Monday, September 30, 2013

Ok Lord... just knock me over the head...

 
Do you ever have those lessons that it feels like you have to learn over and over again?
 
Sometimes I feel like I need the Lord to just knock me over the head so that the lesson will stick... that I won't forget what I have learned again...
that I will recall and be able to bring back to mind that lesson learned in the heat of the battle of everyday life... when I need to use what I learned...
 
Ugh... sometimes it is frustrating...
 
Sometimes it is actually sweet to learn that lesson again... and again...
 
This past week I experienced that sweet part of the Lord gently reminding me of lessons I have learned before... but need to keep remembering, especially now as we settle into a new home...
 
 Sweet reminders of focusing on HIM...
 
I am so fortunate to be involved in a women's study at church.  We are doing Beth Moore's
David:  Seeking a Heart Like His
 
I have done other Beth Moore studies in past... and  the Lord has used EVERY SINGLE ONE to speak to my heart. 
I remember doing the Esther study the summer after Samuel died, the summer that Joel died, and literally feeling like she must have written specifically with me in mind... truly, the Holy Spirit used her study to reach down into my broken heart and minister to me in deep grief, loneliness and despair... Wow... the healing power of His word. 
 
So even in the midst of the Lord being so faithful with this recent move for our family... it is still tough at times...
Transition for my kids has been my biggest concern and has weighed heavy on my mind... (they have done so well over all... but honestly, there are still hard moments and tough discussions...) 
 
This week my study hit on 3 points that have totally stuck with me... ones I need to share with the kids...
1.  We need to Take God's word over the opinions of others...
What a great reminder as we all seek to make new friends, and as we make first impressions... that ultimately we need to focus on the Lord's word and His desires for us... Who He wants us to be,  not what others think of us... we need to live for that audience of ONE.... him alone....
 
2.  We need to Measure the size of your obstacle against the size of your God...
Even when sometimes the obstacles we might face daily seem big, REALLY BIG, or sometimes not so big... In our own strength it is so easy to be overwhelmed, but knowing our faithful God and how mighty and powerful He is gives me such perspective as to how to look at the small and big daily struggles we face...
 
3. We need to Acknowledge an active and living God in our lives...
As easy as it is to get caught up in our schooling... (because you know that does need to get done each day:) The most important thing we need to focus on each day is helping to instill that firm foundation of our Father in our kids Lives... He is a living, breathing, active part of our lives... When we remember him parting the red sea for the Israelites, we need to remember that he wants to part ALL  of the Red Seas we face each day... Our times of devotion, Quiet times, scripture memory, Christian character development, Prayers is ultimately the most important... not that we NEED to do it all... but because as a result of all He has done for us... it is what we want to do... 
 
Life goes so much more smoothly when we at least can try to get our priorities straight. It always seems to be something that needs adjusting often... when refocus is needed:)  
 
If you haven't ever had a chance to do a Beth Moore study... I would highly recommend it!  She is so good and digs so deep into scripture, I always learn so much! Her videos are amazing... but even if all you can do is go through one of her studies on your own at home... You will be blessed! 
 
Just a few pictures of the kids lately:)
 
Levi on the new pogo swing our neighbors gave us... he and Hope LOVE it!!:)
 
Levi and Anna:)
 
Jojo chilling on the hanging bed doing his reading... he is loving the Little House books he and Anna are reading this year...
Jojo and Anna with a cabbage I got in Michigan... BIGGEST cabbage I have ever seen!:) 

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Yes, Yes I love Beth Moors studies!!! The one book that changed my life right after I got saved was Breaking Free by Beth Moore. I need to get a new one and commit to doing it. SO glad God is speaking to you and refreshing you! He is so good to us!

Anonymous said...

I'll look in to the study. I've been eating to do something like that for a while but not sure which one.
Oh my your backyard/garden is BEAUTIFUL! As a city girl with no outdoor space that looks like a little bit of heaven lying on the tree seat surrounded by sunshine and beautiful green space!
Enjoy that cabbage-hope you've for lots of recipes for cabbage dishes! X