Thinking of Eternity

"We must spend time together now because when the kids are grown and gone it will just be us.  We dont want to end up being strangers.". These are the lines I use with my husband to sell the idea of a monthly date night.  I have heard of couples divorcing once the kids are gone.  Why? Because they poured so much time and energy into raising the children and the marriage was neglected.  What a sad ending but it makes sense.  How can I enjoy spending time with someone who became a stranger over the years? This is not to say we are not to raise our children but we must prioritize correctly.

I began to think about eternity.  You know, eternity is forever and ever and ever....it's amazing how we casually talk about it.  We are all going to spend eternity in one of two places, heaven or hell.   Most claim they are going to spend an eternity with a God they don't even have a relationship with now.   If I don't worship him now, what makes me think I will be able to or even want to worship Him for all eternity? It's not just about going to church and being a good person.  It's about having communion with The Lord, totally surrendering all to Him.  It's about Him being our life not an afterthought.   If He is a stranger to me now, then I won't be invited to the party.  As we all make news years resolution, let a right relationship with Jesus be at the top of the list because after the new year has come and gone, eternity still awaits us all!

BEING NEEDY IS NOT ALWAYS A BAD THING

Some days I am tempted to nominate, second, and approve myself as wife and mother of the year.  On these days my activities go as planned, the new recipe I tried for dinner was a winner and all is well and I think, "I GOT THIS."  BUT these days are few and far between. Recently an older cousin stayed with me for a few days.  She was such a blessing and she helped me to realize how much I needed help. Being needy in this case is not a bad thing.    The old adage no man is an island is so true.  God did not design us to go at it alone.  On his earthly tour, Jesus, the son of God had 12 disciples.  What makes me think that God is expecting me to do this alone? I am slowly recognizing that I don't have to be supermom and that it is ok to ask for and receive help.  This admittance  takes a great level of vulnerability and humility. Pride tries to convince me that being needy is for the weak.  It whispers, "you are smart enough, strong enough, no one can do it like you can."  But it is true, God does resist the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). And believe me when I say I am in desperate need of God's grace.

This mindset of asking for help also applies to our walk with God.  None of us have to fight the devil by ourselves.  Perhaps you are struggling in a certain area but don't want to admit it to anyone.  Purpose in your heart that you will not let pride cause you to carry the same baggage into 2014.  Build relationships with godly people, ask for prayer, let down your guards and confess your sins to another (James 5:16.). It brings healing and liberation!

Receiving the Grace of God

I can admit that I still struggle.  Struggle to accept the grace of God.  I have such a works mentality.  Yesterday I missed my quiet time with the Lord.  This was not intentional but baby number 6 got up earlier than usual and required my attention.  I am almost ashamed to admit it but I was beating myself up for missing this time.  I felt that somehow God was not gonna move on my behalf because I didn't put in the "work" that morning.  Therein lies the problem, there is too much of an emphasis on me doing as opposed to resting and receiving what Christ has already done.  Gods grace is not to be abused or taken for granted, nor is it to be rejected...such a delicate balance.  Yes we should strive to have daily communion with God, it is a great benefit to us and it pleases the Father.  But we must not reject the grace of God when unpredictable moments happen; trust that the Lord sees and will honor the desire that we have to be in His presence.

TEACHING JESUS TO MY CHILDREN DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

There has been such an urgency for me to teach Jesus to my children during this season.  I don’t want it to seem forced but I recognize there is a battle going on for their affection…and mine!  Sad to say but the agenda for most this season does not include Jesus, the very reason for celebration.  How do I convey and demonstrate to my children that it is more blessed to give than to receive?   I want my children to know that God is not against us desiring gifts, as I have learned through personal experiences that He delights in giving to His children.  However I don’t want them to miss the other part of the story, the beauty and power of giving.  To not be consumed by, “I have to have this, gimmie now mindset.” Children (and adults alike) need to understand that they are not disqualified from being a blessing to others just because they don’t have money to a give.  I want them to realize that they can give the gift of prayer.  So this week I had the older children pick someone they wanted to pray for, and prayed for different things concerning that person each day (their salvation, their siblings, their parents, etc…).  I desire to do similar activities through the month such as calling or visiting someone we know is lonely , inviting  someone over for a meal,  write a special note expressing gratitude to an individual, visiting a soup kitchen etc.   I also will not beat myself up and think my kids didnt learn everything they needed to learn if I don't get a chance to do all the above activities.

 I am also trying to be deliberate about sharing the story of the birth of Jesus and how they fit into this story.  They can never hear it enough, nor can I.   They need to understand that this story is so much more than about a baby being born in a manger.  I want them to come to love who this baby became, understand and embrace His purpose; still remember and celebrate Him when the lights are packed away and the gifts are unwrapped. I recognize that sometimes my lessons may be a bit choppy, and the kids may not always be as attentive or as excited as I desire them to be.  I may not come close to the cute nativity activities I see on Pinterest but I have to trust that in my sincerity to convey the truth of Christmas that the Lord will take my efforts and do a work in the hearts of my children.