Saturday, January 28, 2012

"For Crying Out Loud!"

Yesterday, Colby was outside playing with our little daycare friend and I heard him saying, "For crying out loud!" (Yes, he is his mother's son.)  This morning, he said to Justin, "Are you kidding me?!" Of course, he doesn't really know what these phrases really mean but what made me laugh was to see him mentally prepare to say these phrases out loud, say them, and then feel more comfortable to say them over and over again. 

I remember, as a child, being intimidated by my dad. If Dad said "No", there was no turning back so I usually tried my mom first. I grew out of this eventually and became more comfortable talking to my father...it felt a bit more normal each time I did.

Both of these thoughts have something to do with prayer and worship habits, don't they? Raising my hands in worship is still a bit out of the norm for me but each time I do becomes more and more comfortable. Asking my Father for outrageous things seems selfish sometimes...but each time I do, I'm reminded that He wants to hear these requests from me and I'm encouraged to do it again. I'm always grateful He hears my prayers, but I wonder...does He smile & chuckle when I finally try to worship or ask Him something in a new way? :)

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Sweet Babblings

Our Dub has a language all his own right now. Sometimes you know what he's talking about, most times you have to try to glean little bits from the words that come out. He'll come up, talk for minutes at a time sometimes, (most of it baby gibberish, if not all) and walk away confident in what he has told you. Those who are around him often know that "d" means he wants a drink, "guk" is milk, and "kiki" would be his beloved blankie. Of course, that's not always possible...he occasionally has a babysitter who hasn't spent a lot of time with him and has to spend time trying to decipher the babbling. I get a text randomly from these people..."What's he talking about?" and can usually help them on their way.

I do this sometimes with my Father. I don't know always know how to pray or the words come out all jumbled as if I can't process what's in my heart. Those moments of grief when you can't put into words what you're feeling? Yep, those have come, too. God has an interpreter, though! I am so thankful that in those times where I can't compose the words to pray, the Holy Spirit does it for me...passing on my cares to the Lord. Praise the God who hears every one of the prayers we pray!

Monday, January 23, 2012

Quiet Mornings

I love, LOVE my quiet morning time...time before anyone else in the house is awake, before extra kids arrive, before needing to communicate with the rest of the world. Some days I workout first, some days I just relax on the couch or in bed...get my drift?

I thought this morning about how peaceful that time is--time when I can talk to God about what's going on in my heart, pray for my husband, my family, for friends' requests, for wisdom to know what else I can do to honor Him and those I love.

Then came the craziness. :) Two kids came for the day, we ate breakfast, Colby got up & ate, kids started playing (LOUDLY, I might add...didn't get that Veggie Tales' in the player in time), husband left for work, Caleb got up...frustration comes & goes despite the "Joy of the Lord is my strength" song going 'round & 'round in my head. Oh, how I long to go back to that time just an hour or two before.

But that's not how it works. In all of my selfish desires for constant peace, it doesn't happen and it can't happen--God didn't create us for that. It makes me smile (and honestly, inwardly groan at times) to know that true peace comes from knowing that God has the "not so peaceful" times in His hands and works every.single.one out for His glory. Praise God for that!

"Moooooom, I'm still HUNgry!", he says. "Yes, child, let's find another snack, (right after I sing that Joy song a few more times again today)..."