Month: August 2009

Yesterday, my niece and nephews came for a visit.  My 5 year old nieces are undoubtedly my biggest fans.  So when I went to wash my car I invited Emma to come with me.  She gratefully obliged.  In the process, I learned from her joyful little heart.  I let her do most things.  Her favorite was spraying the water.  As we washed the car, I listened to her.  I listened to her conversation (she is a great conversationalist).  What really stood out to me was there was constant cheer coming from her in a variety of sounds including humming, giggling, and singing to herself.  When I went to clean the inside, I gave her a towel to dry the outside.  It wasn’t long until I looked over to find her once again at my side, wiping down the inside.  The most important part to her wasn’t the task at hand, but being with her Aunt Anna.  I couldn’t help but think what is the attitude of my heart when my heavenly Father invites me to do things with him.  What is my objective in the things He calls me to?  May it always be simply abiding with him.

“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face,” -Proverbs 15:13

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” -John 15:5

For more lessons from Em, see the storytime with anna.

There was a very cautious man

Who never laughed or played;

He never risked, he never tried,

He never sang or prayed.

And when he one day passes a way

His insurance was denied;

For since he never really lived

They claim he never died.

–Author Unknown

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” -Jesus Christ (John 10:10)

This week I feel challenged again by the story of Mary and Martha once again.  Interesting that Jesus says her name twice.  It reminds me of a child that you must repeat something multiple times simply to get their attention.  How easy it is to become pre-occupied with many things, when He is only asking me for one thing.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴²but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

It is crazy to me how so many good things can consume our lives and schedules.  How often is the enemy of our relationship with the One who made us, busyness?  Today  I encourage myself and you to slow down, sit at his feet, and simply enjoy Him!  For this is the only thing that cannot be taken away from us!

This week I am staying at my sister’s and keeping her 3 little ones while her and her husband get away for a bit.  We are having lots of fun and I wanted to share a bit of our captured moments with you!

I am thoroughly enjoying working with the current DTS here in Tyler.  As I sit through classes again, I am both encouraged and challenged.  So far the lectures have included topics such as the nature and character of God, forgiveness, and servant-hood to name a few.  When one of my girls walked through true forgiveness, she experienced healing.  A heart problem, headaches, and sleep apnea disappeared when she chose to forgive those who have wronged her.  The truth sets us free!

I am hoping to get a new post up soon. My days are so full in this season. I’m not complaining really I’m grateful. I am humbled by the things He continues to bring my way. What a privilege it is to do what I’m doing! Thanks for being patient with me. May you be blessed today.

(there is a new story under the “storytime with anna” link. check it out!)