"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

12.08.2010

Second Wednesday of Advent


Advent Reading

Psalm 103:1-10; Isaiah 40:25-31; Matthew 11:28-30

O my soul, bless God.  From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name! O my soul, bless God, don't forget a single blessing! 
Psalm 103:1,2 The Message

In the margin of my Bible I have written, "remember what God has done in my life, do not lose track of my stories."

Sometimes our blessings do not come wrapped looking as such.  I have a friend that has had to move several times in the last few years.  One of the recent moves certainly did not look like a blessing at the time.  Later, she found out that during a heavy rain storm the house flooded.  Had they still been living there they would have lost most of their belongings.

Taking the time to look back at God's faithfulness in our lives, helps us to know in the midst of the hard times, (though things may not look so) we have a God who is on our side, who has our best in mind - always!

Papa, thank you for your faithfulness! Thank you for your loving kindness.  Thank you for the many blessings you have given to us, so many I believe we are not even aware of - yet.  As we make preparations to celebrate Christmas, your birthday, may we take time to look back at your hand in our lives - and give you praise.

Amen

Today Seth, my second born turns 29.

 Seth, Dad and I are so proud of you!  We love seeing the man you have become. A strong man of integrity.   We love seeing the tender and loving way you treat you wife.  We love seeing you interact with your son, I don't think you knew how much you would love your child.  It was the same with us.  It's a different perspective from a parent's view is it not?? We have loved you like that Seth, and though you are grown, with a family of your own we still love you with that strong parent's love...it just looks a little different.

Oh, and yes, we still love seeing that mischievous side of you!!

5 comments:

Nancy said...

Oh yes Mar, it gives us courage and hope to remember "our stories" of God's intervention in our lives.......His decisions always prove to be the right ones even when we can't see them at the time......that's where trust comes in that even though we can't see the road right this minute we keep walking in faith and He will prove to be Faithful......Thanks for reminding me of this very important truth this morning....

Tell Seth Happy Birthday....Where have the years gone?

I love your stockings all lined up on your mantle.....and can just image which one belongs to which person......

Take care sweet friend......

Anita said...

I was just thinking about this and wishing I had journaled the things God has done in my life...the things that I know about at least. It is a way to encourage ourselves when days seem bleak...
I love your collection of stockings, too.

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Happy Birthday Seth!
Love your post, such truth. Yeah God!
And I love your mantle, especially with that beautiful canvas of your tucked into the corner along with the bright and cheery stockings!

Jennifer Richardson said...

I love that you not only remember your stories,
you tell them!
Thanks for that, Mary.
And congrats on giving life to such
a man as Seth. Godspeed to him.
-Jennifer

Unknown said...

Yes, looking back does the telling doesn't it? It makes it very clear how God has brought us thru the good and hard times we've experienced in the past. Please give Seth a belated Birthday greeting from me. I wasn't online at all yesterday sis, was too busy going thru all the goodies you sent. I love the journal so much!!! (((hugs)))