Monday, August 15, 2011

Think on These Things

Sorry, no pics again. I know ... blogger fail.

Well, I sit here and have pondered all morning. Events. Events of the past year, the past few months and weeks. Swirling thoughts and emotions (ooohhh the emotions of a pregnant lady!!) within me.

I have often been accused of being a sort of super woman. Many times someone will declare upon learning of our family's dynamic that they have no clue as to how I do it. Well, the truth is ... I don't.

There is nothing in me that is good. I struggle with the same sorts of struggles that everyone else does. That means that I have the same selfish desires, the same short fuses, the same grouchy moments and the same disorganized messes. In short - there is nothing special in me ... except Christ. He is the difference between me and giving in to those desires, fuses and grouchy moments. I don't always follow His prompting, and when that happens - well, it winds up being failure.

Why do I blog this?

For this reason:

Do I always feel like getting up in the morning and going through the day with the many snotty noses, eating regiments, and many many needs? Do I always feel like trusting God with my day, my choices, my children and the many other things I know I should? Do I always have the best of attitudes? Am I always the picture of positive thinking and optimistic approaches?

The resounding answer is ... NO. Period. Exclamation point. NO.

Today. Today has been rough. And it isn't even 11:30 am. My mind is swirling with thoughts, emotions run rampant in my heart. Babies are fussy from travelling this weekend. Little girls are testing the boundaries, and the boys are also worn out from travels, and I am feeling that "new pregnant" sick. Really, today isn't any different than many other days I have had recently-or have experienced prior. I really think that it is my outlook that is different. My reaction to those thoughts and emotions swirling. I'm letting them grip me. Not good.

The truth is - I have a choice. I can choose to allow myself to be gripped and pulled down - or I can choose to find the sweetness in my day, to push past those things I could dwell on - and grab ahold of those things that Christ would have me meditate upon.

phillipians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

1. whatsoever things are true: my family is healthy, my coffeepot is full, and my Lord reigns

2. whatsoever things are just: God's word in my life is always true, and always right - I can lean on that and know it will direct my path

3.whatsoever things are pure: I know the promises God has laid before me regarding the choices in my life - and I know those are pure and hold promises for me and my family.

4. whatsoever things are lovely: my children. My husband. My Saviour. All are lovely to me.

5. whatsoever things are of good report: Missionary friends seeing souls come to Christ, Ivanna's heart being well, Churches starting, and the gospel being preached.

6. If there be any virtue, if there be any praise ... think on these things.


Thank you Lord. I will.


Those thoughts that don't fall into the realm of this verse, do me no good. It's time to put those aside and "think on these things".


So. Do you see? I am no super woman. I am not some sort of marvel in motherhood. I struggle. I fail.


But ... Christ does not. Since He reigns within my heart - He is the difference in days like this. In my best moments - it's Him you see. Not me.


Sometimes blogging isn't just for those reading - sometimes it's selfish. Typing this out, I can feel my perspective changing already...

11 comments:

Mcarthur Mile said...

Amen sister. I am so thankful that you have taught me to lean on the Lord, and to go to him first for advice on my children. One thing you are though, is a purposed mommy. Always trying to make your kids life better, and growing in the Lord. I am so thankful that God has put you in my life to role model to me how to be a better mom. Praying for your day. Love ya
Mary

Jennifer said...

Love, love, love this post. Thank you for reminding me of things I should know but forget all too often! :)

Jenn said...

Sending prayers & love from the Abell house. Missed you all at church last night. Hope to see you guys at revival.

Amanda said...

Hey there,
Praying your day continues to get better. God is so good to us. Over and over again he gives me peace where I need it. Love ya.

Anonymous said...

This post made me smile. I appreciate you sharing your life the good and the bad and the ugly.:) I miss you dear friend but am thankful that you are only a blog post away. Praise the Lord that we do not live by our feelings and how unworthy we really are but by the fact that Christ has redeemed us and cares for us. Keep on serving your Lord and He will continue to bless you.
God is good all the time:)
Love,
Jackie Harper

nicole said...

Thank you for your heartfelt and honest thoughts ~ good medicine for all of us! Blessings to you and your family.

Sherry Noland said...

This post made me feel better about myself. I was just telling my husband a couple days ago that you just seem to have it all together with all your children, and I have just one small 5 yr. old and seem to be disorganized ALL the time. I even have a 17 yr old who helps out. I still admire you though. Because I still think you are a whole better person than you are giving yourself credit for:) Hang in there. You're a great person. I really miss your posts on facebook:(.

Ben and Melanie said...

You are still a Superwoman to me :)... Coffee pots full, I Love it! So excited for your new bundle,,, See ya Saturday!

Ken Dockery said...

We prayerfully seek one church that wants to make a difference for orphans in Belarus, by partnering with the church in Belarus. Christians there, with very few resources, are faithfully ministering to orphan children and orphan adults (with disabilities) in four different orphanages. Thank you for all that you are doing! God bless you!

Renee said...

Your faith is an inspiration because you are so down to earth and honest about how it really is. Congratulations on the newest addition to be. Perhaps this is why the 3rd adopted child didn't happen. God left room for Ivanna and Maz to be big brother and sister. That will be a wonderful experience for everyone. May there be better days ahead. Just remember that you've done this before and it won't last forever.

Jenna said...

Hi
My name is Jenna and I came across your site. ur kids are handsome and beautiful, they are amazing, special and precious. They are inspirational hero's. I was born with a rare life threatening disease, and developmental delays. I love it when people sign my guestbook. www.miraclechamp.webs.com

 




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