Perspective

"If you dwell on your feelings about things rather than on the faithfulness, love, and mercy of God, then you're likely to have a bad day. Dwelling on the faithfulness, and love of God is always safe, because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever." -E. Elliot

Catching the Little Foxes

I would apologize for offending anyone...but I can't apologize for truly believing something.

Last night, I felt like I was in a slump. I felt irritated at my husband, stressed by my daughter's fussing, and it sort of fluctuated in nature...one minute I'd feel all happy and enjoying talking to Hubs, and the next my brain would find something to nitpick about him.

Highlight: Babes fell asleep in her sling while I was holding her. Just cuddled right up and zonked out. She's never done that before, and my heart was a huge puddle, let me tell you. I just melted over that one.

Okay, back on topic.

Bedtime was fast approaching, and I was snippy. Like I told my Darling, "I just want to start a fight, and I don't know why, because really, I don't ever want to fight with you!" There wasn't any reason to disagree, I just kept being rude, snotty, and he was so confused, poor man.

Than it hit me like an elephant on a freight train: Satan wanted to divide my heart, and steal the joy I could have! I told Scott this, and he agreed. I immediately gave up my attitude to Christ, and we had a lovely conversation after that, and a sweet prayer time before bed.

Here's my point: Don't let Satan be divisive in your marriage. God has given you your spouse for love and encouragement. NOT as a scratching post! Oh yes-discuss things, be a sounding board, have times where you cry together-but don't let anything divide you!

"Catch us the little foxes, the foxes that spoil the vines..." Song of Solomon 2:15

In Christ Alone

Introspective: : a reflective looking inward : an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings. That seems to sum up my days lately.

I wish I could claim perfection. Alas, I am human. I am a sinner; I err. God is perfection; He is holy, He is righteous. I am sin, I am unclean, and yet He has ransomed me.

The more I try to comprehend the magnitude of God, of the sacrifice of Jesus' death, the more I am moved to tears. I simply cannot understand God. And yet I love Him. I am devoted to Him.

I stand by grace alone. In myself, I see the imperfections. The striving to a goal I could never hope to attain, because I will never find perfection in human purpose. God looks at the heart; I believe He sees through the pride, the lies, the conceit, the vanity, the self-incrimination, the criticism, the burning hate of sin, and He loves me. It is too much for me to understand. But this I know:

Because of Jesus Christ, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit,
I have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
I have assurance of my destiny.
I have unlimited access to my Father God.
I have Jesus as my Intercessor, and the Holy Spirit as my Guide.
I have the ability to forgive, and be forgiven.
I have a quiet rest for my soul that can never be removed.
I have LOVE.

How often I am selfish. I see how I am not good enough, how I always fall short. I see the blemishes, the extra pounds, the lack of discipline, the minute failures. God looks at all those things, and speaks to my heart. I receive blessing and acceptance, and the knowledge that God makes up the distance I fail. He has created me, and in His image I am beautiful. He gives me self-control, and the ability to make wise choices. He gives forgiveness for any multitude of sins I commit.

I stand on grace alone.

Beloved of God, remember these things for yourself. He is your Creator, Redeemer, Healer and Father. He will never leave you, and will never forsake you.

Come, stand on grace alone.