2/29/08

This afternoon, Charis and I made muffins together. I should rephrase that. I made muffins today while Charis sat in her high chair. Unfortunately, she doesn't have my sweet tooth or love for baking yet, seeing as she was more interested in eating her fingers than anything else. That's ok, though. I like her being my little baby. Someday she'll help stir, but for now, I treasure the company of my little girly, cooing and kicking on the sidelines.


2/26/08

"Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:22-24)

Recently, I tried a new recipe for dinner, called Split Pea Soup. One of the ingredients was bacon, so I figured, as long as I told Stephen there was meat amidst the green bowl of mush, he'd go for it. Cooking the soup is a process of a number of hours, and something went terribly wrong somewhere along the line. I went into the kitchen to "periodically stir" the soup just as the directions instructed. This time, however, the green mush was enveloped in black, crusty peas. Yes, I managed to burn the soup. I am not quite sure where I went wrong, but that's not the point.
Whenever I gave the news to Stephen, 1) He was not disappointed and 2) He reminded me that I would still get my reward in heaven (after which, I probably rolled my eyes thinking something like, "Yeah, that sounds good, but that doesn't solve the what's-for-dinner-predicament"). He was right.
Even though the dinners I make bless my husband, they are ultimately an act of service to the Lord. If I could remember this truth whenever I am washing the same clothes for the hundredth time or scrubbing the kitchen floor, I would probably work more diligently. My reward is not seeing Stephen's enjoyment or having the pleasure of a "job well done," but it will be from the Lord in heaven.
"The work of a slave was surely the most menial and thankless, but what changed aspect that work would hold if he saw it as service to the Lord Himself." (Secure In the Everlasting Arms, Elisabeth Elliot)
We got pizza that night...

2/24/08

The Bumbo


A kind friend of mine lent me her little boy's Bumbo. Don't ask me where they get the name from. Charis is lovin' it. She's a nosy girly, and while lying on the floor has to contort her body to see what's going on around her. This seat allows her to survey most of the room without too much strain. When we first put her in it, she was in hunchback-mode, but now she's got the hang of it. You could say this is a new toy for baby and mom!

2/19/08

In My Arms


clouds will raise up
storms will race in
but you will be safe in my arms
rains will pour down
waves will crash all around
but you will be safe in my arms
(Chorus taken from In My Arms, by Plumb)
It is a beautiful to think of a child, safe in the arms of a parent. What also brings tears to my eyes as I listen to this song, is the picture of the Lord holding His beloved, safely nestled in His arms.

2/17/08

Today after church, Charis was taking a nap and I was picking up around the house. I rounded a corner at the top of the stairs, and at the sight of her teeny tiny shoes, I was filled with gratefulness for my little girl. I had a moment. You know the kind I am talking about. The moments when you are struck with God's kindness, in ways you cannot express.

Let's take a breather from the busyness that puts us into go-mode twenty-three hours a day, and thank God for the specific graces he has bestowed on us. Maybe patent leather shoes don't stir your heart to thanksgiving, but let's start this week with eyes looking for God's blessings in our lives.

2/14/08

Happy Day

2/11/08

Monday is Stephen's day off and offically "family day." It is one Charis and I look forward to all week long. He's ours for the whole day. This afternoon, we enjoyed a rousing game of Scrabble, as Charis took it all in from the sidelines, while sucking on her toes. Since she started this new habit, we often have to take off her socks, in an effort to avoid washing a load of baby socks each day!

2/8/08

There's only one other person in our family who sucks his feet, and it's not me...you guess where she gets it from.

2/6/08

If you're anyting like me, your can read the word and seek the Lord in prayer, without ever seeing fruit from it. Growth appears to be nonexistent. You are unaware of change in your life. Whenever I believe this, though, I am believing a lie.
"His delight is in the law of the Lord,and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither." Psalm 1:2-3
The Lord promises that those who consistently meditate on His word will bear fruit. No "but's" about it. When I prayerfully read Scripture and think on truth, God assures me that there will be fruit in my life. I can wait expectantly, knowing that God is trustworthy, as is His word.
Next time I am tempted to think I am not growing in finding my joy in the Lord or that one area I consistently sin against Stephen in, I can take heart knowing that ff I am spending time in His word, He will bring forth fruit in my life. For those who are saved, God is at work in us!