IMAGE SOURCE PAGE: http://wau.org/resources/article/re_transformed_into_christ/
There were so many topics to write about today on my birthday. I thought about writing how
many times I've been blessed by God, forgiven by Him, times I'm grateful for,
places I've gone, 33 of my favorite desserts, people who are dear to me, why I'm here etc.
Until I read something in my Bible this morning... I was led to Proverbs 31 and with it was
a devotional:
Strength in Wisdom
"Homemaking is unique in combining the most menial jobs
with the most meaningful tasks; it is a challenge to
accommodate others without losing one's own identity;
it is a demanding pursuit, but the fringe benefits
are terrific"
I believe the Lord really does speak to us if we're listening closely enough to hear Him. He's
usually quite loud and clear too. Because He's a faithful, compassionate God, He, yet again,
met me where I'm at today in life, one place in particular --Motherhood. Having three adorable
boys to train up beside my wonderful husband, this blessed word brings to mind many
feelings/emotions to me as I'm sure it does for most called to mother.
It continues to show me just how The Father trains, nurtures, grieves, enjoys and disciplines us as
His own children looking something like this...
Screaming for something more... Parent says: "Not right now-you'll understand why later"
You don't understand Mom / Dad.... "Yes, yes I do"
Why can't I have what I want, it's not that much?.... "Because you're not ready for it"
I don't need to sleep, I wanna play... "Rest is good for you"
I'm gonna try it anyway, it won't hurt me... "Lord, forgive her"
Why doesn't anybody care?... "I do"
I'm in pain and hurting so bad... "I'm here with you"
and my favorite... because I said so!
you get the idea.
I think about how often the Lord has been VERY accommodating for me and has met all of my
needs, WOW!
Today, the Lord made it so I wouldn't be alone on my birthday. I woke up to a loving husband who always gives me hugs and kisses and "that look", a son who politely asked me my age today
needs, WOW!
Today, the Lord made it so I wouldn't be alone on my birthday. I woke up to a loving husband who always gives me hugs and kisses and "that look", a son who politely asked me my age today
so he could write a special birthday announcement on the refrigerator with a big ole' cheesy grin, an energetic toddler who just wants to be held in my arms so I can love him, give kisses and hugs whenever I want and constant laughter, and finally, a young man entering teenage years who continues to show respect to me with his gentle endearing way. I've been shown who God is right under my own roof!
I'm THANKFUL to be a part of God's plan and see daily, we're consistently loved by a big God and here to ENJOY life, work, cry, play, laugh, love, build, create, grieve, sing, dance together for the Kingdom's beautiful cause.
So, why did I choose my heading today to be "33 YEARS OF LOVE"
because all the while asking questions, seeking answers, failing, doubting, trying, and accomplishing throughout the fleeting years of my life thus far...
God has shown me His grace, mercy, forgiveness and His character through everyone I encounter, everything I put my hands or mind to, every place I step into and so on... faithfully reassuring me of His never-ending love toward me, meeting me in secret places of my heart and where I'm at quite often, I know that Jesus is all I really need and my birthday is dedicated to the One who gave me life and a transformed one today!
Everything else God provides is surely His provision/favor and what a blessing that is to share with the world!
Everything else God provides is surely His provision/favor and what a blessing that is to share with the world!
The sentence that popped out at me within the devotional above was;
"without losing one's own identity"
What is my identity? A 33 year old wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, dancer, true. But, even more, I'm an image bearer of El Elyon, "The Most High God" and of One in the same spirit, El ROI, "The God who sees" little ole' me with His purpose in mind from my very first breath of life all the way to my very end of life. He gave us value and worth beyond our own comprehension! He is everything. Loving, showing me, challenging me, training me for my very destiny... when we meet face to face someday, that eternal magnificent place in heaven, which is our everlasting home.
"Like a ballroom dance...
Jesus is my leading Man"
Jesus is my leading Man"
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