Another six months has passed and SO much has changed. Friends have moved. Kids have been home for the summer with lots to do. The boys attend a new school this year. A storm came through and changed our whole back yard. I have grown closer to God....this is the most exciting change, as I have yearned to know God personally my whole life. Growing up I was always searching for Him. Praise God that I have found Him.
I am so thankful for the Weigh Down Workshop and the Bible Studies that I have taken that showed me that this life is not about me; but that my purpose is to find God and to glorify Him each day!
Just today, I read out of the Rise Above book by Gwen Shamblin. On page 89 Gwen says, "I am not special---I am no different from anyone else. If I seem to be free to love God, it is only due to the fact that when I'm tempted, I get down on my knees, flat on my face before God and in His Word, and surrender. Then I surrender a little more. Then I surrender it all---until the Lord shows me the next level of death. But do I look dead? No! Life comes from dying to your own will and replacing it with God's will---not your spouse's or boss's or kids' wishes, but God's will."
This incredible teaching has shown me that food is not better then God, man's approval is not better then God, and being lazy with my time is not pleasing to God. I want to please God and God alone! Pray that I keep looking for His will and letting my will go by the wayside.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Spring Update
Wow! Time sure flies, I am overdue a blog update. My winter college course is completed and I learned new and useful information and was able to glorify God by working hard and getting an excellent grade.
I have been prayerfully considering working part time next school year. I have been inquiring about working as a substitute teacher next school year. It would be a good way to get my feet wet and to see how our family adjusts to me working. I am praying that God will open the right doors and that I will clearly see His will for my employment path.
Autism is not easy to deal with....it amazes me how what sounds like an easy and fun family activity takes so much more pre-planning and effort with a child who is autistic. I need to plan ahead for Samuel, and have visuals available, have earplugs in case things are too loud, and have some sort of toy to be used as a distraction. We ventured out tonight to get ice cream after the boys performed in their "end of the year school celebration". Samuel did fine with the short wait in line, which surprised me considering that he was upset that we had to park in the neighboring parking lot and walk a few steps further.
I smiled as I watched him with ice cream on his chin and nose, and was amazed that he didn't notice. I even chuckled at the sight of his coat which was stained with red, blue, and yellow streaks from his Superman ice cream. Then my moment of enjoyment ended as he dropped his ice cream cone on the ground. He screamed and the crying began. He was upset for longer then I would have liked and I struggled with how to cope. I found myself wanting to take the easy ways out (grab for food, leave the situation, call a friend and vent, have a drink) and instead saw that God was using this situation so that I could run to Him and pray to Him and let Him meet my needs.
Let's learn to thank God for the difficult times, as well as the blessed times, because they are all meant to glorify Him. I find comfort in Philippians 1:6, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
I have been prayerfully considering working part time next school year. I have been inquiring about working as a substitute teacher next school year. It would be a good way to get my feet wet and to see how our family adjusts to me working. I am praying that God will open the right doors and that I will clearly see His will for my employment path.
Autism is not easy to deal with....it amazes me how what sounds like an easy and fun family activity takes so much more pre-planning and effort with a child who is autistic. I need to plan ahead for Samuel, and have visuals available, have earplugs in case things are too loud, and have some sort of toy to be used as a distraction. We ventured out tonight to get ice cream after the boys performed in their "end of the year school celebration". Samuel did fine with the short wait in line, which surprised me considering that he was upset that we had to park in the neighboring parking lot and walk a few steps further.
I smiled as I watched him with ice cream on his chin and nose, and was amazed that he didn't notice. I even chuckled at the sight of his coat which was stained with red, blue, and yellow streaks from his Superman ice cream. Then my moment of enjoyment ended as he dropped his ice cream cone on the ground. He screamed and the crying began. He was upset for longer then I would have liked and I struggled with how to cope. I found myself wanting to take the easy ways out (grab for food, leave the situation, call a friend and vent, have a drink) and instead saw that God was using this situation so that I could run to Him and pray to Him and let Him meet my needs.
Let's learn to thank God for the difficult times, as well as the blessed times, because they are all meant to glorify Him. I find comfort in Philippians 1:6, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Praising God for Snow
I have lived in Michigan all of my life, and honestly have always dreaded snowy weather and feeling trapped indoors for the winter months. I am so thankful that God has transformed my mind and thoughts about the winter. This winter I have absolutely enjoyed the snow....and we have had plenty of snow this winter!
I praise God that He can use the beautiful snowflakes to remind me to be pure, choosing the things that please Him. Isaiah 1:18b & 19a says, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient you will eat the best from the land."
I am thankful for times that God has allowed me to go cross country ski in the newly fallen snow. What a joy to see the paradise that God has created in his artistry of nature. It reminds me of Psalm 19: 1-6. "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where this voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat."
I rejoice and praise God that when my focus is on God and His will and I pray that I will please Him with my choices I have peace. It doesn't matter if the economy is suffering, the political decisions of the United States, or if the weather is cold and really snowy I am thankful and able to find God each day! God is transforming me day by day. As Romans 12:2 states, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test & approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will."
I have been blessed with hearing truth through Weigh Down Workshop. Check out the website: http://www.weighdown.com/
I praise God that He can use the beautiful snowflakes to remind me to be pure, choosing the things that please Him. Isaiah 1:18b & 19a says, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient you will eat the best from the land."
I am thankful for times that God has allowed me to go cross country ski in the newly fallen snow. What a joy to see the paradise that God has created in his artistry of nature. It reminds me of Psalm 19: 1-6. "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where this voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat."
I rejoice and praise God that when my focus is on God and His will and I pray that I will please Him with my choices I have peace. It doesn't matter if the economy is suffering, the political decisions of the United States, or if the weather is cold and really snowy I am thankful and able to find God each day! God is transforming me day by day. As Romans 12:2 states, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test & approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will."
I have been blessed with hearing truth through Weigh Down Workshop. Check out the website: http://www.weighdown.com/
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Noah trusts God
Noah is a strong athlete at seven. His favorite sports to play include football, soccer, and baseball. This winter he decided to join the Swim Club at his school. He has taken swimming lessons in the summers, but isn't the most confident in his swimming abilities.
Swim practiced began on Monday and he was physically ill Sunday. When I asked him what was going on he shared that he was so nervous about starting swimming the next day that he was throwing up. I thank God for a beautiful message shared from Gwen Shamblin at worship that weekend. Gwen challenged us to be responsible for our thoughts. To stop any thought that wasn't focused on God and to turn it over to Him. How wonderful to be able to remind Noah of this. I then asked him what we was going to do to give his fears and worries to God. He made a plan and Monday morning told me he was a little nervous, but could tell that giving his bad thoughts to God, had helped.
Noah was SO excited when he got home from school on Wednesday of that week. When I asked him what was going on he said, "God blessed me with so many good things. It was because I chose to trust him with swimming. God gave me gym class today, swimming tonight, and our table were the 'all stars' at school today." Noah's faith and trust in God blessed my heart. Praise God for daily lessons that can turn us to HIM.
Swim practiced began on Monday and he was physically ill Sunday. When I asked him what was going on he shared that he was so nervous about starting swimming the next day that he was throwing up. I thank God for a beautiful message shared from Gwen Shamblin at worship that weekend. Gwen challenged us to be responsible for our thoughts. To stop any thought that wasn't focused on God and to turn it over to Him. How wonderful to be able to remind Noah of this. I then asked him what we was going to do to give his fears and worries to God. He made a plan and Monday morning told me he was a little nervous, but could tell that giving his bad thoughts to God, had helped.
Noah was SO excited when he got home from school on Wednesday of that week. When I asked him what was going on he said, "God blessed me with so many good things. It was because I chose to trust him with swimming. God gave me gym class today, swimming tonight, and our table were the 'all stars' at school today." Noah's faith and trust in God blessed my heart. Praise God for daily lessons that can turn us to HIM.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
A Family Challenge: "Shine for God"
God placed it on my heart to challenge our boys with the idea of "shining for God" that came from Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Each day when they get on the bus I challenge them to "shine for God today".
Noah (7) and Samuel (5) challenge me to "shine for God". Here are a couple of sweet stories that have challenged me SHINE more brightly for God.
Noah wrote me a note encouraging me and one of the lines from his note was, "When I see you shine, I start to shine." What a sweet reminder from God of the power we have as parents. When my kids see the fruits of the spirit in my life from Galatians 5:22 & 23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." then they want to show that same fruit.
We have a light in our kitchen with a dimmer switch on it. One dark morning when Samuel walked into the kitchen the light was on a very dim setting he stated, "Mom, look at that light shining for God." I love how Samuel was able to remember the importance of always shining for God no matter who or what you are.
Noah (7) and Samuel (5) challenge me to "shine for God". Here are a couple of sweet stories that have challenged me SHINE more brightly for God.
Noah wrote me a note encouraging me and one of the lines from his note was, "When I see you shine, I start to shine." What a sweet reminder from God of the power we have as parents. When my kids see the fruits of the spirit in my life from Galatians 5:22 & 23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." then they want to show that same fruit.
We have a light in our kitchen with a dimmer switch on it. One dark morning when Samuel walked into the kitchen the light was on a very dim setting he stated, "Mom, look at that light shining for God." I love how Samuel was able to remember the importance of always shining for God no matter who or what you are.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Samuel stories
Welcome to my blog. I hope to share information on this blog about what our family is learning and how we are changing each week.
Currently, our family is joyfully in Tennessee celebrating God's love & festival with our church family. The weather and fellowship has been wonderful.
Here are a couple of stories that touched my heart from our son, Samuel, who is currently 5 years old.
We were packing for our trip to TN and gathering our money to present to God. He had saved $44. When I asked him how much money he wanted to give to God he stated, "I have to give God 100% of what I have because that's what I get to do." We talked about that would mean that he was giving God all of his money and he was joyfully ready and willing to do that. I am so thankful for the teaching of our church that does challenge us to give all of our hearts to God!
In the car traveling down Samuel shared how excited he was about being in TN. He said, "I've been going to my schools every day and finally God has blessed me with going to TN." His perspective challenges me to be more thankful and appreciative of everything in life.
Currently, our family is joyfully in Tennessee celebrating God's love & festival with our church family. The weather and fellowship has been wonderful.
Here are a couple of stories that touched my heart from our son, Samuel, who is currently 5 years old.
We were packing for our trip to TN and gathering our money to present to God. He had saved $44. When I asked him how much money he wanted to give to God he stated, "I have to give God 100% of what I have because that's what I get to do." We talked about that would mean that he was giving God all of his money and he was joyfully ready and willing to do that. I am so thankful for the teaching of our church that does challenge us to give all of our hearts to God!
In the car traveling down Samuel shared how excited he was about being in TN. He said, "I've been going to my schools every day and finally God has blessed me with going to TN." His perspective challenges me to be more thankful and appreciative of everything in life.
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