Today I'm posting a copy of an article I wrote on my first blog (Accessing Grace) a few years ago.  Soon I'll have updates on all that's been happening around here for the last two weeks, as well as pics of some changes we've had in each room.  Come back to see me!

Here's the post:

After this morning, I’m sure that every kid in my church went home and told their parents that one of the leaders of children’s church (me) was crazy.  You see, the story we read to them today was the story of the Prodigal Son.  Have you ever read it?  (If not, you must!  Find it in Luke 15:11-32).

Assuming you ARE going to read it, I’m going to give you a summary.  The story is about a father with two sons.  One asks for his inheritance, takes it and leaves.  He gambles, spends money on women, and becomes penniless and starving.  The other son stayed with the father, worked the land, raised the animals, and did everything the father always asked him to do.  When the first son returns home (basically so he wouldn’t starve and his father would take care of him again) he is met with open arms.  The father is overjoyed that his son has come home and orders the best calf to be slaughtered so there can be a feast and celebration!

(This is the part where I started crying and couldn’t read to the kids and they were all staring at me like I was a complete idiot.  I had to get myself together to continue.)

The son who had always done as his father told him was angry that the one who had strayed was receiving such special treatment.  The father explained to him that it was as if his brother had been dead, and now he was alive, and that was the reason they must celebrate!

It is the same with us.  Which is why I almost could not control my tears and those poor, confused children had to sit there and wonder what on earth was wrong with me!  I was crying because I know that God loves us so much, that no matter how far we stray, He will welcome us back and celebrate to have us with Him again!  No sin is too great for His awesome forgiveness.  Whether our sin is against our husbands, children, parents, ourselves or even God - when we are ready to turn away from all the wrongs we’ve done and admit that we need Him present in our lives to do good – He will be waiting with open arms, overjoyed at our return to Him.

This Lenten season, as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ glorious Resurrection, think about the sacrifice God made for us.  Think about the love Jesus poured out for us.  Think about the Father who is waiting ever so patiently for us.  Then don’t make him wait any longer.  My prayer is that you will  read your Bible more often,  pray unceasingly, practice loving EVERYONE unconditionally, stop judging others, and  do everything you can think of to show God how grateful you are for His infinite love and mercy.

Now go read the story!  (You may need a kleenex.)  Luke 15:11-32

Celebrating

13 years ago today, my sweet hubby and I looked like this:

What an amazing 13 years it has been!  

This entire blog revolves around the work I am blessed to do because I am this man's wife, the mother of his children, and the "maker" of his home.  He gives me so much.  While I jokingly write about not having his socks matched, fret over having his meals planned, and spend time caring for our precious young children - he is out in the world, working to provide for us and taking care of our every need.  How truly blessed am I!

13 years goes by so quickly when you are in love, but looking back with fondness is only possible if you stick it out in the hard times and truly live your vows.  We have been through better and worse, we've been richer and poorer, we've dealt with sickness (still do - everyday!) and we have prayed for health.  We're in this together - 'til death do us part.  I'm looking forward to the next 13 years - and many, many more after that!

1 Corinthians 13:3 - 5

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 

                                                                                                             

Clear Focus

Focusing on Him. . .

Everything else fades away.

Stillness.

Peace.

In the midst of all chaos.

He guides me.

He leads me.

He loves me.

Oh God, I thank you for this unending love you give!

What do you do when this life gets hectic and the world seems like too much?  When the never-ending to-do list hangs heavy on your heart?  When your eye starts twitching (hee hee) and you aren't sure you're doing things right?  I hope you go to the Word for encouragement.  He's just waiting for you to lean on Him!

I'm linking up at:  Raising Mighty Arrows, Our Simple Country Life, Passionate and Creative Homemaking

A Good Wife

Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.
-- Martin Luther




This morning, just a few hours after giving my husband his good-bye hug, my phone rang.  His voice was on the other end, he just called to say he loved me.


I could have cried.  


That man makes me so happy!  Not because he's perfect, or I'm perfect, or we have a perfect marriage.  But because everyday, through every trial, every frustration, every disappointment for the last 13 years, we have chosen to love each other!  Because of that choice, the love grows deeper and stronger and sweeter.  He is the very best friend I have ever had.


Some women aren't happy unless their husbands put big diamonds on their hands, or buy them fancy houses or cars.  I see women who start arguments with their husbands over why they had to take the trash out, fix the leak, or paint the house themselves.  I hear stories of separations and divorces because couples "just don't love each other" anymore.


What is happening?  The devil thinks he is so clever, that's what.  He disguises himself and prowls around under the veils of pride, envy, greed and so many other ugly things.  We mustn't let him have our families!


I love the quote by Martin Luther.  I love it because it is the heart of what makes a marriage work - taking the focus off of ourselves!  


When we focus on ourselves and our own wants, needs and desires, we create a bitterness in our hearts because of what is not happening.  However, when we look away from ourselves, and we ask 'What can I do for my spouse today that would make him feel loved?' something changes.  We stop thinking about what we want, and we put ourselves to work trying to please the other.  Our thoughts are focused on what they like to eat, drink, or wear.  What would make them feel cozy and relaxed after a long day at work?  Do we need a softer blanket for them near the sofa?  A pair of slippers under the bed?  A warm pot of coffee brewing when they pull into the driveway?  Stop thinking about yourself and think about him!  I don't want your husband to hear:  The kids were cranky and fighting all day and I'm too tired to cook dinner.  The Dr. appointment ran late and we didn't have time to run the errands you asked me to.  What do you mean where are your socks?  Don't you know how to wash and fold?  (That one is for me, ladies, I'm soooo guilty - I HATE matching socks!)


Did you know that if you stop thinking about yourself, a miracle will happen?  (Well, some of you might consider it a miracle, others might already have hubbies who do this).


The miracle is, God will move your husband's heart to begin to think about you!  All of a sudden, whatever your heart desires will be given to you.  He might offer to load the dishwasher, or play with the kids while you soak in a bubble bath.  He might surprise you with flowers, or take you to dinner for no good reason.  He might start giving you unexpected hugs and kisses and telling you that you're the best wife ever. 


Or, he just might call you one day for no reason other than to say, "I love you".  


Only God knows what makes you feel loved and special.  And only God knows what makes your husband feel that way.  Say a prayer today.  Ask Him to guide you.  If you already have a beautiful marriage, this can only make it better.  If you have one that's struggling, get ready for some changes!


I read an amazing book several years ago that completely changed my view about my role as wife and mother.  Because of this woman (and by the grace of God), I finally came to see it as my purpose and ministry!  

If you aren't sure how to become the wife God created you to be, this book will help.  If you are already an amazing wife, but would like to know how to encourage others, Debi offers excellent, Bible-based suggestions.  You can purchase this incredible book through their website: http://shop.nogreaterjoy.org/created-to-be-his-help-meet-book


One of my favorite verses regarding my purpose is Titus 2:3-5  "Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled".  (emphasis mine)


I hope you have a wonderful day of homemaking, my friends!  Make that husband of yours glad to come home!  I have to go now, I hear the dryer.  It's time to match some socks.