Grace in the Midst

1538. A new home for my computer (upstairs off the beaten path) 1539. Two boys giggling, laughing and quite thrilled tossing balls around 1540. Cleaning our mudroom 1541. Organizing my desk 1542. The way Avi looks at her brothers 1543. Getting a second opinion (the same) about Avonlea's eyes (infantile esotropia) - surgery would be a hard decision if there were varying opinions. 1544. The Lord's prayer 1545. A sweet email from my dad 1546. The boys in full winter gear playing in the sandbox 1547. Knowing that won't be necessary too much longer (the winter gear) 1548. A daily walk with the Creator of the universe 1549. A very unexpected compliment from someone I'm pretty insecure around (perhaps God's trying to tell me something) 1550. The fact that God communicates with His people - and that somehow, I'm one of His people :)

Those of you who know me well (ok, even just a little) know I have a tendency to beat myself up.  I often think things like, if I was a really a Christian I wouldn't have such a strong battle with sin.  I have always felt like my sin nature was beating my new nature.  But last night a good friend said something so wonderfully freeing and encouraging.  She said your battle is not against your sin nature - you don't have a sin nature.  It is against your flesh.  At first I didn't really understand the difference...even as Matt and I were driving home I still didn't get it.  I pondered it as I fell asleep and when I woke up this morning it just hit me.  Yes, I was born with a sin nature - we all are!  But the moment I accepted Christ as my Savior I was (and am) a new creation.  Where does that leave me though?  I still struggle with sin. Who cares whether we call it "a sin nature" or "flesh".  I was praying about that very thing a...

1514. Seven turkeys in our front yard - two thrilled boys. 1515. A week of incredibly rejuvenating weather and thankfulness for all seasons 1516. II Corinthians 12:9  “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”   1517. Being encouraged by the struggles and weaknesses of fellow mommies this weekend - remembering that I am not alone, parenting is challenging for all and God is glorified in our weaknesses as they lead us to His throne. 1518. Holding Matt's hand 1519. The sacrificial love of a dear family who watched, played with, loved on and encouraged our three kiddos this weekend 1520. Spending time with friends I've missed - even those who only live a few miles away 1521. Feeling the prayers of a friend 1522. Jesus is ENOUGH -  http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/ (highly recommend reading Katie's incredible journey - she's given up, and therefor gained, everything for the Lord, and yet it is still in her weakness (and honesty...

1500. Chunky baby legs 1501. Compassion where there was once anger 1502. Tricycles on the Belfast bridge 1503. Praying with Matt 1504. Christ's blood that covers me 1505. The book Because He loves me , and the friend who gave it to me 1506. The song "His banner over me is love" which keeps running through my mind 1507. The promise that "He who begins a good work in me will be faithful to complete it" 1508. A faith family that lovingly, encouragingly accepts us even when we are making difficult decisions 1509. Friends who not only pray for me, but ask for prayer 1510. Avonlea's bottom two teeth which I can almost always see - because of the HUGE grin that she wears constantly 1511. Singing boys 1512. Hymns - and pandora 1513. Family, both immediate and extended, that love me no matter what.