Don't Even Try To Tell Me You Could Resist This Face

J-O-Y

Of late, I am joyful. It fills my heart, urging me to sing, demanding that I praise Him. Why?

I. AM. FREE.

Have you known me in the past? Laden with burdens, drowning in guilt, sorrowful in comparing myself to others. Not anymore. At first He whispered His love to me. I didn't listen. Then He spoke it. I turned away. I heard the words but jut couldn't believe. And my life was an example of one who was carrying quite a load.

Somewhere, in His mercy, and His great love for me, He chose to shout. Oh, praise Him. For now I see that list of my faults, and I am full of joy!! I know, friend, you want to laugh. Joy? Over your faults? Of course, you must understand - I do want to change those things. But I finally see how I cannot EVER do that on my own. His Spirit will guide me, and He will continue to forgive me, because HE LOVES ME.

So... yes. I am a sinner. Yes, I yell at my kids sometimes. Yes, I have a dirty bathroom. Yes, I find myself judging other people. And PRAISE HIS NAME, I am forgiven. Now I can choose to take my life and make it better. Because He gives me hope. His hope does not disappoint. It brings me joy!!

He Must Become Greater

Hi friend. I've been thinking, and here's the deal. Sometimes I'm just not REAL with people. Why? Because I'm FULL. OF. PRIDE. You must be warned that you may decide you can't be my friend after reading what follows. Nevertheless, here are some things you should know about me.

1. Today I spent a little time on Facebook while my 20-mth-old son wandered around the house looking for something to do (and I'm sure he was wishing I would play with him).

2. That is not a first.

3. Sometimes when I'm emotional I "binge eat."

4. I haven't bathed/showered since Saturday evening. It's Tuesday afternoon. Yuck.

5. I often am frustrated when the kids are napping and it's time for me to do my Bible study. Sometimes I'd rather just nap with them.

6. I don't want to ever yell at my kids. But sometimes I do.

7. I've had clean laundry sitting unfolded in a basket on my couch since yesterday afternoon. That is actually a very short time compared to past instances.

8. I also have dishes in the sink, lunch still sitting on the table, and clothes/toys/books strewn all over the house. If you were to just drop by I would debate letting you in. I'm being serious.

9. I am skeptical about those around me and often find myself judging their motives, as if I could possibly know what they're thinking. As if I could know their hearts.

There you have it. I truly am ashamed to write these things. And I hate to tell you this, but there are many other evils lurking inside. In my desperate attempts to allow God to rid me of my pride, and give me a gentle nature, He asked me to move these things from my heart to my blog.

And He showed me this:


We may believe different things. I do, however, desire their humility. Face to the ground in worship, in awe, of the Creator. Let me be so humbled, Lord. Whatever it takes. I am before you, and I praise you for reminding me of John's own humble cry, "He must become greater; I must become less." (John 3:30)

Happy Fall

Highly Disturbing

Despite what it may look like, they're not having a tea party with the baby. They are "eating the baby." Let's hope my three-year-old is never stranded in the snow with her baby brother.

I Love Her