The night was still as the Star of David announced Jesus’ birth. Swaddled in cloth and appearing to have all the same attributes as the sweet babies that have gone before, God makes His appearance to man. After the anticipated journey, the wise men arrived, and in an instant they fell down and worshiped Jesus. They didn’t question what they should do, rather they immediately showed the respect God deserves. They were clearly called wise men for a reason.
A strong willed child? A rough marriage? Financial problems? What will cause our knees to bend? We all have trials and tribulations that force us to question the purpose of our troubles in the big scheme of things. We wonder why we couldn’t be stronger and overcome this adversity in our own strength.
These last couple of weeks have been dicey. The busyness that accompanies a transition to a new house has certainly effected me and my family. It has taken time to fall into a new routine; no wonder God reminded me to pray for patience this morning.
Although time was limited this past month, I still felt privileged that Fly By Promotions gave me the opportunity to do 2 book reviews; with the incentive of being able to gift these 2 books to one blessed individual.
Parents have a big responsibility. We are supposed to train and guide our precious children to the best of our abilities. 24 hours in a day does not seem like enough time for this monumental task. Just the other day I was picking up some cold cuts at Walmart when a fellow customer stopped me and asked me what my youngest son was eating. “What” I asked, because I hadn’t given him anything. To my horror he had ripped off a piece of plastic from the shopping cart handle and was happily sucking on it. “Am I fit for this task?” I questioned myself.
Playtime at McDonalds was over. It was time to wrap things up and get going. Of course telling three children that it’s time to leave is easier said then done. After much repetition I finally got all three kids in the van. Relieved, yet frustrated, I sat down and stated, “You know you guys really have to listen and obey mommy” Isabella’s response, “Why?”
We live in a land of abundance. We have two of everything, and what we don’t have extra of it is on our wish list. We have three kids; my husband works hard, and we are good budgeters knowing what monetarily comes and goes. Lately, I was yearning for extra: extra in the bank account, extra to go out to eat or buy a new outfit. We are buying our first house, so our tight budget is even tighter. I guess I am feeling the squeeze. Yet through this moment I took some time to reflect on last year.
God is faithful to all His promises (Psalm 145:13). So when God makes one we should stop and listen. Do you look for a rainbow after a rainfall? Sometimes I do. Perhaps it’s the beauty, perhaps the wonder? My four year old listed the colors to me today :) I am not sure I know too many four year olds who actually list indigo in there, but if you knew my Timmy it wouldn’t come as too much of a surprise.
Who else feels the need to cover their eyes while passing Abercrombie and Fitch? Anyone, anyone? We live in a very lustful society, our minds are being polluted on a daily basis, just from merely turning on the tv or passing a billboard. We are constantly bombarded with the notion that open sensuality and promiscuity are ok, but God desires so much more for us. Nobody else will guard your mind for you, you have to make a conscience effort to do that, or you too can fall prey to the norm.
Investing in kids is a great honor, whether your own or someone elses. They want to be guided and loved, they just need people to take the time and invest in them. Sitting around with my children, we reviewed the story of Elijah after he ran from Jezebel.