The Favorites

I have a favorite fork, spoon, & knife I like to use in our home. I know it sounds weird, but I do. They're solid whatever they're made out of (as opposed to the plastic attached to something colored silver that we have so much more of) and I don't know...more solid? As in, I don't have to worry about the fork breaking when I use it to cut a bite. Last night, I found myself ecstatic to be able to eat my cottage cheese with my favorite fork. Again, yes. Weird. I find myself only wanting to use these specific favorites, too. I thought about how much I enjoy these and then realized how glad I am that my Father doesn't have favorites. He uses every one of us and the talents He has given us! He uses us even when we're not quick to use our talents. He uses us even when we forget to use our talents. He uses us even when we don't know what those talents are. THIS is love, my friends. True, true Love.

Psalm 19

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

I've had the words to this song going 'round & 'round in my head the last few weeks, for more than a few reasons, I suppose. I've been singing to Caleb when trying to get him to sleep and this is one of my favorite standbys. I've been trying to teach the boys Scripture through song. I've been praying these words in trying to purify my words & thoughts. This last part is what has me coming back everytime, though and wow, is it convicting.

I do pretty well with my words. Well, for the most part. Except for those days when the kids get me goin' by not listening, doing things they know they're not supposed to do, and just pushing my buttons in general. What? That's everyday? Crap. OK, so maybe my words aren't so hot. Honestly, though, other than raising my voice to get three boys to listen, I might be okay (not saying this is ideal, just trying to be honest about where I am). I try to not say things I haven't thought through because words.can.hurt. The part that gets me here, though, is that my thoughts get the best of me. "The meditations of my heart" can be full of anger, judgment, and laziness. Oh how I long to make them pure & pleasing to Him. What would be better if my words & thoughts were all pleasing to God? My friendships? My mothering? My marriage?  So, so much more...

I've got work to do. How 'bout you?