A Quote from Bill

I've been reading Reconciliation Blues - A Black Evangelical's Inside View of White Christianity by Edward Gilbreath. It has been an interesting read and has given me a lot to think about. I love reading books like it because they give me a glimpse into someone else's world.

I wanted to share a quote from the book. The quote is actually from a missionary to the Middle East that came and spoke at Gilbreath's church. His name was Bill.

Bill started off his talk by saying, "I believe that perhaps the biggest threat to believing and following Jesus is when we come to depend on a religious system of faith instead of daily depending on God and seeking to do his will."

He went on to say, from his own experience, "I found that when its all gone, you find that you either depend 100% on God himself for everything--every aspect of life, no matter what happens--or, like me, you begin to see how much of your faith is dependent on the forms of Christianity or the circumstances of life instead of on God alone... However you define what it is to be a Christian, if we're not committed to seeking and doing God's will every day, we've missed it."

If all the tangible aspects of my christian life were stripped away, my church, my biblestudy group, my Christian music, my Christian books, etc. would I find that I had been depending more on those things than on God himself? Am I committed to seeking and doing His will every day?

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25-26

Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!

The boys are learning new words every day. One of their first words was mommy. I have since learned they believe the true meaning of this word is "gimme". Whenever they want something they say, to whoever is closest, "mommy, mommy, mommy" as they frantically reach for whatever it is they are asking for.

So, how does that make me feel? I'm not thrilled!

But, it got me thinking. Do I ever sound like that when I talk to God? Is my perception of God that of a vending machine? Someone who gives me what I want? Most of the time, I don't think of God that way, although by my prayers somedays it might be a little hard to prove. Still, I think regardless of the tone of my voice when I pray, if my heart is for Him, God delights in it. Even when my prayers sound like a spoiled toddler demanding what he wants, I think God still delights in that. I think He delights when we come to Him with our struggles and our requests. He just loves to be with us - to interact with us.

The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:11

I see you... Do you see me?

There is a game we play at our house.
It starts with Mya saying "I see you mom... Do you see me?"
It ends with me answering yes or no. The game seems to pop up randomlly - usually when Mya sees me in a new way.

Today it took place in our van.
"I see you mom... do you see me?"
I glanced back to see Mya looking at me through the reflection of the van window.

"Yes, I see you." I replied.

Heavenly reminders can come in all shapes and sizes, including little games my daughter likes to play. Today's game reminded me to think about what I am reflecting. I've heard it said that parents are a reflection of God to their children. What am I teaching them about His character through my actions?

The other day we played the game in the living room. Mya covered her eyes with her hands, peeked through and asked the question, "do you see me?"

Again, I was sent a heavenly reminder. This time it was a reminder of His continual presence in my life. There are days when I feel isolated and wonder if anyone sees me. My heart forgets that I am always seen and loved by my Savior and gets wrapped up in self-pity instead.

Amazingly, my Father doesn't laugh at my silly games but instead lovingly pulls me to him and says, "Of course I see you, I always do."

Mr. Rotovirus comes to Visit!

My boys have been stricken with the rotovirus! I thought the picture gives a good visual of how they are feeling, my poor sick buddies. Today they are feeling better - they are willing to watch videos without me holding them. Although I am very thankful for Jay Jay and friends, I don't mind if I never see one again. Jay Jay was the only thing the boys could muster excitement for yesterday. I would ask if they wanted to watch and Simon would give this cute little "Yah!".

Mya has been a little mother. She tries to comfort them, but she usually ends up annoying them more. She will also randomlly say things like "I think I'm getting sick, I'd better go wash my hands!" If you read this today, whisper a prayer that Mya doesn't get sick and that the boys continue to feel better.

Sick days always make me thankful for healthy ones! Well got to go - my buddies need some cuddling!