In the past when I would sit and spend some quiet time with the Lord I would read an entire chapter but only absorb about two paragraphs. I didn't really feel like I was getting to the heart of allot of the issues or hearing what God really was trying to teach me. As bad as it sounds I think often I was just trying to get something, anything in when I could hide long enough from my kids.
A couple weeks ago I decided to slow down and break it down. I started getting up in the morning and sitting outside on the patio and just enjoyed the fact that I was there; healthy, breathing, looking out at the amazing view. I opened up to the book of James and decided I would only read what I thought my brain and heart could
really take in for the morning. Needless to say I only got as far as verse 4. Not because my head was going to explode or that I was loosing interest but it was quite the opposite. The few words in that short section just made a light go on in my heart.
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, Th the twelve tribes in Dispersion:
Greetings.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:1-4
I have read this so many times in my life but this time I saw the word LET. Let steadfastness have its full effect. Steadfastness means unchanging, loyal, determined.
Most often when I go through trials, especially something that causes significant heartache or even physical pain I go into something of an overdrive or self preservation mode. But this verse says to let it have its effect. It's there for a reason. Don't fight what I (the Lord) am trying to create in you. Basically DO NOT ALLOW MYSELF TO MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GROW IN HIM!!!!
I didn't even bother to go beyond this verse for a couple days. I let it sink in and I tried to apply it to everyday things that seemed like trials. Every time something "to big" for me came up I could hear this verse in my heart.
Nobody wants to suffer but ahh, your already there in the midst of it. God knows exactly what he wants you to look like after going through that rough season in your marriage, that illness that you haven't been healed from, that child who has fallen away, that friendship that has been damaged, that lost job. He knows, we just have to "let" him do what he does best and that is mold us and love us into his image. So good.
Driving in the car this afternoon the conversation went like this;
Can you say, "Daddy's girl?" Oh ya' only waist high and sooo has him wrapped.
They bought him a T-shirt from the crazy shirt company and a Steelers coffee cup. I took them to the scrapbook store and let them pick out stuff to make him cards. They were a hit of course.
This was the result of.................
this. Can you say tackle Frisbee?
Which was supposed to look more like this.
The girls...........
See these sweet faces? Well they were so thoughtful this morning that they got up early before church (and we go to the early service) and they surprised Dan with breakfast in bed. His favorite, cereal, a banana and his hot tea. They did this without any prompting from me which blessed Dan even more that they started out their day thinking of how they could love on him. So proud of their sweet, giving spirits.
Lovin' on the best Daddy.........
I'm not running anymore, nope not gonna do it.
What is the hold up? Stinkin' CA traffic. ;)
Chillin' at Sea Port Village
Morgan my sweet...........
CA girl.....
They ran and ran and ran some more.............
Playing in the club house............
What cupcake? I didn't eat any cupcake. Why is everyone always picking on me?
TOO HIGH! TOO HIGH!!!!
Pure joy...................
I love this shy sweet Alexandrea. I sneak hugs and kisses whenever she lets her guard down. Secretly I think she likes it. ;)
Nate's face says it all about his personality, WILD BOY!!!
And then they slept. And so did we. ;)
We figured after Morgan's day at the dentist this sort of thing called for facials...................
OK really I think she just wanted to look like the HULK! :)
"Nothing to see here lady, just doing a little gardening."
Ahh, run away hose!!!
"No really people, I think I am stuck. MOM!!!!!"
Here is the a photo of the cast after their circus show Sunday night. They worked so hard all year and had so much fun it really should be illegal.
I know it's hard to see but Morgan is in the blue in the back hanging from her foot and Ryanne is on the front ladder in blue hanging from her wrist. It's hard to get action shots cause they are swinging. I took this during dress rehearsal when the lights were all on.
The girls getting ready for the show. Thanks to the friends and family who came out to support them. They were so proud to have you all there. :)
This is what 5 nights of circus rehearsals look like. I said go to bed and read and apparently they heard,"go to bed and sleep on your books."
Or maybe they heard,"practice balancing paper and books while you sleep." They were so wiped out after Sunday night. :)
Wrapped up this cutie pie gift for a friends first cutie pie who is due in a couple weeks. Got to go the shower and see some friends from the old days. Too fun. Short but still sweet. :)
Had some delicious BBQ with some great company on our patio. 
Started tearing the classroom apart to clear the mess of last year so we can paint the room and make fun new messes for next year. Big 1st and 4Th graders you know!
Morgan getting ready to work out with her swim team the other night. They are loving this weather. Happy 3d year on the YST girly! Good job. :)
Ryanne is digging the little Star Fish swim team. She is off and swimming all by herself this year. Remember a couple years ago when I posted about her bolting out of the pool and out into the parking lot because she didnt want to learn to swim? Good times.....................
