This too is meaningless.
The commentary of my Bible explains that more is leaned from adversity than from pleasure. True wisdom is developed when life is the hardest, not when things seem good, even though he wishes this wasn't the case.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
New Year
How behind I am in updating this. So much has happened over the past two months. Here are a few recaps:
The highchair was officially retired
Eli turned two
We traveled and saw most of our family over Christmas
Eli is in a big boy bed
Those are just the things on the top of my head right now as I listen to a little Francis Chan. My parents gave me a Nano for Christmas, and I didn't know what I had missed out on these years. I am listening to sermons right now on this. It is an amazing little device. Yes, I am way behind most in realizing this.
Over the past few months a great deal has happened that I have yet to blog about. I know I won't remember it all, but right now I will just type as things come to my head.
Eli continues to grow up before our eyes, although our largest struggle right now is him eating "big boy food" which would include vegetables, meat, and regular people meals. Currently, he is only eating the same certain foods or any fruit you would give him. Other than that he is relatively good right now. Of course, he has his moments. He is rather particular about things, which we are also working on.
He turned two and had a sweet little birthday with a few family members, and his best friend Harper. It was a good evening.
We are blessed by all those that love him so beautifully.
Being able to see so much of our family and friends over Christmas was yet another blessing. We were again reminded of how blessed we are. We were gone for ten days, so it took a little while to adjust to being back, but it has been good.
After being home a couple of days Eli moved to a big boy bed, which he loves for the most part. He has been taking less frequent naps lately, but we are hoping that will change. He has done really well with the transition.
There are also a few more things going on right now with us, which I will write more about soon. Just pray for wisdom for our lives as we embark in to new adventures!
As I am listening to this podcast I am reminded of my largest question for this new year: what is my life about? What do I want it to be about? I leave with that thought and this passage that has encouraged me this day. It is a beautiful chapter with a lot in it but is especially timely for the new year!
Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
15 Whatever is has already been,
and what will be has been before;
and God will call the past to account. [a]
16 And I saw something else under the sun:
In the place of judgment—wickedness was there,
in the place of justice—wickedness was there.
17 I thought in my heart,
"God will bring to judgment
both the righteous and the wicked,
for there will be a time for every activity,
a time for every deed."
18 I also thought, "As for men, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. 19 Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath [b] ; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless. 20 All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and if the spirit of the animal [c] goes down into the earth?"
22 So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?
...to be continued
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