Do you remember receiving your first Bible?

I don't quite remember receiving my first Bible, but I remember as a teen I had wanted a particular study Bible.  I'm not sure why, but I really wanted this particular study Bible.  One evening I was at an auction with my pappy, this is something we did together quite often.  As we walked around looking at the things that were to be auctioned off that night, I found the exact Bible that I had wanted in a box with other odds and ends.  How strange, but I was so excited to find it, and I told my pap that I wanted it.  So, when the auction started and that box came up for people to bid, my pap started bidding.  It went higher than he wanted to pay so he didn't win the auction, and I was a bit disappointed.  I wonder if he was disappointed he didn't bid one more time.  He never said, my pap was a quiet man, but the man who won the auction came over to us and asked what we wanted in the box, we told him the Bible.  He was interested in the other odds and ends and just gave me the Bible.  Isn't God good?!!  I still have this Bible, and will always treasure it.

Shane, Mishai, Oscar, Patrick, and Shatin

Last week at Teen Group we gave our teens their very own Bible.  We will being teaching them how to take care of it and how to use it.  They were so excited to see their name written on the front page.

We were so thrilled to see them walk in on Sunday morning for church proudly carrying their Bibles.  Oh, how I pray that the Lord will work mightily in their lives and use for His service.  This is our next generation, maybe the Lord will call one of these young men to be the next pastor of Barunga.  Will you pray for them, too?

Praise!

We are praising the Lord for a young couple who accepted Christ as their Saviour at church this past Sunday! Please pray for them as they begin their walk with the Lord.

"I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth..." 

 Luke 15:7

How Big Do You Pray?

I saw this recently on facebook, and it got me thinking.  We often pray so small and only allow God to work in small ways.  This year I am praying big.  I have a big God, and I have no doubt that He can answer my big prayer request!  I saw God do some amazing things last year that I didn't even think to pray about.  I'm excited to see what God is going to do in 2016!

Happy New Year!

Remembering 2015...

• We started the year by flying back to Australia after a 6 week trip to America.  I believe we celebrated the New Year somewhere over Hawaii.
• After being home just one day, we got a call that Patrick's uncle had passed away.
• We started helping at the church in Barunga by just attending Sunday morning services.
• Autumn started 7th grade and Cody started 2nd grade.
• February we started helping with the Kid's Club on Wednesday nights.
• Cody turned 7 in February.
• We were finally able to purchase our home in March.
• Had a fun field trip with our local firemen and policemen.
• I celebrated one year at my part time job in April.
• We celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary in May.
• In June we went to Alice Springs and finally got to see Uluru (Ayers Rock).
• In July we started prayer meetings for the adults while Kid's Club is going on.
• We celebrated Territory Day with lots of fireworks for our Kid's Club in Barunga!
• In August, one of my dearest friends and her family came to visit us.
• I started teaching Religious Instruction in the Barunga Community School.
• We took a field trip to Tindal Caves.
• In October we started our Teen Group in Barunga (probably my favourite ministry).
• Autumn turned 13!
• We held a Thanksgiving dinner for some close friends.
• We attended lots of Christmas activities.
• Rode in a fire truck!
• Had a wonderful Christmas service in Barunga.
• And brought the New Year in together as a family.

Well, Cody didn't quite make it to midnight.

Please know, I do not share any of this for my own credit...

To God be the glory and to Him alone.

For without Him none of this would be possible.

Happy New Year!

My Verse

 

I guess you could say this is my life's verse or my theme verse.  No matter what you call it, this is my verse.  It's the one that I always go back to.  It reminds me that my plans are not His.  We have been in Australia almost 3 years.  We prayed for 3 years for our visas to come here.  This three years has gone by much faster than the previous 3 years!  It's just a good reminder that God is in control, that He has a perfect plan, this His ways are not mine, and that I need to leave my life in His hands. 

 



Behold, now is the day of salvation...

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Cody accepted Christ as his own personal Savior.

Glory to God!

He's been asking a lot of questions the past few weeks.  Tonight we read a beautiful book about Heaven, and he had even more questions.  Then he said, "Mommy, will you pray with me to ask Jesus to come into my heart."  I've never heard more precious words.  My heart is full.  Thank you, Jesus.

These are a few of my favourite things...

The ocean.

Sunsets.

Mindil Beach filled with people watching God's handiwork.

Boats.

(I am going to live on a houseboat someday!)

Family and sunsets and boats.

Did I mention sunsets?

We just spent a few days up in Darwin.  I always try to see the sunset every time we are there.   Darwin sunsets are the best.  I am in awe of our amazing Creator. 

I'm a Work in Progress...

 

I recently starting leading a Bible Study on the Proverbs 31 woman.  I have done several studies on this lady, I don't feel I will ever measure up, but didn't think there was much else I could learn about her that I haven't already learned.

 

That's where I was completely wrong.

 

I began praying that God would work in my heart, that He would mold me into the woman He would have me to be. 

 

I thought I was ok.

 

I thought my marriage was ok.

 

I thought my relationship with my kids was ok.

 

It was ok, but it wasn't what God wanted.  He wanted more.  More of me.

 

Little things started happening.  I was getting frustrated.  Blaming Satan for trying to mess with my head before my Bible Study.  My kids would be running around like crazy just minutes before I was to leave.  For example, last week my floors had just been cleaned, I was finishing up my lesson for the evening, when Autumn came into my room and said Cody dropped the watermelon.  He was rolling the watermelon on my counter and it rolled off and splattered all over the floor.  Watermelon, watermelon juice, watermelon seeds...everywhere.  Did I mentioned the floors had just been cleaned?  Poor Cody, he kept saying, "I'm sorry, mom.  I'm really, really sorry, mom."  Me?  I broke down in tears.  I told him to sit and not move while I cleaned it up.  As I finished cleaning up the watermelon mess, he spilled a cup of orange juice all over the table, and yes, all over the floor.  Poor kid.  I didn't handle the situation like I should have. 

 

My tears were unnecessary.  My words were harsh.

 

I cleaned up the orange juice, sent the kids to their room and I went to mine.  I cried.  "God, I'm supposed to lead about study about being a godly wife and mother, and here I am in my room crying over a watermelon.  What is wrong with me?  Why is Satan attacking me like this?"

 

This is when I heard God speak.  Not in an audible voice, but in my heart.  He reminded me that I had been praying for Him to mold me into a more godly woman.  And He is gently showing me areas in my life that I need to work on (ie how I respond to watermelon all over my floor). 

 

Once He started showing me things that needed to change in my comfortable life, I complained and blamed Satan.  He {Satan} gets too much credit sometimes.

 

I was comfortable being an ok mom, being an ok wife, being an ok friend.  But I asked God to mold me into His image, to help me to be a woman that pleased Him.  When He showed me what I needed to work on, I stiffened up a bit.  But God, look at everything I do, isn't that good enough?

 

No, it's not.

 

He wants more of me.  He wants my all.  And honestly, I wasn't giving it my all.  I settled into a comfortable routine and stuck with it.  I got lazy.  My husband deserves more of me.  My kids deserve more of me.  My God...He deserves ALL of me.

 

So, God, here is my life.  I'm ready to take it to the next level. 

 

To be like Christ, to be Christlike...this ought to be our goal as Christians. It's my goal.

 

Make me, mold me, fill me, use me. 

 

Help me to never settle for the mundane life.  I always want to press toward the prize, forgetting the things which are behind me (tears over a watermelon), and reaching forth unto those things which are before.

 

 

 

 

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things which are behind,

and reaching forth unto those things which are before.

I press toward the mark for the prize

of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 3:13-14

 

 

By the way, after my time alone with the Lord that day.  I called my son into my room and apologized to Him for being upset.  I asked Him to forgive me, and He graciously did.  Oh, to have the forgiving spirit of a little one.  His mommy is far from perfect, but she won't settle for living the mundane life. 

 

 

I understand I don't often show my heart like this, but God has been working and I felt I ought to share.  Hope it's an encouragement.  Don't always blame Satan, God is far more powerful, and He loves you!

Missionary Monday ~ My Ministry

 

The theme this week for Missionary Monday is Your Ministry.  So this post was a bit hard for me, first because I'm the one always taking photos and second because I dislike my photo being taken. 

 

 

 

This first one is of me playing the paino at church on Sunday mornings. I asked my husband to take it, and because of our poor lighting, it's the best we could do. Sorry about my evil eyes! I enjoy playing the piano. I can play most hymns, and for now that works in our church.



I teach Sunday School and Children's Church. I miss being in the service, but I also love teaching. I've been having around 8 or 9 children the past few Sundays. Ages range from 1-10! It gets interesting! Here we are marching around the room singing "In the Lord's Army".

 

This is such an important ministry in the church, and sometimes one that doesn't get many thank yous. If all the kids are out of the church, then it allows quiet for the Holy Spirit to work as the Word of God is being preached. I am currently teaching through the Bible. This past Sunday we learned about the Tower of Babel!

Here is my group of kids in Katherine, a town about 3 hours south.  There is a family planning to be here soon to start a church, so in the meantime we go down about once a month and have a Bible study.

 

Here is our Ladies Bible Study.  I shared these photos last week.  We are having a wonderful time going through Proverbs 31 and learning how to apply these verses to our daily lives.

 

I also do a lot of the secretary work for the church, as well as running errands for my husband, baking for morning tea on Sundays, as well as others odds and ends.  Please know, I do not post this for my glory, but to share with you my life.  If you see any good here, it's all because of God...never do I want to take His glory.

 

 

So there you have "my" ministry.  I have my in quotes, because obviously it's all God's, and He gets all the glory and praise.  I am just so thankful and humbled to be a part of Gateway Baptist Church here in the Northern Territory.  God is good.

 

 

 

Please join us at the Baptist Missionary Women blog.

 



5 Steps to be Content

As women it is easy to look around and compare ourselves with others.  We may think, “well if only I had a husband like hers, I could be the Proverbs 31 woman,” or “if only I had kids like hers I could be a better mom,” or “if only my house was bigger, cleaner, better, or fill in the blank _______.”

I want to encourage you to stop the “if onlys”.  Stop comparing yourself to others, and compare yourself to God’s Word. 

Philippians 4:11 says, “..for I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content.”

Let’s look at what the Bible tells us about comparing ourselves to others.

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number,

or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves:

but they measuring themselves by themselves,

and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

II Corinthians 10:12

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live;

yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Galatians 2:20, 6:4

5 Steps to be Content...

• You need to be content with who God has created you to be.
• You need to be content with the husband God has given you.
• You nee to be content with the children God has given you.
• You need to be content with the house and things God has given you.
• You need to be content with Who God is. He IS all you need.

 As Christians we have an identity in Christ…we are new creatures in Him.

“Don’t compare yourself to others

and don’t allow feelings of insecurity to rob you of your identity in Christ. 

He loves you and created you for a purpose.”

Author Unknown

To read more about your identity in Christ, read these passages...

• Colossians
• Psalm 139
• I Peter 2:9
• Galatians 4:6-7
• Jeremiahs 29:11
• Ephesians 2:10
• John 1:12-13

Work on your vertical relationship (your relationship with God) and the horizontal relationships (your relationships with your husband, children, family and friends) will be where they need to be.

Comparing yourself to others will only cause you to become discouraged and then you will believe the lies of the devil that you are not worthy of God's love, and that, my dear friend, is Satan's biggest lie!

 

*This devotional was written by me for my Ladies Bible Study, and I felt the Lord wanting me to share it on my blog.

His Ways ARE Perfect

A year ago at this time we were living on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona.  We were helping with building projects, VBS', visitations, church cleaning, babysitting, etc. 

A year ago at this time, I wouldn't allow myself to think of where I would be one year from then.  We waited such a long time to get here {Australia}, it's hard for me to think of what I was feeling a year ago.  Feelings of peace and comfort, knowing we were where God wanted us at the time.  Feelings of uncertainty and fear, not knowing what the future held.

Sometimes I wish we could have a little glimpse into the future.  Sometimes I'm glad God doesn't allow that.

I am thankful I serve a God Who sees into the future, and gives me what I need for that moment in time, nothing more, nothing less.  He has His plans laid out for us, and it's our job to follow those plans, not to get ahead, not to lag behind, but walk step by step, hand in hand, with Him.

Sometimes I find it quite surreal.  Last night for example, I was sitting on the right side of my car driving down the left side of the road to a home where seven Australian ladies gathered for a Bible study.  What an awesome privilege it is to serve our God!  I am so humbled that He chose me.

In saying that, I do not take the privilege of sharing God's Word lightly.  Every Bible study I lead, every Sunday School class I teach, every sermon my husband preaches, is bathed in much prayer!  I pray I continue this for the rest of my life.  I never want to take God's power or His Word for granted.  It's so easy to rely in our own strength and have a prideful heart.  I want God to shine so brightly through my life that I cannot be seen. 

It's not about me, it's about Him

He must increase, I must decrease.

All for Jesus.

Absent from the body, present with the Lord!

This is me with my dear friend's mom, Cindy. She battled brain cancer for nearly two years, but went home to Glory this past Saturday.   Although she will be greatly missed, I do not grieve for her, nor would I ever wish her to come back.  She is completely healed, and got to meet Jesus!

As a Christian, I have the blessed hope in knowing that she accepted Christ as her Savior, and as His Word says, "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." (II Corinthians 5:8) 

My heart does ache for the family she left behind, as they lost an amazing woman.  Cindy, or Nana as the kids called her, always had a smile on her face and always had a positive attitude.  My friend said she was smiling as she passed onto Glory.  She loved to sew and enjoyed sewing clothing for her granddaughter's American Girl dolls.  She even made a few items for Autumn's dolls.  When we would go visit our friends, she would stop by and say hello (often bringing scones with her!).  She even would watch all the kids so we could go on a double date. 

I know when a person passes away that people say what a great person they were, and the amazing life they lived, but I honestly have nothing to say about this woman.  She lived a life that honored God, and I can't imagine she had any regrets when she died. 

So, as I said I don't mourn for her, I mourn for her family who had to say good-bye, but as Christians it is only a temporary good-bye.  We will all be reunited in Heaven someday.  What a blessed hope!

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

Psalm 30:5

Hezekiah

This past Sunday we heard one of the best Father's Day sermons I have ever heard.  It was taken from II Chronicles 29-33 on the life of Hezekiah.

Hezekiah's father began to reign when he was only 20 years old and did evil in the sight of the Lord.  You can read about Hezekiah's father and the evil he did (including closing the church doors) in II Chronicles 28 & II Kings 18.  He only reigned for 16 years, but the legacy he left his son, Hezekiah, was a shame.

Hezekiah began to reign when he was 25 years old.  The Bible says he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord.  In his first year he reopened the church doors.  He cleansed the house of the Lord and brought burnt offerings to the Lord.  The Bible says all those that were there bowed their heads and worshipped.  King Hezekiah helped turn the hearts of the people back to the Lord.

Later we read that he (with God's help, of course) destroyed the Assyrian army. I encourage you to read the story in II Chronicles 32.

During the war with Assyria Hezekiah was sick, nearly dying.   He prayed unto the Lord. The Lord spared his life giving him 15 more years.

Instead of praising the Lord, he got proud.  The Bible says "Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him."  Approximately 3 years after the Lord spared his life, Hezekiah had a son name Manasseh.  Manasseh never saw his father "do that which was right in the sight of the Lord."  He saw the pride. 

The point of the sermon was "What kind of legacy are you leaving for your children?".  Hezekiah reigned as a godly king for 14 years.  The last 15 years he became selfish and proud.  Sadly that's all his son saw.

This was meant as a Father's Day message, but the Lord really spoke to my heart.  My children hear me talk about loving God and serving others, but do they see that in my life?  I want to leave a godly legacy for my children, an example for them to follow the Lord.

We are told that Manasseh did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.  He did what he was taught.    Later in Manasseh's life he humbled himself to the Lord, but the damage was also passed onto his son, Amon, who also did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.

I pray that my life will be one that pleases my Savior, and encourages my children to love God above all else.

The Virtuous Woman

Photo - google images

I will be speaking at a Mother/Daughter banquet this weekend in Leola, PA.  (I appreciate your prayers!)  Their theme is Outer Beauty/Inner Beauty.  The Lord has really stretched me in preparing this devotional.  How often do we work on the outside hoping no one will notices the mess inside? 

I'll share the devotional next week, but I'd like to share a little something the Lord showed me awhile back while studying the Virtuous Woman.

Proverbs 31 is written by King Lemuel.  He spoke of what his mother taught him in finding a wife.  There is no mention of a King Lemuel in the Bible other than here in Proverbs 31.  Some scholars believe this was Solomon's mother's pet name for him.  Lemuel means belonging to God.  If this King Lemuel is Solomon.  The mother speaking here is Bathsheba. 

So it's quite possible that Bathsheba was training her son to find a Virtuous Woman like his great, great Grandmother...Ruth. 

"Virtuous" is only mentioned 4 times in the Bible.  One time is Ruth (3:11) and three times in Proverbs (12:4, 31:10, 31:29).  When comparing the book of Ruth with the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 you will find many similarities.  Proverbs 31 has become more alive to me now that I can (if you will) put a face to the name.

I love it when God shows me these little nuggets in his Word!

Unconditional Love

Sometimes I sit in awe of my great God.  "That God should love a sinner such as I."  His unconditional love astounds me.  I John 1:9 tells us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.  

I sin...I'm sorry, I know you thought I was perfect, but sadly, I am not.  I am a sinner, I sin.  Not always intentionally, but I do sin...we all do.  Yet our all-knowing God still sent His Son to die for me...and you. 

When disciplining my children, I tell them that it hurts mommy when they disobey.

I hurt God when I disobey. 

How easy it is to rush about getting all the "important" things done and then fall into bed realizing you have forgotten to even talk to the Creator that day, let alone read His letter to you.  I do not want to hurt my God, but I do.

But how thankful I am for I John 1:9!  His love...His mercy...His grace.  Wow, I am so undeserving. 

I am so undeserving...yet He loves me like  I was His only child.

Forgiveness...

I'm currently reading "Having a Mary Spirit" by Joanna Weaver.  I just finished a chapter on forgiveness.  It was quite convicting.  At first, I thought it didn't really apply to me.  I forgive...but how often do I neglect to forget.  A few months ago I had a woman call me a hypocrite.  The person said it as she passed me, I guess hoping I heard it, but so no one else would hear it.  It took me a few seconds to realize what she said, I asked the other person in the room if she heard what was said, and she hadn't.  The situation happened at church, my husband wasn't there, so I went and told my dad.  Looking back I find it funny that I went running to my daddy.

Anyway, this person had no right to say that to me, and I should have immediately forgiven her and shown her love.  God even spoke to my heart about something I should do for her, and I put it off.  I should have repayed her evil with kindness.  I simply did nothing.

Forgiveness is a choice.  We say we forgive, but do we really?  When we sin and seek forgiveness from God, I'm so thankful that He chooses to forget.  The Bible says my sins are in the deepest part of the sea.  "He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." Micah 7:19

I teach my daughter all the time that when someone wrongs her she needs to repay with kindness.  A friend recently said to me that she thinks God gives us children to show us our own faults. 

Although you may not have had someone outright be mean to you, how often do we get mad at our husband or children about something little then harbor bitterness all day?  Would it not be easier to simply forgive and let it go?

Joanna lists five steps in helping to truly forgive...

• Make the choice (choosing to forgive is an act of the will)
• Find a faithful friend (one who won't tell you what you want to hear)
• Bless, don't curse (ouch)
• Keep no record of wrongs (again, ouch)
• Bring it all to God

"Jesus is willing to pick up anything you are willing to put down." I want to be a forgiving person.  I want to forget it and pretend it never happened.  I want to repay evil with kindness.  I do not want to keep records.  I want to forgive, as God for Christ's sake has forgiven me.

Hello, My Name Is Martha...

I mentioned that a few weeks ago I went to a Ladies Retreat.  The sessions were wonderful, the fellowship was great, and the scenery was perfect.  I want to share some things I learned, maybe it will be a blessing to you, too.

One of the morning devotions they gave us to read was such an encouragement to me.  I love the story of Mary and Martha found in Luke 10:38-42.  I can relate to both ladies, but I tend to always be a Martha.  I so much want that time with the Lord, but I rush around making sure everything else is in order before I chose to sit at His feet, but by the time everything is done it's bedtime.  "This familar story reminds us that we can be so busy doing good things (like serving), that we do not have time for the best thing."  Although I'm doing a good thing - serving my family - I'm so busy that I'm neglecting the best thing - time with my Lord.

I think in this season of my life my struggle is that I want to serve God outside my home, but I'm not able.  With all our traveling and waiting, we're not in a position where I can teach a class every week or a Ladies Bible Study.  This lesson was a good reminder that I've been so focused on wanting to serve God that I've neglected to love God.

"We will never love God without serving Him, but too often we serve God without loving Him...The greatest attainment and acts of sacrifice are rendered profitless to ourselves if they are not done from a heart of love.  Idols often steal our love from God.  Sometimes that idol is our self.  We can do the right things out of motives of self-glory."

This goes two ways for me.  I allow myself to get so bogged down in my day to day life that I get too busy for God.  In another way, I've gotten too busy wanting to serve God outside the home that I've allowed that to be my focus - serving Him - instead of loving Him.

I've read over this devotional several times.  It helps me put my focus in order.  The greatest commandment is simply to love God.  Today, I chose to love God.

"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart,

and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."

Deuteronomy 6:5

Beth Moore Conference

This weekend I went to a Beth Moore Conference with one of our supporting churches in Florida. I've read one of her books, but have never heard her speak. I am so glad I went. It was such a blessing to her Beth Moore. I wasn't sure what to expect, but she's not only beautiful on the outside, she's beautiful on the inside, she's real. I was so amazed that she could speak to a room of 4800 women (and a few brave men) and everyone walk out of there feeling she spoke just to them. That's how God works. If you ever have a chance to read one of her books I'd recommend them. I've read To Live is Christ, and I'm getting ready to start Praying the Scriptures (I think that's the title I don't have it in front of me).

I have been to many Ladies Retreats, but this is by far the best one. I came home so refreshed, not only spiritually, but physically. And that hasn't happened in a LONG time!
I went down a day early with a few ladies. We spent Thursday afternoon shopping then had a late supper at the Outback. On Friday we found the Hope Children's Home Thrift Store and got a few deals, then went to the beach for a little bit. Friday evening we headed over to the conference.

4800 women in one room! Beth Moore spoke on the family. The Lord showed me some things, and I'm all over it! God is so good. The conference was Friday night and Saturday morning. After the conference we wanted to go to Clearwater Beach. We didn't realize it was the last weekend of Spring Break - CRAZINESS! We asked someone if there was a quieter beach nearby and they sent us a few miles down the road where we found a nice quiet beach.

It was wonderful, relaxing, calming, warm, it was a little slice of Heaven! I love the beach, but my husband doesn't like going (for obvious reasons) so I was so glad to go with a few friends and just relax.

That's my foot, I had a pedicure a few days ago. I took a nap on the beach, looked for seashells, read a book, took lots of pics, but mainly just relaxed.

I love this picture of the lifeguard station. When we move to Australia I want to do a beach themed bathroom. I plan to get an 8x10 made of this photo and frame it.

This is Kristine and Hope. I couldn't have asked for better roomates. We had so much fun laughing and fellowshipping, chasing down my mother-in-law to find out it was a complete stranger. Good times, good times!

And this is Kristine and I. She's been such a good friend. Her and her husband recently surrendered to the mission field - Indonesia to be exact!

This was a really good weekend for me. It was much needed. I feel so blessed. My wonderful husband watched the kids with Kristine's husband and their 3 kids for the 3 days I was away. I truly am blessed!

How Deep The Father's Love

Hope you all have a Blessed Easter!

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How deep the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the holy One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(REPEAT)

~ Jen ~

The Stay-At-Home Missionary

Do you ever have days where you wonder why you even got out of bed? Days where you can't wait for naptime? Days where naptime isn't long enough? Days where you yearn for the kid's bedtime? Days where you want to runaway? Days where you wonder if it's really worth it? What does it really matter?

Well, I had one like that yesterday. Yes, I know I just went to a scrapbooking retreat and was away for the weekend. I had a break. Yet, I still had a really rough day yesterday. I had no motivation to do anything. The only thing I managed to do was the dishes, and that was only because we had no clean dishes, silverware, or cups. Seriously, I wouldn't lie about that...I was away for the weekend, remember.

I have days like that every once in awhile. And unless you're supermom with super incredible powers (which if you are I'd like to meet you) you've had days like this, too.

Today I am feeling much better. I'm already on my second load of laundry, all those clean dishes from yesterday are put away, the kids are up, dressed, and fed. I still feel a little down, not sure why. But some days you don't have the option to lie in bed, actually I don't think I ever have that option, and you have to get up and moving.

I came across this post and I really encourage you to read it, whether you are a mom or not. Joy is a mom to 5 kids. She is a missionary's wife in Indonesia. I met her in real life once, and she's just as nice and cute as she comes across.

Anyway about the post. This is part 1 in a serious, so check back for the rest. It was an encouragement to me this morning. Please go read it.