Dear Madi {As You Turn Nine And Head One Year Further Into Womanhood}

Dear Madi,

I have not written here in far too long.  But I could not let April end without writing to you during this your birthday month.  I have been thinking about you a lot these days since you turned nine, your last year in "single digits" as you told me!

As usual, we celebrated with breakfast and cinnamon rolls and fun surprises wrapped in paper and glimmering in the morning sunlight.  I brought ice cream cups - and your new baby sister, as you requested - to your third grade class on your birthday. Grammie gave you a beautiful family dinner and a perfect bag of surprises, and there was that fun day when we went shopping to spend the gift cards you were given.  Your gift from us and our final celebration - our "girls getaway" overnight trip with your BFF - was a blast!  We had so much fun in the sun!

But what I wanted to tell you was how much I love you.  How beautiful you are, and how radiant, and what an amazing person you are becoming.

How you are at this wonderful age with a beautiful mix of little girl and maturing young lady.  Still innocent, yet wise.  Carefree, yet intuitive.  Still dressing like a princess and having a room full of dolls, yet also into fashion and style and shopping and ipods and, of course, the ever popular Rainbow Loom.

This is a fun time in your life!  It is a fun time for us together.

You are smart and successful at school and other activities, but I've never heard you boast of such.  You take your gifts in stride and I love that about you.  You are faithfully involved at church.  You are one of the kindest, happiest girls I know.  I admire that kindness.  You are a friend to all, able to interact with adults, helpful with little ones.  You were already a great big sister to your brother, and now you are becoming an absolutely amazing big sister to your baby sister!  I can only imagine how much she is going to look up to you as she grows.  She has a wonderful example to follow.

I want you to know that though I don't always get this mothering thing right, I am committed to trying with all that is in me.  We have so much fun together as a family!  But while I enJOY being a mom to the fullest, I also take motherhood very seriously.  I pray for God's wisdom and ask for forgiveness when I get it wrong.  You are so full of love and forgiveness when I need it.  And I am grateful for the times when we get it right.  When we choose words carefully.  When we make choices that honor God.  When we laugh so hard that you start to hiccup. Oh, how I love that!

I also want you to know some important things that will help you as you grow.  I was talking to Daddy about this passionately the other morning.  There are some major transitional years heading your way.  And Madi, I so desire for you to grow and mature in God confidence.  I want you to clearly know who you are and Whose you are.  The world is filled with insecure girls who grow into insecure teenagers who turn into insecure women.  These insecurities manifest themselves in very damaging ways, yet there is a better way...God's way.  I hope and pray that you will grow up confident in Christ alone and grounded in His Word.  You don't have to chase the same image or things the world does.  Don't become consumed with self. Remember, all that glitters isn't gold.  And all that seemingly promises fulfillment often comes up empty.  But in God's presence is fullness of joy!

I want you to enJOY your abundant life in Christ, free from the trap of insecurity that holds so many in bondage!  I want you to keep your enthusiastic, positive spirit!  I want you to avoid the negativity and apathy that so many fall into along the way.  I want you to be so in love with Christ that your desire is to please Him first!  I want you to care more about what God thinks than what your peers think!  There will always be critics. There will always be someone who is better than you at something, or who is jealous of you for something, or who resents you for some reason, or even someone who is just plain mean to you for no reason at all.  Don't get caught up in all that!!  Keep your focus on Christ and serving others!  At times this narrow path can seem lonely.  But it is also where true freedom and joy and peace and fulfillment are found!  It is okay to be different.  Know we are always, always here for you along the way.  We are on this same journey.  To know Christ better and be found in Him, shining brightly for His glory alone, trying to further His Kingdom and bring Him praise, enjoying to the fullest every one of His gracious blessings along the way.  God's way works and it is good and the life He offers is truly abundant.

That is what I want for you as you continue to grow from little girl to young woman. This is what I am praying for you.  Because if you are in Christ and live according to His Word, the rest will come together.  I promise...pinky promise!

Madi - my first little love - thank you for who you are and the joy you bring to our family and to so many!  Your radiant, dimpled smile comes from deep within.  Jesus is evident in your life already!  I pray you continue to grow in Him and that being nine years old will be a fabulously fun year filled with the best of memories!

I love you more than you will ever know.

Mommy

"My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident.

No wonder I can sing your praises!"

Psalm 57:7 (NLT) 

Christmas Joy On Christmas Eve

I've been reading through this book this season.

It was a gift from someone a few years ago and is full of Bible verses, stories, song lyrics, quotes, and interesting facts about Christmas.  It has been a treat to read!

I love the Christmas season.  Absolutely love it.  And one of the quotes from this book really captures how I feel about the celebration of our Savior's birth and the sheer wonder of it all.  I have read and reread it often.  It goes as follows...

"Christmas at its core is larger than life, grander than we can begin to comprehend.  We cannot even imagine the scenario - God, the Son, wrapping himself in human flesh and being born in a humble stable to parents of little worldly consequence.  Perhaps that's why Christmas never loses its wonder year after year.  The story simply cannot be taken in at once.  It takes a lifetime of Christmases, and even then we remain starstruck, still unable to understand fully what God has done for us, what He has given us.

This Christmas, hold nothing back.  Look up and hear the majestic angelic choir, look out into the night in search of the brilliant Christmas star.  Cherish every expression of Christmas love, joy, and peace - immersing yourself in the wonder if it all!  Don't worry about going overboard.  In a million lifetimes, you could not grow weary of it - it's a truly eternal story."

An eternal story it is.  Because it is about Jesus, the One who was and is and is to come.  And it is a truly joyful story - because Jesus is joy!  And He is hope, and peace, and rest, and laughter, and celebration, and sacrifice, and the ultimate love, and everything we could want or need.

I hope you allow yourself to fully enJOY the celebration and be completely captivated by the wonder!  Most of all, I hope you know Jesus, because He will change your life.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, wherever you are!

May it be meaningful and merry and wrapped in love!

A Simple Thanksgiving

Together, we gathered and gave thanks.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord!

Call upon His name; 

Make known His deeds among the peoples!

Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;

Talk of all His wondrous works!

Glory in His holy name;

Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!

Psalm 105:1-3

It was a simple, relaxing Thanksgiving this year - from the quiet, cold morning to the gorgeous, outdoor afternoon to the chilly, fireside night.

I have so much to be thankful for.  A Savior, Jesus, who gives me peace and hope and joy in a chaotic world; a husband who is my dearest and best and most faithful friend; children who add sparkle to our world and who are growing in their faith; a family who lovingly shares life with us; a small but sweet, supportive circle of friends; a caring church family and the freedom to worship; a cozy, comfortable home full of love; provision after provision; blessing upon blessing; gift after gift; grace upon grace.

Even the difficult things are reason to give thanks when I really stop to consider.  Yes, there have been circumstances that have been challenging and people who have been hurtful and personal failures and painful moments.  No, I wouldn't choose every trial, but I must acknowledge that they draw me closer to the heart of God and make me passionate for truth and driven to seek God's wisdom.  They make me stronger and more resolute in my relationship with Christ and with Christ-following friends.  They make me long for Heaven.  And I have full assurance of my home in Heaven, which alone is such a reason for gratitude.  Hope eternal.  Peace everlasting.  Glory awaiting!

Yes, we gave thanks on a beautiful November day.

And still we give thanks. Our hearts seek the Lord, and we rejoice!

Proverbs 14-16

I was home for a bit yesterday morning, which was nice.  I was actually waiting on an internet service person to come.  The waiting allowed me to stop and rest in my chair for a bit.  Beside me was a glowing candle given to me by a friend.  In the room behind me, the washer churned. Outside my window were overcast skies, all the more reason to stop and sit awhile as I waited for the towels to be ready to put in the dryer and the repairman to come to my door.

I ended up getting called to sub the second half of the day, and dashed off to Aldi before I headed to school.  But during that brief but wonderful quiet time I drank a cup of chai and read my Proverb for the day.  This morning I am home again and that same candle burns.

 Here are some of the Proverbs that stood out to me the past few days....

~

Proverbs 14:1 "A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands."

~ This first verse really caught me as I read it.  The Bible has a lot to say about women and the home.  Oh, how I want to be a home builder! God, please help us in this!

Proverbs 14:2 "Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise him."

Proverbs 14:7 "Stay away from fools, for you won't find knowledge on their lips."

~ We need to be especially careful whom we seek advice from.  We really need to be sure that we are seeking godly counsel, not just validation of our own desires or opinions, when dealing with the issues of life.

Proverbs 14:9 "Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation."

Proverbs 14:12 "There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death."

~ Be careful which path you take.  Be wise as you discern the difference between what seems right, and what is right.

Proverbs 14:16 "The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence."

Proverbs 14:26 "Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children."

~ Our decisions affect generations.  I desire to make wise decisions that will pass down blessings, not harm, to our children and the generations to come.

~

Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."

~ Good to remember next time we are provoked.

Proverbs 15:3 "The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good."

~ Both convicting and comforting.

Proverbs 15:7 "The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give."

Proverbs 15:9 "The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness."

Proverbs 15:16 "Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil."

~ How many of those in our culture who have the most treasure are consumed with turmoil?  It's a sad reality - but fear of the Lord brings joy, even without great earthly treasure!  He is our treasure!

~

Proverbs 16:2 "People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives."

Proverbs 16:3 "Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed."

Proverbs 16:9 "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."

~ God will have His way in us.  It's not wrong to plan, but we need have an open heart for what He wants to do in and through us.  Sometimes His plans surprise us - but they don't surprise Him!

Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."

Proverbs 16:20 "Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful."

~ Once again, here is a source for JOY - trusting in God and listening to His instruction!

Proverbs 16:24 "Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

Proverbs 16:28 "A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends."

~ Such practical truth.  Be careful not to be excited by strife and drama.  Be careful of relationships that center around gossip.

Got called in again, so with that I'm off to school!

Thank you for joining me on this journey!  

Proverbs 6-9

Beautiful October breezes are blowing in this evening!  Thankful for the refreshment they bring!

Here are some observations from the past few days in Proverbs...

Be careful what you get involved in financially.

Proverbs 6:1-4 "My child, if you have put up security for a friend's debt or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger - if you have trapped yourself by your agreement and are caught by what you said - follow my advice and save yourself, for you have placed yourself at your friend's mercy.  Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased.  Don't put it off; do it now!  Don't rest until you do."

Before we co-sign, before we lend, before we borrow, we need to stop and seek God's guidance and wisdom.  Many have gotten themselves in financial disaster by trying to "help" someone, or by not examining the small print of an agreement.

Work hard!

Proverbs 6:6-8 "Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.  Learn from their ways and become wise!  Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter."

Whether our work is paid or unpaid, salaried or volunteered, in an office, classroom, home, or church, we need to be willing to work hard at what we do!  One summer on a missions trip to Mexico, our group memorized Romans 12:11 - "Never be lazy in doing your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically!"  I have thought of that verse many times since then.

Remember the advice and wisdom of your parents.

Proverbs 6:20-22 "My son, obey your father's commands, and don't neglect your mother's instruction.  Keep their words always in your heart.  Tie them around your neck.  When you walk, their counsel will lead you.  When you sleep, they will protect you.  When you wake up, they will advise you."

I have said before that I am so incredibly grateful for the wisdom and protection my parents gave me growing up.  Children need boundaries, advice, correction, instruction, and protection.  What my mom and dad taught me from God's Word truly protected me from so many devastating consequences, and set me up for success in life.  I pray I will intentionally and lovingly give my children that same instruction and protection.

If it is immoral, don't go near it.

Proverbs 7 is a warning to a son about the luring temptation of immoral women, and the ruin found in falling into their snare.  Verse 25 says, "Don't let your hearts stray toward her.  Don't wander down her wayward path."  That is excellent advice for us regarding anything immoral - don't wander down that path!  Don't even go near it.

Wisdom is far more valuable than money.

Proverbs 8:10-11 "Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.  For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.  Nothing you desire can compare with it."

In a world of many who falsely believe acquiring more wealth and possessions will solve their problems and satisfy their longings, we need to work on acquiring more wisdom. God's wisdom is of far more value than any possession!

Here it is again...wisdom brings JOY!  

Proverbs 8:32-35 "And so my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.  Listen to my instruction and be wise.  Don't ignore it.  Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home!  For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord."

God's ways are good!  They bring such joy!

Don't be surprised if a foolish person rejects wise advice, and is even angered by it.

Proverbs 9:7-9 "Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return.  Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.  So don't bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you.  But correct the wise, and they will love you.  Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser.  Teach the righteous, and they will learn more."

A teachable spirit is an interesting thing.  Someone who possesses it and listens to wise counsel will grow in wisdom, as this passage says.  But those who don't possess it - those who think they know everything, think they don't need to pay attention to God's Word, those who continuously make rash or immoral decisions - will not follow wise advice.  They will even get angry at the giver of wise advice. Have you ever gotten angry when someone gave you counsel from God's Word?  Or have you ever given wise counsel from God's Word, only to get insulted and lashed out at in return?

Important lesson for all of us - we need to keep a teachable spirit, one that is sensitive to the Lord and His Word!  God, I pray you will teach us all something new during this study of Proverbs!

A Table Makeover, My Own Little Space, And What I've Been Studying

Remember the hand-me-down baseball table I redid a few years back?  Well, while working on some other projects I gave it a little makeover on a whim.  The soft blue paint brightened up my little corner. I've been bringing in some blues for spring and summer, and this Valspar paint in Mirage was just the right shade.

My mom still gives Jimmy and me an Easter basket every year (I know, right?) and this year our goodies were in this little tweed box with a leather pull.  It is just right for storing all my Bible studies and journals on the bottom shelf of the table!

My favorite pens and other little trinkets that make me smile sit on top.

I love the view from my own little space - and can't we all use a little space now and then?!

My cup of something warm is right in reach (this mug from a friend always brings my heart warmth).

And so is my life line.  There is nothing like spending time in God's Word to center your soul.

Lately I've been studying two books by Kay Warren.  Both Choose Joy and Say Yes To God have encouraged and challenged me in major ways.  Kay is a woman who knows and shares and lives the Word of God.  Would love to talk about these truths with you over a cup of coffee!  This is life changing stuff.

I'll leave you with her definition of joy that she used to summarize the many things the Bible says about it.  It is absolutely worth memorizing!

Joy is the settled assurance that 

God is in control of my life,

the quiet confidence that ultimately 

everything is going to be all right,

and the determined choice 

to praise God in all things.