"To the faithless You are faithful
To the broken You are able
To the captives You are liberty
To the orphan You are Father
To the widow You are a lover
To the blind You are eyes to see"
GOD OF GRACE - MATT PAPA
Dust off your shoes. Get that jogging stroller out of the garage. Start stretching those legs.
Why? Adoption
If you have been touched by adoption in any way, maybe you were adopted, maybe you're an adoptive family, maybe your niece or nephew where adopted, maybe you know you have been spiritually adopted by Jesus, maybe you're in the process of adopting.
Whatever your story. I want you to come out and support our friends, who are adopting 3 beautiful children from Columbia. They are in the home run stretch. This race will help fund there travel expenses. Which excludes but is not limited too, plane tickets for 5 and lodging and food for 6 weeks.
The last thing we want is for them to be distracted by this expense or have this debt to come home too.
You may be saying I don't know these people. Why should I give up my Saturday? Are you an adoptive family? Then you know them. Do you love Jesus? Then you're family. Do you live in Murfreesboro? Then you can be friends.
My family will be there. Will yours?
Meet this family and register here, http://www.jeremyjyoung.wordpress.com or http://www.runforadoption5k.com
Friday, January 25, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
My Dream Job??
"We should neither eat, nor drink, nor sleep, but eat to God, and sleep to God, and work to God, and talk to God, do all to his glory and praise...." Richard Sibbes
When we moved to Murfreesboro to plant City Church many of the people coming with us needed a job. Once we got here we've had several of our covenant members lose jobs, desire new jobs and find them. In all of it I've heard my husband ask them, "What's your dream job?" "What do you want to do?"
This question has been bouncing around in my head for the last week or so. The question of a dream job. I know we probably all have passions, goals and things that make us happy. That we would love to turn into a dream job. But there's something else I've realized, once you/I find it, does it fulfill us? Does it truly make us happy?
Once I turned that question onto myself it became all the more personal. Am I doing what makes me happy? Am I passionate about what I do? Do I have my dream job?
Yes.
I am a wife and a mother. Both make me happy. Both fulfill me. But both also leave me drained, empty and frustrated many days.
Just the other day I was lamenting over the fact that everyday looks the same. Practically. I get up, make lunches, breakfasts, change diapers, wipe noses, correct behaviors, discipline my disobedient children, do homework, make snacks, make dinner, clean up said dinner, do bedtime and then relax, hopefully, with my husband.
But as I was sitting in my frustration I read something that jarred me awake. Everyday does look the same in a lot of ways. But because of Gods grace I have that day, to do all the above, but also to: hugs my kids when they wake up, kiss them goodbye as they walk out the door and trust God with them, laugh and play with my baby who changes everyday, greet my kids at the door when they safely make it home, cook dinner with my husband and talk about our day, eat dinner and enjoy conversation with my kids, rock my baby to sleep and sing to him and tell him over and over how much I love him, tuck my oldest into bed and say sweet dreams, enjoy and evening with my husband, just the two of us.
Yes I have my dream job. But that doesn't mean it will ever be all I need for happiness. I need Jesus to ultimately fulfill me, so that I can love my family well, serve them and do my job to the best of my ability. Trust that when I am weak, He is strong enough for the both of us. Let go of that blasted need for control and know that when my mind, body and soul are nourished I can face the mundane, chaotic and fun days of doing, my dream job.
When we moved to Murfreesboro to plant City Church many of the people coming with us needed a job. Once we got here we've had several of our covenant members lose jobs, desire new jobs and find them. In all of it I've heard my husband ask them, "What's your dream job?" "What do you want to do?"
This question has been bouncing around in my head for the last week or so. The question of a dream job. I know we probably all have passions, goals and things that make us happy. That we would love to turn into a dream job. But there's something else I've realized, once you/I find it, does it fulfill us? Does it truly make us happy?
Once I turned that question onto myself it became all the more personal. Am I doing what makes me happy? Am I passionate about what I do? Do I have my dream job?
Yes.
I am a wife and a mother. Both make me happy. Both fulfill me. But both also leave me drained, empty and frustrated many days.
Just the other day I was lamenting over the fact that everyday looks the same. Practically. I get up, make lunches, breakfasts, change diapers, wipe noses, correct behaviors, discipline my disobedient children, do homework, make snacks, make dinner, clean up said dinner, do bedtime and then relax, hopefully, with my husband.
But as I was sitting in my frustration I read something that jarred me awake. Everyday does look the same in a lot of ways. But because of Gods grace I have that day, to do all the above, but also to: hugs my kids when they wake up, kiss them goodbye as they walk out the door and trust God with them, laugh and play with my baby who changes everyday, greet my kids at the door when they safely make it home, cook dinner with my husband and talk about our day, eat dinner and enjoy conversation with my kids, rock my baby to sleep and sing to him and tell him over and over how much I love him, tuck my oldest into bed and say sweet dreams, enjoy and evening with my husband, just the two of us.
Yes I have my dream job. But that doesn't mean it will ever be all I need for happiness. I need Jesus to ultimately fulfill me, so that I can love my family well, serve them and do my job to the best of my ability. Trust that when I am weak, He is strong enough for the both of us. Let go of that blasted need for control and know that when my mind, body and soul are nourished I can face the mundane, chaotic and fun days of doing, my dream job.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Parenthood And Our Illusion Of Control
Well after all the hubbub on Facebook about how amazing "Parenthood" is, I had to see for myself. However, I cannot begin a new show in its 3rd season, so I began watching season 1 episode 1 a couple of weeks ago. They had me hooked at the pilot. And I'm now well into season 2. Hoping to catch up soon to real time.
I enjoy the show's writing. I believe they paint a pretty accurate portrayal of many of the characters. The most realistic couple is Adam and Kristina. I enjoy, for once, watching a show where the husband isn't an idiot, but actually loves and respects his wife and disciplines his children.
I'm sure each person who watches relates to someone or some couple in the show. I relate to Kristina (although Sarah is a reminder of who I could have been if not for the grace of God and His intervention). I'm a stay at home mom, with a loving husband and fabulous, yet challenging, children, so the relationship between Kristina and Max (their 9 year old son with Aspergers) is most endearing.
You see, I have a son who has exhibited some odd behaviors since he was two years old. I have watched him struggle to control his impulses (yelling, hitting, repeating words or phrases ad nauseam, flipping toys over and over). He has an amazing ability to recall and memorize details and repeat them with great precision. He needs routine and struggles when its disrupted. After seven years of consulting with pediatricians, a GI specialist, and an endocrinologist, we were referred to Vanderbilt for a psychological evaluation. I inwardly wanted a diagnosis, even if it was Aspergers. I was ready once and for all to know what we were up against and begin working to help my sweet boy.
His "diagnosis" came back as Anxiety Disorder. Really?? Not Aspergers? I challenged our psychologist on this diagnosis. But she explained that while yes, he has some "quirky" behavior that can seem in line with an Aspergers diagnosis, he was not autistic. Ugh, I thought. What I'm I supposed to do with an Anxiety Disorder? It's so broad and there's no simple "fix." I had convinced myself that while an Aspergers diagnosis would be difficult, I was ready to tackle it. I wanted to read the books, put into practice the methods, hire a behavioral therapist, but what was I going to do with this new challenge? I know this all sounds absurd. Why would I want anything to be wrong with my son? Because I needed to feel as if I could fix something. As long as there was something wrong, there was something I could do, right?
Now we know, he has anxiety. After letting the news settle, its plainly obvious. We have begun to take the steps to help him. Its no easy fix. Its painful to watch him struggle. While he cannot be easily labeled and "fixed" there are things we can do to encourage, lend stability and provide an environment he can function in.
I have shared this because I empathize with Kristina. I want to be her friend. I want to jump into the screen and have coffee with her. I want to share with her, hope. Jesus. She and I are very similar. We both want to help our children. We feel crushed when we can't. We both live with the illusion we are in control.
However, Scripture shatters that belief. It reminds me that God is in control. Hebrews says, "Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control."
God has put me as authority over my children, in order that they may see God. That they may see the love of God and trust Him. But God is my authority, His Word is my authority. I have been entrusted with precious gifts to shepherd, protect, provide for, and love unconditionally, but I cannot do any of that without understanding that, in Jesus, all of the above has been done for me so that, I can, with grace,parent my children.
Colossians 1:16-17, says, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
My temptation is to believe I am in control. I must constantly acknowledge my unbelief, that God is in control and I am not. I must constantly recognize that I live in an illusion of control.
"Often I go through the motions of acknowledging you on the outside, but on the inside, especially in times of fear and threat, I shift my trust from you to me—and it never works out well. I grieve this illusion of control and self-sufficiency, and I ask you to free me from my unbelief and orphan-like fears." - A prayer from Scotty Ward Smith, The Gospel Coalition
I enjoy the show's writing. I believe they paint a pretty accurate portrayal of many of the characters. The most realistic couple is Adam and Kristina. I enjoy, for once, watching a show where the husband isn't an idiot, but actually loves and respects his wife and disciplines his children.
I'm sure each person who watches relates to someone or some couple in the show. I relate to Kristina (although Sarah is a reminder of who I could have been if not for the grace of God and His intervention). I'm a stay at home mom, with a loving husband and fabulous, yet challenging, children, so the relationship between Kristina and Max (their 9 year old son with Aspergers) is most endearing.
You see, I have a son who has exhibited some odd behaviors since he was two years old. I have watched him struggle to control his impulses (yelling, hitting, repeating words or phrases ad nauseam, flipping toys over and over). He has an amazing ability to recall and memorize details and repeat them with great precision. He needs routine and struggles when its disrupted. After seven years of consulting with pediatricians, a GI specialist, and an endocrinologist, we were referred to Vanderbilt for a psychological evaluation. I inwardly wanted a diagnosis, even if it was Aspergers. I was ready once and for all to know what we were up against and begin working to help my sweet boy.
His "diagnosis" came back as Anxiety Disorder. Really?? Not Aspergers? I challenged our psychologist on this diagnosis. But she explained that while yes, he has some "quirky" behavior that can seem in line with an Aspergers diagnosis, he was not autistic. Ugh, I thought. What I'm I supposed to do with an Anxiety Disorder? It's so broad and there's no simple "fix." I had convinced myself that while an Aspergers diagnosis would be difficult, I was ready to tackle it. I wanted to read the books, put into practice the methods, hire a behavioral therapist, but what was I going to do with this new challenge? I know this all sounds absurd. Why would I want anything to be wrong with my son? Because I needed to feel as if I could fix something. As long as there was something wrong, there was something I could do, right?
Now we know, he has anxiety. After letting the news settle, its plainly obvious. We have begun to take the steps to help him. Its no easy fix. Its painful to watch him struggle. While he cannot be easily labeled and "fixed" there are things we can do to encourage, lend stability and provide an environment he can function in.
I have shared this because I empathize with Kristina. I want to be her friend. I want to jump into the screen and have coffee with her. I want to share with her, hope. Jesus. She and I are very similar. We both want to help our children. We feel crushed when we can't. We both live with the illusion we are in control.
However, Scripture shatters that belief. It reminds me that God is in control. Hebrews says, "Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control."
God has put me as authority over my children, in order that they may see God. That they may see the love of God and trust Him. But God is my authority, His Word is my authority. I have been entrusted with precious gifts to shepherd, protect, provide for, and love unconditionally, but I cannot do any of that without understanding that, in Jesus, all of the above has been done for me so that, I can, with grace,parent my children.
Colossians 1:16-17, says, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
My temptation is to believe I am in control. I must constantly acknowledge my unbelief, that God is in control and I am not. I must constantly recognize that I live in an illusion of control.
"Often I go through the motions of acknowledging you on the outside, but on the inside, especially in times of fear and threat, I shift my trust from you to me—and it never works out well. I grieve this illusion of control and self-sufficiency, and I ask you to free me from my unbelief and orphan-like fears." - A prayer from Scotty Ward Smith, The Gospel Coalition
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