It’s not yet evening here on the front and the sun is casting lines across the floor in an early evening warmth. We are coming off several festive weeks filled with parties, food, and gift giving. It was a beautiful time of year but somehow had a way of highlighting our weaknesses. This year, in our service to our Lord, the colorful, twinkling lights of the festival shot rays through the fractures in our framework – some big, others barely noticeable. We know that these fractures are merely reminders of the Lord’s ongoing work in the hearts of the children, and ourselves, but we are also aware of our duty to mend, repair, and strengthen these gaps in our training.
What we are so aware of is that we walk a fine line between training disciples in deed and discipling the heart. Our primary goal is not to cultivate good people, but redeemed people; not to encourage morals, but to encourage godliness. As we know, good behavior is not the desired end, although it is a side benefit, but it is a knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that lies front, center, and alone on our vision board. No matter our striving, it is He who has set a standard of perfection that we cannot attain. Therefore, we lose the hold we have on striving for goodness and, instead, pursue the cultivation of a redemptive relationship with Him in the hearts of even our youngest disciple. Out of that relationship, we earnestly pray, will come Christ-driven morality, but we must confess that we find ourselves putting the proverbial cart before the horse.
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I have a dear friend who will be meeting her little girl soon. And one year ago today my second little girl was born. This means I am in the mood to write, although the words below don't even come close to what is burning in my heart.
I've been thinking back to the days leading up to my first delivery and what I was expecting the next year to look like. I can tell you, without a shadow of doubt, that the first year was not at ALL what I was expecting. There is so much that the books don't tell you and there are some things that will completely blindside you on this new adventure. Here are just a few from the top of my head. I've been to several baby showers since C was born. I can't tell you how many - that kind of calculation will take way too much brain power and I'm in conservation mode. However, I do remember that at nearly every one there was an opportunity to write words of encouragement or advice to the mom-to-be. If it wasn't for my own experience with the subject, I wouldn't have a chance in this department. But, thankfully, I have two little ones that have afforded me loads of it, experience that is. So, now, I have no hesitation when I give advice. It is simple. Straight to the point. Right to the heart and meant from the heart. And it is applicable in nearly every mommyhood.
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