Romans 8:37-39, "Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
This passage took on new meaning for me this week as I dealt with my teens. I realized that no matter how they mess up, while I am definitely concerned about their well being, it doesn't affect my deep and desperate love for them. If as an imperfect person, I feel that depth of unconditional love for my children, I cannot even begin to comprehend how God loves me.
No matter what. I am awed.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sucker punched
Ever been sucker punched? I remember my brother nailing me a time or two. I would suddenly find myself bent over, grabbing my stomach, unable to catch my breath. Gradually I'd stop seeing spots and resume my normal breathing.
Sometimes with teenagers, it feels like getting sucker punched. Out of nowhere, a tough and nasty situation arises. Once you can breathe again, you deal with it. And life moves on.
It's in those first few minutes of shock that you have to avoid reacting. Even after the situation is handled, only time will show you if it's been handled correctly or not.
The teenage stuff is tough tonight. Pray for us.
Sometimes with teenagers, it feels like getting sucker punched. Out of nowhere, a tough and nasty situation arises. Once you can breathe again, you deal with it. And life moves on.
It's in those first few minutes of shock that you have to avoid reacting. Even after the situation is handled, only time will show you if it's been handled correctly or not.
The teenage stuff is tough tonight. Pray for us.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Monday Moring Update 5.24.10
My thoughts are a little more random than usual tonight. I feel scattered and blown in hundreds of different directions. I'm not even really sure where to go with this week's update.
I loved having my mother-in-law in town this weekend. I appreciated her making the sacrifice to take off work to come out and babysit Friday night. This morning, it was so nice to be able to leave the little girls home for her to get ready and bring later. We only had James with us, Grace staying home sick.
It was a week of late starts and unexpected glitches, but it was also a packed house, a great sermon, and beautiful worship. Shawn talked about Christ's second coming, and his primary point was that we have no real idea when Jesus is coming back. We need to live like it is today. Why put off living life to its fullest when we could be doing it right now? It reminded me yet again of leaving a chore list with my children. Instead of rushing to finish my business, they put it off, thinking they will have time to do it right before I get home. Typically they are about half way finished when I return. I am so like that with God. I know things that I need to do for the kingdom, but allow myself to continually get distracted.
I was excited that couples who arrived late had to sit up in the coffee bar because we ran out of chairs, except for the front row. It is great to need to set up more chairs next week! I love seeing families coming and bringing their friends and getting plugged in to The Crossroads.
It was a good Sunday. I am reluctant to face tomorrow back at work. I elected to enjoy my anniversary weekend to the fullest, and so did not prep well for this week at school. I will be scrambling in the morning. I just have 8 days left with this crew of first graders. They have come such a long way from where they started. It's cool to see their progress.
I loved having my mother-in-law in town this weekend. I appreciated her making the sacrifice to take off work to come out and babysit Friday night. This morning, it was so nice to be able to leave the little girls home for her to get ready and bring later. We only had James with us, Grace staying home sick.
It was a week of late starts and unexpected glitches, but it was also a packed house, a great sermon, and beautiful worship. Shawn talked about Christ's second coming, and his primary point was that we have no real idea when Jesus is coming back. We need to live like it is today. Why put off living life to its fullest when we could be doing it right now? It reminded me yet again of leaving a chore list with my children. Instead of rushing to finish my business, they put it off, thinking they will have time to do it right before I get home. Typically they are about half way finished when I return. I am so like that with God. I know things that I need to do for the kingdom, but allow myself to continually get distracted.
I was excited that couples who arrived late had to sit up in the coffee bar because we ran out of chairs, except for the front row. It is great to need to set up more chairs next week! I love seeing families coming and bringing their friends and getting plugged in to The Crossroads.
It was a good Sunday. I am reluctant to face tomorrow back at work. I elected to enjoy my anniversary weekend to the fullest, and so did not prep well for this week at school. I will be scrambling in the morning. I just have 8 days left with this crew of first graders. They have come such a long way from where they started. It's cool to see their progress.
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