Whew. I haven't been around lately, because class is a BEAR. I am swamped with homework every day, BUT today Matt and I miraculously have the day off from assignments. This was a much needed break, and I have been spending it catching up on mission plans, writing friends and family, crafting around, sewing flowers, and loving on my hubs. So happy. Music once again, beautifies the world I live in...
I am so thankful to God that he is giving such great joy in this humbling season of life. I lean on him for strength, for timing, for provision in every way. There is no better place to be. Some days, though, my mind and my body are wracked with anxiety and despair that is hard to escape. On those days, I open up the word and find encouragement from these Biblical characters who have become best friends, mentors, and guides. Jacob is teaching me how to press in for the blessings that only God can provide. Press in, friends, to see His face in the beauty around us. Press in to extract the beauty out of the moments that may appear bleak, or painful. God's face is in everything. The might of God touched the strongest fleshly muscle in Jacob's body, breaking him in an act of humbling might. And Jacob? He came away with a new name and a limp. A limp that would remind Him to rely on the one who saves us all. The one who gives each of us a new name.
In the midst of the difficult circumstances, He would have us dance in the joy of our salvation. Dance. Run. Leap. Skip. Climb. Soar. Weep. Laugh. Trust. Victorious. And so I open the gates of heaven by expressing my thanks.
sparkling pink shoes, oh so fun to wear
Skipping through the flowers
No homework days.
His soft cheek on mine own.
the joy of sweet potatoes.
long walks in the early morning dew
a friendly face passes by
Counting the joys. Will you join me? Begin to list them. Read the book 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp, make best friends with the mentors in the great books of the Bible, pray, seek, turn all things around to reflect the joy, grace, and beauty of our Savior.
"A wise mother knows what powerful men can forget — that the way to move heaven and earth isn’t with a strong arm but with a bowed head."
-Ann Voskamp
To all the beautiful mothers, and mine own, thank you for showing us humility and all that is beauty in this world by showing us the face of God. :)
