In recent weeks, I have been inspired by not only God’s Word but a morning devotional. It’s called “Craving God” by Lysa Terkeurst. I was drawn to it by the title itself, “Craving God.”
The devotion that has been stuck in my head is on gentleness. If you would have asked me a couple weeks ago if I was a gentle woman, I would have said yes. But now I know a little better because I know more on what God says gentleness is. I always thought gentleness was a thing to do with babies and animals, turns out there’s a lot more to it then that.
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The blue card laid between us. My best handwriting filled the lines and I turned my head slightly to gain a clearer perspective. Still, no matter how long I stared, I couldn’t figure out how to explain the depth of difficulty and utter importance this verse has on us all.
And you must love the Lord your God
with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5
Even Jesus reiterated its importance. Matthew, Mark, and Luke kept record. So I thought it would be best to start there.
His big hazel eyes were still on mine when I asked if he thought he understood.
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Run to the football game, run to the birthday party.
Run home, do a quick clean up, run to the grocery story, run back to the party.
Run to hobby lobby for that new project, run home for the baby’s nap.
Run the dishwasher, the dryer and the vacuum.
The vacuum wakes the baby! Run out for last minute errands…
I am not a runner, though there is an element of serenity and determination that appeals to me about running.
But this kind of running described above makes me weary and worn out.
This kind of running is what life and motherhood tends to become.
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Most of us do not have enemies. We do not have actual individuals in our lives that are our sworn enemy, or nemesis as in the “arch enemy” of comic books and super hero movies. Yes, some who read this might, but MOST of us do not.
When reading the Bible and its use of the word “enemy” I sometimes replace it with the words, “my thoughts”, because my biggest enemy is right here in my very own head. Negative thoughts, beliefs and lies.
With this in mind, let’s read Psalm 143:3-12. I will just quote verses 3 and 4, you will want to go read the rest; it is pretty amazing!
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She launched herself into the air, squealing “Catch me Daddy!” My husband threw himself across the pool, barely getting his hands in position to catch her as she splashed into the water. She shook water out of her face and cackled with glee. “Again!” she shouted, smacking her father on the shoulder. “Catch me again, Daddy!”
She’s our brave one, this blond-headed firecracker of a child. Her older siblings have always tread with caution, but she throws herself at the world and trusts that someone will be there to catch her. Slides, swings, pools—she has absolute faith that her father’s hands will be waiting.
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Ever have days, when life is beyond overwhelming? When there’s too many tasks & people needing you “right now” and the most important things in your life seem to be suffocating beneath the towel you’re contemplating throwing in!?
Parenting is HARD; step-parenting is harder, and sometimes I honestly feel like throwing in the towel & running for cover!
After a recent {very} difficult weekend with my stepson, my husband & I were left feeling completely defeated & powerless. When working with my husbands ex to raise their son, we have come to the tough realization that we will never be on the same page with her; she will always fight us and we will always be, as she ‘lovingly’ calls us, “The Nazi’s!”
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Consumed by Frustration
Ever felt consumed by frustration? Like all your attempts at progress meet only baffling failure? If not failure outright, perhaps you just feel stuck with your wheels spinning.
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No matter what you try, you can’t lose weight and never have enough energy.
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With all the cleaning you do, your house remains constantly cluttered and unorganized.
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All your kind words and gestures along with any attempts to truly show interest fail to result in real connection.
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Simplicity of any kind remains illusive, and life just seems constantly filled with drama and complication.
Frustrating. Baffling. Unsettling.
My first instinct? Do something about it.
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Keep in step with the Spirit.
God’s timing is not our timing.
We push and rush, but His timing is best.
Keep walking.
Keep pressing.
Keep seeking more of God with every step.
Let’s keep in step with the Spirit rather than race ahead,
pushing to become what we THINK we should be.
All that we seek can only be done by Spirit.
Let’s cultivate faithfulness with every step.
Don’t give up and don’t give in.
Trying so hard to make ourselves, we measure progress in this place of becoming.
Eyes fixed on what we lack, preparation and practice can feel like failure rather than progress.
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