Random Tidbits

~ How does the Lord reconcile denominations and differences in doctrines?  This plagues my mind.  Paul talks about in Philippians that as long as the gospel is being preached, it is good.  I believe in God's sovereign plan and somehow it is all part of his plan...nevertheless, I continually wonder because it is all so confusing and seems like chaos.

~ I have struggled this year with homeschooling.  I have taken on a little more that I need to juggle.  It has sometimes left me feeling completely depleted and at the end of my rope.  Thus, I have struggled with homeschooling thinking that I would love a little more time for a cleaner house, a quiet house, and peace.  Yet, the Lord then reminds me that these years will soon be over and to cherish each moment...a cleaner house is awfully shallow in comparison to investing in the girls' lives and hearts.  I will rejoice in this season, even though it is so busy.

~ This past weekend I got to spend time with some of the girls who were truly my first <3 friends and sisters in Christ that encouraged me to walk deeper in my faith.  It is interesting to see the journeys we are all on at this point in our lives.  I pray that we all put Christ first and never forget the power of the gospel message for our daily lives.

~ Speaking of the gospel, in the last 3 years the gospel message has really penetrated my heart in a way it never has before.  Some of the reasons why I can't fully disclose, but one of the biggest reasons is because I have come to terms with the fact that I am truly a sinner in the need daily for the righteousness that can only be granted through Christ.  I can't pretend or perform my salvation.  While you might be quick to agree and think "Duh!", the gospel has been cheapened by today's church "methods", "programs", and society as a whole.  My pastor reminds us that we need to preach the gospel to ourselves everyday.  WOW!  Have you thought about your need for the gospel beyond the first time you "prayed the sinner's prayer?"  If you would like to think deeper and be more challenged in this area I HIGHLY recommend the books The Gospel-Centered Life & The Gospel Primer for Christians.  EXCELLENT!  If you don't like it, I will give you a 100% money back guarantee because I will definitely pass it on to someone else. 

~ Why do I need the gospel every day?  I am inclined to be so self-centered and focused on me.  I am inclined to covet a house that is stylish and put together.  I am inclined to lose all self-control and patience with my girls as they make poor choices, mistakes, or continually do something they know drives me crazy.  I am inclined to be lazy and sleep a little longer than get up and start my day in the Word, peruse Facebook one too many times during the day, obsess over the cute ideas and new recipe ideas on Pinterest which makes me want to rearrange my to-do list to accommodate time for me to be creative, and not effectively plan/prepare for the school day/tutoring session/week.  I am inclined to cuss if I make a really stupid mistake that wastes time and energy, like driving 20 minutes before I realized I missed my exit off of 270.  I am inclined to sin at every chance presented.  Thus, I need my Savior, His Word, and the Holy Spirit to keep me in check every.single.day/hour/minute!