The following are real conversations I have had with my four year old within the last week. Living with a child is lots of fun and I am so glad that the Lord has been working on me to enjoy each phase of the journey rather than try to hurry up and get to the next thing. I make a conscious effort to really enjoy each stage my children are going through, but four is becoming my favorite stage very quickly.
Background for conversation one, FF needs glasses, so we purchased her first pair. We debated at length whether or not to get the insurance, but THANKFULLY made the decision to purchase at the last moment possible *smiles.* The glasses were picked up on Thursday and were worn for a total of 1 minute 25 seconds over the next week and a day. On Friday a week later...they "broke" during nap time. This is the conversation regarding the "accidental breaking" of the glasses:
Me: "FF what happened to your glasses?
FF: "I don't know, I was just trying them on all my animals to see if they could fit them, but they couldn't cause their ears were too small, but then my big animal was just too big."
Well, that explains everything!
Conversation 2
FF was standing on the furniture and her daddy asked her to get down. She was not being obedient so he told her standing on the furniture was not appropriate, asked her again to get down and then asked her to "repeat everything I just said" for emphasis...to which she replied, "repeat everything I just said." Pablo thinks we have our hand full and I tend to agree!
Conversation 3
We let the girls listen to music as they are drifting off to sleep. Last night FF came rushing into our room about an hour after we put her to bed, "Daddy come quick the music shut off. I think it is buffering." I'm guessing we watch a few too many cartoons online...
I love having a four year old! Their perspective is so innocent and they don't yet know not to say everything they think. It is a precious age and I am cherishing every minute of it!
"Behold, children are a heritage of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward."
Ps 127:3 (NKJV)
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Divine Appointments and Missed Opportunities
The Lord has been working on my heart lately regarding stopping short. I think of King Jehoash in 2 Kings 13:18-19 who was told to beat his arrows on the ground but stopped short and true victory was never reached. I look back over the times in my life that I have stopped short, accomplishing the task, but not taking it to the level of excellence that could have been...a missed opportunity.
Yesterday I had a divine appointment to share the gospel with a total stranger at the gas station. I argued with the Lord for a few minutes while I pumped my gas (I actually argued from the time I drove into the gas station, saw the man I should talk to and felt in my spirit I should talk to him.) I struck up a conversation as I pumped my gas (being partially obedient) and found out that he was traveling back to Miami. As I got back into my car I felt that I was not done and needed to finish. I looked at his car and saw the fish on the back. My first thought was, well he already knows the Lord, but I knew in my heart I needed to continue with the mission. I got out of my car and mentioned that I saw his fish and asked if he knew the Lord. His answer was that he did and he didn't. I told him that answer was strange to which he answered he went to church, but that was it. I asked do you know Him? He said he had been too busy. I said it didn't take much to know Him. He made some more excuses to which I said again that it didn't take much to know Him. He said he could tell I was a real nice lady. We got into our cars and drove away. As I left the parking lot I realized I had missed an opportunity. I felt that I needed to ask him if he WANTED to know Him. I did not...I was too scared! As I drove off the gravity of the situation hit me...what if I was the last messenger sent before he met the God of the Universe. What if he was scheduled to die on the road back to Miami and I was his last chance to meet Jesus before he MET Jesus, and I never asked the question. In reality I know that God is bigger than my failures and shortcomings, but at the same time it was a lesson I'll not soon forget. I asked that the Lord would first forgive me and then that He would water the seeds planted. I pray that the man will indeed come to know Him and that I will see him again someday. I also pray for another opportunity to step out in faith a little further.
Yesterday I had a divine appointment to share the gospel with a total stranger at the gas station. I argued with the Lord for a few minutes while I pumped my gas (I actually argued from the time I drove into the gas station, saw the man I should talk to and felt in my spirit I should talk to him.) I struck up a conversation as I pumped my gas (being partially obedient) and found out that he was traveling back to Miami. As I got back into my car I felt that I was not done and needed to finish. I looked at his car and saw the fish on the back. My first thought was, well he already knows the Lord, but I knew in my heart I needed to continue with the mission. I got out of my car and mentioned that I saw his fish and asked if he knew the Lord. His answer was that he did and he didn't. I told him that answer was strange to which he answered he went to church, but that was it. I asked do you know Him? He said he had been too busy. I said it didn't take much to know Him. He made some more excuses to which I said again that it didn't take much to know Him. He said he could tell I was a real nice lady. We got into our cars and drove away. As I left the parking lot I realized I had missed an opportunity. I felt that I needed to ask him if he WANTED to know Him. I did not...I was too scared! As I drove off the gravity of the situation hit me...what if I was the last messenger sent before he met the God of the Universe. What if he was scheduled to die on the road back to Miami and I was his last chance to meet Jesus before he MET Jesus, and I never asked the question. In reality I know that God is bigger than my failures and shortcomings, but at the same time it was a lesson I'll not soon forget. I asked that the Lord would first forgive me and then that He would water the seeds planted. I pray that the man will indeed come to know Him and that I will see him again someday. I also pray for another opportunity to step out in faith a little further.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
When God Interupts
Life is full of stress! For me, some stress is good. I actually thrive on deadlines and keeping a list to check off. Lately, though, my list is too long, my deadlines are too close and the stakes are too high if I fail. “I am so stressed out,” I whined to my husband. To which he lovingly answered, “Why? The calendar isn’t even full.” *smiles* Aren’t husbands the greatest! They put things into perspective and “sharpen” us even when we really don’t want to be “sharpened.” So I get my day on, grumbling about what needs to be done and how I will get it all accomplished, my chest tightening with fear and anxiety as each new thought runs through my mind.
That is when God interrupts.
As I fixed my coffee He reminded me, gently, softly, kindly, “the work is not yours, but Mine. I am doing this for MY glory, not yours, AND, I not only own the cattle on 1,000 hills…I own the hills. My grace is sufficient, I am enough! Rest and let My joy be your strength.”
I just love it when He does that!
As I move on with my day, that old song runs through my head:
The joy of the Lord is my strength
the joy of the Lord is my strength
the joy of the Lord is my strength
oh the joy of the Lord is my strength
If you want joy you must ask for it
If you want joy you must sing for it
If you want joy you must dance for it
If you want joy you must SHOUT for it
Seeking the JOY of the Lord today!
ML
That is when God interrupts.
As I fixed my coffee He reminded me, gently, softly, kindly, “the work is not yours, but Mine. I am doing this for MY glory, not yours, AND, I not only own the cattle on 1,000 hills…I own the hills. My grace is sufficient, I am enough! Rest and let My joy be your strength.”
I just love it when He does that!
As I move on with my day, that old song runs through my head:
The joy of the Lord is my strength
the joy of the Lord is my strength
the joy of the Lord is my strength
oh the joy of the Lord is my strength
If you want joy you must ask for it
If you want joy you must sing for it
If you want joy you must dance for it
If you want joy you must SHOUT for it
Seeking the JOY of the Lord today!
ML
Monday, March 7, 2011
She Speaks
As women, we all have voices...She Speaks Conference shows us how to use them effectively. From what I understand, this conference takes women who want to write, speak or lead other women to the next level of commitment. It encourages, teaches, and empowers them to use the voices God gave them to His glory.
The Lord has been tugging on my heart for almost 10 years to write a book (2 actually). At the time the nudging began, the first story was only half written...
I was in the pit for 8 years and He brought me out. He gave me hope and a future with promises of what He had in store. As time went on, pieces fell into place and the promises He made were kept. I was blessed with an amazing husband and beautiful children. He brought me a job in ministry that allows me to work from home; doing all the things I love to do, while serving Him with my special talents. Meanwhile His whispers to my heart to write a book continued...
I first heard about She Speaks about 3 years ago. At the time, I knew I would attend some day. I don't know if this is the year, but I DO know I am waiting on the Lord's timing. If this is the year I am to go, I know He will provide a way. If anyone reading this is interested in a She Speaks scholarship, click here for more information. In the meantime, I wait and I pray for His leading, knowing He will direct my path and in the process His name will be glorified.
Blessings,
ML
The Lord has been tugging on my heart for almost 10 years to write a book (2 actually). At the time the nudging began, the first story was only half written...
I was in the pit for 8 years and He brought me out. He gave me hope and a future with promises of what He had in store. As time went on, pieces fell into place and the promises He made were kept. I was blessed with an amazing husband and beautiful children. He brought me a job in ministry that allows me to work from home; doing all the things I love to do, while serving Him with my special talents. Meanwhile His whispers to my heart to write a book continued...
I first heard about She Speaks about 3 years ago. At the time, I knew I would attend some day. I don't know if this is the year, but I DO know I am waiting on the Lord's timing. If this is the year I am to go, I know He will provide a way. If anyone reading this is interested in a She Speaks scholarship, click here for more information. In the meantime, I wait and I pray for His leading, knowing He will direct my path and in the process His name will be glorified.
Blessings,
ML
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