In the Quiet Moments

The house is finally quiet. The boys have been asleep for an hour, and Dave is playing basketball. Here on the couch, underneath a warm blanket, I have almost forgotten how discouraged I felt several hours ago. My mind wants to be done with the bothersome parts of pregnancy, and
Dave and I at the MOPS hoedown this fall

to be able to just fully enjoy the coming of this little one. But apparently I have a different path to walk this time.

I usually don't feel like writing anything about this (I like to blog on the good days), but I was realizing today that by saying nothing, I am leaving out a big part of my life right now. And this blog is supposed to be my journal. I forget the purpose sometimes - in sharing only the "good", I am leaving out many of the moments where the Lord is actively teaching me something. Whether it's pretty or not, I really do want a way to remember the path the Lord is taking me down, whether it is the way I would have chosen or not. :)

Today I had to intentionally remind myself of this as I was bent over a grocery cart, contracting (probably just from dehydration) and trying to be a patient momma to my boys. The Lord has chosen this for me - morning sickness, contractions, boys who need lots of reining in, and all. Whether or not I would have chosen this kind of pregnancy, He is here. He is so very near to me. And He is working in my life. I am clinging to that today.

We've been studying the names of God in our Bible study, and today, Jehovah-jireh has been on my mind. God revealed Himself to Abraham in a unique way on Mount Moriah. Without questioning, without hesitation, Abraham willingly obeyed God at great cost to himself. He would be giving up his son, his hope for God's fulfilled promise. But despite the circumstances, he simply obeyed and looked ahead for the provision of God.

And He met Jehovah-jireh there. The God Who Will Provide, or literally, the God Who Will See to It.

Making Home, a blog I really appreciate, shared a portion of this My Utmost for His Highest devotion by Oswald Chambers on the life of Abraham yesterday:

God’s command is, "Take now," not later. It is incredible how we debate! We know something is right, but we try to find excuses for not doing it immediately. If we are to climb to the height God reveals, it can never be done later— it must be done now...

"So Abraham rose early in the morning . . . and went to the place of which God had told him" ( Genesis 22:3 ). Oh, the wonderful simplicity of Abraham! When God spoke, he did not "confer with flesh and blood" ( Galatians 1:16 ). Beware when you want to "confer with flesh and blood" or even your own thoughts, insights, or understandings— anything that is not based on your personal relationship with God. These are all things that compete with and hinder obedience to God.

Abraham did not choose what the sacrifice would be. Always guard against self-chosen service for God. Self-sacrifice may be a disease that impairs your service. If God has made your cup sweet, drink it with grace; or even if He has made it bitter, drink it in communion with Him. If the providential will of God means a hard and difficult time for you, go through it. But never decide the place of your own martyrdom, as if to say, "I will only go to there, but no farther." God chose the test for Abraham, and Abraham neither delayed nor protested, but steadily obeyed.

I have been tempted to say, many times this past week, "I don't know if I can keep doing this. I don't know if I can survive this." Haha! Not that I have the choice or anything, but obviously, I like to complain. :) Seriously, if I were to choose my own "sacrifice for God" I

Jere and Reagan went with us - you can see my pregnancy belly at about 12 weeks here

know it wouldn't include puking, exhaustion, and feeling generally useless! No, I'd rather serve Him with energy and passion - I can think of a million things I'd rather do "for Him." It's probably a good thing it's not my choice! :) But instead I can view these months as my path of obedience - not just in order to hold another sweet little one in my arms, but also because this is what He's asked of me. And because His way is always best - no matter what it looks like. And because I am getting to know my God in a more intimate way as we walk this path together. I am so thankful to be learning His names - I feel so safe with Him, knowing that He is watching and sees my every need.

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10

Crafty stuff

My creative sister sent me a package a little while ago. Can you spot what might have been in it?





It's a Nester Ragamuffin garland! Now, I know many of you will know just what I'm talking about, but Dave was clueless.

Now, why did she send you a string of rags, again?????



He just doesn't understand, but I love it! Does it look so cute?! I am enjoying it in my kitchen window. Thanks, Ruth!

Speaking of crafts, we did such a fun one yesterday at MOPS. One that I actually came home and wanted to use in my home - and that is saying something. :) I got the idea from my sister (isn't she amazing?!). It's just a painted wooden letter, and we used scrapbooking rub-ons to decorate them.

I came home and immediately hung mine in the bathroom. I love it!

Been raking?

We started raking leaves today. This is what happens when you buy a house with 50 million trees - you spend all fall cleaning up the mess. It was gorgeous weather today though, so we didn't really mind that much.


The boys couldn't believe their luck...




Every time I try to take a picture of Si, he is covered in grime. We don't call him Slimy for nothin'.




The neighbor girls couldn't resist either.




I know this one is blurry, but I love Ethan's expression. Pure joy!




Then Dave had to try!




Finally, I captured some good shots...















I think Dave collected 17 bags of leaves, and we only did the front yard. There's more to come though - the trees aren't bare yet, so I'm sure we'll be doing the same thing next weekend. :)

But the sunset was gorgeous tonight!

Superheros

My superheros - Mr. Incredible (yes, he looks more like Dash!) and Batman. Oh, we searched and searched for these costumes - they are quite sure that being a superhero is a real job. They are always running through the house, saving the world.


I just can't believe how big they look recently!