I did it again.
I took a job that was not given to me.
I know better.
I have learned this lesson before.
Many times.
I take on the role of being someone's Holy Spirit.
And things get complicated, messy and ugly.
They have a Holy Spirit.
I need to back off and let it do it's job.
Without my "help".
So, I am off to apologize.
Ask their forgiveness.
Again.
Because I was convicted by MY Holy Spirit, that I am getting in the way!
So today...I am unwraping the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Do you ever struggle with this?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
ASK your man!
Last spring, when first approached with the invitation to join a European speaking tour, I had a wonderful thought! Looking at my husband, I said, "Honey, when I am done with my tour, why don't you join me overseas and we will spend a few days together traveling".
He responded that this idea sounded "nice".
As the months flew by, I would make reference to the extended part of the trip and the fun we would have.
Then in early January, after putting in many hours of research about hotels, airfare and excursions I started having a "check" in my spirit about the plans we were making. Would it be too much to meet up with Curt and go to Rome for 5 days after a very busy 10 days of tour? Would the "extended" part of the trip take away from the first 10 days of ministry? Would I be worried or anxious about all the details and not be focused on the conferences that I was speaking at?......you get the idea....I just did not have a peace about it.
So, I talked to Curt that night. Explaining my reservations, I asked what HE was feeling about the whole thing.
"Well", I just cannot seem to get to excited about it. I was going because I knew you would enjoy seeing Rome. And I know I will too when I get there."
"Why didn't you say something earlier?" I questioned.
"You never asked!"
So, today, I am challenging myself to ASK!!!! It is important not to assume!
He responded that this idea sounded "nice".
As the months flew by, I would make reference to the extended part of the trip and the fun we would have.
Then in early January, after putting in many hours of research about hotels, airfare and excursions I started having a "check" in my spirit about the plans we were making. Would it be too much to meet up with Curt and go to Rome for 5 days after a very busy 10 days of tour? Would the "extended" part of the trip take away from the first 10 days of ministry? Would I be worried or anxious about all the details and not be focused on the conferences that I was speaking at?......you get the idea....I just did not have a peace about it.
So, I talked to Curt that night. Explaining my reservations, I asked what HE was feeling about the whole thing.
"Well", I just cannot seem to get to excited about it. I was going because I knew you would enjoy seeing Rome. And I know I will too when I get there."
"Why didn't you say something earlier?" I questioned.
"You never asked!"
So, today, I am challenging myself to ASK!!!! It is important not to assume!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Making Peace with the "Need to know"
Saturday night, Valentines eve, was sweet. My husband presented me with fragrant perfume, I gave him new slippers. Not original gifts, but after 25 years of marriage, we know each other. It was perfect.
Then Sunday came.
Valentine's Day.
I was scheduled to work at the hospital. I have the privilege to be part of the Labor and Delivery Unit.
And on that brisk, sunny, Sunday, we lost a baby.
Somehow, the grieving couple's pain becomes yours, and the "they" turns into "WE".
It is so hard. I weep as I type these words.
The baby, a beautiful boy, was perfect.
Our staff wept openly. Then I stepped into a storage room and cried out to God.
"I need to know....WHY?"
So, today, Tuesday, I am making Peace with the "Need to know".
And clinging to what I do know!!
Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains move and the hills shake, My love with not be removed from you.
Then Sunday came.
Valentine's Day.
I was scheduled to work at the hospital. I have the privilege to be part of the Labor and Delivery Unit.
And on that brisk, sunny, Sunday, we lost a baby.
Somehow, the grieving couple's pain becomes yours, and the "they" turns into "WE".
It is so hard. I weep as I type these words.
The baby, a beautiful boy, was perfect.
Our staff wept openly. Then I stepped into a storage room and cried out to God.
"I need to know....WHY?"
So, today, Tuesday, I am making Peace with the "Need to know".
And clinging to what I do know!!
Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains move and the hills shake, My love with not be removed from you.
Monday, February 8, 2010
When YOU need a shelter, a hiding place.
The past 2 blogs have focused on the need for our homes to be a shelter, a hiding place and refuge from the storm for our husbands and children.
But what about you? Where do your go when YOU need a hiding place?
I know I need to go to a hiding place when I feel I just can't "take it" anymore. I am burnt out and need a place of respite!
So what a some of my "hiding" places? It depends or how much "hiding" I am needing.
If just a little shelter in the shade of a little rock is needed, time alone with a book, a hot bath or a cup of great coffee while I wander through a book store is enough for refreshment.
But there are times, sweet sisters, when I need LOTS of shade behind a BIG ROCK. We are talking a boulder, serious shelter!!! You know what I am talking about!?!
Those are times when I truly need to get away!
Several years ago, I was at that place of needing some concentrated hiding! Not just a nap would suffice. So I made reservations at a nearby hotel on a Friday night. On my way to the hotel I swung by Panera'sand bought my favorite meal. Then upon checking in, I put my P.J.'s on, climbed into the king size bed, spread the food all around me, rented a chick flick movie and "hid" in my shelter, my hiding place, ALONE!
It was GLORIOUS!!!
The next day, I checked out a noon, and went home to my family, ready to be the wife and mother God has called me to be.
A shelter, a hiding place, a place of refuge, just for YOU.
Do you have a hiding place? I would love to hear about it!
But what about you? Where do your go when YOU need a hiding place?
I know I need to go to a hiding place when I feel I just can't "take it" anymore. I am burnt out and need a place of respite!
So what a some of my "hiding" places? It depends or how much "hiding" I am needing.
If just a little shelter in the shade of a little rock is needed, time alone with a book, a hot bath or a cup of great coffee while I wander through a book store is enough for refreshment.
But there are times, sweet sisters, when I need LOTS of shade behind a BIG ROCK. We are talking a boulder, serious shelter!!! You know what I am talking about!?!
Those are times when I truly need to get away!
Several years ago, I was at that place of needing some concentrated hiding! Not just a nap would suffice. So I made reservations at a nearby hotel on a Friday night. On my way to the hotel I swung by Panera'sand bought my favorite meal. Then upon checking in, I put my P.J.'s on, climbed into the king size bed, spread the food all around me, rented a chick flick movie and "hid" in my shelter, my hiding place, ALONE!
It was GLORIOUS!!!
The next day, I checked out a noon, and went home to my family, ready to be the wife and mother God has called me to be.
A shelter, a hiding place, a place of refuge, just for YOU.
Do you have a hiding place? I would love to hear about it!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Your Home, a shelter from the storm. Part 2
On Monday, we talked about your home being a shelter and a hiding place. We looked at practical ways to provide this place of respite for your children. As promised, here is a list of ideas to create a hiding place, a place of shelter, for your man.
1. Welcome home kiss.....a shelter
2. Candles lit.......a shelter
3. Soft music....a shelter
4. No TV on, off the cell phone and computer when he gets home....a shelter
5. Attractive clothes and neat appearance.....a shelter
6. Love note taped to his steering wheel.....a shelter
7. Telling him you appreciate him and respect him.....a shelter
8. Telling him he still turns you on.......a shelter
9. Listening to his dreams......a shelter
10. Giving him time ALONE.....a shelter
11. A back rub.....a shelter
12. Forgiving him......a shelter
13. Not saying, "I told you so".....a shelter
14. Reminding him that he is a wonderful provider and father.....a shelter
Your man, everyday, is out in the world, providing for his family. Daily, facing temptations and a mountian of stress. Yet, he comes home to YOU and the children. Make your home his shelter, his hiding place, the place he wants to be!
Next, in part 3, we will talk about YOU mom and when you need a shelter!
1. Welcome home kiss.....a shelter
2. Candles lit.......a shelter
3. Soft music....a shelter
4. No TV on, off the cell phone and computer when he gets home....a shelter
5. Attractive clothes and neat appearance.....a shelter
6. Love note taped to his steering wheel.....a shelter
7. Telling him you appreciate him and respect him.....a shelter
8. Telling him he still turns you on.......a shelter
9. Listening to his dreams......a shelter
10. Giving him time ALONE.....a shelter
11. A back rub.....a shelter
12. Forgiving him......a shelter
13. Not saying, "I told you so".....a shelter
14. Reminding him that he is a wonderful provider and father.....a shelter
Your man, everyday, is out in the world, providing for his family. Daily, facing temptations and a mountian of stress. Yet, he comes home to YOU and the children. Make your home his shelter, his hiding place, the place he wants to be!
Next, in part 3, we will talk about YOU mom and when you need a shelter!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Your home, a shelter from the storm.
Each man will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm,like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land. Isaiah 31:3
Shelter from the wind.
Refuge from the storm.
Water in a desert.
Shade from the sun.
A Rock or hiding place.
My desire is that these words reflect the "heart" of my Home.
How can my home be a shelter/refuge/hiding place to my children?
1. A HUG, even when they do not hug back....a shelter
2. Warm cookies...a shelter
3. Soft music....a shelter
4. Boundaries, rules,expectations, consequences.....a shelter
5. Time, if they want to talk......a shelter
6. Favorite meal.....a shelter
7. Planned Family time......a shelter
8. MOM off the computer, cell phone and not watching T.V. when the kids arrive home from school....a shelter
9. A soft answer.....a shelter
10. Telling them you love them everyday, even when you do not LIKE them......a shelter
11. Reading the bible and praying with them.....a shelter
12. Forgiving them.....a shelter
13. Telling them you are sorry.....a shelter
Your children need a hiding place, a place of refuge and respite from the storms of life.
It is a wonderful gift you can give your children every day!
Tomorrow we will explore ways to be a "shelter" for your husband!
Shelter from the wind.
Refuge from the storm.
Water in a desert.
Shade from the sun.
A Rock or hiding place.
My desire is that these words reflect the "heart" of my Home.
How can my home be a shelter/refuge/hiding place to my children?
1. A HUG, even when they do not hug back....a shelter
2. Warm cookies...a shelter
3. Soft music....a shelter
4. Boundaries, rules,expectations, consequences.....a shelter
5. Time, if they want to talk......a shelter
6. Favorite meal.....a shelter
7. Planned Family time......a shelter
8. MOM off the computer, cell phone and not watching T.V. when the kids arrive home from school....a shelter
9. A soft answer.....a shelter
10. Telling them you love them everyday, even when you do not LIKE them......a shelter
11. Reading the bible and praying with them.....a shelter
12. Forgiving them.....a shelter
13. Telling them you are sorry.....a shelter
Your children need a hiding place, a place of refuge and respite from the storms of life.
It is a wonderful gift you can give your children every day!
Tomorrow we will explore ways to be a "shelter" for your husband!
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