Author: jamie

By Posted on Posted in failure, God's word, intimacy with God, Uncategorized No Comments

I felt totally energized when I woke up this morning. Planned to get a shower, have a little time reading my bible and praying, and make scones for breakfast.

Well, I couldn’t get out of the shower because the water was so warm… and suddenly time was slipping away. I began to hurry.

I mixed the scone ingredients together and the dough was so darn sticky! I was in tears and so frustrated trying to get the dough portioned out on the stone for baking, now that the time had come to send my older daughter off with dad.

How quickly my own good attitude fizzled out. That stupid dough was God’s way of reminding me that I won’t get anywhere on my own power.

Initially, I skipped out on the quiet time with Him — and I didn’t get very far. The dough (and cascading meltdown) sent me straight to prayer and my devotional book. (Where I should have begun!)

Funny how God uses the littlest things to get my attention. Thankfully, I was paying attention this time.

When the scones came out of the oven… warm and sweet… I was reminded of how God can make something good out of any sticky mess.

Thank goodness.

By Posted on Posted in intimacy with God, peace, rest 1 Comment

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

“Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” Mark 4:39

“You may not see or feel the inner workings of His silent power, but rest assured it is always mightily at work. And it will work for you, if you will only quiet your spirit enough to be carried along by the current of its power.” –Hannah Whitall Smith

Carry me, Lord.

By Posted on Posted in contentment 2 Comments

Tough times in my household. I realized that my baby boy is capable of sleeping through the night. He did it three nights in a row recently.

So, it’s time to get tough. I’ve spoiled him so… nursing him to sleep and letting him sleep in my room. All of those habits have taught him that he can eat any time he wants to, and the boy does not know how to go to sleep on his own. I’ve spent this week letting him fuss himself to sleep at every nap and even in the middle of the night. It’s been tough on both of us.

I realized today, while having a quick lunch with a friend, that my approach to parenting right now resembles the way that God deals with you and me.

I can give my baby what he wants… it will make him happy, and solve the problem for the moment. However, giving him what he wants at every juncture creates major problems in the long run. I’ve already seen the consequences for giving in to his whims all the time.  Not only does it make my life crazy, but it hurts him. On the days that we have no schedule, and I let him eat and sleep whenever he wants, the boy is SO fussy. He’s not happy. He doesn’t feel good.

I ask God to do things for me all the time. If He gave into my every whim… I would be happy for the moment. But how would that affect me in the long run? I would never know what perseverance is. I wouldn’t have patience. Would I really be grateful… never having waited for anything?

Sometimes the thing I want is the very worst thing for me! How grateful I am to have a heavenly Father that knows what is best for me… and isn’t afraid to be tough with me. He lets me cry myself to sleep sometimes… and instead of giving me what I want, He gives me what I really need in that moment.