Thursday, June 18, 2009

I LOVE My Job!

3 beautiful, well-behaved children + 2 fantastic parents = 1 extremely happy nanny.

These kids are quite possibly the most precious I have yet seen. The baby and toddler are happy and enthusiastic nearly ALL the time...no fussy children in this house! Not only that, but I have somehow managed to gain the favor of a 12-year-old boy...he even taught me 'the secret handshake' my first day on the job and begs me to stay longer or better yet, just not go home at all. I'll spend much of July traveling with the family to a handful of places (mostly east coast) since the dad is a musician and will be on tour for the next 6 weeks.

Yep, life is good!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Battle of the Heart

Every day, we are faced with situations and circumstances that force us to choose between Jesus and the world. Our suffering often threatens to consume us, weakening our spirits and magnifying our difficulties so as to make praising God seem close to impossible. But here is what I have learned...worship--praise--is not only the remedy to our suffering but suffering's harmony. The two go hand and hand, weaving themselves together in a way that lightens the burden, lessens the pain, and brings about a sobering kind of beauty.

Though my heart is broken and my hope shattered, I continue to praise God for Who He is, what He has done, and the promises that He keeps. Paul tells us that the kind of suffering God wants us to endure is the kind that will bring Him glory. I can think of no better way to bring glory to God than to continue to exalt Him and praise His name even in the midst of heartbreak and anguish. So here I am. It's not easy, and my lips don't always have the strength to form words of praise, but my heart is fighting day in and day out to rely completely on His grace and trust in His sovereignty. Though people fail and disappoint us, though promises are broken daily, God's word remains true and His love strong and unfailing. I am clinging to Jesus in desperation, begging Him to salvage some of the broken pieces to create something that pleases Him.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Note to Self

God is good--ALL the time. Even when I'm unemployed...and the month's bills threaten to completely wipe out my bank account. He is faithful. He is sovereign. I have ALL I need according to the riches and glory of Christ Jesus. I am a child of God; He knows how to give good gifts to His children. If He is for me, who can be against me? OVERWHELMING VICTORY is mine through Christ Jesus! He will do exceedingly abundantly over all I could ask or think. I will not worry about anything but pray about everything, telling God what I need and thanking Him for all He has done. I submit myself, my finances, my plans, my desires to Him, trusting in His goodness, grace, and mercy to get me through. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Amen!