Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stand guard in vain.
In vain, you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-
for he grants sleep to those he loves.
Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame when they content with their enemies in the gate.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
This or That or Both
Sometimes I think we are ready to start our family. The thought that inevitably follows is "...what about China?!" I want to go back, and I'd love to go back soon...I just truly don't know when that would be. It's getting to the point where I don't want to wait fill-in-the-blank number of years to start our family. I'm content with life. The longer we've been married, the longer I've been in the workplace, the more times I've traveled overseas, the more I'm realizing we don't have a "traditional" timeline. The last 4 years have been amazing, God-led with fruitful growth.
I just don't want to mess up...I don't want to be an "old" mom...I don't want to miss the hidden treasures in Luoyang...
What I do know is that I want to bring glory to my God, be a constant, supportive, strong, and respectful wife, and live for others.
I know I don't have to figure it all out tonight. I just wish I knew what I wanted...for a girl who "has it all together," rarely do I feel like it...
I just don't want to mess up...I don't want to be an "old" mom...I don't want to miss the hidden treasures in Luoyang...
What I do know is that I want to bring glory to my God, be a constant, supportive, strong, and respectful wife, and live for others.
I know I don't have to figure it all out tonight. I just wish I knew what I wanted...for a girl who "has it all together," rarely do I feel like it...
Monday, September 19, 2011
Own
No, not Oprah's network.
Sin. Owning sin. It's not a new concept, but a difficult one if you ask me. Admitting "a struggle" as sin is a step in the right direction. But taking it a step further, naming it, and owning it is where I've found myself today. By giving a name to a sin that has consumed me, I can repent, instead of justify, ignore, or hide. It's only a step in healing and clinging to freedom instead of swimming in the pit, but it's an important step.
Sin. Owning sin. It's not a new concept, but a difficult one if you ask me. Admitting "a struggle" as sin is a step in the right direction. But taking it a step further, naming it, and owning it is where I've found myself today. By giving a name to a sin that has consumed me, I can repent, instead of justify, ignore, or hide. It's only a step in healing and clinging to freedom instead of swimming in the pit, but it's an important step.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Happy Heart
I am currently reading House of Hope (Buy it!! Please :) which tell the story of how Rob and Joyce Hill came to run their own foster home in rural Beijing, China. It makes my heart happy. My goodness, I love that place. I am also in awe of such faith. I reminded of God's timing and plan. At 25 years old, I don't have a clue how God might use me or Nate or our family or our future for His glory and Kingdom. Rob left his steady job and salary after 20 years!
All I have to be is willing.
All I have to be is willing.
Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
I wish...
...I was the type of person who lost her appetite when stressed instead of eating everything in sight. My hips would be so much better off.
That is all.
That is all.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Who is the Wife of a Noble Character?
We all know Proverbs 31 describes the "ideal wife." But, what does that really mean? I decided to break down verses 10 through 31 in my own words, have a little fun, be inspired, and then aspire to the wisdom found in the passage.
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Pay attention to what I'm about to say here, this woman is of value.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She is trustworthy and dependable.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
Everyday? Yes, everyday! Even when tired, stressed and overwhelmed, she still is thinking of her husband.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
She is enthusiastic in providing for her family.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
Takeout is okay!! (Reference from B. Moore :)
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
Providing for her family is hard work that requires discipline and may mean sacrificing comfort, sleep, and your own needs. She is thoughtful to provide for those outside of her family, as well.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She makes her own money...hmmm...interesting.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks
Again, discipline is needed here; she is hardworking and focused.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
She prepares and plans.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She holds tightly to her tasks, literally and figuratively.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
She gives, loves, and serves.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She prepares and plans.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
She takes pride in her appearance.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She needs to be ready to offer her husband the respect, support, and encouragement he needs.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
Uses her gifts to financially provide for her family.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She does not worry.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She is thoughtful, clear and teaches others.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
She stays busy.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
She is respected and admired.
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
She rests in the Lord and is content in His call in her life.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Instruction to her husband: Honor her in public as you do in private and in front of your children.
Lord, I praise you for the call You've given me to be a wife. It is the most wonderful gift. Mold me into a noble wife. Allow my husband's needs, and the needs of my family, to come before my own. Give my the strength to stay busy, the wisdom to speak clearly and the vision to plan and provide. Teach me to rest in You and not worry. Amen.
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Pay attention to what I'm about to say here, this woman is of value.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She is trustworthy and dependable.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
Everyday? Yes, everyday! Even when tired, stressed and overwhelmed, she still is thinking of her husband.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
She is enthusiastic in providing for her family.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
Takeout is okay!! (Reference from B. Moore :)
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
Providing for her family is hard work that requires discipline and may mean sacrificing comfort, sleep, and your own needs. She is thoughtful to provide for those outside of her family, as well.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She makes her own money...hmmm...interesting.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks
Again, discipline is needed here; she is hardworking and focused.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
She prepares and plans.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She holds tightly to her tasks, literally and figuratively.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
She gives, loves, and serves.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She prepares and plans.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
She takes pride in her appearance.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She needs to be ready to offer her husband the respect, support, and encouragement he needs.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
Uses her gifts to financially provide for her family.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She does not worry.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She is thoughtful, clear and teaches others.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
She stays busy.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
She is respected and admired.
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
She rests in the Lord and is content in His call in her life.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Instruction to her husband: Honor her in public as you do in private and in front of your children.
Lord, I praise you for the call You've given me to be a wife. It is the most wonderful gift. Mold me into a noble wife. Allow my husband's needs, and the needs of my family, to come before my own. Give my the strength to stay busy, the wisdom to speak clearly and the vision to plan and provide. Teach me to rest in You and not worry. Amen.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Longing for PRN
I hate being "part-time"...because I love to travel. In October, we are hitting up Myrtle Beach with Mom and Dad Flaker. In June, it's Hilton Head with the Montgomery/Flaker/Millers and Nate and I want to celebrate our next anniversary with a trip just the 2 of us.
Which means a near 0% chance to love on some babies in Luoyang.
Which means a near 0% chance to love on some babies in Luoyang.
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