Boy or Girl? Ready Either Way...

I finished two baby quilts in preparation for Baby Pruett's arrival. We don't know which one we will use yet since we don't know the baby's gender, but we are ready either way! I would love to hear your guesses about which one we will need!

 

De-escalate

Just some reflections on Luke 6:24-27-36 after listening to the recording of Bobby Kelly’s 2012 Winter Bible Study at FBC, Ponca City.

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”

Luke 6:27-31 ESV

We live in a culture of violence, and it can be difficult to break out of that cycle.  Where does it stop?  It is hard, but for those of us empowered by the Holy Spirit, we encourage each other when we respond with love and forgiveness instead of getting even.  When you strike back, you are behaving like someone of the world instead of a follower of Christ, and it only makes things worse.

Ask yourself this, “Will this action or word that I am about to do or say escalate or de-escalate the problem?” 

This change of thinking is only truly possible with the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives.

...Praying

...on the road

 

The Bible says to pray without ceasing.  It does not say to self-publish without ceasing.  That is why I have been so quiet on Facebook and on my blog over the last several weeks.  Sometimes, I have to stop and ponder things in my heart and not rush to put my thoughts into print right away.

The last few weeks have been full of both good and difficult circumstances.  On the pleasant side, Zachary and I are eagerly anticipating our baby’s arrival.  There are only about five weeks left until the due date.  We have enjoyed many road trips together – even if many of them were caused my doctor and midwife appointments.  We even had a nice getaway to visit our families over the weekend. 

We had snow last night!

On the flip side, things have happened over the last several weeks that are not good, are outside of my control, and pertain to people I care about deeply. I am convinced that Satan has come to steal, kill, and destroy, and we must constantly be on our guard to fight against his lies.  Right now, I am struggling to write even this much because my emotions are in such upheaval, but I know that our Heavenly Father cares deeply – more deeply than I ever could.  He loves perfectly when we as frail human beings fail.  His grace is sufficient.  His power is made perfect in weakness.  So, I will continue to pray and leave the outcome to God.