Thoughtful Thursday

Last week was one of those "I'm so busy this week, I can't even think" type week.  So I didn't get to write up or publish my thoughts from BSF.

However, I think it is a good thing.  Because last week I had a much needed break, in more ways than one.

Let me explain...

Every so often they ask each class if they are willing to help with the children's program.  I, of course, was interested to see what the girls were doing while I was in discussion.  So secretly I hoped that I would get assigned to one of their rooms.

Lucky me, I got to be with the infants.  Two other ladies from my group and the two teachers were there.  Counting Evie, we each had a baby to ourselves.  

While I did play with more babies than just Evie, it was still so much fun to play with her one on one.  She listened to the story they told (with big pictures of the scene they were describing) and then shook maracas to Jesus Loves Me.  

The whole time her little face was lit up with excitement.  

In those moments, I was able to relax and enjoy myself.  No worries, about all the things I needed to do...just me, my baby, and my God.  

Probably one of the best moments of my life.  

To top it off, I got to enjoy fellowship with four other wonderful ladies.  How rewarding to share our experiences as moms and Christians.  We talked about silly things, work, sadness, and triumph.  I know I have made some great friends for the future.

The morning culminated with rocking Evie to sleep and just holding her while she napped.  What a joy!  

That day reminded me of so much I had forgotten in my rush to get my work done:

to enjoy my kids, because it goes much to quickly,

to set aside time for just me, them, and God, 

because our relationship with God is what really matters and I am so grateful to Him for everything,

but especially for my miracle babies!

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!- Psalm 107:1

Mom Monday

I was evangelized this weekend.

Don't know what I mean? The dictionary gives two great definitions:

1. Convert or seek to convert (someone) to Christianity.
2. Preach the Christian gospel.

I bet you are wondering what happened.  I mean, my faith hasn't been hidden on this blog, so who on earth would try to convert me or preach at me?  Plus why is this on Mom Monday?

I'll explain.

When we came home from church yesterday I started on lunch.  While I was getting drinks for everyone, Elizabeth turned around in her chair and started talking to me from the dining room.

"Mommy, I want to tell you the truth."

Oh no, I thought.  She's destroyed something. 

Ack!  I just got out a bunch of Christmas boxes...she's been into them...it's probably my Jim Shore angel. 

Oh no no no...please not my angel.

"You see mommy, the word is the truth and it comes from God.  When the star came, a little baby was born named Jesus and he's God."

"Wait...what?!?"

"Mommy, I just want to tell you the truth...about Jesus the baby."

My head stops reeling and I finally grasped that my little girl is starting to understand our basic theology at THREE! 

"Aw, thank you baby.  You know that is why we celebrate Christmas...it's baby Jesus' birthday"

"I know."

Of course you do, my little theologian.

From a super proud mommy:  Good Job, Elizabeth!

Thoughtful Thursday

I've joined a local BSF group, and I'm learning so much about my God and faith.  I thought I would share a few nuggets of wisdom that I receive each week.  Not the whole thing, mind you, just something that struck me as a wonderful thought or truth.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and hopefully I will represent the organization well.  Here goes:

This week might be very applicable to a lot of people.  I know it applies to me.

While the church universal is commanded to love, it doesn't always work that way.  Too often the church hurts the people, and it not only results in the church seeming hypocritical, but it tarnishes God's love. 

Why? 

Because we are His representatives on this earth and are called to display His love in every moment.  When we hurt people in the name of our faith, we trivialize our faith, making it something to be ridiculed and disrespected.  And truly, can you blame those that have been so hurt by the church? 

So with that in mind,

When we dedicate our lives to Jesus, we must give him our all!

Not just on Sunday and not just to people we want to love.  

Being a follower of Jesus means stepping forward and being public about your faith.

Not because you are eager to quote scripture to people or to tell them how their lives fall short of God's commands...

but because you live a lovely life!  A life filled with love for everyone.

The church truly is the demonstration of God's love, and when we love completely,

we attract people to Christ.

A post of politics...of sorts.

So if you are friends with me on facebook, you know that I am a huge fan of the evangelical writer, Rachel Held Evans.

I'm constantly reposting her blog posts and with good reason, her blog is WONDERFUL.

Upon introduction, I found her blog posts thoughtful, well written, well researched, and fair.  When I saw she had a book out, I immediately bought it (Evolving in Monkeytown).  It didn't disappoint, either.  I highly recommend it...but I digress.

About a month ago, I was reading her latest post 13 things I won't do this election season. I was amazed.  As soon as I read it, I saw so much of myself.

Especially #2, starting fights on facebook about politics.

Now I'm not so sure I've started any fights, but that hasn't stopped me from participating in the full force.  So when I read her post, I have to say, I was inspired.

I told myself this time, I would be different.

So instead of fighting, I have not clicked any links and/or read comments that I know will upset me.  I have also avoided posting links that support my political views and might cause a fight or encourage discord among my facebook friends.

I have avoided temptation, because as my mom so rightly put it, I have an overactive sense of justice that cannot leave well enough alone.

Except for a few clicks of a like on a link or two, I've been good.

No random fights,

No snarky comments,

No midnight yelling at the computer screen...

But I finally saw something I couldn't resist and instead of putting it on facebook for all to see, I thought I'll put in on my blog.  Because to be honest, I've met such a nice group of people blogging that I thought you might be polite enough to ignore my weaknesses.

So I hope you can forgive me and my one (sort of) political blog post.

Cheers!

Side note- definitely check out Rachel's blog!  It is fabulous.  I have learned so much about different religions from her Ask a...Series.