"Smiling is free."
"Happiness looks great on you."
"You're invited to relax today."
"Take this moment. Enjoy it."
"You should charge for your great advice."
"You have a great laugh!"
I think of these words that have been given to me by Dove. There are a lot of the same ones, but I don't remember getting two of the same. "Life is good" appeared for my sister a couple times. Anyway... these words remind me our words... my words... what our tongue produces. In scripture it talks about how "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" from Proverbs 12:18. Yesterday in my quiet time I read from Matthew 12 and verses 35-37 struck me about the issue of our words. "The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned." Our words are so powerful.
I still struggle with some of the words that were spit out at me that were so hurtful from years ago... I see people who walk around with scars and hurts because of words that people have thrown out at them without care or sometimes even words that were not given to them, withheld from loving, caring words. I think of how important it is for us to have sayings like the Dove's chocolate stored up in our tongues, but most importantly in our hearts to give out freely... to be able to give life and produce fruit in people's life rather than bringing forth pain and evil. It's a thought huh?
I'm taking a break... I have been working on a paper all day today... My daughter has been so good at entertaining herself all day. I finished my first 12 page paper. I need to study for a test for Monday and then start on another 12 page paper... after that I have three 5 page papers that I need to whip up. These next two weeks are going to be crazy. My sister noticed my patch of gray hair on our trip... So sad... Yes I do have a patch of gray hair... So sad... :)
Last night I went to a Gungor concert with some friends. It's funny actually... I was telling people how I have never been to a concert and then last week SC reminded me that we had gone to a concert together at Ravinia years ago. I remembered it, but after having been to a concert yesterday... the Bo Deans at Ravinia was nothing compared to this. :) It was an amazing display of God's talent. I was blown away by how God can use people in so many different ways. They are an exceptional band. My friends and I were discussing in the car the one thing we didn't like about the concert, which was their song from a Catholic prayer. It did not line up with our theology. That was a great discussion on our way home. But there was my favorite part that I do not think I will ever forget. Toward the middle end of the concert, Gungor came up and asked us to pray "Shalom" in singing over different areas of our life. So there is this chorus of people singing "Shalom". I felt that was the most powerful part of the concert... there I was prayerfully singing "Shalom" - peace- over different areas of my life... And as I sang this prayer, I could feel God's peace falling upon my heart that was a little distraught going to the concert.
I continue to see God's faithfulness, His Sovereign hand and unfailing love over my life. I pray that as I grow in my walk with Him and as He continually prunes me to bear better fruit, I will abide in Him and go to Him as my rich source! I pray that I may smile more, love more, be more joyful and enjoy the life He has given me. I am content where I am, but know that I could be deeper in Him... more of you Lord and less of me!!!
Please pray for me these next few weeks.
1. To finish this semester well. I have 7 more weeks of school left this semester.
2. Pray for my summer class that starts right after finals. It's going to be a lot of work that I need to finish before finals are even over.
3. I need a job for the summer. I'm trying to apply for a renewal of my teaching certificate so that I could teach this summer. Pray for all that to go smoothly and that I could get a good teaching job. I need this to cover the classes that I will be taking over the summer and help a little with the fall.
4. I look to the future and it's a little daunting... I am doing summer classes so that I could finish in three years as planned. If not, I would have to find a job and make the program last a little longer. I would rather do it all now and just start working and have to really be careful with finances. I also feel continued peace that this is where God wants me, but I can't see past that... which at times could be very hard, especially for someone who likes to have a plan. :) Please pray that I could continue to rest in His faithfulness.
5. A and I continue to pray for a new daddy. A couple weeks ago as I was putting A down for bed, she asked me, "Mommy, don't you want me to have a new daddy?" I felt like she was telling me I'm not doing what I need to for her to have a new daddy. I have no control over this situation, but it is a deep longing for us both. Would you lift this up with us? I especially ask for prayer for the man, whoever it may be... I know that our situation is not a normal one for people my age. I mean there aren't that many widowed men or even divorced men my age... so for a single guy to take us on... I totally get is overwhelming, but I pray for a man that will be head over heals for A and for me and will be so willing to be family with us.
We covet your prayers and appreciate the prayers that are daily lifted up for us!!
**Okay break over... back to studying!**
**I found this on our trip and feel like this is what I want...**
