Ice Storm

Walking forward last week, anticipating much time of reflection, prayer, refilling, and focus...then the icy rains. Four days (Tuesday through Friday) with all the kids home, and inside because of ice rather than snow. All plans for "getting things organized/done and resting" cast out the window with school closings. The blessing? I was able to be home with the kids since where I work was closed on the two days I usually go in as well (the other two days being my usual "days off" with some time to get housework done in the afternoons after volunteer stuff and bible studies in the mornings).

One child's birthday on Friday night (sleepover, seven girls, not so big house, LOUD but fun) ;-)
Stepchildren arriving on Friday night for extended weekend. Chaos ensued. Did I get anything I wanted to do completed?? No. Did I get done all that was important? Absolutely. Where do "I" fit in to this equation? That is the point of where God has me growing right now. "I" don't fit in. I, as His servant, do.

This is a tough lesson for me. While I love to serve, I desperately seek "me time" to revive, rest, and organize or just read. I have had to forego this more than I prefer, though I have had some opportunities I realize as I type this. God has repayed me richly today as it is an unexpected day off from my work due to power lines down and water main breaks that shut down our facility. Praise Him, Hallelujah! I can use today to rest, rejuvenate, and realign my priorities and self. Especially with three more birthdays to celebrate in the next week and 1/2. I have read from His word, and begun to prepare an offering of encouragement to the ladies of our old church ~ for the retreat I am speaking at next month. This also was something I needed "time" to prepare. Thank you that today is the day.

I find myself humbled...who am I but a servant who wishes to do the will of my Master. I am broken beyond measure; I just ate 1/2 a bag of m&m's while reading a devotional book. My stomach cravings belie the truth about what my body needs and my self-control is not so good these days (e.g. my stomach is now sick, but I am not yet repentant). I love my Lord and Savior, but cannot honor His purity in my own strength. Teach me, Oh Lord, your ways.

Thank God He is Almighty, wonderful Lord. I am so grateful that He loves me so! He is working with me on other things right now - so many areas I need cleansing and righteousness. I am so thankful that I do not have to do anything on my own, but have access to purity through the blood of His Son alone.

The ice storm showed me my selfish heart. The fun we had all week and weekend with family showed me how important it is to order my days according to His will. The freedom today reminds me again about how much He desires that I be blessed. He has a storehouse of blessings for us all, we need just ask. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for all You do. Thank you for the ice storm that we were blessed with home time, "snow" this year, and joy of family. Thank you that you remind me that relationships are top priority over work and daily home activities.
Thank you that you give time for what is important to your kingdom. May your Kingdom come here in our home. Thy will be done. Bless my speech writing ~ may it reflect your words and heart and touch those who need to be freed.

Bless you.

Daily Journey

Musings in my mind, daily question...how do we walk with God while walking in the world? God calls us to be "in the world, not of it" ~ each day I try to be with Him while being wife, mom, worker bee...I fall again. I think I am spiritual, I try to be "holy" within the power that He gives me, then I find myself yelling at one of my children (usually the same one~she is much more frisky and passionate about HER life than the others) and realize how short I fall from the glory. How do we walk with God all day? How do we control our minds fully. This I am continuing to explore.