Faithful in the Waiting

Waiting is hard!  Sometimes we wait with excitement for a vacation or other fun event; at other times we wait with heartache and pain, wondering when God will answer our prayers.  Even when we see God answer some of our prayers, we can still wonder why other prayers are not answered.  

Over the years I have seen God work miraculously in my life and the lives of others.  I have seen immediate answer to my prayers. I have also had prayers that were answered after years of praying, and then there are the prayers that I am still praying; decades after I first began.  Still waiting for God's answer.  So how do we wait well?  Wait faithfully?

I've had four reminders saved in my phone for awhile.  Reminders of how to wait faithfully.  I'm currently reading through Warren Weirsbe's book BE Confident; which is a study in Hebrews. Yesterday, in my reading there were four other great reminders of how to be faithful while waiting. My prayer is that these reminders will encourage you to keep praying, obeying and faithfully following God while waiting. 

Remember... 

1) God's perspective is not ours. (Isaiah 55:8-9) - I want to share a quick illustration that I've used with my kids.  It's not perfect but has helped them (and me) think of this more concretely.  Picture someone holding a toothpick in their hands.  Now imagine that is God and the toothpick represents all of time.  Our lives are a small dot on that toothpick.  We cannot move our dot, we cannot see the rest of the toothpick, we can't even see all of the dot at once; but God can!  He is outside of time (i.e. not on the toothpick) and can see the entire thing.  He can also touch that toothpick at any point.  Our view is so limited; God's is unlimited! 

2) Our One Task: Faithfully Follow Christ. (Psalm 62:5-6) - We can get so caught up in trying to figure things out, change things, control things.  But our one task, is to be faithful in our relationship with Jesus.  Two things that have really helped me narrow my focus this year are to remember "I don't know, but God does and I choose to trust Him." and also to pray "God, what do you want me to do today?" I can't control when things will happen but I can choose to trust God and to obey His plans for me today.

3) Look for God in the Waiting (Psalm 27:13-14) - We are so blessed!  Yet, focusing on what we don't have yet or what God hasn't done yet; that distraction and attitude can steal our joy.  God is faithful!  Look at all He has done and is doing.  Look for the ways He is showing up in your life.  From the beauty of creation, the gift of a new day, prayers that He has answered or even ways that He's challenging you. 

4) Consider Waiting as Preparation (Psalm 25:4-5) - Going back to number 1; God's perspective is not ours.  The way in which He answers our prayers may look very different from what we expect.  See this time of waiting as God preparing you to be ready for His way of answering your prayers. Often I've found that the answer is a change in my heart, not necessarily the change in circumstance that I was asking for.  Just this year God has given me a new perspective about something I have been praying about for many, many years.  I don't know when or even if He will answer this prayer but I'm thankful for the change in perspective He has given me.  

Abraham in the waiting:

(Points taken from the book BE Confident by Warren Weirsbe)

 

1) He Obeyed when... He did not know where he was going

2) He Obeyed when... He did not know  how God's will would be accomplished. 

3) He Obeyed when... He did not know when God would fulfill his promises.

4) He Obeyed when... He did not know why God was so working. 

Keep praying!  God is our merciful and faithful High Priest.  He is our Loving Father.  He is all-mighty, all-powerful, all-knowing.  As Peter says in John 6:68 "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,"  Where else would we go?  There is still so much for us to learn and we are blessed to have full access to the One who has all knowledge and wisdom. He wants us to come to Him; even if it is over and over again.  We need only to look at Jesus praying in the garden.  He went back three times praying the same words.  Bring it all to God!

One final quote I want to share from Warren Weirsbe:

"True faith is able to wait for the fulfillment of God's purposes in God's time."

 

Happy Homemaker Monday 4/29/24

It's another beautiful Monday here.  I'm so thankful for the warm, sunny weather.  This past week was full of appointments and yard work.  We spent the entire day Saturday clearing brush & leaves, burning some of the smaller branches from the tree that fell, and doing a bit of landscaping.  Our youngest planted some sunflower seeds so I'm really hoping those come up for her.  

On Sunday we had church and then our boy had a few friends from school over to celebrate his birthday that is coming up.  It was nice to meet a couple of his friends that we hadn't met yet and to see one that we do know.

Let's jump right into this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.  

The Weather:

Another sunny warm day here.  It's supposed to be in the 70s today but then cloudy and back in the 50's for the rest of the week. 

Outside my Window:

I'm actually outside now!  It's wonderful to be able to enjoy the weather while still getting things accomplished.  So, right now I'm sitting by the fire pit monitoring some branches that we're burning. 
 

Right Now I am:

Blogging while I wait for a return phone call and watch the branches burn.    

Thinking and Pondering: 

Just a lot of decisions that need to be made.  Definitely needing God's wisdom and direction!

  
 Health Goal Accountability:

I'm pretty much back to normal.  I did still take it a bit easier last week but managed to work out a few times.  We did a lot of yard work this weekend and so far, so good with my back.

Today  I did a workout, mowed some of the lawn and have been moving wood around a bit so I've gotten a good bit of exercise today. 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

None this week.

On my T.V this week:

Probably will just watch some YouTube as new episodes come out.  .

On the Dinner Plate:

Still deciding this; it will be something with chicken as that's what I've pulled out to thaw.  

 

On the Menu this week: 

 

I still need to do one.  I haven't been great about this over the past few weeks.  I've got many of our staple ingredients so I've just been putting things together.  I really do need to sit down and see what we do have that I can make meals from.  I'd like to "shop" my pantry a bit as part of spring cleaning and use up ingredients that we've had on hand for awhile.  

 

What I'm Reading:

Bible

Fugitive Telemetry (Book 6 of the Murderbot Diaries)

Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe

On my To-Do list today:

Workout ✔

Laundry (working on this)

Blog ✔

Mow✔

Burn branches (working on this)

Set up needed appointments (waiting for call back on this)

Clean house from weekend ✔

Meet @ school this afternoon to help with PTO task

 

Plans for this week:

Catch up on laundry

Help with PTO tasks for upcoming event

Continue spring cleaning the house & yard

Hair Appointment

Help friend as needed

What I'm Creating:

I'm currently working on a hooded cardigan for myself.  I'm very excited about this project and hope it comes out well.  The original pattern used a now discontinued yarn so she suggested Lion Brand Heartland yarn as a suitable substitute.  I have to say, I love the colors and texture of the Heartland yarn.  I'm using the color Yosemite, which is a burnt orange/brown colorway.  

 

I've got the main part of the cardigan done.  So far, I am loving it!  I need to finish the sleeves, add the hood and do the trim.  

 

From the Camera:

 I'm not sure if I've mentioned here or not, but a couple years ago I saw a copper music box at Savers.  It was shaped like a bridge and the boats turned as it played a tune.  Since then I've found a few more at Savers.  They just make me smile.  This truck is the latest.  

Our yard has beautiful landscaping that was here when we bought it; however it had not been properly cared for so it's really overgrown in many places.  This fence had three sections but when we were removing a, mostly dead, bush the fence pulled down as it wasn't made with pressure treated wood so it had rotted.  I actually really like the more open look and am hoping it will make this area more usable. 

 

And lastly, what do your kids do when they all want to cuddle?  They make a cuddle train.

Highlight from Last week:

The highlights from last week were working together as a family on the yard and also getting to head up the games for Awana. 

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

 

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom in parenting.

Direction, time & diligence for a project.

Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.

Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all!

Happy Homemaker Monday 4/22/24

Happy Monday! I'm so thankful to report that my back is doing much better.  Still a little sore in the morning and I'm taking it easy with lifting things, but I'm almost back to all my normal activities.  I'm also very thankful for wonderful kids and husband who picked up the slack and helped with everything from cooking dinner to helping me get my socks on.  It was a very humbling week! 

Let's jump right into this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.  

The Weather:

Another sunny warm(ish) day here.  It's in the 50's so not too warm but still nice.

Outside my Window:

 It's a beautiful spring day!  Yesterday the kids planted some perennial geraniums.  The ornamental pear tree is also blooming now.  The yard is really colorful!

 

Right Now I am:

Blogging and resting a bit while I wait for laundry to be ready to swap again.    

Thinking and Pondering: 

 Praying about a possible summer project. It's something that has been on my heart and mind for awhile now, I'm just not sure if it's just my desire or God's prompting. 

  
 Health Goal Accountability:

Needless to say, I didn't get much activity in last week.  I was hoping to take the kids on a local walk last week but by the time I was feeling up to it, the weather had changed and it was rainy.

 

We did do some yard-work and cleaned out the shed yesterday afternoon.  I also did a workout today and have spent the day cleaning the house. (we'll see if I regret this much activity tomorrow morning!)

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

None this week.

On my T.V this week:

Probably will just watch some YouTube as new episodes come out.  I really enjoy Location, Location, Location and also Tasting History.  I've also recently discovered that The National Gallery (Britain) has a channel and they do half hour talks on the art and artists in their collection.

On the Dinner Plate:

Chicken & Vegetable Stir fry with brown basmati rice 

 

On the Menu this week: 

 

Need to do a menu.  

 

What I'm Reading:

Bible

Fugitive Telemetry (Book 6 of the Murderbot Diaries)

Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe

On my To-Do list today:

Workout ✔

Laundry (working on this)

Blog ✔

Make Bread ✔

Clean house from weekend ✔

 

Plans for this week:

Watch another round of the Academic Bowl at the school

Go drop off donations and look for a few things at the thrift store 

Continue spring cleaning the house & yard

What I'm Creating:

I'm currently working on a hooded cardigan for myself.  I'm very excited about this project and hope it comes out well.  The original pattern used a now discontinued yarn so she suggested Lion Brand Heartland yarn as a suitable substitute.  I have to say, I love the colors and texture of the Heartland yarn.  I'm using the color Yosemite, which is a burnt orange/brown colorway.  

Oh, and I also made this pillow.  It was a silly project to learn the waffle stitch before making the washcloths I posted about last week.  I had this bright yellow blanket yarn leftover from another project and I have a lot of poly-fill.  My daughter loves it and has since claimed it as her "movie-watching" pillow. 

 

 

From the Camera:

I didn't take any pictures last week.

Highlight from Last week:

I'm thankful to say that I was feeling well enough by Wednesday to meet up with friends.  We were trying to remember the last time we had gotten together; I thought it had been about a year but one of my friends said she thought it was closer to two years!  It definitely was time for catching up! 

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

 

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom in parenting.

Direction, time & diligence for a project.

Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.

Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all!

Happy Homemaker Monday 4/15/24

Happy Monday! It's been a crazy couple of weeks around here.  On the Thursday before last we had a snowstorm with very heavy snow; which caused a large tree to fall across our driveway.  Praising God that there was no damage done and we were able to get in cleared quickly as we were heading to NYC that evening to visit friends.

Last weekend we spent time with some good friends who recently moved to NYC.  We arrived late Thursday evening.  On Friday we went to the MET; it was incredible but definitely not enough time to see even half of it.  We then walked in Central Park and had dinner at Ellen's Stardust diner.  On Saturday we headed back into the city and walked through Times Square, Chinatown and spent some time at the 9/11 memorial. It was so wonderful to see our friends.  We headed home late Saturday night and arrived home about 2:30am on Sunday

On Sunday, after getting some sleep and repacking, we made the trek north to the area of totality for the Solar Eclipse. We spent the night about 1 1/2 hours from where we wanted to view the eclipse. Monday morning we headed up there early.  We had a gorgeous and private viewing area!  The eclipse was breathtaking and pictures just don't do it justice.  It took us about 5 hours to make the same trip back to where we stayed Sunday night.  We had expected the high volume of traffic and made the best of it.  The kids did great and we all agreed it was definitely worth it.  We packed up and headed home that night since we all had things to do Tuesday.  

This past week was pretty normal until Saturday.  I was doing some cleaning and moved wrong which resulted in a pulled back muscle.  To say I'm frustrated is a huge understatement.  I've been working out, doing core exercises and staying active so that things like this don't happen. Sigh...I'm still in a lot of pain but it seems to be a bit better today.  On Wednesday, I'm supposed to have lunch with friends I haven't seen in about a year, so I'm really praying I will be able to drive by then. This is also April vacation for the kids so I want to be able to do things with them too!

Enough about that...let's jump into this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.  

The Weather:

It is gorgeous here!  Sunny and almost 70 today!  I'm so glad for the warmer weather and that the kids can get outside.

Outside my Window:

The sun is shining, the sky is blue and the magnolia tree, ornamental cherry tree and other flowers are blooming. It's a beautiful spring day!

 

Right Now I am:

Blogging and trying to stay in a comfortable position for my back.    

Thinking and Pondering: 

 What I can still do with the kids this week even with the limited movement. 

  
 Health Goal Accountability:

I was doing really well with working out last week.  Knowing that I'd have to post about it today did help keep me motivated. I had a busy week of meetings, etc so I had been active as well...until Saturday afternoon. :( 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

None this week.

On my T.V this week:

Probably will just watch some YouTube as new episodes come out.  I really enjoy Location, Location, Location and also Tasting History.  I've also recently discovered that The National Gallery (Britain) has a channel and they do half hour talks on the art and artists in their collection.

On the Dinner Plate:

Big Mac in a bowl 

 

On the Menu this week: 

 

Need to do a menu.  

 

What I'm Reading:

Bible

Network Effect (Book 5 of the Murderbot Diaries) -This is the first full length book in the series.

Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe

On my To-Do list today:

Workout

Laundry (kids are working on this)

Blog ✔

Continue work on school newsletter ✔

 

Plans for this week:

Hopefully meet up with friends for lunch

Spend extra time with the kids

What I'm Creating:

I made these waffle stitch facecloths to send down to our NYC friends as a thank you/housewarming gift.  I'm planning to add some fun soaps or face masks.  They have two girls so I thought this would be fun for them.

 

 

From the Camera:

A peek into our NYC trip and eclipse day.

Highlight from Last week:

Visiting friends in NYC

Seeing the solar eclipse with other close friends.

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

 

We so often hear Proverbs 3:5-6 quoted but I was struck by verse 7 this week.

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom in parenting.

Direction, time & diligence for a project.

Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.

Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all!

Happy Homemaker Monday 4/1/24

Happy Monday!  I hope you all had a wonderful Easter yesterday.  Our Easter celebration always starts on Friday with the Good Friday service at church.  It's always a great time to reflect on what Jesus endured for us.  This year, as part of the service, they shared a powerful poem. I'll link the video below; it really is worth the few minutes to listen, stop and reflect on all that He accomplished for us.

Saturday morning I helped at church for a little bit to set up and prep a few things for Sunday brunch.  After, we took a trip to Bass Pro Shops; it's not close so we don't go often but it's always fun to look around.  Then it was back home so I could bake up an Orange Chiffon Cake for Sunday dinner.  I had never made one before but this was fairly easy and came out nice.  

Sunday was lovely.  Our church does an Easter brunch before service and a baptism service as well.  I was serving in the nursery but we turned on the livestream downstairs so we were able to watch the testimonies and baptisms before doing the lesson with the littles. 

We did a non-traditional dinner of Lamb Saag, Garlic Butter Rice and homemade naan. It was delicious and great to have a team effort preparing the meal. My husband's mom joined us so we visited for a bit after dinner.  Nice and relaxing.

 Jumping on really quick to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.  

The Weather:

We have finally had some sun again the past couple of days.  It's cloudy today, but the sun is trying to peek through.

Outside my Window:

The sunrise this morning was breathtaking.  I tried to take a picture but of course it doesn't do any justice as to how bright and vibrant the colors truly were. 

 

Right Now I am:

Taking a minute to sit and blog before getting started with my day.    

Thinking and Pondering: 

Changes that need to be made.  I have not been as good recently about working out regularly (I know, it's on my list every Monday but has not been getting done).  I really want to be mindful of staying healthy and active as we still have a busy life and I love to hike, bike, etc when the weather is nice.  So, I'm praying about specific changes that will help me  since everyone is different in what works for them.  I'd love to hear any tips/tricks that have worked for you.

 

One thing I'm going to be doing is adding a bit of accountability into this post.  I'm planning to post each week how many workouts I did...now I will say right now...we will be out of town next Monday so I won't have a post next week but I'm adding in the section for this so I don't forget about it.

 

  
 Health Goal Accountability:

I did work out today, so yay!  One day for me.

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

I've been listening to David Platt's podcast; Radical.  I so appreciate his teaching.   I've also listened to some more American History Tellers recently.

On my T.V this week:

Probably will just watch some YouTube as new episodes come out.  I really enjoy Location, Location, Location and also Tasting History.  I've also recently discovered that The National Gallery (Britain) has a channel and they do half hour talks on the art and artists in their collection.

On the Dinner Plate:

Baked Ravioli w/Casaer Salad

 

On the Menu this week: 

 

Need to do a menu.  We will be away starting Thursday evening so a shorter week to plan.

 

What I'm Reading:

Bible

Network Effect (Book 5 of the Murderbot Diaries) -This is the first full length book in the series.

Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe

On my To-Do list today:

Workout ✔

Laundry

Blog ✔

Weekend cleanup/straighten house

 

Plans for this week:

Catch up on laundry

Prep and mail packages to college kids

Attend Honor Roll assemblies (2 days)

Prep for time away

Visit Friends in NYC

Go see the eclipse!! (technically next week/Monday) 

Continue to research some things for a possible project

Hopefully meet with school principal about a project I proposed to him.

What I'm Creating:

I finished the Easter dress, just in time!

From the Camera:

We made Resurrection Cookies.  We try to do this tradition each year.  Each ingredient and step are linked to a Scripture describing the events of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. 

 

Highlight from Last week:

Attending our daughter's band jamboree.  It was great to see all five schools perform together. 

Attending the Academic Bowl and watching our son compete with his team. (District-wide trivia and STEM competition)

Attending the Good Friday & Easter services.

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

 

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom in parenting.

Direction, time & diligence for a project.

Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.

Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all!

Happy Homemaker Monday 3/25/24

Another Monday already.  Time marches on.  I'm having a slower start to the day today.  I did get the kitchen straightened up and kids off to school.  I rarely climb back into bed but this morning I decided to bring my coffee and laptop upstairs and warm back up a bit in bed.  It's chilly out there!  

Last week was another busy one so it's nice to have a slower start to this week.  The kids have Friday off from school for Good Friday so it will be a shorter week for them; which is always nice. We do have a few things going on this week, and of course I need to figure out a plan for Easter dinner but for now I'm taking a few minutes to blog.  Jumping on really quick to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.  

The Weather:

It's cold!  The sun is trying to peek through the clouds but we're supposed to have mostly cloudy weather today and then cold & rainy weather the rest of the week.

Outside my Window:

There's still a bit of snow on the grass, skies are a bit cloudy. 

Right Now I am:

Taking a minute to sit and blog before getting started with my day.    

Thinking and Pondering: 

All that I need to do this week.  What to make for Easter dinner.     
 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

I've been listening to David Platt's podcast; Radical.  I so appreciate his teaching.   I've also listened to some more American History Tellers recently.

On my T.V this week:

Catching up on Blown Away, a glass-blowing competition show on Netflix.  It's amazing what they can do with glass.

On the Dinner Plate:

Either Chicken & Barley Pulao  OR Israeli Couscous salad with chicken 

 

On the Menu this week: 

 

I need to do a full menu plan.

The two recipes mentioned above are leftover from last week.

 

What I'm Reading:

Bible

Network Effect (Book 5 of the Murderbot Diaries) -This is the first full length book in the series.

Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe

On my To-Do list today:

Workout

Laundry (catch up on folding)

Blog

Take A to find a white shirt for her concert

Weekend cleanup/straighten house

 

Plans for this week:

Catch up on laundry

Finish a crochet Easter dress for our youngest.

Continue to research some things for a possible project

Attend Band Jamboree (all bands from the 5 schools in the district play at this concert)

Figure out Easter Dinner plans

Attend Good Friday Service

Help prep for the Easter brunch at church

Hopefully meet with school principal about a project I proposed to him.

What I'm Creating:

Our youngest requested a crocheted Easter dress.  I made her one a few years ago and it got a lot of wear (for awhile it was the only thing she would wear to church).  She has outgrown that one so she wanted a new one this year.  Most of my "relaxing" time has been spent on that and thankfully it looks like I'll get it done in time.  

 

I'm using up yarn that I already had which is a pastel multi-colored yarn.  This yarn worked up in a stripe pattern, which is cute but now that I'm adding the sleeves it's much more time consuming as I'm trying to somewhat match up with the dress stripes.  I love the pattern but if I made another one I would definitely use a solid color yarn.  I'll be sure to post pictures when it is done. 

 

I'm almost done this!  I just need to finish weaving in the ends and adding the butterfly appliques.  A side-effect of matching the stripes was many more ends to weave in.  Don't be like me, use a solid colored yarn, it will go much faster and there will be hardly any ends to weave in. 😀

From the Camera:

 I didn't take any pictures last week. 

Highlight from Last week:

Helping with the band kids. 

Having brunch with my sister.

Attending the monthly women's group at church.  

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

 

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom in parenting.

Direction, time & diligence for a project.

Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.

Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all!

What's so great about eternal?

 

For many years I lived in a place of thinking that eternal life was something that, while I had it, didn't really "kick in" until after this life.  As I've read more Scripture and dug deeper into the original words I've found a much deeper and richer understanding of this word, eternal.  So, grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit with me for a minute.  Soak in the truth of why eternal is so great!

In the original language the word for eternal is aiónios, this word means eternal but the deeper implication of this word is that aiónios "does not focus on the future per se, but rather on the quality of the age it relates to.  Thus believers live in "eternal life" right now, experiencing this quality of God's life right now as a present possession." (biblehub.com)

So, let's look at some Scripture to see what we have right now:

John 3:16 - We possess eternal life - right now!

Hebrews 9:12 - We possess eternal redemption - right now!

Hebrews 9:15 - We possess an eternal inheritance - right now!

2 Thessalonians 2:16 - We possess eternal comfort and good hope - right now!

2 Peter 1:11 - We possess a place in the eternal kingdom - right now!

Revelation 14:6 - We possess the truth of the eternal gospel - right now!

Hebrews 5:9 - We possess eternal salvation - right now!

 

I'd encourage you to take some time and meditate on these verses, see if you can find other verses that speak of the eternal things we, as believers, forgiven and accepted children of God, possess.  And then share them in the comments to encourage others.