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