Love in a Box

You're in for a treat.  Actually, I'm in for a treat and I'm going to share it with you.

When my children act like they sometimes do, I like to say, "They get that from their father!"  (It's shocking how unsupportive my friends are of my theories.)  Sometimes the kids behave in ways that I secretly hope they got from me.  Sometimes I know they get it from me and I sigh.  And pray for grace.

However, there are times when I know what I see comes from the seed of heaven that's been planted in their hearts.  I can't take credit, I can only offer thanks.  Humbly.

This most recent week hasn't been one that I'd brag about as a stellar example of fine parenting.  Perhaps the children haven't exactly been stellar either, but...

This afternoon I went out for a couple of hours.  While I was gone my hubby rallied the kids.  I came home to a clean house and love in a box on my desk.  It's labelled Mom's Verse Box.  Grace.  I haven't been the best mom I can be this week.  My little one forgives and gives me love in a box.

I was allowed to open the paper for "Week 1, Day 1."

I am strong, courageous, and firm;

I fear not and am not in terror,

for it is the Lord my God who goes with me;

He will not fail me or forsake me.

I've been feeling more weary than strong and courageous.  

I say it out loud and breathe in strength.  I fear not for it is the Lord my God who goes with me; He will not fail me or forsake me.

I think I might be okay even without a week on the beach.    

No matter what this week holds.  I will not be afraid!  Dread does not belong to me.  He won't fail me or forsake me.

I am strong and courageous and firm.

Looking forward to Week 1, Day 2.

Laying Aside Dread

It was really hard to get out of bed this morning.  Fact:  My body and brain have already had a full week but I need to do one more day before I get to relax a little.   Remember how I wrote about the ways our enemy can sneak in and take advantage of the facts?  Well, I forgot.  So I lay there feeling like I didn't have what it would take to get through the day.

"Lay aside the thing that 'so easily besets'."

I recognized those words.  How do you lay aside exhaustion...or was there something else?  (I was starting to remember!)

Dread.

Yep, that was it.  The thing that snuck in through the fact door was dread.  And dread doesn't belong to me, it's not the truth that applies to my life.

So I adapted Hebrews 12:1 for my life today:  "I am stripping off every weight that slows me down, especially the dread that so easily trips me up.  Let me run with endurance the race God has set before me.  I do this by keeping my eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects my faith."

Dread was blocking out the sun.  My day contains many duties and responsibilities, but it also holds the promise of good things.  He's already appointed times to meet with me and refresh my spirit.  I'd miss it all with my eyes and hands clenched shut with dread.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,

for I am trusting you.

Show me where to walk,

for I give myself to you.

Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God

May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

Psalm 143:8 & 10

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