We have a problem!

"Mama, we have a problem. Nick is upstairs and he is PLAYING the video game. This is a problem. But now it is your problem, cuz I told you," states my four year old matter-of-factly.

This was a pretty dramatic time for her as you can see. I mean, geez, you have said no games in the past, so of course the "game warden" has to let her mama know. Is that what it is like when I go to God? "God, Daddy, we have a problem. So and so is being mean and not listening to you. She said she wasnt going to hurt me again, but she did. I told you so now it is your problem." I see two things that I fall into every once in awhile.

The first is the whole tattle-telling. I tend to forget God sees all so when I whine and complain about someone, what does my heart really want to happen? Sometimes I want lighting to come down from the sky on them, and other times I just want acknowledgment that they hurt me. Secondly, who made me the warden of everyone else's mistakes and disobedience? Do I want someone to tattle about how I gossiped about someone, or how I used to lie to my parents about drinking (sorry mom and dad)? No way! So, I guess I need to start searching my heart as to what the root of the issue is. Maybe seek God on that.

I do see a positive to this, too. I was so thankful my daughter came to me trusting I would take care of this "wrong". She also knew what was going on was "wrong" and needed to be addressed. Thankfully our God is open and willing to listen. He is trustworthy to go to for any problem big or small. And just as I explained to Sophia, I appreciated her help and I would handle the situation, God will also remind us if our problems are really a problem or if maybe there is something else there.

So, today when you talk to God, listen for His answer and see what is in your heart. Trust He will care for you always.

Crossroads

This is what the Lord says, "Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path and you will find test for your souls." But you reply, "No, that is not the road we want!" Jeremiah 6:16.

We all come to a path we must choose. It could be a job, a car, a husband, college, career, driving drunk, whatever. All our choices affect us in some way - some more drastically than others. I remember many crossroads and so many times I have thought, "If only I would have chosen differently." But, there is help when I choose the wrong path, God is there waiting for me to seek forgiveness and mercy and grace. He gives it freely every time I seek it. So, as I look back on my life path all I see is beautiful stepping stones shining brightly from God's cleansing power of grace, mercy and forgiveness. I can't see the crossroads anymore, He has taken it away. The old choices are buried in the dirt. Instead each stone shows me what happened after I chose each crossroad. Redemption, salvation, love, beauty, perserverance, power, strength, and on and on. I can look forward and trust He will be there at my next crossroad.

I am so thankful for sunshine! It is amazing how much it can change my attitude. God is so good and full of grace.

My vacation is over

So, I guess it has been over a year since I have been on here. I don't know how many people will actually start reading it again, but hey, who cares.

The kids are starting school in a few weeks. Life is life here in our house. There is always something going on. Kevin is getting married in January, we had to put Brutus down, Nick moved out and Malcom is in Afghanistan. Those are the main things going on. Gio and Caleb will be in 4th grade this year. Crazy. Ahnika enters into first and Sophia is still in Pre-School. George loves his job and I am content in mine. God has really been with us.

Me, well, it has been a challenging year for me. God has opened so many doors from my past I barely survived some days. But, I look back and realize He was there every step of the way. I have such an amazing network of friends and family who are so supportive of us. God has showed me how to give up control to Him and my husband. I am in awe daily of the mountains He has moved in my heart.

So on church Friday night, I looked down and saw my little communion cracker had a little "pocket". I started thinking about what I could fit in that pocket. Maybe a poppy seed, or a tiny bead. But, what if that was God's pocket? Then what would it hold. God slowly worked in my brain and I realized He has three pockets. The first one is His "Sharing" pocket. This pocket is like a grandpa pocket, full of treats, money, gifts, love. This is the pocket I can dip into when I need something. A little pick me up of strength, a gift of mercy or grace, and some sweet treats of friends. Then He has the "Caring" pocket. This is the pocket where I put all my cares into. If I am worried for my sick daughter, or my Grandma Mabel, or finances, or I am happy for Friday, or I get an extra big hug from my husband, I put all these things in this pocket. God holds tightly to this one. No one else can take from this pocket. He watches over it and protects it. He is the shelter. The last pocket is just a "Garbage" pocket. This is the pocket that gets full of garbage, waste, junk I don't need. This is where my sin goes. You know that icky thing that is always there and for some reason I think I like but when I look at it I realize I don't. God takes this sin, this junk and puts it in His pocket. Regularly He empties this pocket in the trash never to be seen again. So, are you ready to start given God some of your treasures, your desires or just you junk. He is waiting and ready for you.

Pray for me that God continues to speak to me and I keep up on this. I miss sharing with you all.