Sunday, February 27, 2011

Come into my heart...

This blog post is soley for Emma.  My mama heart is overflowing for her tonight.  She has been tormented with dreams about fires, so every night we go through the routine of what will happen if we have a fire. 

Well... tonight we were talking about it and I said that Jesus lives in her and will keep her safe, that she doesn't need to be afraid. And she looked at me with big blue, serious eyes and said, "but mommy, Jesus doesn't live in me." SO....  of course I asked her if she wanted him to live in her heart, and as she snuggled on my lap, daddy prayed with her, and she repeated after him.  And now... Jesus lives in her heart.  When we were done, she gave me a big hug and said "mama, I can feel his bones growing in me!" 

Amen sista!  I say let his bones grow and let him take root in you in a mighty way.  You are such a child of his, and the miracle he did in your life is just a sign of mighty things to come for you.  His hand has been upon you since you were born, and I rejoice that tonight he lives in your heart. 

We picked a life verse for each of the kids when they were born.  Emmas was "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."  This continues to be our prayer for her.  That she would delight herself in Him.  And tonight this verse has new significance to me.  If she finds delight in him, then the desires of her heart, with be His desires.  (because he lives there!)  How true that is for each of us!  May Emma's opening ofh er heart to jesus be only the start of her finding delight in Him, and in his desires being lived out in her life. 

Friday, February 25, 2011

Diamond Trees

The LORD their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock.

They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.

Zechariah 9:16


I was just in awe at the beauty of the trees this week.  From gloomy, drizzly, dangerous ice storm, transforms beautiful sparkling trees.  As I drove to and fro, I couldn't help but notice them.  I decided to call them diamond trees.  With the sun glistening, it looked like the harvest of diamonds was ripe and you could just reach up and pluck one from the trees. 

Each day I pray for God to show me glimpses of himself.  As I watched the beauty of this nature, I couldn't help but feel like that glowing from the trees was the pure presence of God.  I don't believe we can ever truly "get" how beautiful he is.  That his Glory will be so magnificant that we can't imagine it.  Shekinah Glory!  That's what I thought of and saw in scattered bits and pieces all over the trees. 

 








A camera can't really capture the beauty of it, but I tried:-)  Today, as you do your day to day routine, take time to look for God's glory.  Where is he revealing himself to you if you just slow down and watch for him! 



It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
 
Revelation 21:11

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

I understand...

The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
   and his understanding no one can fathom.

Isaiah 40:28

Tonight I'm finding reassurance in this verse that God laid on my heart.  Even when we're running hard and losing steam, God is still strong.  He is our creator. 

What really sticks out to me tonight though is that HIS understanding, no one can fathom.  WOW...  just let that sink in for a bit.  He understands us so completely.  Better than we understand ourselves.  He doesn't make excuses for us, he doesn't get tired of us being lame and winey, he doesn't give up on us (REALLY - like never.... he's always calling out to one!)  Yes he created me, but to think that even when I am at my wits end with frustration, he understands me.  My frustration, my attitude, my pride, my choices, my decision, each word I say.  He gets it.  He gets why sometimes I mess up and say the wrong thing, or let emotions take control.  He understands in such a real, raw way. 

I am chuckling that I'm writing this, but I feel like I don't even being to understand how he understands us.  (Read that 10 times fast:-)  Can't help but think that this understanding is entwined with how he loves us. 

I can think of so many times in my life when I was so nervous about something and just hearing the words "I understand" seemed like such a relief.  Somehow, knowing that my heavenly father "understands", like REALLY, REALLY understands, seems to carry a certain significance with it.  Why did I look for the approval of man, and not think first of my God??? 



I'm a "look me in the eye" kind of girl.  I always make my kids look someone in the eye when they are talking with them.  It's just something that I think communicates so well and I see so many people not willing to do it.  Tonight I envision Jesus giving me that kind, gentle, yet deep meaningful look in the eye that says... "It's ok Jen.  I totally understand and I have you covered.  My love for you is so far beyond your understanding that I understand.  I want your joy and your praise and your rejoicing.  Listen for me and surrender."