Good Men, Great Father- Three Forty thru Three Forty-Seven

"My son keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. 

When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.

For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way of life." 

Proverbs 6:20-23

Sunday, June 12th

340) Partnership- Many people are married, but not all of those married couples are partners. I am blessed to have a partner in Drew. It is wonderful to know that I have this amazing man working along side me towards a common goal. Not only that, but I am blessed through this partnership as we support and strengthen each other, complementing those areas where each other is weak.


Monday, June 13th

341) Try and try again- There are certain activities in my life that have become more difficult with a child. I have been searching for ways to make my motherhood work with one such activity, but I have really struggled this last year to find the right fit. It would have been easy to give up and say I just need to focus on being a mother and Army wife, but I couldn't give up. It was too important to me, and today I see the beginning of something that may just lead to the perfect niche. What a blessing to have the perseverance and drive to try and try again.


Tuesday, June 14th

342) Learning from a child-  I have often heard that we could learn a lot about faith by watching the faith of children. In fact, people often use Matthew 19:14 "Jesus said, ' Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"  to encourage people to have a more child-like faith. I cannot disagree; we can learn so much about unconditional love and faith from little children, but there are other things they can show us as well. Today our little girl reminded me of that clearly. Now, we all have our days when we choose to take the hard route. Some of us have a string of hard days while toddlers seem to almost ask for them as they test out their new independence and mobility. Today was one such day for our daughter, but she didn't just want to take the harder road. She pushed the limits as far and as often as she could and took the hardest possible route I could imagine given the situation. The opportunities to become frustrated and lose my patience with this little one were many, but as I worked with her, I thought, "How often have I chosen my own defiant, independent, blind path instead of waiting for the Lord and obediently submitting to his good and perfect will?" The answer.... far too often and far too recently for my comfort. Yet, the Lord continues to show me unconditional love, patience and forgiveness while remaining just and providing me with the discipline I need. What a beautiful lesson! Not only does God's treatment to me provide a wonderful example as I work with our little toddler, but it is another sign of God's multitude of blessings to this stubborn, independent little girl (and I am referring to me).


Wednesday, June 15th

343) Holy, awe-inspiring fear- In recent weeks, I have heard discussions and talk about whether or not there is any room for fear in a relationship with the Lord. I cannot speak for anyone else, but for me, my fear of the Lord has been pivotal. Fear of the Lord led me to the feet of Christ, has held me in awe and wonder, and reminds me of what an awesome, powerful, just God I serve. After doing a quick look into what the Bible says about the fear of the Lord, I have a hard time understanding the opposition to the idea of fearing the Lord. The Bible teaches that fear of the Lord brings us peace, encouragement, wisdom, the Lord's confidence, the treasures of surety and salvation, and blessings.

1 Samuel 12:14-"If you fear the Lord and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God- good!" 

Psalm 25:12-14-"Who then is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them." 

Psalm 128:1-4-"Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord." 

Proverbs 1:7-"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." 

Proverbs 14:26-27-"He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death."

Isaiah 33:5-6- "The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure."

Acts 9:31-"Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord."

The Lord's power, might, justice and holiness should cause us all to tremble- for who could ever claim innocence in the court of the Lord if it were not for Christ?

Revelation 15:2b-4-"They held harps given them by God and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: 'Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.'" 


Thursday, June 16th

344) The right way- Not everything has a right and a wrong way to do things. Sometimes it is all a matter of opinion, but there are some activities and situations where there is a very clear and unmistakable right and wrong way. Just because a way may be wrong doesn't mean you cannot still accomplish your goal, but the process and results may not be as ideal. My recent endeavors in crocheting has perfectly illustrated this point to me. I made several items using the wrong method. Everything still turned out fine. Most likely no one would be able to tell I did it the wrong way, but it was a laborious and long task with some inconsistencies and flaws in the final product. My latest project has been completed the right way. What a breath of fresh air! The entire process has been enjoyable and gone so quickly, and the product shows no flaws at this point. If this is true with something as trivial as crocheting, just think of the impact on truly serious matters in life. We may be able to pursue things our own way- even if it is the wrong way to do things- but we are blessed when we go about things the right way, even when the way seems more difficult.


Friday, June 17th

345) A patient, understanding husband- One of the nasty side-effects of my migraines is that I often lose my internal check system- especially as it relates to my tongue. I find that I less frequently screen my thoughts before I speak and therefore say things I immediately regret. I have also noticed that I do not have as much control over my intonation. Both of these lead to some unfortunate comments to Drew, who is always so patient and understanding. He may point it out to me, but he is always willing to forgive. I wish it didn't happen and I do try to keep things in check, but I am thankful and blessed for his response.


Saturday, June 18th

346) Prophecies of destruction- "The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and maintains his wrath against his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebukes the sea and dries it up; he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither and the blossoms of Lebanon fade. The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it. Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him.

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Ninevah; he will pursue his foes into darkness." Nahum 1:2-8

Over the years as I have read parts of the Bible, I typically skip over the parts about doom and destruction. Not because I do not believe in it, am afraid of it or feel it is incongruous with who God is. I just never really knew what to take away from those passages. In our Sunday school class, we have been looking at the books of the Bible, studying one book each week to gain an understanding of its contents and how they can be applied to us. For the past several Sundays, we have been looking at the major and minor prophets. There has been no chance to avoid the passages of doom and destruction. Over the weeks though, I have found peace and joy in these passages. For those who are true believers in Christ- who follow His will and commands- these passages are not frightening but a reminder of who God is. God is in control. God is forgiving, patient and abounding in love and grace. God is mighty and all-powerful. God has the final say. God is just and in the end He will make all things right. God remembers the faithful.


Sunday, June 19th

347) Godly fathers- There are lots of good dads out there. These men give of their time, energy, resources, knowledge and love for their children. They work hard to provide for their family, play with their kids, sacrifice personal wants for their family, teach their children about responsibility, hard work, respect, compassion, and so much more. In general, they are present, involved fathers who take their job seriously, and their children are blessed because of it. Out of these good dads, there is a sub-group; these are the Godly fathers. These men focus not only on the welfare and knowledge needed for this world, but they are thinking about eternity. These men pray for their children, introduce their children to the Lord, encourage faith, spread love, and train their "children in the way they should go" (Proverbs 22:6). These fathers not only teach their children about love, faith and a relationship with the Lord, but they also exemplify this through their own daily lives. I am blessed to know several of these Godly fathers and I am thankful for each and every one of them. To all of you Godly fathers out there- my grandfathers, my dad, my husband and the countless other men of God- thank you. You have blessed your children and grandchildren immeasurably.

Happy Father's Day!

"The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him." Proverbs 20:7

Clouds of Comfort: Three Thirty-One thru Three Thirty-Nine

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30


Sunday, June 5th

331) Working joints- So I'm not really that old, but I do deal with pain and stiffness in some of my joints- particularly my ankles and hip. For about the past five years, I have been able to count on the fact that as the weather got colder, my hip joints would start to complain- leaving me with a slight limp and troubled nights through most of the winter. I've learned how to cope, what I can do to lessen the pain and how to handle the days when nothing helps. Lately though, the pain and stiffness has started to occur even in the warm months. It may well be due to the fact that I carry a twenty-five pound child fairly regularly which is extra weight that is not evenly distributed, but no matter the cause, it's a new and unfavorable change. Still despite these changes, I am blessed that my joints are still working and do not continually give me troubles. I may have my days, but there are so many people who are troubled by sore and stiff joints daily, possibly even every moment of the day. I might have my aches and pains, but it only reminds me of the preponderance of days I am blessed with working, pain-free joints.


Monday, June 6th

332) Video game hobby- My husband enjoys playing video games and can quite easily sit and play them for several hours on a weekend night. I must admit that during the first year of our marriage, this fact didn't always sit well with me. I wanted the weekends to be a time for the two of us and couldn't understand why he would rather play a game on the computer than spend time with me. With time though I have come to realize that the video games never come before his family and they are a wonderful source of relaxation for him. There are so many other activities and things he could be doing, which could be dangerous for him or damaging to our relationship, that I suddenly see that in their own way, video games are a blessing.


Tuesday, June 7th

333) Vegan diet- We are not vegans- not even remotely. My husband loves his meat and we both enjoy a wide variety of dairy products. However as I have been on the hunt for dairy-free, soy-free cake and frosting recipes for our daughter's upcoming birthday, I have found that many of the recipes that may work are vegan. Last week I tried out a vegan buttercream which was so good that this week I used it again but added cocoa. It is delicious and no one would know it was not traditional buttercream (except real gourmands). Our daughter is looking forward to her birthday cake and if it weren't for the vegan diet and vegan recipes, I might not be able to make it for her.


Wednesday, June 8th

334) Sunglasses- I haven't worn sunglasses for nearly a year, so when I finally was able to wear them again, I certainly noticed the difference. With sunglasses, I can better enjoy the outdoors and do not walk away with a headache. Sunglasses have also protected Drew's eyes which have always been quite sensitive to the sun and now protect our daughter's as well. My whole family is blessed to own and use sunglasses and I am truly thankful for them.


Thursday, June 9th

335) Comforted - All week long, the city of Albuquerque has been shrouded in a layer of smoke and ash that has been carried east on winds coming from the Arizona wildfire. While it is noticeable all day, the smoke really settles in as dusk approaches and it is almost an eerie thing to experience. The sky is an orangeish-gray hue. The sun turns orange and then is blotted out.  The mountains just a few miles to our east disappear completely under a blanket of smoke, and on the street you can see swirls of ash and smell something burning. The whole thing has me thankful for the comfort of the indoors and has left me wandering what it must be like in Arizona near the fires. I cannot imagine how terrifying it could be if you add heat and visible flames licking at the skyline. Could this be a small glimpse of what hell might be like? Only hell will be infinitely worse with more terrible consequences. For at least here, we know that God is with us if we will but turn to Him. An eternity in hell does not offer the same comfort. I am thankful for that comfort now, the comfort I have when I think of eternity and the opportunity to spend it forever in His presence.

336) Clean air- Of course I realize that this phrase is relative; we all have a certain standard for what we consider "clean air." However after experiencing sand storms and now clouds of ash that settle around us, I appreciate air that doesn't send grit into my eyes and mouth or leave residue all over myself and everything else outside. What a blessing to be able to see blue skies, fluffy white clouds and all the beauty that surrounds us... thanks to clean air.


Friday, June 10th

337) Polite drivers- In the past few years, I have felt as though each new place we have lived has introduced us to a new group of crazy drivers, but nothing in the past compares to what Drew and I have witnessed and experienced since coming to Albuquerque. I have seen absolutely flagrant disregard for the rules of the road and disrespect for other drivers with whom we all share the road. Not only is there disregard and disrespect, but these drivers endanger the lives and property of everyone around them through the reckless and dangerous actions they are taking. We all occasionally miss something when we drive, but due to the frequency, we have been led to believe there is more at work than just an occasional absent-mindedness on the part of at least some of these drivers. Don't get me wrong: not all drivers in Albuquerque are like this, but this city does have more than its fair share. Not a trip goes by when I do not thank God for our safe return to our house and the kindness and consideration of the polite drivers with whom I do share the road. When you really consider the kind of harm that can come from impolite and disrespectful drivers, you quickly realize what a blessing polite drivers are.

338) A good hairdresser- One thing I never really considered when we first began life in the military would be the need to frequently find a new hairdresser. Every time we move, I let my hair grow out for a while because I fear going to someone who is inexperienced or unfamiliar with extremely thick hair; the outcome can be yucky. Today however, I found a wonderful hairdresser. She seems to really understand how to work with my hair and I came out with just the hairstyle I wanted and nothing to complain about. On top of that, her prices are reasonable. For me, that is truly a blessing.


Saturday, June 11th

339) Longer naps- For a couple of months now, our daughter's sleeping routine has been less than desirable. She was up before 6:15am each morning and took only an hour and a half (tops) nap each day. None of our attempts to lengthen her sleep at night or during the day seemed to help.  She showed the signs of a tired baby every day which was wearing and frustrating. For the past week, our little girl has still been awaking early, but has begun to take three to three and half hour naps. What a difference this has made! We have a happier child, a happier mother and a happier home in general.

Learning to Wait: Three Twenty-Five thru Three Thirty

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:1-3

Monday, May 30th

325) Remembering- I am thankful for the freedoms, liberties and opportunities we have in the USA, knowing they could be taken from us under other governing bodies, and therefore I am so blessed when I remember those freedoms, liberties and opportunities were not free but have come at a cost. Our country has been blessed by multitudes of brave men and women who sacrifice so much, even giving their very life, so we can live the lives we do today.


Tuesday, May 31st

326) Getting elbowed in the head- Perhaps this sounds slightly off, but please, stick with me. In the first month of our marriage, we had lots of adjusting to do- as any newlywed couple will have. For some reason, personal space seemed to be a big one for us. Drew didn't seem to realize when he was in mine (or vice versa) and often ended up elbowing me in the head. I know for certain a week didn't go by when I wasn't elbowed at least once, and often more. However with just a little time, we both adjusted and the elbowing quit. Today another such elbowing accident occurred and it took me back to that first month. What a lovely reminder of those first days and a tangible sign showing me how far we have come blending our two lives into one.


Wednesday, June 1st

327) Not even 1200 square feet- The house we currently live in has less than 1200 square feet total. Although this is a good 400 square feet less than the house we last lived in, there is still enough space for all of our furniture and other household goods. However there is not much extra space for anything more. I am thankful for this. Sure a little extra space would be nice, but all it would mean was a reason and ability to get and accumulate more stuff. We are not in want; our true needs are few. Our limited square footage reminds me of this and curbs some of my own materialistic tendencies that are so prevalent within our culture.


Thursday, June 2nd

328) Buying in bulk- We don't really have much extra storage room to buy in bulk. However back shortly after our daughter was born, we did get a membership at Sam's Club as we wanted to buy her diapers and wipes in bulk, plus we knew on some occasions, we would also need to buy meats, etc. in bulk. I have always been thankful for the money we have saved by purchasing diapers in bulk and now as prices in the supermarkets go up, I am reminded of that blessing once more- not only for diapers but for some of those other necessary but expensive grocery items.


Friday, June 3rd

329) A clean house for the weekend- When I was growing up, my mother always had us clean the house on Thursday night. As I grew a little older she explained to me that she did this so she could relax knowing the house was clean for the weekend. When I moved into my own place, without even thinking about it I have carried on this tradition- cleaning Thursday and Friday morning. I love it! There is nothing nicer than being able to relax and enjoy my time with both Drew and our daughter without that nagging voice in my head pointing out everything dirty and dusty.


Saturday, June 4th

330) Waiting on the Lord- Lately I seem to pay closer attention to things that discuss blessings because this journey of mine has not only made me more aware of my blessings but also more eager to see and learn what others have to say about blessings. There is a song that has been playing on the radio "Blessings" by Laura Story, and I have really wanted a better understanding. I never really caught the verses and the chorus has had me pondering. Today our radio station played a little clip where Laura explained what led her to write the song, and she ended it by saying that she had learned that sometimes the greatest blessing we can get is to wait upon the Lord. Wow! How very true! We all have numerous prayer requests, wishes and concerns that we take to God and sometimes the waiting can seem unbearable. However if we truly pray for the Lord's will, leave all our requests in His hands, trusting and waiting in faith- not only will God's direction and answer (whether positive or negative) be what is best for us, but I have found that my faith and trust in God deepens and thereby my love and hope. So through the waiting our relationship with God can be strengthened and that is an incredible blessing!

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we’d have faith to believe

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not our home

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.

For the Lord is a God of justice.

Blessed are all who wait for him!"

Isaiah 30:18