One of my favorite hymns has been running through my head, so I thought I'd share.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Words: Dallan Forgail (8th Century)

sacrifice

Romans 12:1 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies  a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Sacrifice. In all honesty that word scares me just a little. I think sometimes I skip over that word in scripture. I certainly don't dwell there. I've come to realize though that the lack of dwelling there in my reading leads to the lack of sacrifice in my life. Oh, I can enjoy the word when I'm reading about sacrifices made on my behalf, but the word takes on a whole new meaning when I'm the one being called to sacrifice. What it all comes down to is that sacrifices cost. I'm ashamed of the things I try to get by with as sacrifices. How could I expect God who gave His very best for me to require anything less in return? He held NOTHING back, do I? Why can't He tell us the cost before we come to the crossroads, then we could weigh them out and go from there. What a walk of faith that would be!!! (Please note the sarcasm, I've found that can get lost in writing.) God never meant for this journey to be boring. He meant for us to take every step with our breath held in anticipation at what faith building encounter we might have with Him next. No, He never meant for it to be boring, but He did mean it to cost. Cost. This word makes me examine the things I hold dear. Satan tries to keep us focused of the cost because he wants us to miss the joy of a sacrificial life. The truth: Christ is worth the cost, always, everytime. The cost is much higher for a life without sacrifice. Focus on the prize, and the cost will fade way.

Father, nothing can compare to the prize I have found in You.

A day in the life of a stay-at-home mom.

Currently Reading A Wrinkle in Time By Madeleine L'Engle see related

till death do us part

David is always quoting from a Switchfoot song that says “When success is equated with excess it becomes our success that wrecks us.”  What a world of excess we live in. Ironically this song about excess was going through my head as I was going through my shoes. I never really thought of myself as much of a shoe person, but I definitely have a flip-flop problem. I’m a little ashamed to say I had 16 pairs of flip flops in my closet. I tried to consol myself with the fact that they are 2 for $5 at Old Navy, but really who in the world needs 16 pairs of flip flops??? When Christ called for the disciples to “Follow me”, I still marvel at the fact that they just up and went. What about their things? What about their 16 pairs of flip flops? We are bombarded with so many wants in this world that we cannot recognize our needs anymore. Christ promises to take care of our needs, and we think God is providing for us when we are able to buy that seventh pair of black shoes to add to our collection. I’ve been trying to come up with a positive side of excess, but it’s not easy. Excess clutters our homes, minds and hearts. It takes up our time, and distracts us from what is important. But I am reminded of 1John 3:17 that says,  if anyone has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in Him? We are a blessed and privileged nation. I have the world’s goods, and with that comes responsibility.

Father help me to look past my wants to see the needs of others. Help me not to be washed away by the world’s mentality of more, more, more. Teach me true satisfaction and contentment. Open my eyes to what I do have, not just what I don’t have. Help me to teach my children in action and in word what is important. Every blessing You pour out I’ll turn back to praise.