Ordinary Days

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover." 9"Where do you want us to prepare for it?" they asked. 10 He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 12 He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there." 13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. Luke 22:7-13

I'm going to bet that there were no other men walking with a jar of water that day. Not too surprising since that job was usually carried out by the women of that day. So why was this man carrying the water? Because God knew exactly how He was going to lead His disciples to the right place at the precise time to prepare for Passover. We may never know exactly why this man had to do that job on this particular day, but because the job was normally done by women, he was obviously going to stand out to Peter and John and therefore he was fulfilling his God-giving purpose. This man may have never known that his simple act of obedience had such an impact on all of us as we read the scripture some 2000 years later.

As I read those words today I was reminded that each day my actions, my steps, my words, and even every breath I take is not my own. I belong to Another. I belong to One who has my steps calculated and my actions weighed. I'm walking for HIM. I'm speaking for HIM. I'm breathing for HIM. Since that is true then I have to believe that every step I took today was because that was what God had ordained for my life today. I have to believe that every conversation I had with Libby today was important. Every kiss I gave Alice today was for HIM. . That's just too big for me to completely wrap my finite mind around, but it sure does make my job seem a little more important.

I just can't imagine what that man might have thought about his walk back to his home with his jar of water, if he had known that he would be recorded in scripture for it. Every step important. If we could only see a moment of what our life really is about. How some of the most simple tasks in our life might just be some of our most important. Would somebody please make sure I get this? I need to understand it! I need to really hold this word in my heart. May I not forget that the ordinary days are still God's days.

Arise Lord!

For the past month I have been trying to read a Psalm during my quiet time everyday. Not in order, just randomly choosing one. I'm trying to keep my prayer time focused on God's large kingdom, rather than my very small one. Just trying to stay more heavenly focused, not "Stacy focused".

I struggle with some of them because many Psalms have to do with prayers of revenge on the enemy. I live in the day where I know that Christ has told us to turn the other cheek, offering more to those who steal from us, and to ultimately forgive our enemies. So when I read these sometimes I'm confused on how to pray.

Today, I read just such a Psalm, but found myself saying aloud this particular one, begging God to do just what this Psalmist was saying. I found myself realizing that there is an enemy that I am to take "war" with! A very real enemy that has the hearts and souls of many of the people who live in this fallen world. An enemy that I have no mercy for and therefore I cried out this prayer from Psalm 10.

Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. 13 Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, "He won't call me to account"? 14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. 15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out

. 16 The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. 17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, 18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.

Do you hear those words? " Arise Lord! Defend the fatherless and oppressed. Break the arm of the wicked".

I'm not sure I have ever prayed to break anyone's arm before. The words as they came off my lips caught me by complete surprise. But I found myself wanting God to arise on this nation, on this world. To open our eyes to the wickedness that we live in and have allowed ourselves to become accustom to.

I realize that the Lord has graciously told us that as the time draws closer for our Redeemer to return, that things will become worse, and worse. But I haven't found a scripture yet that says I'm suppose to sink down with the rest of the world. So I pray "Arise Lord! If arms need to be broken, then so be it. If my arm gets in the way, break it! Just please defend the humble". Oh I long to see My God move on this place!

Many have seen me post about Show Hope today. This is just one way we can defend the fatherless in this fallen world. Please go to their page and follow them on facebook. I'm so in love with this ministry and what they do.

My prayer for each person reading this is that you and I would not settle for what this world offers us, but rather beg God for hearts to be turned, lives to be changed, the enemy to fall, and His Name be glorified!

Staying the Course set for Me

I'm coming up on an anniversary of sorts in our home next week. It's one of those that I don't celebrate or remember every year, but this year it's fresh on my mind. 7 years ago on the 27th of June, I walked out of the "office" where I worked and traded my desk and computer job in for one that involved dirty diapers and laundry. I remember being terrified to let go of that pay check and trust that God wouldn't let us sink into the abyss of financial ruin. But I also remember there wasn't an option....I was miserable. I absolutely hated dropping my baby off everyday and driving away. I cried most of the way to work, and couldn't wait to walk in at night to see her. There really wasn't another way. I knew that I was called to be a mommy probably from the 1st moment I felt Libby kick me in the womb.

So here I am 7 years later. I would love to write that everyday is magical and fun, but it isn't. In fact most days really don't seem that "magical" at all. When I look back I have many great memories, and some really hard days that come to mind. I guess that is how it is with any job. You like some days and can't wait to "clock out" the others. My "clocking out" just doesn't usually come until bedtime.

When I started this job there was 1 little princess that took all my attention, and now there are 2. I've gone through Libby needing her naps at a certain point, to potty training, to preschool, and then kindergarten and therefore becoming not as dependent on me at all. And now I start all over with Alice. She is napping now in fact. We have to be at home every day by noon for her precious nap, or else I have one cranky princess. So here I go again. Knowing what comes next to some extent. I know that since she is 18 months old today, I better enjoy it. Those terrible 2's are just around the corner and then its the fight of wills for several months (or years). But I guess that's part of the job.

I can say that God did not let us sink into that financial abyss...but He keeps us at a place that we are very sure of who the "Provider" is. Sometimes I still wonder what job I would do if I had to work. I think that it might not be so bad to have adult conversations, goals, someone saying "Good job Stacy on that presentation" or whatever it might have been. I can't help but think that leaving this house everyday, and letting someone else change the diapers for a little while might be nice. And I sure wonder how much money would I be making if I had stayed working all those years. " Oh the places we would go" I say to myself:)

But I didn't stay working outside the home...God lead me down a path that He intended for me. Here I am 7 years later with 2 princesses, 1 house that needs to be cleaned, and supper to fix every night of the week. Sounds dreamy huh? Well it was my dream....and it still is. I just can't believe it's been 7 years!

" Help me God to stay the course and not be tempted by all the "what ifs" that this world throws at me. This really is the most rewarding career You could have ever given me...even when the reward can't be seen everyday."

These verses are for me today. Reminding me of what He has done, and promised me. Even on days that aren't so magical.

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

Psalm 20:4

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Proverb 19:21

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverb 16:9

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future..

Jeremiah 29:11

Good Bye 20's!

Well today I am saying goodbye to the 20's. What a crazy decade that was! Can't believe I started that time in college with no one to worry about but myself. Back then it was all about what I wanted to do with my life whenever I would finally grow up. What I wanted to be, who I wanted to marry, and mostly me, me, me! Well the 30's are starting a little different. I'm married, I'm a mother, the idea of having a career went out the window about 7 years ago and occasionally I get "me time". If I learned one thing in my 20's it was...Don't plan, God has that part figured out, just hold on as tight as you can and try to enjoy the ride!

Its fun to think about where God has brought me. I actually remember my 20th birthday. I went home (from college) for the weekend with a few friends to celebrate. My mom made my favorite meal and afterwards one of my guy friends offerred to do the dishes. My friend Jaime told me I probably should marry him and I am sure my response was something like this, "We're just friends!". I'm so glad that same guy did my dishes last night! And for the record, we are friends all you Murray State people!!!

If I reflect too much on the past 10 years my mind will explode and I would become exhausted. Overwhelmed by the ups and downs, tough times and great ones. I remember finding out I was going to be a mother and crying my eyes out with fear! Then watching God turn that fear into one of the deepest loves I have ever felt when Libby was born. Then years later fearing I wouldn't be able to have anymore children, and then watching God once again crush that fear as I held little Alice in my arms. And through those 2 little girls, God placed it on my heart that I would stay home and not pursue a career and invest in 2 little lives. I can honestly say I didn't see any of that coming when I turned 20 but as most of you know, I wouldn't trade it. There are so many great memories in the 20's but the highlights were Sam, Libby, and Alice for sure! Three very special gifts that my sweet Father gave me.

I'm not going to try to figure out what the next 10 years will hold. My life belongs to Another!

13 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16 As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. James 4:13-17

He holds my past, my present, and my future. My one plan for the 30's is to Seek HIM! I hope I do it well.

So goodbye 20's! Sam says I'm officially wiser today because I'm now a 30 year old...so this should be good. I think I will make sure my family knows just how wise I am:)

Without Words

Well, I just don't have much to say these days. I have wanted to blog lately about all the wonderful things that God is so graciously teaching me, but I find myself feeling like my conversations are very personal. Just for me! Things that only I can meditate on because the words He gives me are dealing with my heart and soul. I'm not sure I ever remember a season quite like this one.

The truth is when I look back on this year of my life I consider it one of the toughest seasons in my adult life. Not because of any traumatic issue, or major life change (other than Alice and she is an adjustment for sure) I have gone through. Just a tough year. Always something or somebody needing my attention and thought. Sam said something to me the other day though that has turned my complaining and frustration completely around. He reminded me of the growth we have experienced this year. And as most people know you grow through tough times much more than you do easy times. So I guess all this pain, is just a growing pain. And for that I am truley grateful! Makes it all seem much more worth it.

So as I approach Thankgiving I am reminded of so many things I am thankful for. First of all that I am saved! Saved from what I deserve and given something I did absolutely nothing to obtain. A promise that encourages me on the lowest of low days! Jesus! Yes, I am so thankful for Jesus! I am thankful that God generously gave me a husband who can turn my gloom and doom attitude around with his kind words of truth and encouragement. I am thankful for 2 little silly girls who I am completely humbled to have the job of teaching them about WHO really matters in life more than the "what" that so many people are chasing. To tell them how much our God truly loves and adores them and would seriously do...no wait...has already done for them. Thankful too, that there is grace to cover all the times I screw that one up. And right now I am thankful for a season of God teaching me and making me hungry for HIM. Hungry in a way that I can't seem to get enough and somehow when I'm with HIM I can understand if only a small bit, what He wants me to hear. It is only by HIS grace that HIS word can teach my stubborn, wicked heart, and for that I am amazed.

So, I haven't said much lately. But the truth is I am even more captivated by HIS love and treasure. There are good days and bad days...but He is the same. Always good, always patient, always jealous for my affection.

Beauty in Dying

I've been thinking all week about this question: "Are you living to die, or dying to live?" I've been sorting through my thoughts and goals and trying very hard to answer this deep and life changing question. Do I care more about my wants, my comforts, my pleasures, or do I care more about One who is higher? Dying doesn't sound like much fun was my brilliant conclusion. And as my husband says the odds are against me...100% of people die, so I'm not going to get out of it! So is death all that bad?



Today God is showing me the beauty of dying. Doesn't sound like that beautiful of a process...but God is changing my understanding. As I looked at the weather forecast today I got so excited. One of my favorite seasons is here and finally the forecast is agreeing! Fall is here! Oh that is wonderful news to me because I endure summer more than I enjoy it! Fall is such a beautiful time of year, and yet its the dying that makes it beautiful. How can something so beautiful like the changing of leaves and then ultimately the falling of them really just be the process of dying? Death! Death is beautiful!



So let's get on with it! It's going to happen...you and I can't get out of it. If it is in God's way it will be one of the most beautiful and literally breath-taking processes we could ever imagine. If I die now, if I deny myself and live through HIM I can rest knowing that my life will be more beautiful, more refreshing, and most importantly that I pleased the ONE who put the breath in my lungs in the 1st place. So to quote an old dead guy who died way before the breath left his lungs and now I'm sure is quite alive.... "Resolution 1: I will live for God / Resolution 2: If no one else does, I still will. (Jonathan Edwards)



Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with HIM, we will also live with HIM 2 Timothy 2:11 (Paul, another old dead guy who is living in a way I can't even imagine at this moment)



Don't you just love what the dead are trying to tell us...get on with it, die to yourself, live for something worth living for! My prayer is that I would get on with dying and therefore on with the living!

7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:7-11

YouTube - Fruit Of The Spirit - Brentwood Kids

YouTube - Fruit Of The Spirit - Brentwood Kids

This has become a big hit at our house. Thought I would share because it has become a great way to memorize the fruit of the spirit! Libby can't seem to get enough of it...believe me when I say this. Even though I now go to sleep singing this silly song, I am so grateful to see the word become planted in her heart...and I pray that this same fruit would be seen in her life as she grows.

The picture...well Libby can be a little "Fruity" at times. Found her watching tv the other day like this...it needed to be shared.