Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
I know it's been awhile since my last blog but I thought what perfect month to add to my blog since November is the month for thankfulness! I was reading my bible today when I came across 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18. I read each part and thought if I have applied it or how can I apply it to my life.
When I think about someone who works hard, my husband come in my mind. I am amazed on how hard he works to provide for our family and comes home to our circus of kids & mess. I do hold my husband up high but it's taken us awhile to get here. I was so independent and used to taking care of myself and being the main bread winner it has been a slow process to let my husband take the upper hand. To totally rely on another human seemed impossible. When my husband lost his job believe it or not our relationship grew stronger. He was part of a men's fraternity bible study group that made our relationship change and improve for the better. He didn't tell me anything he learned he wanted to show me through his actions and words. Wow, what a change in him and even though he had no job I relied on him for many things. So when I had resign from my job for the better of my family I learned to FULLY rely on him. I have fully relied on God but how can you w/another person? Boy, was it hard for me but I have learned and I appreciate my hardworking husband. He is trully the head of our household and is a strong man of God!
So first I am thankful for:
1. My loving, reliable, faithful, hardworking husband that I have known for over 14 years, been together for 11 years and married for almost 9 years!
Than we come to the 2nd part of the verses to ..live in peace. I know my household is full of peace. My family does not let any situation get the best of us. There is negativity on the outskirts of our family but We stand strong together, Dad/mom and our three boys!
2. I am thankful for the peace in my household. Yes there is still chaos, lots of crying, some yelling but God and his love has been our center and for that we have peace. No weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17)
It then goes on to say ....be patient with everyone. Hmmmmmm...Does that mean to stop my road rage? Haahaaa! When this come to my mind I actually think of my children. Do I even have enough patience for them? When patience is on empty with me this is when I seek God the most. Sometimes I sing that song by the Shirelles "Momma said there'd be days like this, there'd be days like this momma said" It makes me smile. God gives me strength first because my kids are still alive! hahaa! Also because they are still my greatest joy and God reminds me of this. Those giggles, those smiles, those hugs and those dance moves....all joy! So I continue to work on patience with my children and others.
3. I am thankful for my children:
Benjamin: I am thankful for you. I would be lost without you. You melt my heart everyday. I love how you love God, your family but most of all your brothers. I do rely on you sometimes as a big brother and I am sorry when you see me lose my patience but glad we can talk about it after and learn from our mistakes. Your imagination is so amazing and you are awesome reader. Thank you for blessing my life my Benjamin!
Caleb: My little Caleb, when you smile you melt my heart. You are so cautious and learn from most of your mistakes and if you haven't you will soon! Thank you for sleeping so well and not being such a light sleeper like your other twin. When you cry my heart hurts because you are so sensitive like Benjamin! I love to see you play and explore! Watching you dance makes me happy. I love you my sweet blessing Caleb!
Levi: Loving Levi you love to be with your mom and have a hard time sharing me. I love to watch you get excited to see Elmo. I love when you say "whatssssthat?" or "wheresssscerissa?" You love to talk and laugh! You bring me joy even when you refuse to sleep or wake up so quick when big brother goes to bed. You are my loving Levi, you are mommy's boy!Last it says,
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I would like to rejoice and give thanks for God allowing me to complete my first 5K. Yes it is a little late to blog about it since it was way back in September but God was my source of strength. You see this was the biggest accomplishment I have made for myself ever or maybe since I had my kids. I made it and I didn't come in last. I immediately hugged my husband and we cried together. He was so proud of me and I was proud of myself. REJOICE because God made a way for me!
I am thankful for my faithful God!
We probably can't thank him enough but I like to take time to write some thankfulness I feel towards God.
God, Thank you for allowing me to live and have a blessed life. I may not be full of riches but you have enriched my life in so many non-material ways. Thank you for showing me not to full of anger or bitterness but full of peace, love and joy. Thank you for showing me how to be content with what I have and not long for all the riches in the world. Thank you for loving me unconditionally for knowing my heart and although my words don't give my heart enough credit at times you know me. You know when I am happy or discouraged. You given me a great man and three little boys that will be great men one day. You love me! When I think about that my heart is overjoyed, humbled and filled with emotion. I am so gracious. I just wanted to share apart of a song of praise:
Down at Your feet Oh Lord
Is the most high place
In Your presence Lord
We seek Your face
We seek Your face
There is no higher calling
No greater honor
Than to bow and kneel before Your throne
I'm amazed at Your glory
Embraced by Your mercy
O Lord, I live to worship You
