Leveling with Friends

Proverbs 27:6 "Faithful are the wounds of a friend."

Wow, this is a good one for me, someone who truly feels the obligation to tell people the truth...even if it hurts! I always struggle with this because I tend to feel it is my duty to tell people the truth even if it isn't the popular thing. I tend to tell people what they typically don't want to hear. I always wonder if I am being Christian-like, rude, helpful, discerning, unsympathetic, ruthless, or what. My good friends are typically OK with my candor and frankness, but my 'more like acquaintance' friends sometimes are taken aback. So, is my faithful and frank attitude is a blessing more than a curse. My parents both have the same trait...so it's really not my fault:) LOL

Honestly, I would never hurt someone intentionally but I do typically feel compelled to be very frank. I have told TJ I feel it is my duty. If I don't do it, then who will??? I believe in my heart that honesty is one the most valued traits someone can possess, and without it where would we be! I believe that confrontation should be done out of love and not malicious intent.

So, I will continue to be my 'too honest' self and hope to do it with more love than ever. I always have this verse in Proverbs to back me up.

Be Still...

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."

Wow, this is a tough one! Be still and know that I am God! This is a tough one. I am personally not good at being still. I am a busy body, always doing. The Bible tells us to be patient, discerning, still, quiet, and steadfast; along with many other attributes of stillness. There are many times I pray or request something and want it now. I don't want to be still or patient. In this fast paced world we live, we are not wired to be calm, motionless, and peaceful. But, if we are living in accordance with God's word we are commanded to do so. I challenge each of us to take a moment and just breath with the Lord. Take a moment and be still. Only in these times can we truly acknowledge God's plan for us and fully grasp the depth of God's love for us. He is the Master Planner and will speak to us if we just listen. So, break from the rat race and inhale the Lord's presence, his fragrance, his plan; I am sure you will be blessed.

Patience of Job

"At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head.

Then he fell to the ground in worship." Job 1:20 (NIV)

I looked up a daily scripture, and the above was it. So, I thought I'd write with it as my focus. So, in this piece of scripture Job had just found out his children had died. And, he fell to the ground in WORSHIP!! WOW, I wonder if I could do that. We are taught by God's word that He has a plan for our life and we are to give thanks to Him in all things. But, in the death of my children??? Would I be able to worship Him? That's much to ask, right?? I have friends who have lost children and I wonder how they are able to get up each day! I know grieving parents who have found the joy of the Lord and also know parents who turn their back on the Lord. I hope all parents of deceased children know that God loves them and will see them through.

We celebrated women today at our church and tried to lift up those who needed it. Thanks be to God that I personally am not a 'broken woman'. I have been blessed with a loving husband, loving parents, loving friends, and loving children all who thrive and support me. I continue to recieve the many blessings I am not worthy of, but am provided with due to God's unwavering grace. In a time when people are struggling, I pray we each remember to love one another and lift one another up. We have a responsibility to serve one another as God served us!!

Lastly, I pray I have the patience nearing that of Job and worship God in all I do. I know I fall short of His glory, but hope I fall closer with each day.

Signs of Spring

Well, the firsts of spring are showing their much anticipated entrance. In our house, that means lots of outside playing, lots of boys, and lots of requests for 'spotlight'. I have to say I love it! These boys are growing up soooo fast, I can barely stand it. I mean today there were GIRLS here! And, they liked my BOYS!!! All eight of them! As I sit and write this, I can hear the boys upstairs joking, whispering, and giggling! I never in a million years expected to love the life of boys like I do. I always thought I would have the cheerleader with the cute pony tails! Who I would put in pink dresses and paten leather shoes! Instead, I have two of the most amazing football, basketball, and baseball players in the world. In addition to being good athletes, I believe they are growing into two wonderful young men. I pray they are instilled with the love of the Lord, a sense of compassion, a strong work ethic, and a tenderness towards their future mate. It is my hope these characteristics will be impressed into their core and soul. TJ and I both are passionate for people, and I hope they are as well! Without passion, all of us would be, in a sense, hopeless!

Of course I have to think of Easter and the passion our God has for each of us. Thanks be to Him for the passion that gives us hope and saves us! The bible writes of His love for us, his compassion for all, his strong work ethic in completing his mission, and of course his tenderness towards each beating heart. At Easter I pray you each have the disposition of our Lord. I believe with Him as our commander and chief, all things are possible.