Sunday, May 29, 2011

The Joy of True Refeshment


Love is the greatest
refreshment in life.

Pablo Picasso



The day started out cloudy, then became so sunny and warm, we had to get outside. And lately, every time we play outside we invariably end up using the sprinkler to refresh ourselves!

This day we shared our sprinkler fun with our cousins!

It starts out with just a quick run through the water and ends up with standing over the sprayer getting soaked. Laughter can be heard between the houses and screams of delight as the water splashes each child on the back.

There is still homework that has to be done. There is still some bedrooms that need cleaning. But for a few minutes, the world is okay, the day is happy, and cheerful cries of glee are found in our front yard.

God wants to refresh us like that. He wants us to take time out of every day and spend some time with Him. There is still work to be done, and there are still houses that need to be cleaned. But for those few minutes, He wants us to sit at His feet and hear His promises and refresh us so that we can do our work better...with a little more peace, with a little more patience.

And even how we shared our special sprinkler fun with our cousins, God wants us to share His refreshment with others. He wants us to be refreshed so that we can be more joyful when we work, when we teach, when we parent.


Only God's love can truly refresh. And when he does, he will not only give us what we need, but as it says in the scripture, a "bountiful harvest". For a mom with children touching, teething or toilet training, that means He will give you the patience and wisdom to get through it. For a mom with children rebelling, rolling their eyes, or reading College Applications, He will still give her the patience and peace to get through it!

Thank you God for sprinkling us with your love!


You sent abundant rain, O God,
to refresh the weary land.
There your people finally settled,
and with a bountiful harvest, O God,
you provided for your needy people.

Psalm 68:8-10 (New Living Translation)


Enjoy your MOMent of Refreshment today!

Blessings,

Angie

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Hopes for Infinity and Beyond





Well, Hello My Friends!

I have been off for a bit and I am so sorry about that!

I have been thinking a lot about goals and dreams. The fact is that I have my list of what I want to accomplish...a bucket list of sorts...but I am often reminded that God has a plan for my life that might not be exactly what I desire, but it is always best.

He promises that to us in Jeremiah 29:

"For I know the plans I have for you..plans to prosper you and give you peace."

So I write this list with
a little hesitancy,
a little humility ,
and a lot of humor!

Goals and Dreams For My Life

Top 25 Things that I Want To Do
Subject to change Daily...

1. Run a Marathon.
2. Go camping with all four of my children and husband.
3. Go to Disneyworld (again).
4. Clean out my closet.
5. See my children get married.
6. Go on a vacation with just my husband.
7. Go on a cruise with a fun couple we know.
8. See Wicked.... is it really that good?
9. Play drums for the GoGos (Some dreams I kept from my childhood...)
10. Write a book.
11. Love Jesus with everything I have.
12. Go to the beach.
13. Make a perfect Danish Layer Cake.
14. Grow more than just tomatoes in my garden.
15. See the Holy Lands.
16. Get up early to read the Bible for more than 21 days in a row.
( 'Cause doesn't it become a habit, then?)
17. Watch one of my children in a musical or play.
18. Finish a triathlon ( half or whole...I'm not choosy)
19. Speak to women about the changing love of Jesus.
20. Finish our Master Bathroom.
21. Teach my children to be confident and kind.
22. Write a Mother/Daughter Bible Study Book.
23. Read the whole Bible.
24. Teach a college course on anything.
25. See my children walking in the Truth.


Another goal is to write and encourage people so that everyone might be able to find a little joy in their lives - whether it is making cake pops with their child or going on a 16 hour in one day road trip only to come back 2 days later! And that is the purpose of this blog. To encourage joy in the midst of the daily events we all encounter. Whether it is something on our list, or just dropping the kids off at school, you can find joy and ways to share joy.

Because if you look at my list, in the whole realm of life, not a lot will be important. But a few are eternal. I would love to hear about a few of your dreams, hopes, or goals...

Blessings,
Angie

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