After I posted last night a lot has changed. We went to our weekly lactation meeting today and Lily took almost 3 1/2 ounces at breast all by herself!!! The new plan is to nurse her whenever she wants and not supplement. I'm praying to my faithful God that she still gains weight. We made it!!!! My family had a party tonight with chinese food, ice cream, and grape juice to celebrate all our hard work. I couldn't have done it without them! I would have taken a picture but some of them weren't dressed due to the laundry situation (just kidding), and I can't find my memory card in the mess that was once my organized desk.
I've told the Lord many times through this situation that I refuse to stop asking. I decided to bug Him until He answered me. Now, I'm realizing that my nursing issues are probably the only times that I pray without ceasing and that's definitely something to think about...
Showing posts with label Devotion to Him. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Devotion to Him. Show all posts
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Monday, August 9, 2010
Priorities
Colossians 3:1-2 If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
I had a lot of time to spend in God's word while I was healing. He was showing me many things through that time but mostly about my priorities. When I wasn't reading I was listening to the bible or teaching Cd's and tapes that have been laying around my house for years. I didn't take for granted the time I did get to spend with my family because I had nothing to distract me as far as chores or homeschooling. Some days it was so quiet around here it was ear piercing and I would just ask the Lord, "What should I do now?". I got a vision of what it would be like if I set my mind on things above throughout my daily life. I was so overwhelmed with 4 children doing school this year and 3 toddlers under foot that I neglected what's most important. Reading God's word daily with my children and focusing on their character and heart. I told myself this was my husband's responsibility. Don't get me wrong, the laundry does need to get done, the house does need to be livable and somewhat sanitary, and if our children can't pass a state test we might have to answer to the authorities. But will these things matter when we get to heaven. Will I regret spending so much time trying to get things "Done"?
The most practical advice I've ever heard is this. "When your day isn't going as well as you planned and everything seems out of order and control, stop and do something different. Take your children to the park or for a walk. Put them in the bath to play. Something outside of the schedule to round everyone up and be able to keep smiling into their little hearts." My children won't remember if my house was clean on August 9, 2010, but if I focus on the things that are eternal today, it will matter "Forever".
The wisest advice I've had comes from a woman I admire. She raised 9 children, 8 boys and 1 girl. She said if she accomplished nothing else in a day she was in God's word every morning with her children. ALL of her children are serving the Lord. Her family shines brightly for Him in their own families. She not only affected her children but their spouses and children and children's children and so on. I'm up and moving around finally but not exactly back to normal. My body tells me when I've done enough and it's a good reminder of the things I learned while I was in bed. I'm still having to focus on what's important because I don't have much to give. My laundry is behind and my floors are disgusting but someday that won't matter. If I choose to fill my children's hearts with eternal things I won't regret it. If I choose to focus on what's not done around here, I could get back in the habit of daily trying to get everything done except what's really important.
This picture has nothing to do with it but I thought it was cute!
I had a lot of time to spend in God's word while I was healing. He was showing me many things through that time but mostly about my priorities. When I wasn't reading I was listening to the bible or teaching Cd's and tapes that have been laying around my house for years. I didn't take for granted the time I did get to spend with my family because I had nothing to distract me as far as chores or homeschooling. Some days it was so quiet around here it was ear piercing and I would just ask the Lord, "What should I do now?". I got a vision of what it would be like if I set my mind on things above throughout my daily life. I was so overwhelmed with 4 children doing school this year and 3 toddlers under foot that I neglected what's most important. Reading God's word daily with my children and focusing on their character and heart. I told myself this was my husband's responsibility. Don't get me wrong, the laundry does need to get done, the house does need to be livable and somewhat sanitary, and if our children can't pass a state test we might have to answer to the authorities. But will these things matter when we get to heaven. Will I regret spending so much time trying to get things "Done"?
The most practical advice I've ever heard is this. "When your day isn't going as well as you planned and everything seems out of order and control, stop and do something different. Take your children to the park or for a walk. Put them in the bath to play. Something outside of the schedule to round everyone up and be able to keep smiling into their little hearts." My children won't remember if my house was clean on August 9, 2010, but if I focus on the things that are eternal today, it will matter "Forever".
The wisest advice I've had comes from a woman I admire. She raised 9 children, 8 boys and 1 girl. She said if she accomplished nothing else in a day she was in God's word every morning with her children. ALL of her children are serving the Lord. Her family shines brightly for Him in their own families. She not only affected her children but their spouses and children and children's children and so on. I'm up and moving around finally but not exactly back to normal. My body tells me when I've done enough and it's a good reminder of the things I learned while I was in bed. I'm still having to focus on what's important because I don't have much to give. My laundry is behind and my floors are disgusting but someday that won't matter. If I choose to fill my children's hearts with eternal things I won't regret it. If I choose to focus on what's not done around here, I could get back in the habit of daily trying to get everything done except what's really important.
This picture has nothing to do with it but I thought it was cute!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Slow Recovery
I wish I could say that I am fully content with my weaknesses but God is sure working on me this week. I've been stuck in bed. I had a new kind of cervical cerclage put in last Friday and the procedure is supposed to hold better but is a little more intense. I cooked meals ahead and froze them, cleaned everything in sight, did all the laundry, and planned out everyone's jobs and duties. I thought, "It'll be ok. I've done this 6 other times before." Well, the company that was supposed to have come and gone showed up the day I got home from the hospital and I thought okay, I've got frozen meals. My husband's work forced him back earlier then expected, my house fell apart, my pride was gone, and for 3 days I felt like I was in labor and was sure I was going to miscarry.
"And he has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness," Most glady, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
As I lay there I thought, I have got to go to the hospital and get checked out but I couldn't imagine even walking to the car because I could barely make it to the bathroom. I wanted peace. I wanted this doctor to tell me that my baby was ok.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:7
I began to pray, "God you can give me peace. I'm helpless and scared and I need your peace". The next thing I knew it was the morning. Peace had come in like a river and I slept through the night!!!! The next day my bleeding stopped. I have still had tremendous pain and contractions but the doctor continues to say, "If you're not bleeding I'm not concerned". God has shown both my husband and I that this baby is His will. He has a beautiful plan for our lives that we never thought we wanted and definitely don't deserve. God has shown us so clearly that He wants us to trust Him with everything. Our home, our finances, our every decision, our marriage, and yes, how many children He wants us to have. He's done such a work in our hearts this past week I'm overwhelmed. I've got a burden for the things of the Lord in my family so heavy while I lay in these 4 walls and all I've been able to do is pray. (Like that's not enough, huh) Without the focus of cooking, and laundry, and cleaning, and schooling, and all those things I'm too weak to do, I've learned to pray for my family like I never have before. For Christ's sake, when I'm weak, He is strongest in my life.
When people ask me "How do you do it with that many kids?" my answer has always been that God gives me what I need as I need it. My response used to mean that he gives me the strength and wisdom to take on more but how wrong I was. I can't do this. I am so weak and so fleshly. God has given me everything I need this week from amazing children who rise up and run the house to beautiful women of God, who have gone before me on this road, to care for my children and take care of the physical needs I can't meet right now.
For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:5-8
I truly desire to please the Lord and bring glory to Him as a wife and a mom. Nothing else really matters and I praise God for showing me so clearly this week and allowing this precious life inside of me to thrive through all of the trauma. I got a visit from my midwife yesterday and we got a good strong heartbeat. Praise the Lord. He truly is good to me.
"And he has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness," Most glady, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
As I lay there I thought, I have got to go to the hospital and get checked out but I couldn't imagine even walking to the car because I could barely make it to the bathroom. I wanted peace. I wanted this doctor to tell me that my baby was ok.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:7
I began to pray, "God you can give me peace. I'm helpless and scared and I need your peace". The next thing I knew it was the morning. Peace had come in like a river and I slept through the night!!!! The next day my bleeding stopped. I have still had tremendous pain and contractions but the doctor continues to say, "If you're not bleeding I'm not concerned". God has shown both my husband and I that this baby is His will. He has a beautiful plan for our lives that we never thought we wanted and definitely don't deserve. God has shown us so clearly that He wants us to trust Him with everything. Our home, our finances, our every decision, our marriage, and yes, how many children He wants us to have. He's done such a work in our hearts this past week I'm overwhelmed. I've got a burden for the things of the Lord in my family so heavy while I lay in these 4 walls and all I've been able to do is pray. (Like that's not enough, huh) Without the focus of cooking, and laundry, and cleaning, and schooling, and all those things I'm too weak to do, I've learned to pray for my family like I never have before. For Christ's sake, when I'm weak, He is strongest in my life.
When people ask me "How do you do it with that many kids?" my answer has always been that God gives me what I need as I need it. My response used to mean that he gives me the strength and wisdom to take on more but how wrong I was. I can't do this. I am so weak and so fleshly. God has given me everything I need this week from amazing children who rise up and run the house to beautiful women of God, who have gone before me on this road, to care for my children and take care of the physical needs I can't meet right now.
For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:5-8
I truly desire to please the Lord and bring glory to Him as a wife and a mom. Nothing else really matters and I praise God for showing me so clearly this week and allowing this precious life inside of me to thrive through all of the trauma. I got a visit from my midwife yesterday and we got a good strong heartbeat. Praise the Lord. He truly is good to me.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Homesick
Lately I've been finding so much comfort in God's holy word. I had a friend who often prayed this would happen for me. When she died I wasn't sure if I would survive because I regularly found comfort talking to her. I couldn't imagine my life without her. Her voice still plays in my head sometimes. "Don't even think those thoughts Season." "Remember to be his cheerleader." "Never correct someone who is trying to help you." She taught me to be a better a wife, a better mom, a better friend, a better cook, and a better sewer (I know that should say seamstress but I'm hardly that so I'm calling it a sewer). I was just better because of her but most of all, she taught me to fully rely on my God for everything. To diligently seek Him in His word so I would be lacking nothing I needed for this life.
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:2-3
There were so many times I can think of where I would turn to her in sorrow and she would immediately open her bible and turn me to Him. One time in particular really sticks out to me. I had reached the "Depths of despair" as Anne of Green Gables calls it, and lied on her couch hopeless. What a sight I'm sure. She sat in the chair next to me and nursed me back to health with scripture for hours! What devotion. I want to be at least half that kind of friend. I want to point everyone I come in contact with to my heavenly Father who heals the deepest of wounds. Who loves unconditionally without fail every time all the time.
When she lay in that hospital bed and they gave her a 5 percent chance of survival I told everyone there that God was going to heal her. I was absolutely sure of it because I knew that she would bring Him so much glory because of it. I knew she would tell everyone how God did what they thought impossible. I knew that He needed her here (As if He needs anything) to continue to glorify Him. I knew that He knew her family needed her and I needed her.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
God knew what would bring Him the most glory. I left the hospital with her daughter that evening planning to go home and freshen up and go right back. She was gone by the time we got home. Never had I felt a blow like this one. This wound was deep and I was sure it would never heal and that I would not survive.
Her funeral had over 700 people attend. She wasn't famous my most peoples standards but she touched peoples lives for the Lord. Everyone she met was touched somehow and this turnout was the result. As I sat in this room full with that many people I felt so alone. I was angry at God. I didn't understand. As the funeral went on and they spoke of her life I began to feel comfort. God's loving arms wrapped around me like I had never felt before. I realized what drew me to her was Him. He shined so brightly in her. I realized that every time I was comforted by her I was actually comforted by Him. The joy in her was His joy. The love in her was His love. He was still there. He was holding her and me at the same time. When all those hands went up to accept the Lord at her funeral I got a small glimpse of what God was doing. Other people were realizing just like me there deep need for Him. She would have gladly given her life knowing that. God did so many amazing things in so many lives that I could see. I can't imagine what He did that I didn't see.
She'd be so happy to know that I'm learning to seek Him for everything. That I'm falling in love with His word. It brings me great comfort and joy that I get to tell her someday.
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:2-3
There were so many times I can think of where I would turn to her in sorrow and she would immediately open her bible and turn me to Him. One time in particular really sticks out to me. I had reached the "Depths of despair" as Anne of Green Gables calls it, and lied on her couch hopeless. What a sight I'm sure. She sat in the chair next to me and nursed me back to health with scripture for hours! What devotion. I want to be at least half that kind of friend. I want to point everyone I come in contact with to my heavenly Father who heals the deepest of wounds. Who loves unconditionally without fail every time all the time.
When she lay in that hospital bed and they gave her a 5 percent chance of survival I told everyone there that God was going to heal her. I was absolutely sure of it because I knew that she would bring Him so much glory because of it. I knew she would tell everyone how God did what they thought impossible. I knew that He needed her here (As if He needs anything) to continue to glorify Him. I knew that He knew her family needed her and I needed her.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
God knew what would bring Him the most glory. I left the hospital with her daughter that evening planning to go home and freshen up and go right back. She was gone by the time we got home. Never had I felt a blow like this one. This wound was deep and I was sure it would never heal and that I would not survive.
Her funeral had over 700 people attend. She wasn't famous my most peoples standards but she touched peoples lives for the Lord. Everyone she met was touched somehow and this turnout was the result. As I sat in this room full with that many people I felt so alone. I was angry at God. I didn't understand. As the funeral went on and they spoke of her life I began to feel comfort. God's loving arms wrapped around me like I had never felt before. I realized what drew me to her was Him. He shined so brightly in her. I realized that every time I was comforted by her I was actually comforted by Him. The joy in her was His joy. The love in her was His love. He was still there. He was holding her and me at the same time. When all those hands went up to accept the Lord at her funeral I got a small glimpse of what God was doing. Other people were realizing just like me there deep need for Him. She would have gladly given her life knowing that. God did so many amazing things in so many lives that I could see. I can't imagine what He did that I didn't see.
She'd be so happy to know that I'm learning to seek Him for everything. That I'm falling in love with His word. It brings me great comfort and joy that I get to tell her someday.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Growing Weary and Pressing On
For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, that, just as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Oh, does this encourage me today. I've been feeling very defeated these past couple of days. Ever since I started this blog and a bible study at my house it seems as if everything else is falling apart around me. It's been a good reminder to me of how often I struggle with my flesh still. I'm going on ten years since I gave my life to Christ and there's still so much house cleaning to do. Let's just get it out in the open right now. Just because I have seven children does not mean I have it all together. On the contrary. I am daily overwhelmed and blown away by how much God has chosen to bless me but this verse sums it up. He's chosen me, as weak, foolish, and unwise as I am.
Lately I've been falling in love my bible more and more. I'm realizing how much I need to be filling up with spiritual food so that my flesh doesn't take over.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16
Another thing I'm learning to do is take it to Jesus.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light"
Matthew 11:28-30
Praise the Lord I don't have to do these things on my own. I sure have been feeling weary lately and it's because I can't do it all on my own. When I try, I burn out. I appreciate the encouraging comments and am blessed to know that others are being blessed. So, I'm going to press on with this journey to love my family more and more, and hopefully point to Christ in the process.
Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Oh, does this encourage me today. I've been feeling very defeated these past couple of days. Ever since I started this blog and a bible study at my house it seems as if everything else is falling apart around me. It's been a good reminder to me of how often I struggle with my flesh still. I'm going on ten years since I gave my life to Christ and there's still so much house cleaning to do. Let's just get it out in the open right now. Just because I have seven children does not mean I have it all together. On the contrary. I am daily overwhelmed and blown away by how much God has chosen to bless me but this verse sums it up. He's chosen me, as weak, foolish, and unwise as I am.
Lately I've been falling in love my bible more and more. I'm realizing how much I need to be filling up with spiritual food so that my flesh doesn't take over.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16
Another thing I'm learning to do is take it to Jesus.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light"
Matthew 11:28-30
Praise the Lord I don't have to do these things on my own. I sure have been feeling weary lately and it's because I can't do it all on my own. When I try, I burn out. I appreciate the encouraging comments and am blessed to know that others are being blessed. So, I'm going to press on with this journey to love my family more and more, and hopefully point to Christ in the process.
Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
Monday, March 8, 2010
Why I Created a Blog
If you know me I know you're thinking, "How in the world does she have time for a blog"? I've thought about this myself. I don't even have time to read blogs unless I'm really searching for something but God is doing some awesome things in my life and my family and I need to get it out of my system. Sharing everything that excites me would be too much for one person and I want to capture the things that God is doing so we'll never forget and maybe will bless others in the process.
I chose this name because 1. The obvious one, my name is Season. 2. "For everything there is a season and a time for every activity under heaven", Ecclesiates 3:1.
It's been on my heart to do this for awhile but never felt I had anything to share that would be any benefit to anyone. There is nothing good in me or about me except the Lord in me but I'm learning the more I surrender myself to Him the more He can shine in me.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments;" Psalm 111:10
If I get nothing across except that, that's good enough. I hoping that you'll see Him and want more of Him. Period.
I have no idea what I'm doing so if anyone wants to give me some "Blogging for dummies" tips I would love it!
I chose this name because 1. The obvious one, my name is Season. 2. "For everything there is a season and a time for every activity under heaven", Ecclesiates 3:1.
It's been on my heart to do this for awhile but never felt I had anything to share that would be any benefit to anyone. There is nothing good in me or about me except the Lord in me but I'm learning the more I surrender myself to Him the more He can shine in me.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments;" Psalm 111:10
If I get nothing across except that, that's good enough. I hoping that you'll see Him and want more of Him. Period.
I have no idea what I'm doing so if anyone wants to give me some "Blogging for dummies" tips I would love it!
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