Have You Stopped Listening?

I know my kids are probably the ONLY ones who do this (yeah right!) but it drives me crazy . . . I say their name to get their attention or I ask them very calmly and politely to do something. And they ignore me. Then I ask again - a little more loudly this time since they must have not been able to hear me the first time - and still no response. Then again and again until finally, I am having to yell to get their attention. It's SO FRUSTRATING!!! For those of you who have been reading my more recent posts, you will know God has been speaking to me and this is another thought He has given me lately:

If we get so frustrated with our children . . . why do we think it's okay to do the same thing to God?

I mean, if we are Christian, He is our Father. Right?

Recently, I attended the Oklahoma Ladies Retreat along with some other members of our women's ministry group. The theme of the weekend was Scouting the Divine which basically boiled down to this: let's get back to the basics and spend time with God in His Word. At one of the break-out sessions, the speaker gave us a "list" of the steps that take place "when we are shrinking back from God." This is a quote from the handout we were given (I've added scripture references in blue that God put on my heart):

Our woman's intuition [remember, I was at a ladies retreat but this pertains to us all LOL] should alert us to when we are shrinking back from God. These are some things that may start to take place:

1. We stop being in God's Word. (Psalm 119:11)

2. It starts to get easy to miss church here and there. Shows and teaches our kids it's alright to miss when it inconveniences our plans. (I Corinthians 12:27)

3. We start to justify missing church. ("We are too busy.", "We were just worn out.") (Hebrews 10:25)

4. We begin to not see sin as sin. (ie what see see on TV or hear on the radio)

5. We aren't bothered by the things that bother God. We become insensitive to that sin. (ie gossip) (Isaiah 29:13)

6. We ignore our conscience.

7. We begin to entertain thoughts that are contrary to God's will. (Isaiah 29:15-16)

8. We resist reproof. We don't want to hear it.

9. We make a habit of our sin.

10. We even start bragging about how we know it's wrong.



I don't know about you all but I think that #1 is the "easiest" trap to fall into. At this point, the Holy Spirit says our name trying to get our attention. Then #2 & #3 play together. And He has to call a little louder. From there, I believe this speaker listed things out well in the order that they normally happen. And the Voice gets a little louder each time. Sadly, we often make it so far into the list that the Holy Spirit literally has to scream to get our attention. So, why do we get so aggravated when our children do the same thing?

Father God, please make it obvious to me and anyone who is reading this post where in our lives we are falling into these traps. Father, please make us sensitive to Your Voice. Thank you for being our Loving Father - even when we don't deserve it.

Joy

"I've got joy down in my heart. Deep, deep down in my heart."

Remember that fun song we would sing at church camp, VBS, children's church and various other places? The thing that gets me is this : as adults, we so often lose our joy. Why is that? I mean, if something is "deep, deep down" it means we REALLY BELIEVE it, right? I think that for too many of us, we have forgotten where real joy comes from. Think with me for a minute. When was the last time you could say you experienced "JOY"? For some of you, it may take a really long time to think of a time you EVER had true joy. For others, it's simple.

The concept of joy has been on my mind for a couple of weeks now. But I really got to thinking about it a few days ago as I was driving Hannah to school. We have a "Night of Praise" coming soon at our church and have been listening to a CD of the music we will be doing that night. Hannah asked for a specific song to be played (it is one that the children's choir will be singing) and when it started, my heart swelled and I had tears of JOY in my eyes as she sang along with such conviction and innocence. The words? "Lord, I love you. You're the keeper of my heart, the healer of my soul. I give my life to you."

In Psalm 51:12, we read David's prayer and request for God to "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation." If you have come to a point in your life where you have asked God to forgive you of your sins, come into and take control of your life, you know what David meant. True JOY comes from God and from knowing Him.

So, why do we - even those of us who are Christians - lose our joy at times? Too often, we begin to focus on the world around us and ignoring God and His plans for us. We get so wrapped up in every day life that we forget that God wants to give us joy in even the little things. In Nehemiah 8:10, we are told "the joy of the Lord is your strength." Not only will we receive joy if we are seeking God but we will also regain strength. What more could we ask for?

The reason I've been thinking of joy for the last few weeks is this: while sitting and talking as a family preparing for Kathy's funeral service, Michelle mentioned a statement Kathy had written (I can't remember if it was in a journal or a personal note). She stated that through her pain, we were her joy. Even though she was dealing with struggles daily, she looked at the things God had given her and found JOY in them.

The next time you lose your joy - or if you currently are dealing with the struggle to find it - remember these things:

1) True JOY is found only in Jesus Christ

2) If you bury that JOY "deep, deep down" in your heart, it is more likely to take root.

3) Keep your eyes, ears and heart open to moments of JOY around you.

Father God, I pray that you will help me remember to see moments of joy. To not get caught up in every day life and forget to seek Your love. And for my family and friends - and anyone else who may have stumbled upon this post - please bring them comfort and joy. Help us all to see that no matter what we face in life, you want to be our JOY and our strength. Thank you for that promise and Your faithfulness . . .

Thank GOD for our freedom!

So, have you noticed that nearly all celebration revolves around food? Well, 4th of July 2010 was no different. I wasn't sure what I first thought about the date falling on a Sunday but as the day drew nearer, I thought "how fitting that we celebrate our freedom as Americans while worshiping the Lord and Savior who offered us freedom from eternity in Hell!"

Our morning started out as any Sunday morning. Of course, the girls don't mind posing for pics but this time, Superman took one of me with them!

Our morning worship service was incredible! We took a special opportunity to honor the men and women in our church family who are and who have given of their time to fight to keep our country free. It was an incredibly moving time - especially to see those men and women (some well into their years) stand to straight with pride as their branch of the military was recognized. WOW!!! I am so thankful for people who are willing to serve our country and fight for my freedom and yours. A freedom we so often take for granted. And to their families, a VERY SPECIAL thank you for sharing them!

After morning service, we had an "old-fashioned picnic on the grounds." It was supposed to be complete with "old-fashioned" games and fellowship. Unfortunately, there was some confusion as to what all this meant and with the weather being rainy, it changed the plans a little bit anyway. But it was still a good time :-)

Then, after a few hours of resting at home (we were anticipating a late night, ya know!) we headed out to my sister-in-law's parents property in Arcadia. This has become an annual event and we really enjoy it! First, there is play time while the patriarchs of the family do the grilling.




And of course, there was "big kid playtime" too :-)

At first, Chloe was curious . . .
. . . But with the loud POP! she became unsure!

After dinner and more playtime, the sun finally started to set. Chloe and Grandpa played with sparklers while Josh went to set up the annual extravaganza we have affectionately named "the Josh Show." And then with a big thanks to Melissa, the kids (both big and small) had a blast with glow necklaces and bracelets while waiting!

Then , it was time for the show. As always, it was a "blast!" Thanks Josh for your love of fireworks to end a great evening!