Bragging about my Weakness?

It has been quite a while since I wrote a blog, but this morning as I was having my quiet time, I felt God continually speak things over again to me that I really want to share. Yesterday, I read the following scripture:

"But he said to me, 'My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.' So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ's power can live in me. For this reason I am happy when I have weaknesses, insults, hard times, sufferings, and all kinds of troubles for Christ. Because when I am weak, then I am truly strong." 2 Cor 12: 9-10


Bragging about my weaknesses? Happy when I'm insulted? Happy about hard times & sufferings? And really...ALL KINDS OF TROUBLES? Goodness...that doesn't seem possible and it certainly doesn't seem fun. 

Over the last 2 years of my life, I have asked God a lot of questions.  The main question is, "Why?" Looking back, I can see some different reasons God allowed what He did and to be honest, I still really don't understand a lot of it and probably never will this side of Heaven.  The more I study His word, and the more I go through trials, the closer I am drawn to Him.  Maybe that's why Paul says what he says in 2 Corinthians? I believe so.  

I text my sister in law, Heather,  one day in the midst of several trials that were going on in our family and asked her if she ever wonders why there is ALWAYS something going on.   "Never a dull moment" is what I believe I said.  Her response hit me like a load of bricks.  She said, " All I know is there must be a lot of glory at stake."  Wow...a lot of His glory at stake based on how I respond to a trial, troubles, insults, weakness...trips to the hospital, sick family members, bills, physical pain....the list could go on and on and on...Could you make a list?  Will I choose to lay down in my pit of sorrow and pain or rise up and give Him glory?

I am having some physical problems, and one night this week, I completely had a pity party for myself (I should have sent out invitations, right?).  I asked God why I was having to deal with this, and what had I done to deserve the physical pain I was experiencing...I felt so bad, helpless, & empty. Ann Voskamp says, "In the emptiness we have the opportunity to turn to God" (1000 Gifts). God was certainly getting my attention.

Boy did He wake me up even more the next morning while I was reading the Bible.  That's when I read the scripture above from 2 Corinthians...HIS power is made perfect in weakness...and that's exactly what I was... weak.  My problem is that I want MY power to show and MY abilities to be known...Friends, that's not why we are here. But isn't that what most of us want?  We want the glory.  Let's just be honest...our sinful nature wants US to be in the spotlight.  BUT...everything we do, say, feel, type, text, pray...all of it should be for His glory alone.   I AM GUILTY OF NOT DOING THAT-I will be the first to admit it!!!

God did not put us on earth for our happiness.  He never promised it would be easy, and He certainly never promised us we wouldn't have troubles or pain.  I have found myself asking, "Can't we please just have a break?  My family has had enough for now. Thanks, God!"  However, having that attitude will do me no good. I'm missing the whole point if that's the attitude I'm going to have....GLORY...AT...STAKE...I have to remember this.


Who am I to ask God to rescue me from my troubles? Job, who we all know had his fair share of troubles (and then some), says, "Should we take only good things from God and not trouble?" (Job 2:10)  The bottom line is this-we are BLESSED. Blessed with good stuff...Blessed in the troubled times. For it is through the troubles that God molds us into what He wants us to be. We should live in endless thanksgiving for His grace.


One last quote from Ann Voskamp (my favorite author by the way):

"While I may not always feel joy, God asks me to give thanks in all things, because He knows that the feeling of joy begins in the action of thanksgiving" (One Thousand Gifts).

"Everything comes from him;
   Everything happens through him;
   Everything ends up in him.
   Always glory! Always praise!
      Yes. Yes. Yes." 

Romans 11:36 (The Message)

Making the Moments Matter

I had no intentions of neglecting my blog for so long, but once August rolled in, life went nuts!  Back to school, routines, early bedtimes, MORE grad school, and a lot less time to blog.  However, God has given us some rain...ok LOTS of rain today, and I'm pretty much stuck inside, so I decided to blog about what has been on my heart for the last few weeks.

When I sat down to do some homework today, I found a notepad where I had written some things down back in the beginning of August, and it is amazing how God has even impressed more on my heart about this subject since then. As many of you know, Curt and I lost a dear friend a couple of weeks ago.  Through the process of this, God really opened my eyes to many things.  And to be honest, He is still teaching me things-even through the hurt. But God's word tells us, "But you do not know what will happen tomorrow! Your life is like a mist. You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away." James 4:14

A question He brought and continues to keep bringing to my mind is, "Does it REALLY matter?"  I know that sounds quite simple, but when that question is put into the light of different situations, it holds a lot of value.  You hear people say, "Life is short" all the time, but do we really stop and THINK about the truth of that statement?

I think many times we are so caught up in situations, our busy lives, our past mistakes, things that people have done to us, ways we can get what WE want...ok, basically we're caught up in US...and if we were real honest about things we could just say, "You know what? I don't care if life is short. I don't care if I hurt someone. Right now, I'm focused on me."  That sounds harsh, huh?  I thought so too when God spoke it over my heart.

I love this short but truthful quote from R.C. Sproul, 

"Right now counts forever." 

Make the moments count...and make them count for HIM.  Please do not think that since I'm sharing my thoughts about this on this blog that I've got this down pat...Those of you who know me, know good and well I don't.  I mess up. I say things I shouldn't. I hurt the ones I love the most. I'm selfish.  As a matter of fact, it's real hard for me to sit here and type this blog, because I am so guilty of many of the things I'm writing about.  But, here's the best part-I'm redeemed.  Although I'm sinful, I am covered in grace.  This doesn't give me the right to do what I want, but I want you to understand that when we mess up, as Christians, our Father forgives us...sometimes I require that forgiveness on a minute by minute basis.  

"I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and make it mine.  Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his.  Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do.  Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above."

Philippians 3: 12-14

 

Each year when school starts back, I like to make a few personal goals for myself.  Some are things I want to do in my classroom, some are spiritual, some are even physical.  August is almost better than New Year's to me because as a teacher, I get to start over.  So I thought I'd share just a few of my goals that all go back to the subject of "What matters most". 

-Say less...pray more.

-Listen more.

-Treat others like Christ would...even when I don't want to at times.

-Reach out to those in need.

It's a daily battle, but I feel God calling me to do it.  The things I should be focused on must be things that hold eternal value...things that bring glory to God...things that make a difference in the lives of other people.  That's why we're here...FOR Him...to bring glory TO Him. THAT is what matters the most.

Our God is Healer...

I don't even know where or how to start this blog...It's 1:00 am, and I can't sleep because I'm overwhelmed with God's unending love for me. As I lay here and think back on the last year of my life, I can see God's hand at work in my life in so many ways.  His goodness to us blows my mind. 

Have there been bad things in our lives?  Oh yes, there have been...

Trials...yes.

Heartache...yes.

Bitterness...yes.

Questions...yes.

Stress....yep, lots of that. ;)

But....Here's the best part of the story:

Healing...in more than physical ways.

Grace...in ways I can't even put into words.

Protection...beyond belief.

Provision...ALWAYS.

Comfort...through friends, family, & the Holy Spirit. 

Friendships...Formed with people that have changed my life. 

Spiritual Growth...Wouldn't trade the trials for anything now because of where He's brought me.
Blessings...I couldn't even begin to count them.

Friends, God is so faithful to us.  He is truly indescribable. One of our major battles this year has been our journey of Leukemia. 

Today, July 8th, 2011, God brought what MANY of you have been praying for over the past few months-new bone marrow for Mr. Curtis.  How scary it was for our family to think that there wasn't a "match" for Mr. Curtis.  Explaining this to a 6 and 3 year old was not very easy.  They prayed for their Papa every night.  We weren't sure how God would answer our prayers, but we prayed faithfully... God knew there was one...He even knew that it wouldn't be a "perfect" match, and all of the extra stuff that would bring for the willing donor.  He heard our cries...and though there was a lot waiting...He never left us. 

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up." James 5:15

Why can't we trust Him?  My personal answer to that question is "control."  I like to be in control (I know many of you are laughing at that because you know me so well, but it's true).  

As I lay here, I think to myself, "How can I NOT trust Him?"  Why do we worry? Oh Lord, help us to lean on You more.

The following quote is written in Ann Voskamp's book, 1000 Gifts.  I wanted to share it because I read it today, and it hit me hard...

"You would be very ashamed if you knew what the experiences you call setbacks, upheavals, pointless disturbances and tedious annoyances really are.  You would realize that your complaints about them are nothing more nor less than blasphemies-though that never occurs to you.  Nothing happens to you except by the will of God, and yet [God's] beloved children curse it because they do not know it for what it is." Jean-Pierre de Caussade

So precious friends and family...

This post is a huge THANK YOU from all of us Reeds to all of you who so faithfully brought our family before the throne of God day after day.  God is true to each of His many promises.  Thank you for believing those promises and crying out to Him. 

"Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." 

2 Peter 1:4

The battle isn't over yet, and I'm convinced if we're living for Christ, we're always in a battle.  Mr. Curtis has many hard days ahead, but I have no doubt God will bring Him through. We are praying for complete healing.

Please scroll through the pictures below, and as you look at them, thank our Father for each answered prayer you see.

The Journey...

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Being a "Boy Mommy"

I have really struggled with blogging over the last few weeks.  Grad school has required WAY  too much reading and writing, so I have neglected my blog. However, God has really been working on me over the last few days about some things…and ya’ll know me, I like to share!  

About seven years ago, I found out I was pregnant…I’m not going to lie. I REALLY wanted a girl, and to be honest, I was convinced that I was having one until the ultrasound proved me wrong. Haha! After the shock wore off, I couldn’t have been more excited that we were having a boy, but I certainly wasn’t sure what I was going to do with one!  Curt was extra helpful in designing the nursery...it was black and gold from top to bottom!

If you know even just a little bit about me, you know that I’m not very athletic and I do NOT like to sweat.  So, I had many questions running through my mind about how I’d be a “boy mommy.”

Here I am 7 years later, with not just one boy, but TWO!(And some would say THREE boys if you count my husband…haha!)  I cannot imagine my life being any differently.  Although it has been a stretch for me to get in the yard and play ball, fish, ride the four-wheeler, and yes, even sweat, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.  I even gave in today, and I'm letting the boys get a dog...I know...Many of you know I don't do pets. ha! But, beyond the fun stuff of being a boy mommy, lies an important battle that I must fight. 

Don’t get me wrong, there are daily battles that I fight…like saying, “Put your shoes in your closet” or “Who has mud on their feet?” or “Stop hitting your brother.” Or “How many times do I have to tell you to pick the Legos up?”  These battles are all a part of a bigger battle that God has called me as a parent to fight.  The battle is raising a God-fearing son vs. raising a son to be like the world. 

I have really been convicted about the way we as Christians raise our boys.  I see it at church, in my classroom, in Wal-Mart…just about anywhere I go.  Are we raising them like scripture tells us to?? And trust me, I say WE because I'm just as guilty as anyone.

  I began reading an e-book by Brooke L. McGlothin this week. It’s called “Warrior Prayers-Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need It Most.”  I have only read and studied a little, but WOW…God is really stepping on my toes.  What are we raising our young boys to grow up and be?  And to be honest, we could ask ourselves the same question about girls-I just have boys, so it has REALLY come to my attention that our boys must be taught better. 

The book starts out talking about Eli and his sons.  I won’t go into the whole story, but if you have sons, I challenge you to read 1 Samuel sometime. Eli failed to raise his sons the way the Lord intended him to, and because of this, he was held responsible for his actions.  Because of his neglect, Eli was severely punished by God.  It is obvious that God takes the way we raise our boys (and girls) very seriously. 

Brooke says in her book, “The call of God to raise men to know Him and fear Him still stands. But are we doing that?”

In our culture, I feel like we have failed.  Many sons do not know God because their parents do not know Him.  What are we, as The Church, doing about this?  Are we raising men who will be lovers of God and leaders in His kingdom?  Are we even concerned about the younger generation?  I think if we were honest, we’d say that many times we aren’t concerned with them.  These little boys(and girls) are our future pastors, worship leaders, missionaries, presidents, teachers, doctors, etc.  

If you are a boy mommy, and are interested in this e-book it is available at . http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/warriorprayers/the-ebook/.   You purchase the book online and then print it.  I’d love to read it with you, and we could pray together. The book provides prayer and scripture on the following topics:  obedience, submission to authority, integrity, pride, purity, honor, serving, fruit of the spirit, anger, and much more. 

The Bible says, “The fervent prayers of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:17

Speaking of boys…I have a few new pictures to share of some fun times!There is NEVER...EVER...a dull moment...and I LOVE IT!  These are just a few pictures that make me smile. :)

 

Caleb got a trophy at his team party a few weeks ago. The trophy had a ball player and a tee.  He chose to cover up the tee because he said, "I don't have to use a tee, so I don't want it in my picture."

 

A rule that I'm trying to remember at my house: Never ever leave your camera unattended...Conner took this self-portrait one day.  I promise we bathe him....Nothing like a little spaghetti on your face. ;)

 A few weeks ago, we took the boys to THE BEACH...in Biloxi..haha! The water wasn't gorgeous, but it didn't stop them from having a blast.

He Knows My Name

As many of you know, MBC kids will be leaving in the morning for  Children's Camp 2011.  I am so excited!!  Our theme this year is, "He Knows My Name".  This morning,  I was reading over the bible studies we will be doing with the children, and God really spoke to me.

Jeremiah 1:5 says,"Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a 

special work..."

God spoke these words to Jeremiah.  As I researched a little on the internet, I found that many sources say that Jeremiah was around 8 years old when God spoke to him. WOW.  The Bible says God told Jeremiah that He set him apart for a special work. The Message translation says, God had "holy plans" for Jeremiah.

As I prayed over this devotion, and for the 11 year olds I'd be teaching this weekend, I realized that many times as adults we undermine the importance of these children.

Will you please pray for every tender little heart and the leaders that will be going with us this weekend? May these children not let anyone treat them as if they are unimportant because they are young.  We must teach them that they are examples to believers with their words, their actions, their love, their faith, and their pure life (1 Tim 4:12).  

Each year I go to camp with these kids, God teaches me new things from them...from their faith...from their love...from their attitudes. 

What can God teach us from the younger generation? I know I have learned a lot from the teenagers at our church.  Their selfless acts of service never cease to amaze me. 

We must continue to teach these children that He can use them, and He has amazing plans for their lives. May we never look down on them or make them seem as if they aren't important in God's kingdom.  After all, they are the future Church. They are the future pastors, worship leaders, missionaries, etc...What are we teaching them? By our words? By our actions?

 

What is God calling us to do?