Yesterday was our wedding anniversary.... 13 years of wedded bliss :) John and I snuck away for a celebratory lunch, and while we ate we talked about what was our best year and worst year so far... Funny for BOTH of us, there was just one year.
The 11th year of our marriage was grueling. We saw more trials and tribulations in that year than most couples face in a lifetime. It was full of the hardest things we had ever faced, many of which I never EVER thought WE would endure. I wouldn't repeat that year for all the money in the world. It was definitely our worst year yet. Funny thing though, as we tried to search for our best year, that one kept popping up too, and finally we decided that the 11th year of our marriage was our best yet too. See we MADE IT THROUGH more trials and tribulations in that year than most couples face in a lifetime. We TRIUMPHED OVER the hardest things we had ever faced. I wouldn't repeat that year for all the money in the world, but it was DEFINITELY our best year yet.
Trials are like that you know. They are awful and gut-wrenching and PAINFUL! But they show us God's love and they reveal the stuff we're made of and they are like a Girl Scout badge proving we can get through ______________ as long as we have God on our side.
It's kinda like my wrinkles and gray hair. I'm not thrilled with them. They reveal my age and lessen my chances of ever getting carded again, BUT they are badges showing I have weathered many years (and tears). They are my worst thing and my best thing at the same time.
Whatever trials you are facing today, no matter how dark and desolate, HANG ON and KNOW--- KNOW DEEP IN YOUR BONES -- that one day you will look back and be encouraged, and be proud, and be thankful that together you and God got through this.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Contentment
[btw... I am full well aware of the fact that the White Elephant in the room is, "Where the heck have you been, Jami?" Suffice it to say I am running a wedding marathon like none other, and I hardly have time to do ANYTHING that is not wedding or work-related right now. Besides Noah's, Jeremiah's, Elijah's and Hannah's, there are likely only three other weddings in the WORLD that will have my heart so completely and TWO of them are happening within the next five weeks! I am WIPED and completely inundated with flower girl dresses, bridal showers, spa dates, tie finding, bachelorette dinners, tux fittings, shoe searching, and wedding gift ordering... I'm so busy I hardly have the time to just ENJOY the festivities... so sorry for not blogging, but I hope you'll understand.]
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:11
Today as I was taking my morning walk, I was praying. I fell into my long-ago learned default mode of ACTS: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving Supplication. During the confession portion of my prayer, some serious conviction hit me. I have been struggling with jealousy lately and with just being content with what I have. I am struck SO hard with jealousy EVERY SINGLE time I pass a Chevy Traverse (or actually any other SUV crossover which appears to have third row seating) on the road. I LONG for a new vehicle. One that has 4-wheel drive... One that has brakelights which don't need to be replaced once per month... One that has air conditioning that works, or even just a driver's side window that rolls down so I don't DIE of heat exhaustion in the summer... and one that has the inside of the driver's side door so I can't see the ground rushing by as I drive and feel the cold air pouring in during the winter....
I'm also struck with jealousy on behalf of my hubby.... He's driving a 1990 Buick LeSabre... We will be FOREVER grateful for the dear gift we were given in this FREE car; however, I am continually terrified that it will breathe its last breath leaving us with only one vehicle again... and he is, I'm sure, sick of driving with a broken front seat, missing headlight doo-hicky, driver's side window that doesn't roll down and brakes that have to be replaced every nine months because the suspension is shot. I typically feel VERY justified in desiring new vehicles. I'm not just wanting something new and shiny. The vehicles we currently possess are OLD as dirt with SEVERAL cosmetic and even some operational flaws.
However, this morning as I confessed my sin, I felt nothing but CONVICTED. God has given me SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much! He has practically handed me the EXACT life I asked Him for on a shiny silver platter. All I ever, ever, EVER wanted was to be a mom and wife. I have that, and it is so much more perfect FOR ME than I could have ever imagined.
The boy, boy, boy, girl design of my family is IDEAL for me. The fact that I get to be the one teaching my children EVERYTHING that I hold most dear: Bible, Grammar, History, manners, good study habits, proper fitness practices is DREAMY.
Even the fact that I'm no longer crammed into a tiny side-by-side with a postage stamp lawn but am instead on 2 acres in a HUGE house with a dog and a cat and an AMAZING, quiet, country setting.
I have a hard-working husband who's willing to work himself to exhaustion for this family. I have a HEALTHY body that while it may be ridiculously HUGE right now (sorry NOT showing photos of that image... NOPES) still has NO chronic or fatal ailments or even major issues.
I have family that is loving and supportive. I have not one BUT TWO work-at-home jobs that allow me to homeschool and BE HERE for my children.
I have the most gentle dog ever created and the best mouse-catcher cat in the world. I have a mother who treasures me and sisters who just "get" me and friends that are a tonic to anything that ails me.
I have these GORGEOUS step-daughters (no seriously GORGEOUS have you seen them lately???) who somehow became women seemingly overnight. I have EXACTLY what I asked God for and sooooooooo much more! It's not His fault I forgot to include schnazzy cars and a fat bank account in my initial fantasies.
So this morning instead of feeling justified for wanting newer less beat up vehicles I felt nothing but conviction washing over me. I have what is really important. And my fears that the cars will stop working are silly. While my God may not care if I have a/c or a shiny paint job, He sure does care that I have transportation that will get my family to and from work, family events, et al... so I need not worry... and I should not be jealous...
I guess I'm a little slow on the uptake... but I too am learning the secret of being "content whatever the circumstances..." Hope you are too!
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:11
Today as I was taking my morning walk, I was praying. I fell into my long-ago learned default mode of ACTS: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving Supplication. During the confession portion of my prayer, some serious conviction hit me. I have been struggling with jealousy lately and with just being content with what I have. I am struck SO hard with jealousy EVERY SINGLE time I pass a Chevy Traverse (or actually any other SUV crossover which appears to have third row seating) on the road. I LONG for a new vehicle. One that has 4-wheel drive... One that has brakelights which don't need to be replaced once per month... One that has air conditioning that works, or even just a driver's side window that rolls down so I don't DIE of heat exhaustion in the summer... and one that has the inside of the driver's side door so I can't see the ground rushing by as I drive and feel the cold air pouring in during the winter....
I'm also struck with jealousy on behalf of my hubby.... He's driving a 1990 Buick LeSabre... We will be FOREVER grateful for the dear gift we were given in this FREE car; however, I am continually terrified that it will breathe its last breath leaving us with only one vehicle again... and he is, I'm sure, sick of driving with a broken front seat, missing headlight doo-hicky, driver's side window that doesn't roll down and brakes that have to be replaced every nine months because the suspension is shot. I typically feel VERY justified in desiring new vehicles. I'm not just wanting something new and shiny. The vehicles we currently possess are OLD as dirt with SEVERAL cosmetic and even some operational flaws.
However, this morning as I confessed my sin, I felt nothing but CONVICTED. God has given me SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much! He has practically handed me the EXACT life I asked Him for on a shiny silver platter. All I ever, ever, EVER wanted was to be a mom and wife. I have that, and it is so much more perfect FOR ME than I could have ever imagined.
The boy, boy, boy, girl design of my family is IDEAL for me. The fact that I get to be the one teaching my children EVERYTHING that I hold most dear: Bible, Grammar, History, manners, good study habits, proper fitness practices is DREAMY.
Even the fact that I'm no longer crammed into a tiny side-by-side with a postage stamp lawn but am instead on 2 acres in a HUGE house with a dog and a cat and an AMAZING, quiet, country setting.
I have a hard-working husband who's willing to work himself to exhaustion for this family. I have a HEALTHY body that while it may be ridiculously HUGE right now (sorry NOT showing photos of that image... NOPES) still has NO chronic or fatal ailments or even major issues.
I have family that is loving and supportive. I have not one BUT TWO work-at-home jobs that allow me to homeschool and BE HERE for my children.
I have the most gentle dog ever created and the best mouse-catcher cat in the world. I have a mother who treasures me and sisters who just "get" me and friends that are a tonic to anything that ails me.
I have these GORGEOUS step-daughters (no seriously GORGEOUS have you seen them lately???) who somehow became women seemingly overnight. I have EXACTLY what I asked God for and sooooooooo much more! It's not His fault I forgot to include schnazzy cars and a fat bank account in my initial fantasies.
So this morning instead of feeling justified for wanting newer less beat up vehicles I felt nothing but conviction washing over me. I have what is really important. And my fears that the cars will stop working are silly. While my God may not care if I have a/c or a shiny paint job, He sure does care that I have transportation that will get my family to and from work, family events, et al... so I need not worry... and I should not be jealous...
I guess I'm a little slow on the uptake... but I too am learning the secret of being "content whatever the circumstances..." Hope you are too!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Someone else's blog...
Not sure I've ever done this before, but this blog REALLY ministered to me... How I hope some day I too will minister to others "from the grave"...
Friday, April 22, 2011
70x7 STINKS!
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Matthew 18:21-22
Are there ever portions of scripture that just "stick in your craw"??? There are for me... and THIS is one of them!
490 figurative times??? are you KIDDING me God? Forgiveness is painful. Forgiveness is HARD. And sometimes to be honest I just get stinking tired of forgiving people for the same old EXACT selfish, rude, cruel thing!
But I forgave YOU.
This blog isn't going to be long... it isn't going to be eloquent... it's going to be short, sweet and TO THE POINT.
If you ever get to the point where you are sick of forgiving.... If you ever want to snip 70x7 right out of your Bible.... If you're ever moping around in the injustice of forgiving some sinful, self-centered human being again and again and AGAIN...
STOP!
and remember: God forgave YOU. Jesus hung on that cross for YOU. His precious, holy blood was spilled for YOU. And when turned back around towards YOU that 70x7 thing ain't so bad anymore... is it?
Here's hoping that visions of the brutal, somber, excruciating cross bring a smile of hope to your face today... because all that pain was suffered for YOU and because in just three days...
:)
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Matthew 18:21-22
Are there ever portions of scripture that just "stick in your craw"??? There are for me... and THIS is one of them!
490 figurative times??? are you KIDDING me God? Forgiveness is painful. Forgiveness is HARD. And sometimes to be honest I just get stinking tired of forgiving people for the same old EXACT selfish, rude, cruel thing!
But I forgave YOU.
This blog isn't going to be long... it isn't going to be eloquent... it's going to be short, sweet and TO THE POINT.
If you ever get to the point where you are sick of forgiving.... If you ever want to snip 70x7 right out of your Bible.... If you're ever moping around in the injustice of forgiving some sinful, self-centered human being again and again and AGAIN...
STOP!
and remember: God forgave YOU. Jesus hung on that cross for YOU. His precious, holy blood was spilled for YOU. And when turned back around towards YOU that 70x7 thing ain't so bad anymore... is it?
Here's hoping that visions of the brutal, somber, excruciating cross bring a smile of hope to your face today... because all that pain was suffered for YOU and because in just three days...
:)
Friday, April 8, 2011
The end of the world....
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:22-23
Doesn't it feel like the end of the world???? Earthquakes, tsunamis, nuclear threates, war in the Middle East, heinous crimes, sickness, betrayal, filthy-rotten-evil SIN everywhere you look! I sure feel like it is the end of the world. I feel Satan fighting hard in his death throes. He knows his time is short.
But then I wonder... is his time really short? I mean this sure FEELS like it is the end of the world. All the signs and wonders mentioned in Revelation seem to be all around us. However, I can't help but think that every generation has felt the same way....
When Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed...
When the extent of Hitler's evil became known...
During the Cold War...
In all of these times I'm sure people thought, "This is it. This is the end of the world." Looking back, I'm sure we could say, "DUH! That was SO not the end of the world." But I have to wonder if future generations might not look back on 2011 and say the same thing.
So what do we do???? Caught here in what very well might be the last days... yet possibly still here for the duration...
1. PRAY!!!! I can't help but think that the #1 TOP OF THE LIST solution is PRAYER. Whether you're praying for comfort because you're frightened of the times we live in... or you're praying for help and healing for all those suffering in Japan, Libya, Israel, or our own homes... or you're praying for wisdom and guidance.... or you're praying for the strength to make it through these end times... or ALL OF THE ABOVE... it just doesn't matter... just PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!
Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. Psalm 55:17
2. Draw closer to God. Read your Bible. Listen to worship music. Go to church. Join a small group. and PRAY! Do anything and everything to draw near to God. Don't waste your time watching the news. Don't fret over the radiation levels in Japan. Don't dwell on the bombs dropping in Libya. Be aware of what's going on but don't DWELL on it. DWELL on things of God.
Come near to God and He will come near to you.... James 4:8a
3. Be ready. In spite of all I said here... whether it's today or some tomorrow in the future... you need to BE READY to meet your maker! Don't think, "See Jami even admitted this might not be it. So I can just wait a little longer." DON'T DO IT! BE READY.... TODAY! I've blogged about it before... I won't waste your time again... but I am going to cite one verse on this topic... and bump one of my FAVORITE songs to the top of my playlist... just BE READY.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10
Because whether today or tomorrow... He IS coming back to take His own. I, for one, CAN'T WAIT! Dancing on streets of gold... Praising at the feet of JESUS HIMSELF... no more sickness... no more pain... no more tears... reunions with those who've gone before... bodies made whole... OHMIGOSH! I'm getting gooseflesh just typing about it! HOME! I can't wait to go HOME!
Hang on everyone! This COULD be the end of it all.... or it could be just another event in world history that we all thought was IT. Doesn't really matter which it is... our response should be the same: pray, draw near to God and BE READY!
Have a GREAT day!
Doesn't it feel like the end of the world???? Earthquakes, tsunamis, nuclear threates, war in the Middle East, heinous crimes, sickness, betrayal, filthy-rotten-evil SIN everywhere you look! I sure feel like it is the end of the world. I feel Satan fighting hard in his death throes. He knows his time is short.
But then I wonder... is his time really short? I mean this sure FEELS like it is the end of the world. All the signs and wonders mentioned in Revelation seem to be all around us. However, I can't help but think that every generation has felt the same way....
When Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed...
When the extent of Hitler's evil became known...
During the Cold War...
In all of these times I'm sure people thought, "This is it. This is the end of the world." Looking back, I'm sure we could say, "DUH! That was SO not the end of the world." But I have to wonder if future generations might not look back on 2011 and say the same thing.
So what do we do???? Caught here in what very well might be the last days... yet possibly still here for the duration...
1. PRAY!!!! I can't help but think that the #1 TOP OF THE LIST solution is PRAYER. Whether you're praying for comfort because you're frightened of the times we live in... or you're praying for help and healing for all those suffering in Japan, Libya, Israel, or our own homes... or you're praying for wisdom and guidance.... or you're praying for the strength to make it through these end times... or ALL OF THE ABOVE... it just doesn't matter... just PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!
Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. Psalm 55:17
2. Draw closer to God. Read your Bible. Listen to worship music. Go to church. Join a small group. and PRAY! Do anything and everything to draw near to God. Don't waste your time watching the news. Don't fret over the radiation levels in Japan. Don't dwell on the bombs dropping in Libya. Be aware of what's going on but don't DWELL on it. DWELL on things of God.
Come near to God and He will come near to you.... James 4:8a
3. Be ready. In spite of all I said here... whether it's today or some tomorrow in the future... you need to BE READY to meet your maker! Don't think, "See Jami even admitted this might not be it. So I can just wait a little longer." DON'T DO IT! BE READY.... TODAY! I've blogged about it before... I won't waste your time again... but I am going to cite one verse on this topic... and bump one of my FAVORITE songs to the top of my playlist... just BE READY.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10
Because whether today or tomorrow... He IS coming back to take His own. I, for one, CAN'T WAIT! Dancing on streets of gold... Praising at the feet of JESUS HIMSELF... no more sickness... no more pain... no more tears... reunions with those who've gone before... bodies made whole... OHMIGOSH! I'm getting gooseflesh just typing about it! HOME! I can't wait to go HOME!
Hang on everyone! This COULD be the end of it all.... or it could be just another event in world history that we all thought was IT. Doesn't really matter which it is... our response should be the same: pray, draw near to God and BE READY!
Have a GREAT day!
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