The rhythm of life that I was so confident in at the beginning of summer has given way to a disappearing summer. It hasn’t been a wasted season. We had a wedding to tend to. Our days and weeks were consumed in plans and shopping and working toward getting things done.
Now that it’s over, it’s time to recalibrate my time. I have desperately missed quiet days when I can read and study. Dwayne and I also need to get back in the habit of spending regular time together—alone. I’ve noticed that it’s easy to forget to spend time together when life is busy. We see each other and say hello, but we don’t stop to check in with each other. I forget to ask him how he’s doing. He forgets to ask me about my day because we run from one commitment to another. This week, I plan to ask Dwayne how he’s doing each day and then stop long enough to listen to what he tells me.
Remember that God gave me Dwayne as a gift. I need to delight in his company and bless him. That’s my master plan for the week--to redeem my time with Dwayne. Anyone willing to join me?
Sunday, August 23, 2009
What's Happenin'
This week:
Chiropractor Monday and Friday. Lunch date with a friend from high school. Rest and relaxation and maybe even a little bit of exercise.
Chiropractor Monday and Friday. Lunch date with a friend from high school. Rest and relaxation and maybe even a little bit of exercise.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Wedding Accomplished
The wedding is finally over. Yesterday was the hottest day we’ve had this summer. Other than that, it was a perfect day. Handsome groom, beautiful bride, parents who love them and pray for their health and happiness. Grandparents were there. The food went well. There was more than enough and it tasted wonderful. There were tears at the church and tears at the reception as we let our children go. Now they’re a new family starting off. It’s scary letting them go. We still want to hold on and help them and teach them. The time for that is past.
So we pray and support and love them. And put them in God’s loving hands.
The 2nd chapter of Genesis says this: Therefore, a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife and they shall become one flesh.
Time to let him go.
So we pray and support and love them. And put them in God’s loving hands.
The 2nd chapter of Genesis says this: Therefore, a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife and they shall become one flesh.
Time to let him go.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Hungry for what?
Now that the wedding is two weeks away, I’m coming to terms with my summer. I’m learning to let go and roll with what is happening around me. That doesn’t mean I’m doing it well but I’m trying. I bought a new dress a month ago and am thrilled that it’s perfect for the wedding. Color is right and I love the way it looks. One item checked off. Now I’m organizing the food. I know how to make a lot of food for large groups of people. The only difference now is that I don’t have a commercial kitchen. People are volunteering to make food and help that day so we can attend the reception instead of run the kitchen. Cool!
While things are a little chaotic around me, I’ve been reminded that I need to be hungry and thirsty for time with the Lord. Jesus taught this: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness! For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 So when I find myself hungry and thirsty, I need to remember that I don’t lack food and water. I’m hungry and thirsty because I’ve gotten wrapped up in my life and haven’t made it a point to touch base with God each day. He promises to fill us if we long for Him. I have started to recognize when it’s a spiritual longing that needs to be met. God has been faithful to remind me and meet with me.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3
While things are a little chaotic around me, I’ve been reminded that I need to be hungry and thirsty for time with the Lord. Jesus taught this: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness! For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 So when I find myself hungry and thirsty, I need to remember that I don’t lack food and water. I’m hungry and thirsty because I’ve gotten wrapped up in my life and haven’t made it a point to touch base with God each day. He promises to fill us if we long for Him. I have started to recognize when it’s a spiritual longing that needs to be met. God has been faithful to remind me and meet with me.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Change in Rhythm
I’m sorry I’ve been missing for the last few weeks but as soon as I decided to enjoy a quiet summer, my son announced that he’s getting married. In August. This year. On the 15th. My restful summer is becoming a joyful summer, as well as a quickly paced summer.
Dwayne had weddings each weekend this month. Last weekend, I visited my folks with Aaron and Jess so we could attend the family reunion. We had a wonderful time. Driving home, we drove into rain and saw a whole rainbow. It fell all the way to the ground. We drove for an hour or so enjoying the rainbow (as well as its shining double). We could see each color in the spectrum because of it’s brilliance.
In Genesis 9, God spoke to Noah, saying: And I have established My covenant with you, and all flesh shall not be cut off again by the waters of a flood; nor shall there ever again be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, This is the sign of the covenant which I am about to make between Me and you, and every living soul which is with you, for everlasting generations: I have set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth.
It helps me to remember that God loves me and takes care of me when I get overwhelmed with life. Sometimes I feel as though I’m drowning in duty and responsibility. He watches over me and I was glad to be reminded in a tangible way of His everlasting love.
Dwayne had weddings each weekend this month. Last weekend, I visited my folks with Aaron and Jess so we could attend the family reunion. We had a wonderful time. Driving home, we drove into rain and saw a whole rainbow. It fell all the way to the ground. We drove for an hour or so enjoying the rainbow (as well as its shining double). We could see each color in the spectrum because of it’s brilliance.
In Genesis 9, God spoke to Noah, saying: And I have established My covenant with you, and all flesh shall not be cut off again by the waters of a flood; nor shall there ever again be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, This is the sign of the covenant which I am about to make between Me and you, and every living soul which is with you, for everlasting generations: I have set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth.
It helps me to remember that God loves me and takes care of me when I get overwhelmed with life. Sometimes I feel as though I’m drowning in duty and responsibility. He watches over me and I was glad to be reminded in a tangible way of His everlasting love.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Rhythm of Life
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
As I wait impatiently for my summer to reveal itself, I have accidentally been resting. Dwayne’s new job gets him out of bed very early. It also means going to bed two to three hours earlier than usual. It means that I get to read in the evening, get to sleep at a great hour and wake up refreshed. It’s the first time in a long time that waking up in the morning equals feeling rested. Waiting can also mean resting.
I have few commitments this summer. I’ve started a writing course. I plan to visit my family next weekend for the extended family reunion (which I love to attend). Dwayne is officiating a wedding out of town in late July which means a break from our mundane. This allows me time to read, write, pray, study, relax, watch television and spend time with my kids.
Today I spent the afternoon with Becky. We went to the chiropractor. I shopped for wedding clothes. We hit the grocery store so she could pick up some more items for the wedding she’s catering Saturday. We had dinner together. We stopped here so she could pick up things that I have been holding for her and then I took her home. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was restful. It’s a summer rhythm that I like. Tomorrow, I get a haircut and have one errand to complete and the day is mine to do with as I see fit.
My time doesn’t always need to be tightly wound up into an “acceptable” bundle. I’m waiting on the Lord and He’s renewing my strength in ways I didn’t think possible. Now I want to make this the rhythm of my life.
As I wait impatiently for my summer to reveal itself, I have accidentally been resting. Dwayne’s new job gets him out of bed very early. It also means going to bed two to three hours earlier than usual. It means that I get to read in the evening, get to sleep at a great hour and wake up refreshed. It’s the first time in a long time that waking up in the morning equals feeling rested. Waiting can also mean resting.
I have few commitments this summer. I’ve started a writing course. I plan to visit my family next weekend for the extended family reunion (which I love to attend). Dwayne is officiating a wedding out of town in late July which means a break from our mundane. This allows me time to read, write, pray, study, relax, watch television and spend time with my kids.
Today I spent the afternoon with Becky. We went to the chiropractor. I shopped for wedding clothes. We hit the grocery store so she could pick up some more items for the wedding she’s catering Saturday. We had dinner together. We stopped here so she could pick up things that I have been holding for her and then I took her home. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was restful. It’s a summer rhythm that I like. Tomorrow, I get a haircut and have one errand to complete and the day is mine to do with as I see fit.
My time doesn’t always need to be tightly wound up into an “acceptable” bundle. I’m waiting on the Lord and He’s renewing my strength in ways I didn’t think possible. Now I want to make this the rhythm of my life.
Monday, June 22, 2009
God is good
Although it was a tough week, I still managed to get a little playtime in. Wednesday, Jessica was here for the afternoon. We had just arrived and started to settle down when she had a seizure. I called the ambulance and we headed to the ER. They decided to admit her so she was there until Friday. Friday night we had dinner with our friends and spent 4 hours laughing as well as eating. Lots of play there. When we woke up Saturday morning, there was a call that Joshua had been hospitalized. He's fine. (Not sure about the staff at his home, but he's good.)
God has been so good through all of this. He has graced each of us with the ability to handle the responsibility that comes our way. Joshua and I were here alone when Jess started to seize. We were scared but still had calm and peace (in the whirlwind) and wisdom to do the necessary. I can tell you that God keeps his word.
Jesus said, "And I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matt 28:20
God has been so good through all of this. He has graced each of us with the ability to handle the responsibility that comes our way. Joshua and I were here alone when Jess started to seize. We were scared but still had calm and peace (in the whirlwind) and wisdom to do the necessary. I can tell you that God keeps his word.
Jesus said, "And I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matt 28:20
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