When life is flipped upside down and sideways we all get messed up. Kids start misbehaving, mommy gets crabby, weepy, or very quiet. Our lives are crashing into each other trying to figure out what is going on. Being taken out of comfortable and thrown into the unknown can wear a family down.
Where can we go? What do we do? Do I want to fight with you or be loved by you? It’s all so confusing. Where do we find peace and rest, comfort and assurance?
We go to our Heavenly Father…
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23
For the last couple of weeks I have felt like a person on the outside looking in observing my children. I see the chaos of emotion and often wonder what do I do. I am worn out and at the end of my rope. I pray, “Lord, please give me more rope. Give me wisdom, guide me, and teach me. Give me a love that pours out onto my children.”
This week I started something new with my children. Before bed we all sit together, we pray, and then I read them a Psalm. They each have their own notebook and pen. As I read the Psalm, they raise their hand each time they hear something about who God is or what He does. We then talk about it, making sure everyone understands, and then they write it in their notebook. When we are done, they take turns reading back their list. Then each person names one of those things and how their life has been affected by it. We pray and then settle into bed.
It has been a beautiful thing, listening to my children tell me about what God is doing or has done in their lives. We still have a long way to go with all the emotional chaos, but I see slight improvements. Just that little bit of extra love and time spent with them in God’s word; strengthening all of our relationships with Him has been a blessing. I believe there will be some good fruit, some very good fruit that will come to bear in all this.
Courtney, your life is such a testimony to the power of Christ. You continue to steadfastly seek His face even in times of trial and confusion. It is seen by many and encouraged us all. At church last night the pastor spoke on WAR and the good that comes out of it. How we draw closer to Christ in those times of frustration, craziness, and chaos. If we didn't experience those things, who would we be? We would have nothing to share with others of how HIS power is made strong when we are weak. So grateful for your heart to lay your emotions bare for us to read and relate with! Thank you my friend!
ReplyDeleteCourtney, I really don't know what to say! I have been so blessed and encouraged by your blogs. You challenge me to go deeper in my relationship with Christ! Thank you for showing us how to look to Jesus to turn trials into blessings and a time of spiritual growth! Love you girl!
ReplyDeleteI so needed this tonight, Courtney. Thank you for being so transparent and real. What a blessing you are!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Courtney!! God is always in control and with an awesome mama like you there will be fruit :) He knows our destiny so be encouraged that He who began a good work in them will complete it <3
ReplyDeleteCourtney, what a bright light you are for all of us! God has gifted you not only an extra measure of His love during your trial, but also grace and courage. I have learned so much from what you've shared. I know I will be able to apply these learnings to my life as well as use them to encourage others. Thank you!
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