Another Year Older - Things I have Learned

The rain was coming down softly and steadily on the roof of the cabin. I lay awake for a while wondering what time it was and if anyone else was up yet. I think I have said before that I love rain. It helps me think and this particular morning I had lots to think about. As I lay in bed, listening to rain I wondered if I felt older. More importantly did I feel wiser? What exactly have I learned after 38 years on this earth, 10 years of marriage, 5 kids and 2 dogs?


#5. I have learned that my kids do not actually want more things, they want more time with me. To pray for them more and worry about what I can't give them less.

#4. I have learned to marry your best friend, who also loves Jesus and he will know you like no one else on this earth.

#3. I have learned more about myself, life, and being successful from the treasures of wisdom the bible teaches me everyday. I could never read it or pray through it's contents enough.

#2. There are only two things that last eternally, God and people. Life flies by and can change in an instant. I want to invest the time I have been given in things that last.

#1. There is nothing in this life more exciting, more life changing or more important than walking with someone as they give their life to Christ and watching Him redeem their life.

As I look back, I am able to see God's redemption, His faithfulness, His mercy, His patience, His wisdom and His grace all over the last 38 years. I have witnessed His amazing miracles in beautiful unassuming moments that remind me that only the true God of the universe would reveal Himself in such a way. Unlike us, He has nothing to prove. He has already proved it all with ultimate gift of His Son Jesus. I pray that as I look forward to another year or more on this earth, that I never forget His ways are different from ours and that there is nothing more urgent than my relationship with His son Jesus.

Happy Birthday to me.

Encouraging

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25

As I was getting ready for this past April retreat I was really think a lot about worship and our scripture theme verse for the conference. It was a busy time around our house and one of the things that we had to do was attend a school musical that the girls were in. It was called " Once upon a Dream." As you can imagine, the school auditorium was packed full of proud parents, teachers and friends. I had TJ on my lap and she was definitely excited about all the music.

As Caroline came to centre stage to do her song with her friends, TJ was straining to see every moment of her sister's musical debut. When the song was over and the applause was starting to die down and Caroline was making her way back to the side of the stage a young voice could be heard throughout the auditorium. "Caroline, You are sooo beautiful!" Trinity shouted as she clapped with all her might. For a moment I flinched as I knew everyone in the entire room had heard the outburst from the little audience member. Then I saw the glowing smile on Caroline's face. She was absolutely beaming. Trinity had made her night.

Later, as I reflected with Jason, he reminded me that we had witnessed the scripture being lived out by the youngest member of our family. Trinity encouraged Caroline in moment that we will not forget. Thank-you TJ for inspiring us.

I also like the Message translation of these verses.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (The Message)

"So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching."

Fun Things Kids Say

Sometimes kids say the funniest things when they are hanging out with each other. I thought I would pass on this little story. It will give you a bit of a giggle!

This past weekend I was at my Mom's for a bridal shower. While we were there TJ got into a disagreement with her five year old cousin Fiona. As I helped them to work it out I encouraged TJ to say she was sorry and to give her big cousin a hug. They were both hugging and saying they were sorry. It was so sweet. The next thing you know TJ was trying to hold Fiona's hand because she wants to thank Jesus that they are friends again. Her cousin has no idea what TJ s trying to do and she is trying to go back to playing and TJ is saying, "No Fiona, let's pray, right now." Fiona said, "We don't need to pray we already ate!"