Why Can't Life be Like a Resort?

Yesterday, I shared about Paul Tripp's article, "Grumbling-A Look At A 'Little' Sin." Why do we complain? The first reason that Tripp gave was this: we want a life without obstacles. But, God is up to something when we face "roadblocks" in our day. God wants us to be conformed to the image of His Son, and trials are a big way that He accomplishes that work in us.But why else do I complain? Tripp's next point is this: we want a life that doesn't ever require us to trust. We want to be capable in and of ourselves to face whatever comes our way, without needing God's help. Here's what Tripp says:"God will cast us into situations where there's no hope for us but to trust Him, where we're...

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Why Can't Everything Be Easy?

I've been freshly aware of how quick I am to complain after re-reading one of my all-time favorite JBC articles: "Grumbling-A Look At A 'Little' Sin." I've probably read this article 10 times but it never gets old. In it, Paul David Tripp talks about the Deut. 1:19-35 passage where Israel was complaining against God so grievously that He swore that they would not enter the promised land. That section of scripture alone shows that grumbling is a pretty serious thing.Here are some things that I find particularly helpful from the article:"Why do we complain? First of all, we want a life without obstacles. Can you relate to that? We want kids that are self-parenting. We believe that God actually...

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We Need Each Other

Hebrews 3:13 says, "But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." This is a rich verse with tons to talk about but today I'm grateful for this point: we need to be exhorted because sin is deceptive. Sin deceives. And because sin is deceptive, we do not see our own sin clearly. We need the help of others to see our sin that we might not be hardened by the deceitfulness of it-that we might turn and live for Christ.Today I am just so grateful for the way that my husband exhorts me every day to live for Jesus. He is so kind to speak the truth to me, "Be careful not to complain. God has been so good to us!"...

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On the Mend

Here are some pictures to brighten your Thursday!p.s.- Sissy is back in full force (aside from the now SIX incoming teeth slicing through her gums). Thanks for praying for all of ...

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He's Serious about Sanctification

Josh doesn't take his sin lightly; he attacks it head on with the power of God's Word and seeks to put it to death by the Spirit's power. Of all the things I have learned from my husband, I consider this to be the greatest lesson he has embodied for me.Josh often reminds me of a quote by John Owen, "Be killing sin or it will be killing you." (Hope I got that right! My hubby is the quoter in our marriage; I paraphrase.) When the Lord shows Josh how he has sinned, he is quick to repent and "take his soul to task," eager to grow more into the image of God's Son. He is not content to merely see his sin and just feel bad about it; he wants true conviction that he might really see what is at the...

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He's Fun

Ok, it's not the most interesting title but it's true; Josh is fun! I am so grateful for the fun that my husband brings to my everyday life and especially to dates. Even in this season where he's got to be a little creative, he makes date nights fun. (That is a challenging task given how tired I am, the fact that I'm a nursing mom, and the time constraints we have when we leave Owen.) I think this is a great example of how Josh lives out 1 Peter 3:7: "Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way..." My hubby really seeks to be cognoscente of what will bless me and what won't in this season. For example, on Valentine's Day he gave me an "at home date" when he brought...

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Slow to Speak, Quick to Hear

This week my husband is at T4G, enjoying awesome teaching and great fellowship with friends. Being without him always makes me appreciate him more and I want to take the next couple days to honor him on this blog. There is much to say that is worthy of honor, but today I will highlight just one thing. Josh is an incredible listener.James 1:19 says, "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak..." In our marriage, my hubby lives this out commendably!Like most women, I am a talker. :) From the moment Josh enters the door in the evening to the time when we close our eyes in sleep, I want to talk to him. Probably very little of what I say is actually interesting...

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Sick Sweet Girl

We'd love prayers for Tali's quick recovery from the flu & that the rest of us would be spared. (Particularly Josh as he leaves tomorrow for Together for the Gospel.) Thank y...

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All is Grace

"Here dies another dayDuring which I have had eyes, ears, handsAnd the great world around me;And with tomorrow begins another.Why am I allowed two?"- G.K. ChestertonSeeking to fight the fight of faith, trying to put to death complaining and see God's mercy to me. Oh Lord, help me to rejoice in my salvation and the gift of another day to glorify Your na...

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Looking to the Savior, not my Circumstances

In His kindness, the Lord has been showing me my need to turn away from the sin of unbelief and put my faith in His sovereign goodness. I am so quick to look at my circumstances of crying children, Owen in pain, lack of sleep, a messy house, many areas where I see that I'm falling short, etc. and become overwhelmed. The thought that often comes into my mind is, "I can't do this." Sometimes it seems completely impossible to me that I could have joy or peace in the midst of my circumstances. But, circumstances don't determine my response-my heart does. What's been in my heart lately is unbelief that God is going to give me grace and that He's being good to me. That, my friends, is sin and...

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Another Day in His Hands

Another day ordained by a loving God that is utterly in control and kindly orchestrating my steps...Another day of:* Owen screaming in agony (not sure if it was reflux or his tummy this time)* Tali chewing on everything in sight to ease the pain of 4 incoming teeth* Scrambling to make dinner while carrying Owen around and trying not to get food on him* Falling more in love with my husband when he surprised me by coming home early* Enjoying Colossians and the truth that I can pray in confidence that God will fill me with the knowledge of His will* Feeling exhausted and crying out to the Lord to give me the strength to keep loving and caring for my kids* Surrendering my idea of a "good day" and...

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