Living in the Now: Happy New Year Top 10

New blessings in my life this past year:

1. Freedom. Chains are breaking off. I'm learning to dance.

2. Two new jobs in Aaron's world, plus four "little" jobs in my world. This ti me last year, we were counting down Aaron's job at UT.

3. The depths of understanding and passion for God well-springing in my son. The Holy Spirit breathes on his heart.

4. A fresh season for our marriage. Being more face-to-face with God leads to a deeper face-to-face with your best friend.

5. Our new apartment. I can't imagine ever wanting to move.

6. New family members, especially Daniel and Joram. The testosterone is starting to balance the estrogen in the Bodine family. High time.

7. All my family, especially my Mom. "He has turned my mourning into dancing..."

8. Chloe! Thanks to Peggy, we have this perfect new addition to our family last March.

9. New friends. Amazing how many kindred spirits I've been blessed with, that I didn't know a year ago.

10. Apostles Anglican. Truth and vulnerability embrace humility. Heaven rejoices.

To Be: 2012 New Year Resolution

 Sometimes I have a hard time writing resolutions of who I want to be, rather than what I want to do in a new season. Even as a 9 year old, I was setting goals on new year's eve. Usually it was a determined resolution to write in my journal daily, pray to God more often, read at least two chapters of my bible every day, obey my parents more sincerely,  and...

In this new year, 20 years later, I want to learn to be. I'm tired of doing. I want to live face to face with my Father. Be quick to listen. Be worshipful in the mundane. Be in relationship with Him every breathing moment. Be in His presence.

What about you: how will you be more, and do less?

Adult Truths: Just for fun

This was a really great smile-maker in my day. Hope it is for you, too!

Living in the Now: Making Time for Advent

Finding your own tradition for making this a meaningful season of Advent can be fresh, old, or adapted each year. God is very-present, and this is a wonderful way to worship Him in this season. Check out this link for great family ideas!

Living in the Now: Waiting

His words are kisses, his kisses words. Everything about him delights me, thrills me through and through! That's my lover, that's my man, dear Jerusalem sisters. 

Song of Solomon 5:10, The Message

Seeing the first Christmas lights of the season "in the bleak midwinter" night, I was thrilled to my very soul. I forgot I was waiting for those first lights. Waiting, waiting, waiting. I remembered what it was like to wait for my sweetie, waiting for a sweet kiss. Waiting, waiting, waiting. 

And it occurred to me that Advent waiting is rather romantic. Waiting for the perfect moment to celebrate. In full faith, knowing He is coming. Knowing I can hardly wait. Counting the days until we're together again. Watching for any sign that He remembers me. Waiting makes the celebration all the more sacred. Waiting for my Lover's coming. Knowing He will come back to me. Knowing the very thrill that His presence brings to my soul. Knowing I've waited my whole life for this. Yes, Advent is rather romantic.

Living in the Now: Waiting and Listening

As I'm in the midst of this Advent season, I'm creating space to be in God's presence fully--as in, rested, alert, and fully present. I'm a bit like the disciples who kept falling asleep in the garden, who physically weren't ready for the battle. I bet their hands were full with working several jobs, juggling a house full of sons and daughters, keeping up with festivals down at the synagogue, and planning for the future. I'm pretty sure they were a lot like me. After a heavy meal, they couldn't keep their eyes open in the peace and quiet of the garden. They were literally sleep walking. Me too. 

Practically, I'm going to bed earlier. Emotionally, I'm shutting off electronics and "people" earlier in the evening (one day, I promise to return your email). Spiritually, I'm simplifying what surrounds me, and what I allow to distract me from the Shepherd's voice. I'm waiting and listening. And staying awake a little bit longer.

Living in the Now: True Freedom

¹Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.  

Galatians5:1, The Message

An undisclosed blog on godly homemaking recently ruffled my feathers. In addressing the tiresome challenges of daily home making, they recommended focusing on others before self (good ole' "JOY" theology....), keeping your mind inside the home (no outward distractions), and set new goals (try harder).

It made my heart sad, and totally irritated, as I saw these chains of shame and bondage put on other home makers. I have believed this deception, too. If I can just work harder, if I can just think happy thoughts, I think I can fly. Oh God, forgive us for believing those lies.

Freedom is not found in trying harder, thinking about others, and hoping this discontentment will pass with business. I carry not the power to set myself free. It is only in Christ that I am free, and it is only by His grace that I can worship Him with every breath...even in the tiresome, mundane, and mostly satisfying art of home making.

God, grant me the desire to move in your grace, not of my own power.