Sunday, March 27, 2011

Stand still.

The things that evoke the deeper meaning of my life seem to come on Sunday's when things have quieted, the day is at a managable pace and greatest of all - hearing the word of God speak directly to me. I reflected today on our lesson of reading Matthew 20:29-34. Jesus healing of the 2 blind men. What a magnificent testimony that the Lord lives.

I will never ever forget the moment when I felt like those desperate blind men seeking the mercy of God. The outloud cries and pleas for Jesus to step in and heal a broken heart. And he does just that. He continually asks us what we need. Confess it from your mouth in a voice of unwaivering desperation. He will stop and hear hear you. I am indebted to Him for stepping in and answering my prayers.

I have continued my Love Dare readings. I love this book! Not only to guide me through the Lord and his word to be a partner in a marriage, but also in being a Godly woman as an individual. Each day has context to the person I want to be and portray.

The "dare" for the week was to show patience by saying nothing negative to your spouse. In my case, Dave. It is better to hold your tongue that to say something you'll regret. Normally, I would think of this during a fight or argument, but had to step back. Poor Dave. I am ALWAYS stepping forth with my opinion and unsolicited advice. He has taken my 2 cents with appreciation and grace. I'm a woman who always has something to say! I bit my tongue since reading these passages and have been selective about the things I've offered up. It was a challenge. Sometimes you want to defend yourself. Other times offer a different perspective. And lastly, sometimes I feel I need to contribute something and that is relating it to a personal experience and feeling which turns into "my way of doing things".

None the less, I have found that I will struggle with this. It has made me focus on listening and decidely not having a response is okay. Ultimately, to be like Christ - just stop and listen. Leaving the rest to the Master healer.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

With every changing day.....

It has been a month since I've written. I have had a dramatic change in roles at work, Dawson's 6th Birthday, A week in Texas visiting my sister Jody and her sweet family and finally home to have Dawson's actual birthday party. Eventful month.

With every event there seemed to be a vivid change that occured. Work reminded me of my great desire to be a business owner. Over the past year I diligently worked to build a clientele that I've very much enjoyed working with. When you accept certain responsibilities, with that often times comes removal of my own agenda and taking on the agenda of a group or other individual. I had to surrender to putting my agenda to the side and I have to admit, it didn't feel good. I realized for the first time that I was successful at something I've been fearful of pursing 100% on my own. An enlightening a'ha moment that I definitely will explore.

On an at home note, Dawson turned 6 years old. My precious boy is growing up. With his growing smarts, comes smart alecness. Definitely personality traits begin to really shine through. I have my hands full, but continue to look forward to watching him grow, learn and develop.

We had our trip to Texas. Jody and Brent treated Dawson and I to travel down to Houston where we were able to see all the kids - the newest member, baby Taylor. We LOVED our time there and had a wonderful visit.

When we returned, we had Dawson's birthday party with his friends. We sported a bowling event at PineCrest Bowling and had a great great time. They were wonderful hosts!! Dawson enjoyed his party. Another successful year checked off.

Through the month, everyday that past, I felt so entirely blessed. I'm so lucky to have the things I have, a son that I love with such a deep love, work that I look forward to doing, and a life rich full of special blessings. Dave and I have been able to talk through more and more of our relationship and begin to formulate the steps we need to move in a positive direction.

I was taken by a song I heard recently called Blessings, by Laura Story. it goes:

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

(Chorus)
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
As long as we have faith to believe

Chorus

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home

Chorus

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

It reminded me that the Lord has a plan and unless we are listening and paying attention to every detail, it will take more tears, more sleepless nights, more trials to follow his plan. We have to seek him always. And when we seek him, he talks to us.

Love my life, love the people in it. So greatful for every blessing I have.

~Sandy