The Daily Grind

The last couple of days have felt like I'm trudging through a marsh. I've come through a period of really growing in Christ....getting inspired to pray more and read the Bible more thoughtfully. This part is good! I just read a verse in psalm 119 that talked about the "unfolding" of God's word. That is such a cool thought. How often do we read a scripture and nothing sparks and then suddenly the words "unfold" and a new dimension of Christ comes to light. I LOVE that.

However, the daily grind of living gets to me. I would really like to do something more exciting. An adventure! Most days is like, however, is like moving in slow-motion. Same thing...day in...day out. Husband and I are always dreaming of something different. I think that when he is done with his master's work next spring that if nothing opens up in his job (teaching...pay raise, etc) that we may start to look around more seriously. Perhaps taking campus ministry to a different level....or working with a group like InterVarsity that might include some travel.

Anyway...gotta get back to the job.

compassion practice

Another beautiful day here in the midwest. Today I'm thinking about the outdoor cats that have befriended us (our neighbor takes care of them). They have been an amazing source of pleasure for our girls (the boys don't like cats....although husband doesn't mind them too much). One of the cats, Inky, had gotten an injury on his leg. This has gotten infected and is now getting to a point where he might not make it if it doesn't heal. Anyway, our girls are learning caring skills by loving on the cats (3 of them) and now seeing one who is injured and needs special care. They are all quite concerned for him. I love opportunities for the kids to practice compassion skills....and being concerned for others. Our culture is so concerned for self. I'm becoming more conscientious about finding opportunities for compassion practice!

Becoming "Christian"

When I gave my heart to Jesus some 25 years ago it was such a life-changing experience. It was like the lights were on and I couldn't believe how amazing the world was. Growing in faith and grace has been an amazing experience. I have such a child-like faith now.

Now it is time to truly REST in God's provisions and lay my kids in his hands. THIS is truly challenging. I so want to cover and protect them. We have worked hard to lay a good foundation, have sought out godly people for friends/leaders and just pray like crazy for them. BUT, there is definitely a time when it is up to them to choose. Up to them to trust and believe in salvation. I can't MAKE them believe....they have to do it. VERY HARD to watch this process. I'm finding that I have been waking up at night with burdens for the kids and pray for them....pray that they dream dreams and that Godly friends would come into their lives. We are seeking out missions trips that we can go on and other events that will speak a God connection to them!

So each day, I'm celebrating a fresh day made by God and am looking expectantly to what HE will reveal for that day! If you have read this blog today....please pray for our family. Thanks!

prayer

Kids have started school....husband is on break and will start back with his final 2 semesters of the master's work....his work is back in full swing and he is excited about the new year. As for me, I am trying restore some order to the house, trying to finish up some projects, and praying like crazy! I wish that fall would truly kick in and it would be pleasant to be outside and work. The bugs have been just aweful because of the crazy wet weather this summer! I'm gearing up for putting in a couple of windows on the backside of the house (where no one will see it) but I'm waiting for the weather to be pleasant for a couple of days in a row!!
As for the praying, I'm praying for husband to finish well with the master's course. I'm praying for our oldest as he pursues starting an after-school FCA chapter. It is incredible to see him really take off in his faith! I'm praying for Lydia as she navigates hormone challenges, starting high school, and working out her faith! She really needs a girlfriend who is also a christian to walk together through life journeys. I pray also for her friend that goes to our church. She is not saved.....so I've been praying for God's revelation in her life. She's a neat kid that is incredibly creative! Praying for Abigail that she holds steady as we reduce her medicines. She is doing great and is liking school (so far). And then, praying for Joanna that she continues to grow in the Lord and that she has some self-control when it comes to scratching bug bites (and then picking at the scabs!). I've been seeing some answered prayers (big ones) that has me energized to keep on going.