Past

Where is the god who can compare with you - wiping the slate clean of guilt, turning a blind eye, a deaf ear, to the past sins of your purged and precious people? You don't nurse your anger and don't stay angry for long, for mercy is your specialty. That's what you love most. And compassion is on its way to us. You'll stamp our your wrongdoing. You'll sink our sins to the bottom of the ocean. You'll stay true to your word to Father Jacob and continue the compassion you showed to Grandfather Abraham - everything you promised our ancestors from a long time ago. - Micah 7:18-20

How do you view your past? The author notes that sometimes we look at our past as more of a "book to be locked away than a chapter to be included in our life story." When I think of my past I immediately think of my college days and then a few childhood memories. I know that there is so much more to my life but those times must have molded me the most. There are events at both those times in my life (childhood and college) that I am proud of and others that I'm not so proud of... I think the most important thing about my past is that I learned from it and have come to be a stronger, more faith-filled woman. As the reflection mentioned, the bible tells us to press on and forget what lies behind us - rather keep our eyes fixated on having a home in heaven.

In also thinking about my past, I must say that I love learning about the past of my family. I have had many cherished conversations with my grandmother about her past and her family memories. She has much to tell as she has 11 siblings and 7 children (whenever I feel overwhelmed with two kiddos I ask myself how she did it). She has told me stories of her childhood, good times with her cousins, and fond memories of raising her children and now cherishes spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. What's admirable about my grandmother and godmother, who we call Memere, is that through it all she has remainded steadfast in her faith and has attended weekly mass for as long as I can remember.

She is a beautiful example of how to remember your past, share those memories (both good and bad), and keep moving forward toward the good Lord and the home of heaven... although being a young 72 I am hopeful that she has a good 30 years let with us here. I thank her for contributing amazing memories to my past... although long gone are the days of our shopping trips (and getting lost) and ice cream sundaes (right before dinner) the memories of our past are always alive in my heart. Now we spend time together with my children so they too will have a past filled with memories of their great grandmother.

If you have a minute, please share with us a great story from your past...

Overwhelmed

“God can do anything you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Ephesians 3:20-21

Okay, so actually, I was a bit overwhelmed last week and that is why you are just getting my entry! I had a great time hanging out with my friends, Jennifer, Jen’s mom, Hayden, and Eve as Jennifer came from way up North for a wedding. I need to apologize to them, though. I barely made it there because I was coming straight from seeing a strong heartbeat on an ultrasound. Daryl and I are having another baby! I had not told my family yet, so I am just now spilling the beans!

I totally don’t feel prepared for another child. I am really overwhelmed at the thought of it! But we trusted God to bless us with another child only if we were ready. Six months later we conceived! I just finished my psalm which included informing God of my failures as a mom…my house is a wreck, haven’t finished the laundry I started on Tuesday, don’t have a clue what to make Parker for dinner, and I am behind on this blog…just to name a few. How will I do this with another child needing my attention? I need to ask God for help. What an amazing revelation from the author. I ask Him for help when someone is sick or a major catastrophe has happened, but I tend to forget Him in everyday tasks. He has promised to always be with me, even when I am dusting or picking up toys, again.

He wants us to call His name when we are weary and overwhelmed. He has promised to give us rest. He even says He will carry our yokes when we just can’t do it anymore. So why doesn’t this come to mind when I am stressing? I have a Women’s Ministry Kick-off tonight so I know this stuff won’t get done. I am nauseous, tired, hungry, and nothing sounds good to eat. So, I sat down to blog. I am realizing that it won’t all get done. My husband will probably not be happy that the house is still a mess, but I needed this week’s message. I am only one person. Truthfully, I am only one person with only one purpose—to glorify God. If I am doing that then everything else will be okay. I will find time for it. It can wait until next week. I am not alone in this struggle. We are all there. Maybe today is a bad day and tomorrow will be better. Maybe it will be a bad week. But I will praise God for giving me a beautiful home to clean, a sweet child to feed, and plenty of clothes to fold. And I will ask Him for help to get it all done!

Opportunities

Dear, dear Corinthians, I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively. 2 Corinthians 6:11-12

“…God wants you to stay open and alert to opportunities to grow as a wife, mom, friend, worker, or all of the above.” This sentence nicely sums up the reflection. The opportunities that God surrounds us with are endless. What opportunities do you seek for spiritual growth? For me, this blog has been an opportunity to grow in my faith. It is one thing to read and reflect inward or to attend church and contemplate the homily/sermon, yet it’s another to actually verbalize those reflections and be open to feedback from others.

Contributing to this blog has also been an opportunity for me to strengthen my friendship with Heather. I’ve learned so much about her through her postings and have been guided by her thoughts and her relationship with Jesus. There have been so many instances that I have used her suggestions to strengthen my relationship with my husband or children.

This week I challenge you to be open to the opportunities that God puts in front of you each day. For example, my daughter slept in the other morning (because she was up half the night). Her extra time in bed provided me the opportunity for much needed one-on-one time with my son. It was such a treat for me (and for him) to have that time together. Instead of cleaning up the house or folding laundry, I took that time as an opportunity to give him my undivided attention.

The reflection also mentioned that we should look for an opportunity in everything we do. If you are stuck at a red light, look at that time as an opportunity to pray. If you or a friend received bad news, look at it as an opportunity to turn to God for strength and guidance during a difficult time. Each morning when you get out of bed and put your feet on the floor, get excited about the endless opportunities that wait for you.