Rather than have them in two places, the rest of the ABC - Christmas in July posts will be over on the Cross Moms blog. I pray that you would read the entries and that they would bring about a greater appreciation for God's goodness.
D is for... is posted today. Pop over, read it, and be ready for E tomorrow!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Let's be honest...
People keep asking me how I'm feeling about our upcoming move to Charlotte, if I'm ready, or some similar question about my thoughts on the matter. Usually, at least in casual conversations, I give a quick, pat answer and avoid delving into the mixture of emotions. However, I decided this here blog is as good a place as any to disclose the real answers. It'll be good for me to look back on too.
1. I am scared. to. death.
I've never lived farther than 40 minutes from all my family. Even in college my mom worked in the same area, and my sisters and grandparents were a hop, skip and a jump (yes, I'm from the country) away. Since then, I've developed a wonderful community at Charlottesville Community Church and have the most wonderful, caring, genuine friends and I can't imagine doing life without them. I am petrified of leaving all of that, plus the little city that JP and I very much love to head to a place that is 4 1/2 hours away, in a city I don't love (yet?) where I know no one. It's really scary and in most ways, I'm not looking forward to it. At all.
2. Discontent
For some reason it's hard for me to write this, but I'm trying to be honest. We just sold our townhouse - a home that was modern, updated and spacious, in a community that we loved. We backed to woods, had a lovely playground, enjoyed beautiful hardwoods and granite and had the best neighbors. We're moving into a significantly smaller apartment (grad school student and stay at home mom budget), and I'm not thrilled about it. This past weekend we headed down to the Queen City to visit and found two adorable little neighborhoods we would have loved to live in. Can't afford them. We also found a smallish but plenty big for the three of us single-family home. It was in the middle of sketchville/nowhere about 30 minutes from JP's school. Finally, we settled on a cute little apartment complex. It's totally fine. Nice even. It has a pond, trees, a pool. It's great. But I am struggling to be content. I don't like that we're "going backwards" in terms of niceness. I want to continue to have my nice townhouse while being on an essentially no-income budget. (I am actively praying against all this, as I recognize that we have been abundantly blessed and provided for and our little apartment will be just fine for our little family of three).
3. Excited
I realize after those last two paragraphs, excited doesn't quite fit. I just gave a list of things that make me want to dig in my heals and refuse to ever leave Charlottesville. Still, the truth is, I am excited. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this is where God wants us to go. Sure, it took some reminders from my darling husband this weekend. But, in my soul, I do know it's His will. I mean, JP is getting paid (not much at all, but paid) to go grad school. He's getting a free masters and enough money to pay our insurance and groceries, while going to class. Because of that, the money we saved for school is available for living expenses and I am able to be home. In addition, our house sold in just 17 days, and, despite a loss on it, we got what we needed out of the deal.
Before I got pregnant, we decided that we wanted me to be able to stay home with our children while they were little. We prayed about it and both felt like God confirmed that this was his plan for our family. When we got the positive test, I was nervous - Eli was unplanned and I didn't see how it would be possible for me to be home until after grad school. God has clearly, abundantly provided for us, and I know he will continue to do so in Charlotte. So, I'm excited to see the good things He has in store for us there!
1. I am scared. to. death.
I've never lived farther than 40 minutes from all my family. Even in college my mom worked in the same area, and my sisters and grandparents were a hop, skip and a jump (yes, I'm from the country) away. Since then, I've developed a wonderful community at Charlottesville Community Church and have the most wonderful, caring, genuine friends and I can't imagine doing life without them. I am petrified of leaving all of that, plus the little city that JP and I very much love to head to a place that is 4 1/2 hours away, in a city I don't love (yet?) where I know no one. It's really scary and in most ways, I'm not looking forward to it. At all.
2. Discontent
For some reason it's hard for me to write this, but I'm trying to be honest. We just sold our townhouse - a home that was modern, updated and spacious, in a community that we loved. We backed to woods, had a lovely playground, enjoyed beautiful hardwoods and granite and had the best neighbors. We're moving into a significantly smaller apartment (grad school student and stay at home mom budget), and I'm not thrilled about it. This past weekend we headed down to the Queen City to visit and found two adorable little neighborhoods we would have loved to live in. Can't afford them. We also found a smallish but plenty big for the three of us single-family home. It was in the middle of sketchville/nowhere about 30 minutes from JP's school. Finally, we settled on a cute little apartment complex. It's totally fine. Nice even. It has a pond, trees, a pool. It's great. But I am struggling to be content. I don't like that we're "going backwards" in terms of niceness. I want to continue to have my nice townhouse while being on an essentially no-income budget. (I am actively praying against all this, as I recognize that we have been abundantly blessed and provided for and our little apartment will be just fine for our little family of three).
3. Excited
I realize after those last two paragraphs, excited doesn't quite fit. I just gave a list of things that make me want to dig in my heals and refuse to ever leave Charlottesville. Still, the truth is, I am excited. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this is where God wants us to go. Sure, it took some reminders from my darling husband this weekend. But, in my soul, I do know it's His will. I mean, JP is getting paid (not much at all, but paid) to go grad school. He's getting a free masters and enough money to pay our insurance and groceries, while going to class. Because of that, the money we saved for school is available for living expenses and I am able to be home. In addition, our house sold in just 17 days, and, despite a loss on it, we got what we needed out of the deal.
Before I got pregnant, we decided that we wanted me to be able to stay home with our children while they were little. We prayed about it and both felt like God confirmed that this was his plan for our family. When we got the positive test, I was nervous - Eli was unplanned and I didn't see how it would be possible for me to be home until after grad school. God has clearly, abundantly provided for us, and I know he will continue to do so in Charlotte. So, I'm excited to see the good things He has in store for us there!
C is for...
Comforter/Compassionate
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles, so that we can comfort those with any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God."
When I was first thinking about this little series and quickly going through the ABCs in my head, comforter was the first C name I thought of for God. He really is such a source of comfort to us - if only we will let Him! I often struggle with not inviting God in and allowing to comfort me when I need it. Instead, I think I have to take care of things myself (at least, that's what I try to do). I'm going to try to stop doing that and rely on the Father of compassion instead. He cares about our troubles and our hurts and wants to come alongside us and help with them.
Creator
Genesis 14:19 "And he blessed Abram saying, 'Blessed be Abram by Most High God, creator of Heaven and Earth."
"In the beginning, He created.." God created all there is and all there will ever be. My small group at church a few years ago did an apologetic study looking at reasons frequently given for disbelief in God. To dispute one such reason, the author explained the likelihood of creation coming into existence 'by chance'. The odds are significantly better that I'd win the lottery than they are for all life-sustaining conditions to be present and then even more unlikely is the chance that "something would happen" to cause this life to be. It's not chance. Creation is the result of an amazing creator. How great is our God?
Close
Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
My husband and I have talked frequently about falling into the temptation of believing that God is a distant God. It's easy to think that He is simply a big God, who set the world in motion and is now far removed from his creation. Nothing is farther from the truth. God is relational and cares deeply about us - and he is close. That overwhelms my heart and mind. The God of the universe is close to me. I can hardly wrap my head around it!
Counselor
Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
This verse gives me a head start on some other names and characteristics of God! The Holy Spirit is also often referred to as the Counselor - and I'm so grateful God knew us enough to know our need for wise counsel and guidance. I know that I should certainly seek it more often that I do. The Bible says "we don't have because we don't ask." I need to start asking for more counsel from the Lord.
Christ/Crucified
1 Corinthians 2:2 "I resolved to know nothing while I was with you, except Jesus Christ and him crucified."
Jesus is the Christ - the long awaited Messiah. Of course, I have come to know that he was a different (better) messiah than what was expected by the Jewish people. While they hoped for one who would come and deliver them from military and governmental oppression, they received a Christ who is able to save their very souls and deliver them from oppression and bondage to sin. His crucifixion means that sin is atoned for - the debt is paid - our stains our gone. Paul is right - knowing Christ and him crucified is enough.
So - I kind of cheated today with combining a few names - but they went together well and I didn't have a whole lot of time (I do have an almost 8 month old to take care of). Today I think close and comfort(er) resonated most with me. As I get ready to move to a new city, with a new and different budget, where I will be at home with my son and won't know anyone, I am terrified (post on that coming soon). It is wonderful to know that my Almighty Abba Father, who as the Bread of Life is my provision, is close enough to be my compassionate comforter.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles, so that we can comfort those with any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God."
When I was first thinking about this little series and quickly going through the ABCs in my head, comforter was the first C name I thought of for God. He really is such a source of comfort to us - if only we will let Him! I often struggle with not inviting God in and allowing to comfort me when I need it. Instead, I think I have to take care of things myself (at least, that's what I try to do). I'm going to try to stop doing that and rely on the Father of compassion instead. He cares about our troubles and our hurts and wants to come alongside us and help with them.
Creator
Genesis 14:19 "And he blessed Abram saying, 'Blessed be Abram by Most High God, creator of Heaven and Earth."
"In the beginning, He created.." God created all there is and all there will ever be. My small group at church a few years ago did an apologetic study looking at reasons frequently given for disbelief in God. To dispute one such reason, the author explained the likelihood of creation coming into existence 'by chance'. The odds are significantly better that I'd win the lottery than they are for all life-sustaining conditions to be present and then even more unlikely is the chance that "something would happen" to cause this life to be. It's not chance. Creation is the result of an amazing creator. How great is our God?
Close
Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
My husband and I have talked frequently about falling into the temptation of believing that God is a distant God. It's easy to think that He is simply a big God, who set the world in motion and is now far removed from his creation. Nothing is farther from the truth. God is relational and cares deeply about us - and he is close. That overwhelms my heart and mind. The God of the universe is close to me. I can hardly wrap my head around it!
Counselor
Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
This verse gives me a head start on some other names and characteristics of God! The Holy Spirit is also often referred to as the Counselor - and I'm so grateful God knew us enough to know our need for wise counsel and guidance. I know that I should certainly seek it more often that I do. The Bible says "we don't have because we don't ask." I need to start asking for more counsel from the Lord.
Christ/Crucified
1 Corinthians 2:2 "I resolved to know nothing while I was with you, except Jesus Christ and him crucified."
Jesus is the Christ - the long awaited Messiah. Of course, I have come to know that he was a different (better) messiah than what was expected by the Jewish people. While they hoped for one who would come and deliver them from military and governmental oppression, they received a Christ who is able to save their very souls and deliver them from oppression and bondage to sin. His crucifixion means that sin is atoned for - the debt is paid - our stains our gone. Paul is right - knowing Christ and him crucified is enough.
So - I kind of cheated today with combining a few names - but they went together well and I didn't have a whole lot of time (I do have an almost 8 month old to take care of). Today I think close and comfort(er) resonated most with me. As I get ready to move to a new city, with a new and different budget, where I will be at home with my son and won't know anyone, I am terrified (post on that coming soon). It is wonderful to know that my Almighty Abba Father, who as the Bread of Life is my provision, is close enough to be my compassionate comforter.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
B is for...
This is the second post in my Christmas in July series - looking at the names and characteristics of God by going through the A,B,Cs. Here is the introduction and explanation, and the first post "A is for..". Onto the letter B.
I couldn't think of/find as many with the letter B, but the three I did were more than enough.
Bread of Life
John 6:35 "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in my will never be thirst.'"
I love this! When I am overwhelmed by life and things like finances (which is what happens when you are on a grad student/stay-at-home mom budget), I need to remind myself that Jesus is my provision, and He is more than enough. Certainly he is not talking about physical bread here, though he does supply our physical needs. He is also our bread of life - our provision and portion for salvation. He meets our deepest needs - our spiritual need for a savior.
Beautiful
Psalm 27:4 "One thing I ask of the Lord, this only do I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."
I know that I don't understand the beauty of the Lord nearly as well as David did, but I want to. If I did understand, like him, it would be the thing I sought with my whole self. He IS beautiful and worthy to be pursued. The gospel is such a lovely mystery - that God would give his Son for us, despite the messes that we are. What a beautiful God!
Bountiful
Jeremiah 31:12a "They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord."
God is such an abundant provider! Psalm 68:10 says "from your bounty , God, you provided for the poor." He has so much to offer us out of his bounty. I am overwhelmed with how he provided for my little family financially (through JP's grad school offer and the sale of our house). But he provides much more than that. He is full of grace, mercy, forgiveness and love - ready to rain it down upon those who seek Him.
What an amazing God! It is such a joy to learn more about Him and reflect on his character. He is so good!
I couldn't think of/find as many with the letter B, but the three I did were more than enough.
Bread of Life
John 6:35 "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in my will never be thirst.'"
I love this! When I am overwhelmed by life and things like finances (which is what happens when you are on a grad student/stay-at-home mom budget), I need to remind myself that Jesus is my provision, and He is more than enough. Certainly he is not talking about physical bread here, though he does supply our physical needs. He is also our bread of life - our provision and portion for salvation. He meets our deepest needs - our spiritual need for a savior.
Beautiful
Psalm 27:4 "One thing I ask of the Lord, this only do I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."
I know that I don't understand the beauty of the Lord nearly as well as David did, but I want to. If I did understand, like him, it would be the thing I sought with my whole self. He IS beautiful and worthy to be pursued. The gospel is such a lovely mystery - that God would give his Son for us, despite the messes that we are. What a beautiful God!
Bountiful
Jeremiah 31:12a "They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord."
God is such an abundant provider! Psalm 68:10 says "from your bounty , God, you provided for the poor." He has so much to offer us out of his bounty. I am overwhelmed with how he provided for my little family financially (through JP's grad school offer and the sale of our house). But he provides much more than that. He is full of grace, mercy, forgiveness and love - ready to rain it down upon those who seek Him.
What an amazing God! It is such a joy to learn more about Him and reflect on his character. He is so good!
Friday, July 13, 2012
A is for...
This is the first of my Christmas (Advent) in July series. If you missed the introduction, go back and read that here.
A is for....
Abba Father:
Romans 8:15 "The Spirit you have received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you have received brought about your adoption to sonship, and by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
I've learned that "Abba" means something akin to Papa, or Daddy. This name of God has always been meaningful to me, but I think it's sweetness has grown in my heart since having my own child. Seeing my husband be such a wonderful daddy to our son, makes me marvel at God's goodness. He is a perfect Daddy, who loves his children more than we can imagine or comprehend. My husband and I have talked frequently about how special a parent's love is - it is unconditional. Eli didn't do anything to earn our love (though he is really stinkin cute), and yet, we love him more than anything. So it is with God. We don't have to earn his love - and we can't lose it. What a blessing!
Alpha
Revelation 22:13 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
(Perhaps I should have started with this one...) God was, and is, and is to come. He is outside of the realm of time. This is really mind blowing whenever I think about it, and overwhelms with with just how great He really is.
Almighty
Revelation 19:6 "Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud pearls of thunder, shouting, 'Halellujah, For the Lord God Almighty reigns'".
In the midst of a crazy world, it is such a wonderful blessing to have the assurance that God is Almighty, and in control. This has been particularly helpful during this time of transition. As I worry about the fact that we don't know anyone in Charlotte, we currently don't have a place to live, and we will be on a rice and beans budget (grad student and stay at home mom), it is such a source of comfort to know that our God is Almighty and He is in control.
Able
Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, amen!"
This verse pretty much says everything and doesn't leave much room for commentary. God is able - period. He is able to do more than all we ask or can imagine. He is Able. He is Almighty.
Alive
Acts 1:3 "After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and he spoke about the Kingdom of God."
God is not dead, He is Alive. If Jesus hadn't been raised from the dead, our faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). Because he conquered sin and death and was raised again, we can have hope for the same if we are His children. Praise God that we don't serve a dead savior. We serve one who is living and ever intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25)
Attentive
1 Peter 3:12a "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer..."
A is for....
Abba Father:
Romans 8:15 "The Spirit you have received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you have received brought about your adoption to sonship, and by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
I've learned that "Abba" means something akin to Papa, or Daddy. This name of God has always been meaningful to me, but I think it's sweetness has grown in my heart since having my own child. Seeing my husband be such a wonderful daddy to our son, makes me marvel at God's goodness. He is a perfect Daddy, who loves his children more than we can imagine or comprehend. My husband and I have talked frequently about how special a parent's love is - it is unconditional. Eli didn't do anything to earn our love (though he is really stinkin cute), and yet, we love him more than anything. So it is with God. We don't have to earn his love - and we can't lose it. What a blessing!
Alpha
Revelation 22:13 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
(Perhaps I should have started with this one...) God was, and is, and is to come. He is outside of the realm of time. This is really mind blowing whenever I think about it, and overwhelms with with just how great He really is.
Almighty
Revelation 19:6 "Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud pearls of thunder, shouting, 'Halellujah, For the Lord God Almighty reigns'".
In the midst of a crazy world, it is such a wonderful blessing to have the assurance that God is Almighty, and in control. This has been particularly helpful during this time of transition. As I worry about the fact that we don't know anyone in Charlotte, we currently don't have a place to live, and we will be on a rice and beans budget (grad student and stay at home mom), it is such a source of comfort to know that our God is Almighty and He is in control.
Able
Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, amen!"
This verse pretty much says everything and doesn't leave much room for commentary. God is able - period. He is able to do more than all we ask or can imagine. He is Able. He is Almighty.
Alive
Acts 1:3 "After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and he spoke about the Kingdom of God."
God is not dead, He is Alive. If Jesus hadn't been raised from the dead, our faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). Because he conquered sin and death and was raised again, we can have hope for the same if we are His children. Praise God that we don't serve a dead savior. We serve one who is living and ever intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25)
Attentive
1 Peter 3:12a "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer..."
Isn't it amazing that the God of the universe is attentive? He doesn't just hear our prayers, he attends to them - he is interested, he cares! What an amazing blessing!
Authority
Matthew 28:18 "Then Jesus said, "All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me."
God (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is our authority on all things. We should live as he says. I am slowly learning this doesn't just mean following a list of rules - it means depending on Him. AND the guidelines He has given us in scripture are FOR OUR GOOD. He loves us as children (He's our Abba Father) and He has our best interest at heart. We should rejoice in living under his authority.
Awesome
Deuteronomy 7:21 "Do not be terrified by them, for the Lord you God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God."
Enough said.
What a blessing it has been to see and reflect on God's names and his character. And this is just day one! I am looking forward to learning more about him as we go throughout the rest of the alphabet.
I'm curious - which is most meaningful to you right now? (I'd have to go with either Abba or Able!) Any "A" ones I forgot? Let me know if you're reading along.
*Edit: I forgot Adonai, which is transliterated Lord, and means master, owner, or sovereign ruler. What is incredibly interesting is that in addition to noting the exalted position of God, it also stresses man's relationship with God (showing God as his master, authority and provider. I find it so wonderful to know in His name is included his relationship with men! We are so blessed!
I also forgot Atonement. Jesus is the atonement for our sins! He pays the price for them and allows us to be "at-one" with God.
Authority
Matthew 28:18 "Then Jesus said, "All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me."
God (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is our authority on all things. We should live as he says. I am slowly learning this doesn't just mean following a list of rules - it means depending on Him. AND the guidelines He has given us in scripture are FOR OUR GOOD. He loves us as children (He's our Abba Father) and He has our best interest at heart. We should rejoice in living under his authority.
Awesome
Deuteronomy 7:21 "Do not be terrified by them, for the Lord you God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God."
Enough said.
What a blessing it has been to see and reflect on God's names and his character. And this is just day one! I am looking forward to learning more about him as we go throughout the rest of the alphabet.
I'm curious - which is most meaningful to you right now? (I'd have to go with either Abba or Able!) Any "A" ones I forgot? Let me know if you're reading along.
*Edit: I forgot Adonai, which is transliterated Lord, and means master, owner, or sovereign ruler. What is incredibly interesting is that in addition to noting the exalted position of God, it also stresses man's relationship with God (showing God as his master, authority and provider. I find it so wonderful to know in His name is included his relationship with men! We are so blessed!
I also forgot Atonement. Jesus is the atonement for our sins! He pays the price for them and allows us to be "at-one" with God.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Christmas in July...
Or, really, Advent.
Yesterday morning I was at Bible study with women of all ages. I love learning from ladies who have walked through many seasons of life and can offer grace and wisdom to us who are younger. It has been a blessing, for sure, to be a part of this group this summer and last.
Sometimes, the blessing comes through the material we are studying throughout the week, or the video we watch during group, and sometimes it comes through fellowship. Yesterday, it came through the sharing of a WONDERFUL advent idea, that I just couldn't wait until Christmas to start.
Kathy, our host, shared that when her (grown) daughter was little, they celebrated advent my making an ABC book, or posters, that declared the different names and characteristics of God. For the 25 days of December leading up to Christmas, they would focus on a different letter of the alphabet (one day they would have to double up). They would search scriptures and find names of God, or his attributes that start with that particular letter, write them down and praise Him for those aspects of his character. As their daughter got older, they would ask her to recount examples - sometimes she would tell ones she had learned from scripture, and other times, she would come up with her own. (Apparently an example is for C she said "cake" because God was sweet like cake).
Anyhow, I left Bible study determined to do this with Eli each Advent, especially as he gets older. My teacher/momma brain was moving at full speed thinking of how to turn this into a wonderful little "lesson" each day, and how fun it would be to have a different spin on the "project" each year.
But, the more I thought about it, the more I was prompted to do this NOW - not for Eli, but for me. SO - I'm starting my first blog series of posts. Each day, for the next 26 days (or 26 posts, if I can't make 26 consecutive day) I'll be posting briefly about the names/characteristics for that letter of the alphabet. I'm praying that I will know the Lord better through this process - that God will teach me more about Himself. I'm also praying that this will be a blessing to someone who reads along. I'd love comments along the way (especially with some of the names/characteristics that I may forget).
Here we go: Christmas (Advent) in July!!
Yesterday morning I was at Bible study with women of all ages. I love learning from ladies who have walked through many seasons of life and can offer grace and wisdom to us who are younger. It has been a blessing, for sure, to be a part of this group this summer and last.
Sometimes, the blessing comes through the material we are studying throughout the week, or the video we watch during group, and sometimes it comes through fellowship. Yesterday, it came through the sharing of a WONDERFUL advent idea, that I just couldn't wait until Christmas to start.
Kathy, our host, shared that when her (grown) daughter was little, they celebrated advent my making an ABC book, or posters, that declared the different names and characteristics of God. For the 25 days of December leading up to Christmas, they would focus on a different letter of the alphabet (one day they would have to double up). They would search scriptures and find names of God, or his attributes that start with that particular letter, write them down and praise Him for those aspects of his character. As their daughter got older, they would ask her to recount examples - sometimes she would tell ones she had learned from scripture, and other times, she would come up with her own. (Apparently an example is for C she said "cake" because God was sweet like cake).
Anyhow, I left Bible study determined to do this with Eli each Advent, especially as he gets older. My teacher/momma brain was moving at full speed thinking of how to turn this into a wonderful little "lesson" each day, and how fun it would be to have a different spin on the "project" each year.
But, the more I thought about it, the more I was prompted to do this NOW - not for Eli, but for me. SO - I'm starting my first blog series of posts. Each day, for the next 26 days (or 26 posts, if I can't make 26 consecutive day) I'll be posting briefly about the names/characteristics for that letter of the alphabet. I'm praying that I will know the Lord better through this process - that God will teach me more about Himself. I'm also praying that this will be a blessing to someone who reads along. I'd love comments along the way (especially with some of the names/characteristics that I may forget).
Here we go: Christmas (Advent) in July!!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Transition
I haven't been writing on this blog nearly as often as I thought I would this summer. I've been doing more frequent posts for a blog I contribute to (www.crossmoms.com - check it out!) and have sort of neglected my own. I decided to take some time today and write a bit about life in transition.
As I mentioned in my last post, I am no longer a teacher. I thought that I would joyfully celebrate this - that I'd walk out of my classroom and not look back. I was so excited to be home with my sweet little boy, I couldn't fathom actually missing teaching. However, the process has been different than I thought.
The last week of school was hard. I tearfully said goodbye to my students, the way I always do. After spending a year with a group of kiddos, you can't help but grow to love them. And this year, I also worked with a wonderful group of parents who were supportive, appreciative and blessed me greatly as I had my own child (both with gifts, and lots of kind words while I was out and when I returned). Some of the students I had this year were siblings of children I had taught in years past - which was a lot of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed building relationships with the families - but it made the end of the year that much harder.
The first few days home were strange. After running a hundred miles an hour for months trying to keep up with the demands of an infant, a marriage, a demanding job, selling a house and the rest of life's requirements, it was strange to adjust to the slower pace of being a stay at home mom, with no outside employment and no house to prep for sale or moving. Even though I was so excited to stay home (and still am!) I couldn't help mourning the loss of something I loved, and something I was good at. (It's also been hard to adjust to a "thankless" job - not that I received tons of thanks as a teacher - but that's for another post).
So that's been one transition. We've also transitioned out of our place, into my parents, and are in waiting to move to North Carolina next month. Currently, we don't have a place to live, which is a bit stressful. I'm trying to rest in the fact that God has provided for our move through the sale of our house and the tuition/stipend JP is receiving and he will continue to do so.
Life's sort of in a weird state right now - it doesn't quite feel "real". I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to Charlottesville and all our friends and family here, but I'm also ready to be out of limbo, and to start this next phase. We'll see how it all unfolds. In the meantime, prayers for peace would be much appreciated!
As I mentioned in my last post, I am no longer a teacher. I thought that I would joyfully celebrate this - that I'd walk out of my classroom and not look back. I was so excited to be home with my sweet little boy, I couldn't fathom actually missing teaching. However, the process has been different than I thought.
The last week of school was hard. I tearfully said goodbye to my students, the way I always do. After spending a year with a group of kiddos, you can't help but grow to love them. And this year, I also worked with a wonderful group of parents who were supportive, appreciative and blessed me greatly as I had my own child (both with gifts, and lots of kind words while I was out and when I returned). Some of the students I had this year were siblings of children I had taught in years past - which was a lot of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed building relationships with the families - but it made the end of the year that much harder.
The first few days home were strange. After running a hundred miles an hour for months trying to keep up with the demands of an infant, a marriage, a demanding job, selling a house and the rest of life's requirements, it was strange to adjust to the slower pace of being a stay at home mom, with no outside employment and no house to prep for sale or moving. Even though I was so excited to stay home (and still am!) I couldn't help mourning the loss of something I loved, and something I was good at. (It's also been hard to adjust to a "thankless" job - not that I received tons of thanks as a teacher - but that's for another post).
So that's been one transition. We've also transitioned out of our place, into my parents, and are in waiting to move to North Carolina next month. Currently, we don't have a place to live, which is a bit stressful. I'm trying to rest in the fact that God has provided for our move through the sale of our house and the tuition/stipend JP is receiving and he will continue to do so.
Life's sort of in a weird state right now - it doesn't quite feel "real". I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to Charlottesville and all our friends and family here, but I'm also ready to be out of limbo, and to start this next phase. We'll see how it all unfolds. In the meantime, prayers for peace would be much appreciated!
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