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!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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.
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