WWJW?

As I mentioned in a previous post, I love birthdays.

And since Jesus' birthday celebration is only 8 days away I've been thinking:

WWJW?

Not to be confused with the overly used phrase 'What Would Jesus Do?', I was struck today by 'What Would Jesus Want?'. For his birthday party that is.

Ever find yourself being asked or asking someone what they want for their birthday? certainly.

Honestly though, I've never stopped to ask Jesus what he would want for his birthday. We celebrate the season by giving gifts to one another but if Jesus was sitting next to me and feasting on my plate of carrots and hummus what would he say he wanted for his birthday?

Would it be something I could give him? Broader than that? Or both?

I invite you to step back from the hustle and bustle of the season and just stop.

Stop doing.

Stop obsessing about the long list of things to do.

Just stop.

And ask the One who gives us all good gifts "Jesus, what do you want for your birthday?".

And that's exactly what I'm going to do right now.

goodbye computer. hello Jesus.

Thankful Thursday

"So thank God for his marvelous love,
for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness."
Psalm 107:8-9

My soul is hungry.

For this, I am thankful.

In our 'Soul Care' class at church yesterday we looked at the Spiritual Discipline of Examine - "the practice for discerning the voice and activity of God within the flow of the day. It is a vehicle that creates deeper awareness of God-given desires in one's life." (Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, Calhoun)

In our time of discussion we looked at Psalm 139.

In Psalm 139 the author David clearly expresses the soul's invitation to God to guide the self-examination process.

As I've spent time reflecting on the well-loved passage I feel deeply encouraged by the truths embedded within.

I am grateful for the reminder of God's astonishing love for me, and that He intimately knows me through and through.

Recognizing that God knows me completely makes me feel sorely exposed and at the same time compassionately sheltered knowing that the One who knows me perfectly loves me as I am.

This is a ringing affirmation that no matter where I find myself - in the heights of heaven, in the depths of the grace, or even in the depths of the sea, God's guiding and sustaining presence is a safe harbor for my soul.

I am blessed by these truths as they shed light on a dark area of my soul. As I wrestle with the truth and the ways that God desires to transform me I am thankful that I am not called to do it alone. Surely God leads me and holds me close to Him.

Thank you Father for the truths of your Word.

Thankful Thursday

"Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name,

make known his deeds among the people.

1 Chronicles 16:8

My heart is filled to the brim with appreciation for the stolen moments with my family recently. Each moment was special in its own way. Some happy, some sad, melancholy, and down right hilarious. It was good medicine for my soul.

My mom was given permission to fly on an airplane and come visit us. That in and of itself was a miracle while she under go's chemotherapy.

The lens in which I looked at our time together was different. It was a lens that didn't want to take anything for granted, a lens that appreciated things more deeply than prior to her diagnosis; a lens that is thankful for even the littlest of things.

I tried to savour each moment like it was gold - to hold on to the memories, to grip them tightly.

But then, in a moment of panic I felt Jesus tapping me on the shoulder and reminding me that ALL THINGS ARE HIS. And that while I can remember the good, I need to loosen my grip and hold my mom more loosely. I admit, this isn't easy and I'm still in process of what this particular lens looks like.

I am so grateful for our time together. Nana played with Caleb and Carissa non stop.She read them lots and lots of books.
And Nana also took us out for ice cream! Caleb and Carissa ordered 'strawberry'. Our deprived child Carissa told Nana "thank you so much" over and over.Yesterday my mom saw Dr. V and received a great report. She has responded favorably to her third round of chemotherapy and her counts are fabulous. I am so thankful for this encouraging news.

All I can say is Thank you, Thank you, Thank you God.

Thankful Thursday

"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure."

Psalm 71:14-15

Lately I've been feeling more grateful of my time with Caleb and Carissa. Only working 10ish hours a week allows me the opportunity to help shape their little hearts and minds into respectful, well-mannered, happy and God loving children.

I consider this a privilege and I don't take it lightly.

Since the twins are '2', this is an important year in their emotional and behavioral development. Even though they are emotionally fragile and downright exasperating at times, they are quickly learning what kinds of behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable. I am constantly amazed by their smarts, captivating personalities, ability to love and playfulness.

Caleb and Carissa, my heart is exceedingly thankful that I get to be your mom and love on you all day long. I love you more than words can express.