I didn’t end up sewing yesterday, but I did get misc little puttering, putting away clutter, cleaning done. Then I got to have my niece all.to.my.self! For an hour and a half. Vince went to the high school youth group retreat (gone Fri afternoon – Sun afternoon) and Christine went to a friend’s house for a few hours. it was weird. really weird. Both of my parents were gone too – it really was just totally me, by myself here at the house.

Throughout the process of the day I realized how difficult of a time I had with not really getting anything specific done. But I couldn’t really muster up the energy to care. I didn’t even realize how badly I needed the mental break from all I’ve been trying to figure out. I pretty much mentally shut down. Spent time in tears. Plus, I’ve been reading Grace for the Good Girl….ugh! she so totally describes me and I’m so guilty of thinking my doing things right is somehow better or more righteous. {sigh} I know I say it often, but it’s so true – I’m so indescribably thankful for a Heavenly Father who freely forgives and extends grace over. and over. and over again.

To prove it, my bro & sis-in-law asked if I was available to watch Ali for them to go out on a date – I jumped on the chance to have Ali all to me. I wasn’t sure how she would take it – she normally/totally interacts with Vince; and if he’s not here, it’s all Christine. I don’t usually get more than a hug when she comes & leaves. But.it.was.wonderful! She sat in my lap & we did a sticker book (Fancy Nancy, of course) for an hour!!! My love tank went from parched to feeling full. {So.so.so. Love having littles around. So, totally, and completely just what I needed.} Christine came home while Ali & I were eating dinner, she played with Christine a bit, got jammies on; then she sat in my lap for another hour while we watched (she watched, I dozed on/off) Peter Rabbit. Again, blissful for this auntie. Who was so aching for some little arms/body in my lap.

So, we’ve been going through the book of Jude at church. It has been really good – of course. Today was Jude 17-23. Here are just a few of the many notes I jotted down.

I want to remember to choose to live by this knowledge.

This morning totally went with the needed reset on my thinking – I can’t do enough to make anything with ‘my’ life in the Lord better.  He already did it all. On the cross. My God, my Heavenly Father, gave His Son, Jesus, to die (in my place, for my sins) on the cross, then raised Him up so I could have eternal salvation. I need to quit stressing about everything and enjoy the life He has given. This is what I heard for me this morning, I hope and pray it can help someone else as well.

God’s love is all the good His heart desires for me. Specific to me. It may not look the same for me as for another. We can walk away, but it’s best if we don’t. Stay where He wants us, in the safe harbor of His love. Our experiences will be different, but He’s provided the safety for us to use.

Then, a little later, as our Pastor was describing praying, he said it was a lot like riding a bike. No matter how much reading you do, you have to feel the balance to keep the bike up and going. No one can do it for you. It is a different experience for each.

Then, a little later yet – how best to keep up communication with our Heavenly Father:

1. Scripture – Spend time in the Scriptures, reading them consistently. daily.
2. Speak – preferably out loud while praying. This keeps us on task, reminds us we are praying. Otherwise our praying tends to become more wishful thinking or worrying. Neither of those are praying, communing with our Heavenly Father in Jesus’ name.
3. Time – slow down, allow the necessary time to pray. Again, pray slower. saying the words out loud.  or in a whisper. or just moving your lips. but NOT just thinking our prayers.

So, ya…pretty much hit with the 2×4 to slow down. Rest in His love for me. His provision. His protection. His plan. His will. Enjoy life. Quit worrying about getting it all right the first time. How about you? Do you struggle with the un-ending to-do list getting the better of you or your attitude? What do you find is the best way to make yourself slow down, but not lose momentum? 

Eye candy: This from June 2011, and this beautiful tree is in Steamboat, Colorado.  This is from the amazing trip we had last summer, we were at my cousin’s magazine photo shoot! AWESOME!!!  It was such an amazing day – warm. went to a Botanical Garden. kids got to be in an outdoor swimming pool [for hours] while my uncle supervised. then mom & I got to go see the ending of a for-real-life-magazine-photo-shoot in an over-the-top-amazing house. The photo was taken with my point-and-shoot Sony that is w.o.r.n out… so glad I didn’t have my ‘new’ camera (which I can soon change out!)…. 

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Daylight Savings & Sleep: I believe these are self-explanatory. I can not begin to adequately describe how the extra hour of sleep is heavenly.

I realize not all states do this, but I am thankful we do. It is wonderful to go to bed and have it actually be an hour earlier. I learned when I was doing school online, to not use that extra hour the night before. I tend to naturally be a night owl – I used to stay up an hour longer and just “claim” I was going to bed at the same time. It never really worked, and I never learned. However, because I was doing school via University of Phoenix and Arizona doesn’t observe daylight savings…my assignments had to be turned in two hours earlier than the midnight deadline, instead of the 11pm deadline I had when we changed back in April. Ya, I learned quick – had 3 cycles of daylight savings in those 20 months. Thankfully, the first cycle was just two short months after I started.

I hope you are able to have a rest-full Sunday. I am looking forward to a day of rest after a refreshing week :-D. It has been a long time since I’ve been able to look forward to the new week ahead. This continues to be the verse I’m hanging onto this week. I know I will need the constant reminder. In particular with elections this week – He is in control! No matter what our circumstances look like. 

I will Give Thanks in ALL circumstances.

I’m not often political on here – but I will say, it is imperative to vote. This is why we live in such a great country, with freedom. Because our forefathers felt our freedoms were important. Worth giving their lives so we could have a better life. For those of you reading who are Americans, don’t ignore that portion of your heritage. If Tuesday doesn’t work for you, look for your local Division of Elections offices, some have the option of early voting.

I’m linking up with Fresh Brewed Sundays with Barbie over at My Freshly Brewed Life. Come join with others sharing a scripture with each other. What a blessed way to spend time with blog friends!

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I’m feeling the urge to explain my header photo…  Several summers ago (July 2009), my cousins were here for a wedding.  We went hiking in the mountains/valley nearby; we were eighteen bodies and five carloads to get there (I think, if I remember right).  We were not quiet as we walked.  It was a summer that allergies were really reeking havoc on my body.  The dirt trail was killing my feet.  As we walked we came upon this sight.  When I saw how it was a rough path with a smooth spot, then rough again, and how I couldn’t see around the corner; it immediately made me think of how when we’ve chosen Christ to be Lord of our lives, He promises He will always direct our paths, and He will protect us every step of the way.  He will never fail us.  At the time I had no idea what lay ahead.  None.  {It’s a really good thing too!  I could not have handled the knowledge.  He is so faithful.}

Interestingly, just over a year ago I wrote a “post“.  This post was on balance, I was feeling very off-kilter.  In looking back over the last year – it.has.been.AMAZING!  A year like no other, a year I could have never imagined, one probably not soon (or ever?) to be repeated.

That post was written at a time of reflection after having put my kids “into” school.  (In August 2010 I enrolled them into a local charter school.)  It was one of the hardest things I had ever done.  I felt nearly crushed to pieces, hard to breathe type of crushing, every morning I dropped them off. {I did not let them know this – I would hold it together with LOTS of prayer until they got out of the car.  Then I’d bawl my eyes out as I drove home.}  Right after Christmas break, we (the kids & I) decided for them to come back home.  While I do not regret having had them “in school” for those five months, there are at times still issues that come up as a direct result of things learned I would have chosen to protect my children from.

When I wrote the post in February, we were still trying to find our balance; the changes were still relatively recent.  A year later, many adventures later, much family time later, more mistakes later – and when I read that post, it is still as true as if I’d just written it. {sigh} At this point, I’m choosing to turn to the Father and say, “Lord, You’re reasoning is perfect.  I don’t understand why, but it isn’t important for me to understand why.  It is important for me to trust You.  So I am going to.”

I’m in the midst of way too many decisions.  Some big.  Some small.  I’m fighting fear over circumstances – which brings me back to just a couple days ago and “the faith to not have fear“.  All of these circumstances can tempt me to get sidetracked wondering – did I not learn anything over this last year?  As I prepared a recent Captivating post, I was reminded of this truth:

“An intimate relationship with Jesus is not only for other women, for women who seem to have their acts together, who appear godly and whose nails are nicely shaped.  It is for each and every one of us.  God wants intimacy with you.  In order to have it, you, too, must offer it to him. (page 122,Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge)

Oh, how this makes me thankful.  No matter how many mistakes I make, God, my Heavenly Father, wants simple, intimate relationship with me.  It’s isn’t only for those look like they have it all together.

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I have a book review for you today.  I have to be honest though; I haven’t actually finished this book.  It.is.so.good!  The book is The Pleasures of God by John Piper.

I do not know much about the author, John Piper.  The only thing I knew before starting was the fact he is the favorite author of  a dear sister-friend.  While I immediately knew why, I was surprised how much I enjoyed and appreciated what he said.  However, he writes deep.  This review has been a long time coming, but I simply could not absorb much at a time.  Most often I can’t read more than five pages at a time.  I find I start to re-read paragraphs with no understanding.  So, even though I desired to read, learn, and apply right away – it is just too much.

I thought it was lack of time while at home with everything going on, and just being too tired at night to process more.  I took The Pleasures of God with me to the cabin thinking I’d be able to finish it there.  However, I discovered I couldn’t be mentally tired when trying to read it either.  My comprehension just pretty much shuts down – but oh!  It is so good.

My understanding of this book’s purpose is to guide believers to better understand what gives God pleasure, so we can better know Him.  Because I can’t simplify most of what struck me – here are several quotes.

“The benefits of knowing God more fully and deeply in this way are many.  This is what our minds and hearts are made for – to know and love God.” (page XVII – yes this is in the preface!)

I have said this before, I don’t remember where I’ve read this before, but I do know in my heart I believe this. It is a key focal point to me – My purpose is to know God. to love God. Nothing I do can make Him love me more, nothing I can do will make Him love me more. I just need to focus on knowing Him.

“The worth and excellency of soul is to be measured by the object of its love.” (page 5; quoted from Scougal, The Life of God, 62)

This statement took me many times of re-reading to really sink in. It makes me think about the question – “What is your passion?” That is the treasure of your heart.

“If the excellence of God could be admired in his pleasures, and if we tend to conform to what we admire, then focusing on the pleasures of God could help me be conformed to God.” (page 6)

Three things stand in the way of complete satisfaction in the world:   1. Nothing has a personal worth great enough to meet the deepest longings of our hearts. 2. We lack the strength to savor the best treasures to their maximum worth. 3. Our joys here come to an end.  Nothing lasts.  (page 13)

The above statement struck me as an incredibly concise statement to our failings and constant desire for more. {emphasis, paraphrase & formatting from me – it is not a direct quote}

I believe less is more and for me to try to express more is more likely to overwhelm you than to inspire you to read it. There are so many truths and ideas “put out there” in this book, you really need to read it for yourself {with a notebook and pen/pencil in hand}.  I don’t want to tell you what this book says, because I wonder how much of my comprehension is based on personal experiences.

I decided to go ahead and write this review rather than wait until I’m done reading, because I thought you might like to get your own copy and read it this summer.  Just be prepared, this is not a quick read.  It is a heart changing read.

John Piper’s website | Follow on Twitter | Follow on Facebook | More Info | Read Chapter One | Author Bio

{Disclaimer: I received a copy of The Pleasures of God, from WaterBrook Multnomah‘s Blogging for Books program, in exchange for my review.  I was not told what to say in this review.  All statements are my own opinion and thoughts.}

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