The Blessing of Diapers

Like I said before, I've been learning a lot the past few days as I walk through this "valley" of tantrums and diaper rash. The Lord is really using this time to teach me some things.

On Thursday, I ran some errands with my Mother-in-Law because she was helping me out while my car was in the shop. We ran my errands first and then we went to Sam's Club. I love that place! Chris' mom was so generous and she bought me a BIG box of diapers for Caleb. I recently got my order of diapers from Amazon.com and I was set for the month but I NEVER turn down a box of diapers from anywhere. It was a real blessing to lug that box into the house and stack the diapers up on the changing table.

Little did I know that Caleb would come down with an upset tummy and go through ten diapers on Friday alone and who knows how many over the weekend and even now. I could have bought more diapers if needed but it would really stretch my grocery budget for the month. But, I was given a big box of diapers.

The Lord knew I would need extra diapers and He provided!! The Lord provides in the big things and he provides in the little things....even diapers. This is just one of the things I'm learning these days.



Graphic From AllPosters.com

In Other Words

"The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love."
Henry Scougal (The Life of God in the Soul of Man ), quoted by John Piper in The Pleasures of God

This quote has come at a very timely season in my life. Let me explain by explaining what happened about a week ago. I was riding home with Chris and I was feeling rather low about the state of my friendships. I didn't understand why I am always the one who must call someone to have a conversation or to get together and do something. "Why must I always be the one?! Is it wrong for me to want to be the one who is pursued for once? Is that selfish?" I thought.

Chris, who is always one to speak things as they really are, said "Honey, when there seems to be something wrong with everyone around you, who is the common factor? You. And when that is the case aren't we always the last ones we look at for correction?" HUH! Thanks Honey, that hurt! He went on to explain a certain behavior I've adopted that he believes has a lot to do with people not wanting to call me for activities. It is easily fixed by a simple change of heart.

You see, I can be pretty opinionated about what I do or don't want to do. I'll be hanging out with some people and we'll be discussing what we want to do next. If something comes up that I really don't want to do, I will usually voice my opinion not really taking into account the rest of the group. Also, I don't offer to help someone with a task if I really don't want to do it. Have you noticed I am not naturally blessed with the Gift of Service? My first reaction to Chris' loving correction was, "If I alwasy give in to other people's desires won't I come across as a doormat or weak?" "Maybe," he said, "But you want others to know that they matter to you and once they know that they will desire your company." Problem solved.

I see. If I fully give of myself to others, then my desires and/or needs for quality relationships will be fulfilled.

I have prayed a good bit about this lately and I can honestly say that I can already feel a change of heart. Thinking about other people and their needs is becoming more natural for me and I desire to help them all that I can. Even today, there was a major scheduling mishap with the church when it came to set up for our MOPS meeting tomorrow. Instead of getting terribly upset because my schedule was messed up, I was patient and willing to do what needed to be done.

As for the above quote, I can see now that the essence of my heart and soul is REALLY determined by where I put my love and affection. Through my love for other people and their needs I am understanding the heart of Jesus even better and allows me to become even closer to Him.

I am so thankful for my husband's loving admonition last week. At the time I was hurt and very resistant to what he said. But, now I am thrilled with all the future opportunities for me to simply say, "How can I help you?" I pray that the object of my love becomes other dear people more and more and through that my heart comes more like that of Jesus in whom I gain my worth.

Go on over to Laurel Wreath to read other Ladies' takes on this lovely quote.

Fascinating Podcasts

I have come upon some fascinating podcasts that I wanted to share with everyone. First, let me say that I know the issue of the Patriarchy Movement and/or Patriocentricity is a really hot button issue right now. I am fairly new to learning about it and thus, I have not developed a complete opinion on it as of yet. That is why I haven't written anything here about it.

I found this series of podcasts thanks to Sallie over at A Gracious Home. ThatMom is currently recording a series of podcasts on this very issue and she just released the first one. Go on over here to hear this fascinating podcast and over here to get the schedule for all the upcoming installments. There will be editions through September and even in October.

I have already listened to first podcast and I am so glad to be learning more. I appreciate the podcast format because I can just play it while I do other things on the computer or around the house and not have to commit the time to reading something. Head on over so you can learn some more too.

Jesus is Waiting

A struggle that I have always had in my spiritual life is maintaining a consistent devotional time. I will go through a season when I do very well and it is quite easy to keep that appointment with Jesus. And then things get busy and it gets extremely hard. The motivation is small because I feel like I have so much to do with Caleb, around the house, on eBay, etc. I know my reasoning is terrible and yet I still let it take control. I am sure that most people can testify to times like this. We are very human and the last thing the Enemy wants is for us to have a vibrant relationship with our Savior.

Let me tell you what works for me. A few months ago I was talking to a mentor of mine. She is a spiritual mother to me and a mentor when it comes to being a mom. She has been through the trenches and has come out with the most beautiful relationship with Jesus I've ever known. Anyway, Caleb was really small and I was explaining to her about how hard it was for me to prioritize a devotional time when the laundry is overflowing, the dishes are stinky, and the baby needs to be fed and changed. It is a struggle to just sit and be quiet before the Lord when there is so much to do.

Here is what she said. Imagine Jesus is sitting on your couch and he is waiting for you. He isn't saying anything. He just looks at you and waits. You keep saying, "One moment, Jesus, let me finish these dishes or the laundry." And he keeps waiting. He is patient but you know he yearns to spend time with you. After all he is sitting on YOUR couch.

Once you imagine that, it really is hard to put off being with Him. At first, I would purposefully think about Jesus sitting there like it was a discipline. I would stop and spend time with Him. After a few months now and I am being "too busy for Him" an image of Him just pops into my head. Sometimes it almost feels like I can actually see Him sitting there...waiting.

This is not supposed to be a way to make you feel guilty. Don't we already have enough of that anyway? I just know that this really works for me. I don't ever feel guilty. I just feel Loved and Desired by the Creator of the Universe and my Savior. I think that can make anyone stop and just listen.

Learning to Listen

Lately, I am learning that my prayer life is very one-sided. I talk with the Lord very often, during my devotional time and throughout the day. I sing my praises and I voice my concerns and sometimes I just talk about what's going on in my heart and mind. I ask for wisdom and guidance often. But, I don't seem to be very good at listening. How can I seek guidance if I'm not willing to listen. I say I'm not willing to listen because when I receive an answer I often don't believe that it really is from God. I will pray and pray over something seeking an answer even though I keep getting the same answer each time. It is almost like I don't believe God will answer ME and yet I do believe he will because I'm praying about it to begin with.

Here's a recent example. I was asked to join my local MOPS Steering Team. I am going to be the Prayer and Care Coordinator. I am very honored to be in this position and I am excited and even scared about the upcoming MOPS year. One of the things I've needed to do this summer to prepare is to ask a couple of women to be my prayer warriors. They would be "undercover" and support me and other MOPS moms with their faithful prayers. Once I was informed by my predecessor that I needed a prayer team I started praying about who to ask. Very early on two ladies popped into my head. I'll call them A and B. I prayed and prayed about who to ask every day and every day A and B came to mind. I couldn't "shake" it. Once I realized what was going on I prayed that God would confirm even more that I needed to ask A and B. That went on for a couple of weeks. Finally, I was praying yesterday when God basically shook me and said, "Sarah, I've been telling you who I've chosen for you. ASK THEM!! T.O.D.A.Y!!!" With that I sat down and wrote an email to A and when I was out running errands I called B.

When I called B, she said that she had been thinking about me a lot over the last three weeks. That was about the time I've been praying about this. I asked her and she was thrilled about the opportunity. B was a definite 'yes.' I was so excited and encouraged. When I got home from running errands I had an email waiting on me. A said that she had a feeling that she was being called to do this but she was leaving it up to me to ask as a confirmation from God. Needless to say, she was a 'yes' too.

Wow! While I was praying for these women to be revealed to me God was preparing them for the job. I struggled over who to ask all the while God was making it very clear. I was in such shock that it went so perfectly. I know I shouldn't be in shock. Isn't that how God works?? I am so thankful for this experience because I have grown in my learning to listen.

Declaration of Commitment

Our pastor read this Declaration of Commitment to us during his sermon Saturday night. I have heard it before and liked it a lot then too. I finally found it online and in its entirety today. Look here. Enjoy and adopt it yourself!

THE ANGEL STADIUM DECLARATION
April 17, 2005

Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling, and I'm finished with wavering. I've made my choice; the verdict is in; and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!

I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me," character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.

I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.

I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!"

Rick and Kay Warren began Saddleback Church at their home in 1980. ©Copyright 2005. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Hanwritten Bible Finally Finished

I wasn't planning on writing anything this evening but then I came up on this news story. (Thank you Stacy at Persecution Blog for the tip.) Vernon Henson finally finished hand copying the ENTIRE Bible after 40 long years. I have heard of people in closed countries copying portions of the Bible because that is the only option they have and I've heard of people in America doing as a spiritual discipline. But, this is the first time I've heard of someone actually finishing the entire Bible. Wow!! I am inspired by Mr. Henson's dedication to the Word and how he stuck with it for 40 years. Aren't you inspired too?!

Consider Your Ways...Question 2

What's the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?

I have two things I want to ask God this year. I've been unsure about this question for a few days. It finally came to me during my Nap/Cuddles/Quiet Time (previous post). Here they are:

1) I want to ask that Chris' Paternal Grandfather in Poland will not only stay alive but also be completely aware when Chris and I plan to visit in June/July. I ask God this because He is the only one who decides when we are to leave this world. You see, Caleb is the only great-grandchild who will carry the Polish last name, therefore carrying the tradition and he is the only American born great-grandchild. For these reasons, Chris and I consider it extremely important for us to get to Poland and show off Caleb. The plan is to go in June or July. Caleb will be one. I really don't feel comfortable traveling to Poland until he is at least one or almost one. That is a big reason we are waiting for the summer. We are also waiting for Chris' parents to go (the summer) so we'll have others to travel with us...not to mention a translator if needed (Chris' Dad). So, I pray that God will allow his Grandfather in Poland to tarry on this earth until he can meet Caleb.

2) Chris has helped me to realize that I have a dream to be a writer and to someday be published. I confess I have great doubts at times and I am always second guessing my abilities. ALWAYS! So, the idea of being published or to really go somewhere with my writing seems "humanly impossible." Chris and I believe that my desire to write is from the Lord because I have had it deep down inside since college. Chris is really the only person who knows (now y'all do too!) because I've doubted myself so much. I want to pray that God help me continue in my writing, show me where He wants me to go with it, and to help me to realize my dream of being a writer. I know it is going to take God to do this one. :-)

Consider Your Ways...Question 1

What's one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?

I know the answer to that question without really thinking about it. I'm surprised it has taken me this long to really write about it. The one thing that I could do this year to increase my enjoyment of God is to put a whole lot more emphasis on my devotional time/quiet time. I confess that my devotional time has suffered greatly since Caleb was born. Granted it wasn't that great before then, but it became almost non-existant afterwards. It seemed like whenever I could put Caleb down I was too tired to even think about reading my Bible or anything else. Sure, I would pray when I had a spare moment or when I was nursing him but I usually fell asleep then too. Now, Caleb is on more of a schedule and he takes a nice long nap in the afternoon. I used to use the whole 2-3 hours to clean the house or do computer work. Now I try to make a point to have my devotional time as soon as I put Caleb down. The ideal situation would be for me to have a devotional time first thing in the morning and I've tried that. But, I have found that the afternoon nap time is ideal for me at this point in my life. My small group is starting the Crown Ministries Small Group Study and that requires daily homework, prayer for members in the group, and scripture memorization. My devotional time for the next 10 weeks will probably be filled with that study. I am looking forward to it. So, I just pray that God helps me to really make my devotional time a much greater priority and I know my enjoyment of Him will grow exponentially.