SEPTEMBER FEELING

 

We said goodbye 21 years ago today. That's 3 years longer than the time I had with her. It's odd to be on this side of the equation, to have lived my entire adult life without her, to so thoroughly enjoy this precious motherhood knowing hers was (seemingly) cut short.

 

"As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you."

Isaiah 66:13

 

 

Jesus took me in.

 

"For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in."

Psalm 27:10

 

After my father's death, the orphan-ness would at times smother me. I'd remind myself what he would have said in his time here,

when I'd look to him for comfort, "Turn to your heavenly Father." That's how he would direct me...if he were here.

 

"I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty."

2 Corinthians 6:18

 

My gaze is on the finish line, the one that they have passed. And this life feels fly-by-short on these days of nostalgic reflection,
this September feeling that comes over me every year. My parents both entered the gates of heaven singing triumphantly...in September. "Back to school", the smell of wet black top, newly sharpened pencils, fall, they all flood back a sorrow and praise jumbled mixture. Yes, it happens every year as I reflect and as I soak in how very much I'd like to hold their hands longer than she held mine.

 

 

Nevertheless, it is well...has been for a while now. It is well with my soul to remember and it comforts my heart to celebrate how
Jesus took me in. And, He takes His children in. The Shepherd, He never leaves or forsakes us and it's true He never will.

He will always hold our hands.

 

 "For he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"
Hebrews 13:5

We walked hand in hand through the courtyard, my little girl and I, singing Amazing Grace in harmony with the other tied in tight to my chest, and yet another asking to take photos. The knowing how few I have with my mom pushed away the temptation to reject the commemoration...something I suppose I ought to do more (let myself in on a photo every here and there...).

 

 

'Cause they'll spread their wings soon enough.

 

 

They'll one day soar just like we all do.

 

 

But for now while they're pulled in close I pour my whole self out, dump my heart into theirs and prayerfully His heart into theirs. I press on forward toward forever with the Lord, my Savior, my Rock, the Way I make it through a day, testifying that He'll be the same for them that He's faithfully been for me. He will. I've lived this truth...live this truth...know it branded in. And it's a precious homecoming that lingers through my heart and soul today as I steep in this familiar September feeling.

 

"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."
Psalm 116:15

LITTLE SHEM SHEM

 

{You never know when a little ditty will stick like glue.}

Don't cry my little Shem Shem.
Don't cry my little Shoo.
Don't cry my little Shem Shem.
I love you.

It's a miracle song...

Stuns her every time thanks to Elka's melodic and lyrical genius. :)

Willow, we all so enjoy singing comfort to you.
 

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord."

Psalm 100:1

INSPIRATION

 

 

"Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."

1 John 2:6

 

I received a devotional via email today that spurred some thoughts on inspiration. It's objective was to remind us to be careful where we look for inspiration, to be sure that the people who influence us are those who can be counted on to lead us in the paths of purity and righteousness, and to pray that our heads would only be turned by those who both preach and practice godliness.

 

What an excellent reminder!

 

"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."

Proverbs 13:20

 

In our moment of history it has become possible to "walk" with, be "companions" with total strangers...people we have literally never met and do not see in the flesh because of the internet's accessibility and especially social media. The broadening of our sphere of influence increases exponentially as a result, allowing a yoking of sorts with countless people (or at least a portion of their lives revealed). This, in and of itself, doesn't have to be wrong. In fact, the internet can potentially be very inspiring for good like the devotional I received today.

 

But, it is due our attention to cautiously examine where we find our inspiration.

 

Who do we spend time with? Who do we look up to? Who do we observe? What do we read? ...and so on.

 

"Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned?"

Proverbs 6:27

 

It's important to stop and take note of these things because we live on a slippery slope called the world. It grabs our attention,

draws us in, and often makes light (literally) of things Jesus called darkness. It's a tough place for a Christian to be.

 

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for [the Lord] has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?' Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."

Hebrews 13:5-7

 

I'm reminded today that our innocence and our children's innocence is worth guarding, that we sinners are prone to wander, that we in our humanness need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus if we want to be followers and imitators of Him. The time that we spend observing, fixating on, or being inspired by anyone or anything else should be viewed through a biblical lens and scrutinized. Specifically, we ought to be imitators of Christ and those who resemble Him, commit their lives to striving to be like Him. Jesus should be our role model along with others who encourage us to have hearts and lives that look like His. May He help us all in this worthy endeavor!

 

"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."

1 Corinthians 11:1

 

It is, after all, a deceptively slippery slope we stride. Therefore, may we keep the Bible open with our gaze intently upon it and likewise the draw of our hearts. May we desire to look like Jesus and by His grace find others who motivate us toward that end. May we have the courage, awareness, and stamina to shield ourselves and our children from the inundating influences all around us that counter the compass of Scripture. And ultimately, may Christ and the Word of God be our source of inspiration.

 

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:13-16

FRUITFUL LABOR

 

We bought some pears this week. They looked beautiful and spotless...at first.

 

But, by the time we had transferred them to a bowl on our counter and especially by the next morning,

they began showing evidence of what they'd been through since their untouched display at the store.

 

Being the visual type, my heart began creating a story through the appearance of these pears on my cutting board today.

I thought of our missionary friend who once told us how he'd like to get to heaven all spent and bruised. He told us that he knew Who/what/where he was living for and that his life on earth would be a reflection of that. His life would be fruitful labor. 

 

He may as well have told us this over 100 times, because that's how many times his words have resounded in our ears.

We refer to what he said often. We always need reminders...especially when things get a little, "whoa"...

 

Francis Chan shares of such things through his funny and yet quite serious rope analogy.

He loves to get people thinking and he knows that visual illustrations leave lasting impressions.

 

Enter the rope:

 

 

It's hard to move on from the rope without a quick flashback to the balance beam too.

 

 

(Thanks for the reminders, Francis.)

 

This is how we want to live our lives here on earth, mindful that we're right in the middle of the few inches of red at the moment. It's not our "best life now" we're searching for, living for here. No, it's eternity we live for, long for, wait for, spend ourselves for. It's seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness, believing that when we do God provides for us all that we need just as the Bible says.

 

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Matthew 6:33 

 

So we offer our lives to trustworthy Him. We acquire bruises, dents, soft spots, and scars along the way, just like the pears on my counter. But, we believe it's worth it. We know that it's an eternity with Jesus we're spending ourselves here and now for and HE is SO worth it!

 

"If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me."

Philippians 1:22



BIG SISTERS

 

...are pretty cool.

 

 

They burst with adoration for their little Willow...

 

 

...who knows she's loved and she loves her big sisters too.

 

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us,
a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Ephesians 5:1-2

OLIA IS...

 

sweet

 

graceful

 

kind

 

feminine

 

gentle

 

obedient

 

talented

 

easy-going

 

a good friend

 

peaceful

 

joyful

 

musical

 

carefree

 

whimsical

 

a delightful daughter,

 

beloved child of God.

 

Olia is...nine!

 

 

Happy 9th Birthday, Olia!

 

You are an incredible blessing to our family!!

 

Your sweet, calming presence is a gift from the Lord.

You are cherished, appreciated, and deeply adored.

 

"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry,

or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the

imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

1 Peter 3:3-4

I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES

. . . . . .

"My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,

of your deeds of salvation all the day,

for their number is past my knowledge.

With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come;

I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.

O God, from my youth you have taught me,

and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.

So even to old age and gray hairs,

O God, do not forsake me,

until I proclaim your might to another generation,

your power to all those to come."

Psalm 71:15-18

 

. . . . . .

Yes, may we testify of what the Lord has done...
 

We've been praying for a miracle and simply praying for longer than that.

 

We've believed with irrational faith, yet been open to God's best plan.

 

We've been on our knees and patient even when He has been silent.

 

We've never doubted that He could...

 

We never expected that He would...

 

But we did believe in miracles.

 

We did.

 

We do.

 

And there's a joyful noise resounding!

 

There's praise billowing up in our hearts!

 

We're cautious but excited, peaceful I would say.

 

We know that He is in it. We know His will is good.

 

And we still need more miracles, but we're encouraged as we step.

 

Leap?!

 

There's a miracle been brewing and I can just imagine the cheerful Giver...

 

...as He gives good gifts to His children (through His children!) and blesses those He's moved.

 

The Lord has answered earnest prayers in an unexpected way.

 

After many "No's" there's been a "Yes" and it's covered in God's grace, generosity that brings us back to our knees with gratitude.

 

Lord, thank you for our miracle! Thank you for loving us so. Thank you for your timing and plans that differ from our own. Thank you for the many disappointments that strengthened through the storms. Thank you for the lessons learned and thank you for this place we've called home. Thank you for your movement. Thank you for this peace. Thank you for your amazing grace and meeting all our needs.

 

Lord, we love you and we praise you for all that you have done. Both the highs and lows, they sing of you.

May we testify of your faithfulness. May we glorify you because of who you are and what you can do.

 

Yes, I believe in miracles.

 

"For truly, I [Jesus] say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain,

‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."

Matthew 17:20

RETREAT WITH JESUS

"Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while."

Mark 6:31

 

For Brodie's birthday, I wondered what to give...eventually landing on the idea to offer retreat.

I booked our nostalgic spot and asked if he wanted to go, just him with Jesus. He said YES! And it's been beautiful.

 

"[Jesus] went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone."
Matthew 14:23

 

He's read and prayed and surfed and been alone with the Lord. I can't think of a better place for my husband than at the feet of Jesus. He's our leader looking to the Leader and I know his heart...he'll follow. But we all need time with Him. We need to hear His voice.
We need to read the Word. We need to ponder what it says and take the time to pray, listen, be led. Jesus modeled the same.

 

"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."

Luke 5:16

 

Thank you, Lord, for this time of retreat for my husband. Thank you for shepherding our family shepherd. Thank you for his heart that longs to look like yours. Please bless my husband with your guidance, peace, wisdom and bring him back to us restored and renewed with excitement and a fervent spirit to lead us as a fruitful byproduct of this time away on retreat with you.

 

"Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God."

Luke 6:12