A Devotional

In leading the Firefighters Wives For Christ, I do a devotional at our monthly meetings. And since this has been on my mind the last several days, I figured it might as well be on my blog.....

We read an entry from Sarah Young's Jesus Calling...

"Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind. As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully attentive to you. I see you with a steady eye, because My attention span is infinite. I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love. I also know the plans I have for you: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence."

As I read the first sentence, I couldn't help but think - how eager are we to be changed? Since when do we gladly and thankfully drink from that cup?? It's not easy. That's why we have to ask for that teachable spirit. For the desire to change. What old ways are you clinging to in this new year? What things are you still holding onto... not quite ready to let go of. Not ready to allow God to change and do with it what He will. According to Romans 12:2, we are not to "conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." How do we do that- renew our minds? By fixing our eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:2-3 says, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith... so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Fixing our eyes on Jesus. I looked up several definitions of "fixing." To place securely. To correct, or set right. To make stable or firm. To direct one's efforts or attention; to concentrate. Hmm. So that is what we are to do. To securely place our attention, our efforts, our time on Him. Reading His Word daily (His love letter to us). Praying daily (constant communication). Worshipping daily. (And this doesn't have to be in church with hundreds of other people. We can worship the Lord in how we treat others, how we talk, our work ethic, how we sacrifice our time and money.) Our relationship with Christ is really not much different than others. It takes quality time, effort, sacrifice and communication to grow and strengthen a relationship. Why would it be any different with Jesus? HE KNOWS the plans He has for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Can you rest in that promise from Jeremiah 29:11? It gets even better in verses 12-13: "Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart." Do you take these words to heart? I hope so.

I am now learning how to fix my eyes on Jesus. Although I have a feeling it will be a life-long learning experience, it most certainly is worth it.

The Leading Man

This song is simply... beautiful. So well written. Our society and our world so desperately need men to stand up and BE men. The leading man. The man God calls them to be. The man whose faith in our God and Savior is the driving force in his life. Instead of self-righteousness, greed, envy, or lust. The man who loves his wife as Christ loves the church, who gives himself up for her to make her holy.... leading her. The man who boasts of nothing but the cross. Who brings up his children in the instruction of the Lord. Who is strong. Consistent. Patient. Compassionate. Honest. Hard-working. THIS is what families need. THIS is what fuels the desire for a wife to respect, honor, and submit to her husband. And this... is what I'm eternally grateful for in my husband.

(you will need to pause the current song. scroll down and to the right in the black box you can click pause on the playlist)

(and you may have to double click on this video to view the full screen on youtube)

I'm Out Of The Zone

The average woman uses 7,000 words per day. That's a lot of talking. And generally speaking, I talk a lot. It may not always be with an adult, but regardless, I'm sure I fill that daily quota. In doing my lesson last week, I'm learning that my responsibility to tell others of the gospel and encouraging others in the Lord carry a lot more weight than I give attention to. I tend to remain more on the surface. And not because I necessarily want to, but simply because that's all that is in my comfort zone. You know what else is in my comfort zone? This blog. Writing all by myself from behind my computer screen. Where I can think about things before typing and clicking on "publish post." Where I don't have to deal with any awkward silence, mushy emotions, difficult questions, and/ or confrontation. Why is that?? Why can't I simply talk to people? Why can't I be more verbal? I'm a total Peter (pre-crucifixion that is). I lack boldness. I care so much but lack the boldness to speak for it.

I have reason to rejoice. Isaiah 12:4 says "Give praise to the LORD, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted."

What good is my growth, my joy and my desire to be used if I don't step out of that comfort zone and get my feet wet?

Sooo, here's to deeper conversation... to boasting of the Lord, and not keeping all to myself the work He's done, doing, and will do.

I LOVE . . .

.... watching my oldest daughter turn into a beautiful young girl.





... seeing her smile at me.





... catching these quiet moments in our busy lives.





... and then these moments that warm my heart.






... and this man.

FFD Wives for Christ

Don't know where it's going.... not sure how we're going to get there...

But I guess I just felt the need for us fire wives who have so much in common to be more connected. We are wives to firefighters, moms to kids, and sisters in Christ. And it has been on my heart to start something.... something to where we can all connect, grow, support and serve together. Whether that's through a bible study, helping each other out with babysitting, delivering meals to families in need, play dates, prayer requests, etc etc etc. And I don't want something that becomes a monthly meeting where we all just smile, take part in surface conversation, eat some brownies and go home. I think it can be more than that. I think it can be real. Genuine. Sincere. I think we can build friendships and fellowship that not only benefits ourselves but others too, and ultimately glorifies God.

Like I said, not sure how we're going to get there... so I'm just following His lead. And hoping others do as well.

http://ffdwivesforchrist.blogspot.com/

Description Of The Heart

Nothing else can describe my heart better than the song "God With Us" by Mercy Me.

This song means so much to me. And so deeply touches my soul with love for Jesus Christ, the son of God, the Lord Almighty, the Holy One.

Who are we that You would be mindful of us?
What do You see, that's worth looking our way?
We are free, in ways that we never should be.
Sweet release from the grips of these chains.

Like hinges straining from the weight
My heart no longer can keep from singing...

All that is within me cries
For You alone be glorified
Emmanuel, God with us.

My heart sings a brand new song
The debt is paid, these chains are gone
Emmanuel, God with us

Lord You know
Our hearts don't deserve Your glory
But still You show a love we cannot afford

Like hinges straining from the weight
My heart no longer can keep from singing...

All that is within me cries
For You alone be glorified
Emmanuel, God with us.

My heart sings a brand new song
The debt is paid, these chains are gone
Emmanuel, God with us

Such a tiny offering
Compared to Calvary
But nevertheless, we lay it at Your feet

Such a tiny offering
Compared to Calvary
But nevertheless, we lay this at Your feet

All that is within me cries
For You alone be glorified
Emmanuel, God with us.

My heart sings a brand new song
MY debt is paid, these chains are gone
Emmanuel, God with us

Six Years... Six of the BEST.

Yesterday was September 18. And all throughout the day I would look at the clock and think back to what exactly I was doing at that time 6 years ago.

I remember first looking at the clock at just after 6:00 AM. And remembered sitting on a stool in my mom's bathroom, as my sister-in-law (brother's girlfriend at the time) did my make-up. And I believe my dad was pacing because we had to leave to head to the wedding site in Fallbrook.

Then I remember seeing the clock at about 10:15. I realized I would have been in the bridal room at that time... all my girls there, probably having my hair done, overwhelmed with excitement. And I remembered reaching around the door to the bridal room, hiding behind it so not to be seen, and then grasping Frankie's hand. I was SO elated. SO excited. I had no idea at the time that he was crying. Not until I saw the pictures afterwards...



And then saying our vows. Don't remember much about those moments. haha All I remember is staring at Frankie, and his happy eyes. I couldn't believe it was happening. And then it was over and we were kissing. :)



And then, party time! Barely ate my meal, didn't have any cake (other than what was wiped on my face), and never even made it to the 5-tier chocolate fountain. But we had a GREAT time.




Thank you Frankie, for the last six years of marriage. And the last ten years together. You are my best friend, my everything. Thank you for our daughters. Thank you for working hard so that I can stay at home with them. Thank you for loving me the way you do, for your understanding, your compassion, and for taking care of me. Thank you for making me laugh. You make me so happy, and I really see how blessed I am. Blessed to have a husband that loves the Lord first, and loves his wife as Christ loved the church. A husband who knows what it means to lead his family, and is an example for his daughters. I sincerely never loved you more than I do now. THANK YOU for all you do, and have done to make this the best six years of my life. Looking forward to the next 60 years. Happy Anniversary.