Last week I was looking through the drawers of an old desk in our den that has become a catch-all of sorts through the years. Maybe you have one of those, too. It’s where you stick everything you really want to keep but have no time to file. I was searching for a picture of our house the year we bought it so that I could work it into a decoupage of our many years here. Ultimately, I found the picture elsewhere but I stumbled on a treasure while rummaging around in that drawer that sent me into a tailspin of memories.
First, the back-story because I bet some of you can relate.
I well remember being in the throes of family life and wondering from season to season whether or not we’d even make it. Or, if we made it, would we be glad we did?? Life is hard as it is. It’s even harder when two people have as many problems as we did. Both Keith and I brought heaps of issues into our marriage. Some we fell victim to. Some we inherited. Some we created. Some we earned through our own sinfulness and stubbornness. Some we passed right on to our beloved children, God forgive us. Like many of you, the odds were stacked against us and I knew – I’m saying I absolutely KNEW – that Jesus was the only way we were going to make it. Furthermore, He was not likely to do it without us.
The quandary was how we were going to head a certain direction if my man didn’t necessarily want to take the lead. What happens, sisters, when you (who are moms) feel strongly that your children need to be led a certain strong (Biblical) direction but you do not want to usurp your husband? And he’s not feeling so led? Even as I pose that question, I know full well that our simple blog format is not big enough to come up with crystal-clear, no-fail answers to those loaded questions. Yet, it’s part of our family story and a part my man does not mind me sharing. He’s never been much for bull. Or pretense, if you like that word better. Keith walked the aisle as a public profession of faith and was baptized right before we got engaged and, as clearly as I knew, that’s all that mattered. That might explain the timing. Grin. It was real. But it was also a prerequisite.
My man is a believer in Jesus Christ. He bears fruit of the Holy Spirit’s activity. He has often prayed over me and over our family with a power that left me bug-eyed and bereft of natural explanation. But he has still been very much his own man with his own idea of how he wanted to practice his faith. He was a maverick. He’s still a maverick. The harder you push him, the slower he goes. He sets his own pace or he walks alone. He is also God’s chosen man for me…and my chosen man before God. I cannot imagine my life without the likes of Ivan Keith Moore.
Rewind 15 or so years to those days when we had young adolescents under our roof who not only needed human direction (which both parents gave), they needed divine intervention. So did their parents, and in the worst way.
I did lots of reading in those days just like I do now. I’d read about how many godly homes practiced what they called a “family altar time.” They prayed together on a regular basis and maybe the parents even led in a family devotion. We didn’t do anything like that except when we were in a full-on crisis. (I am so thankful that we did it then, needless to say. I don’t want to be harder on us than our history really calls for.) We did a little more moderate version of “the family that prays together stays together.” Keith and I prayed at mealtime with our kids and, then, on numerous other occasions when something called for an extra measure of attention. I guess one of the most spiritual things we did along the way was simply ask for forgiveness when we were idiots to them or in front of them.
I’d long-since been practicing a morning quiet time and certainly prayed for my family members then but I knew that the greater victory in our family was somehow going to involve all of us…some how, on some level. I’d learned through the years that guilt-tripping your husband into spiritual leadership wasn’t going to bear much fruit or last over the long haul. And let me just go ahead and say the embarrassingly obvious. Would the man ever have done it consistently like I thought it should be done???? Could he have lived up to whatever expectation I had? I assure you, this man got more than he bargained for when he married. He had not signed up for all of this.
So, what was a woman to do?
I was stuck on the whole family altar thing. I’d convinced myself that it was the key. (I’m not saying it was. I’m just saying that I believed to the bone that it was.) “Family altar” was the buzz phrase of all the families that seemed to be doing it right. (It’s interesting how spiritual terms have fads, isn’t it?) So I figured out how we could have an adaptable experience without Keith being forced to take charge of it or me taking authority over him in the eyes of my children (or, as importantly, in his own eyes).
I got an idea.
I set up a little altar area on the hearth in our den. It had a journal for recording any prayer requests that members of our family wanted to share. It was solid gold to me. Sometimes they’d write “unspoken” and you know what that does to a nosy mother. What they didn’t realize is that, most of the time, Mom had already figured out that “unspoken” request. I also set out an age-appropriate devotional book on the hearth.Here is a picture of our makeshift “family altar.” The only reason I have this picture is because our dogs loved to lay on the cushion that I’d set out. We used to say they were having their quiet times.
I also got up earlier than the rest of the household in the morning and chose a verse for that day for our family. Most often I’d select it from my own time with God but sometimes circumstances dictated the choice. I’d write the Scripture with a Sharpie on an index card then lay it out on the altar. Everybody in our family was invited to kneel at that altar one at a time when they first got up in the morning. (Well, OK, only Keith was really “invited.” The girls were strongly urged. As their mother, I could full well take that authority over them.) After they read the verse, they were asked to sign the index card.
So, this is what I found the other day in that old desk drawer: Scripture card after Scripture card after Scripture card after Scripture card.
Some of them were signed by all four of us:
It was okay to be a little silly and even throw in an occasional nickname. Keith alone knows why he tagged Amanda as “Rooter” when she was a little kid. Most of our nicknames have morphed into much weirder tags in recent years.
A number of times Keith opted out and that had to be fine, too.We weren’t his boss.
On occasion, it would just be two of us:
Or another two of us:
Sometimes I’d add a little extra encouragement because it would break my heart wide-open with love to see those young teenage girls taking their turns at that altar in their jammies.
One girl obviously didn’t get to see that encouragement that morning.Laughing. I love them both so much.
It was a very imperfect shot at the whole thing. In fact, I can’t convey strongly enough that I hope you’ll receive this only as a simple short story in the lives of God and a family of four Moores. It’s not meant to be an example of a discipline you should take up. It was too messy to turn into a science. It’s just what worked for a season for us. We still made it on the grace of God alone.
I glance back over my shoulder at those turbulent years and recall a home bulging with hormones and woes, fears and foes, maybe too many yeses and not enough nos. Like every woman, I wish I could cut and paste our family story into all that sparkles and nothing that stinks. Like most women, there are a few things I wish I could blot out. Maybe more than most women, I have some sizable regrets. But, that day last week when I went looking for a photograph in that old desk drawer, I found a whole handful of our family life, held it close to my heart, and remembered.
Deuteronomy 4:23 “Be careful not to forget…”
1 Chronicles 16:12 “Remember the wonders He has done…”
I am just bawling my eyes out over this precious post! I love this.
Like so many others who have responded, I feel like this was meant for me & my maverick husband. Growing up, I was at church every time the doors were open (preacher’s kid), and had a well-defined list of do’s & don’t’s that my husband doesn’t necessarily adhere to. He is a believer, attends church with us, always makes sure the blessing is said before a meal, and even occasionally reads Scripture to our children on occasions such as Easter or Christmas. It’s those “do’s & don’t’s” that he does or does not do in his daily life that eat at me and cause me to want to be his judge, which I’m clearly not. I love him dearly – he’s a wonderful husband, excellent provider & hard worker, and a very hands on father. You’d think after 17 years of marriage, I would have learned to let go & let God work on my husband, but it’s still a struggle for me. These words from you have been a huge encouragement – thank you!
I am walking this road right along with you. As I read your post, I wondered if I had already posted. LOL
Praying for you as I desire your prayers.
Thanks Jeanne! It’s so nice to know none of us are alone in this.
Ditto! I have many, many things I could praise about…and yet I realize I’m focussing on those things that are between him and the Lord. Good to be in a circle of women who are experiencing the same!
Thank you, Beth. Thank you for loving God so much that He shines through your eyes and your pen… and keyboard! May God help each of us to shine as well!
Blessings to you!
Thank you for sharing this personal family message. What an encouragement this has been as well as a reminder to bring Gods word to my children everyday. Bless you!
You penned the words that I have experienced as a mother.
Recently, I uncovered precious notes and cards to myself and my husband from our children over the years and I wept. I came to realize that I am not the Holy Spirit to my maverick sweet husband and our daughter and son. Now, with our children grown and with children of their own, they are serving our Lord in ministry. Praise him for mercy and grace in parenting! Thank your for the encouragement and humor, reminding us that it is all about Him.
Thank you, Beth. Many times over I have put expectations on my husband to be this and that. Its a good reminder to me to let the Lord do the work in His time. My husband marches to his own beat spirtually as well. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Dear Beth,
You are such a blessing and encouragement. I love my “maverick husand” of almost 10 years (in 8 days!) It is amazing to think we have reached that mile marker, but it has been by God’s grace. Thank you for your honesty about your desire for Keith to grow. This has been a big stressor for me, even more now that we have a wonderful two year old son! Your marriage and openness about the ups and downs gives me hope and inspiration.
On another family note, I am coming from Salina, KS to Lincoln to hear you this weekend. I am bringing my little sister, best friend from college and her sister. Lisa and I attended the VERY first Passion Conference (our little sisters weren’t old enough to attend). We are now looking forward to a mommy’s weekend – how life changes!
This weekend is very unique though. Last year on the 25th of June my sister and I drove to Omaha to pick up my alcoholic father because he was being kicked out of his house. We brought him back to Kansas to be hospitalized for a medicial detox (he was drinking 24 hours a day) and then kept him at our homes with the goal of him entering another treatment program. On the weekend of July 10th he returned to Omaha to visit my teenager brother. On the 11th he had a massive heart attack that left him brain dead. As a result we ended life support and he died on the 22nd. My sister and I have not been back to Nebraska since.
The whole experience makes me so very very sad and angry. I desperately wanted him to have a second chance at life – he was such a kind man who was just consumed by the addiction. God has been very faithful to offer His comfort and grace. I think He knew that my dad was tired and decided enough was enough – Heaven was where he belonged.
I am looking forward to returning to Nebraska to hear a message from above! I am excited to attend as a Siesta!
Thank You Siesta Mama for allowing us a peak into your family history and glean some wisdom for the ages.
I confess that I’ve wanted those I love to grow in the Lord as I imagine or plan. Why on earth do we think we are the Holy Spirit in the lives of everyone? Lord please forgive me for having the audacity to think that I know what’s best for those I love. I know full well that God is Sovereign and always at work.
God gently reminds me yet again of His Faithful Words in Is 55:8-9. His ways are not my ways, nor His thoughts my thoughts…..
Beloved Siesta Mamma thank you for sharing your sweet memories and being so REAL.
This was a great post, Beth!! Such an encouragement for those of who have husbands who seem to be a little similar to Keith, and do not want to be “dripping faucet” kind of wives :). Thanks for keeping it real!
Thank you so much for sharing this part of your life Beth! This post really means a lot and is also encouraging.
Thank you!!
So precious!!! What a great idea!! 🙂
In tears…realizing I have held my man to the same impossible standard. I always dreamed for a man who would be leading us spiritually. Don’t get me wrong, he loves the Lord, but he just doesn’t lead us like I want him to. Yet once again, God has spoken to me through you Beth. Thank you for sharing such an intimate thing. I have heard you talk before about Keith not being in church all the time etc… I would chuckle, think of my man and go on. But today’s post has me in the I need to apologize to him mode. We will be married 16 yrs this September. We have had oh so many ups and downs, but we are still together, still in love and still serving the Lord.
Thank you, Siesta Momma! I love you!
What a touching story! I cannot possibly imagine how excited and delighted you were to see those index cards and I must say, that is one of the neatest ideas I’ve ever seen! Your family is so precious to me, even though I’ve never had the opportunity to hug your necks. Thank you for sharing your family’s journey with us here in Siestaville!
I am hoping to change that “hugging your neck” thing next month when you are in Charlotte. That would be a treasure I would keep with me always!
Much love to you Mama Beth!
Amber Moon
Our ladies’ church group is doing two studies a year and we are running out. Will you be updating “Living Beyond Yourself” soon? Do you have any new 10-week studies coming out?
Beth, I could relate to your story and in hindsight know that His grace is sufficient when I reflect on how I thought things should go in our homelife. God is so good!
On another note, we are doing the “Stepping Up” Bible study at my church. For me, I struggle with “works.” You asked us to get completely down on our faces before the Lord. As I began this study, I asked the Lord to help me in this area that this wouldn’t become just something rote that I am trying to do in order to gain some favor or something. So the first time I attempted to get flat on my face before the Lord, the song, “Get Down” pops into my head. I’m trying to be somewhat reverent and I’m singing in my head, “I get down, He lifts me up. I get down, He lifts me up. I get down, He lifts me up. I get down.”
Now I am down and talking to God when my miniature schnauzer comes into the bedroom and sniffs my head. Then I hear scratching noises and my dog had made a place for himself fully stretched out on his belly at my feet. I couldn’t help but smile and think of Psalm 150:6, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!.”
Then I really began singing the “Get Down” song because through this humorous moment, I felt the Lord’s presence and my spirit was uplifted. He DOES lift us up when we get down!
I was trying to be all serious and reverent. Thought you might like to know! My dog’s name is Deacon. It just fits him.
Michele, I just have to say that the sock monkey is the bomb!! It reminds me of our house….the “animals” rule! That is the cutest thing….ever!
Thanks for the giggles!
Sharoni
When I was little, I had a sock monkey. He was “real” and my best friend. I carried him around with me everywhere. I remember feeling sad and guilty when I came to the age where I started leaving him behind.
Enjoy your day!
Oh Beth! I am so happy for this post. I remember way back as a childless 20 something I was doing your Paul study. (I think it was Paul). Anyways – somewhere in that study — I think on a video — you mentioned this morning discipline. It planted in my heart. As I’ve matured into a mother of 2, I’ve often thought of going back to find that information again. And look how the Lord provided it for me. 🙂 I so admire the relationship you have with your girls! You truly have a legacy and that is something I pray earnestly to leave with each of my kids.
Arkansas love,
Michelle
Mama Siesta, I am so thankful for these precious words of encouragement. I too struggle with having my man be the leader of our home. Recently, this has turned into an impossible prospect. However, I am believing that NOTHING is impossible with God. But, to explain what I mean, I must say during this past October, my husband who grew up as a preacher’s kid, decided to tell me he is not even sure God exists. WHAT?!? He told me he just can’t reconcile some things in the Bible with what God is supposed to be. He no longer prays with me and the kids, partakes of communion, and pretty much has nothing to do with being the spiritual leader. He DOES still attend church service with us(because he did not want the kids to question why he was not going). I am holding firm to promise the GOD’S WORD does not return void. Although he attends he does not participate. He closes his eyes when we pray at home but this is it. Our children are 11,10 and 8.5 so they are starting to notice things but I am trying to not show them how bad things are with their dad. Your precious penned words with the experience to go along with them is such an encouragement to someone else who has a Maverick Man! I am trying hard not to be his Holy Spirit but must admit VERY HARD!!!!! I love my man greatly but am so disappointed that it is flowing over into other aspects of our life. Please pray that I will be a living example of Christ and the difference he makes in one’s life. Your words of how “it had to be OK, if Keith didn’t participate” really spoke to me. I want it be Ok with me but I am just not there yet,especially after 16 years with my man being a spiritual leader… even help guide our children to a saving knowledge of CHRIST!
This group is such a blessing and encouragement to me. Thanks for sharing your lives with me.
I’m praying for you sister. I’ve been there for awhile too. Try the book “Alone in Marriage” by Susie Larson. Don’t underestimate your influence with the kids. They will sense/see the peace you have when you’re focused on Jesus!
Thank you so much for the encouragement. I am going to pick up this book. Nice(and sad) to know I am not the only one!
Sweet Jeanne,
I have a very similar story. My husband taught SS for almost 15 years. Read his Bible three times. Seemed to be a Christian in everything he said and did but when I was born again eleven years ago, something happned in his heart. He slowly stopped believing and eventually became an unbeliever.
It is hard to not act like the Holy Spirit when you see a loved one walking down the road to destruction but through the years the Lord has taught me one important lesson: to keep my eyes on Him no matter what my husband is doing or not doing because He is working something incredible in our lives. I believe this with all my heart and it’s the hope that keeps me praying and asking and with His help, I have finally been able to let go and let God workout His perfect plan in our lives. The Lord gives me verses to sustain me daily in this area and this week it’s been ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Cor 2:9). He doesn’t say He’s preparing it. It’s ALREADY prepared. It’s a done deal! So just believe Him. Trust Him and watch and see what He has prepared for you and your family. It will be SO AWESOME!!
Praying for you with all my heart,
Gloria McCreary
I’m doing your To Live is Christ study right now, and you just talked about this whole thing as you were in the midst of it 🙂
I am right there with 2 teenage daughters. We try and have supper together every night and then we end it with a reading from the Bible and a devotional like “Today” or “Our Daily Bread” and prayer.Sometimes we have good discussions on the topic the devotional talked about.
My man is laid back, and if you push him to do something, he’ll do the opposite. I took a friend’s advice years ago. She said, “I’ve found that if I suggest something and he doesn’t like the idea, I wait a while, and sooner or later, he will come up with it as his own idea.” I have found this to be true for my man as well, and I don’t mind having him think it was originally his idea; I’m just happy we’re in agreement.
That was sweet. 🙂
Beth, years ago in one of your studies, I can’t remember which one, you changed my life by helping me realize I am not the Holy Spirit in my man’s life. What freedom that has given me, and I know God loves him more than I ever will. Thank you, your teachings have made a tremendous difference in many areas of my life.
Beth, thank you for once again opening your family to us! Obviously, this was a “word” I needed to hear! I’m doing your friend Tammie Head’s Duty or Delight and my study for that day paralleled exactly what you had shared! I love it when that happens! We are unique to God and how we worship, study, respond to God is unique as well!
I just have to say that our family got to spend the weekend in good ole Texas! Our daughter is serving on the staff at Pine Cove this summer and boy what a work He is doing in the staff and kids there! We were so blessed!
Sweet Beth, I am married to a maverick who sounds very similar to yours. At first it was a great adjustment and challenge to me because, growing up, our family was a pillar in the church and I lived to be there and around GOD’s people. My entire life was devoted to the ministry and meeting my sweetie, he threw me a curve ball causing me to wonder how GOD was going to work this out! His heart is wholly GOD’s, it’s the “church” thing he struggles with, because Max is 100% “be what you say you believe.” He has also been incredibly hurt by the church his entire life, as many can relate to….so the challenges have been significant to overcome. As ya’ll know, trust is not easily won. But this man of GOD, although a non-conformist to his core, walks a level of integrity and faith that is indeed rare with an ability to love people that I have seen unrivaled by anyone in the Christian faith, except maybe Mother Theresa. I am dead serious! He has a unique ability to bless people and freely share the love of Jesus with a passion and simplicity that blows me away. It used to put me to shame, but GOD healed that & used his way to inspire me instead. So….while our little mavericks “buck” the system so to speak, they also provide us with the inspiration to lead rather than follow and be true to ourselves…the core of us…without compromise. That’s something that is precious and should provide ongoing inspiration for us who tend to become complacent. GOD is anything but ordinary, and our mavericks keep us inspired enough to keep running after that which is pure….freedom in Christ. Be what you say you believe. Those are truly words to live by, huh?
Sharoni
…giving voice to those with none….
Precious story. Years ago I sort of copied your idea of a family alter time, I would put idex cards with the daily verses on my kids night stands. We recently moved and downsized our empty nest house and I found file boxes in both my now grown boys drawers with those ides cards they had saved. Cried for hours.
Beth, Thank you so much for this post. As I sit here bawling, I am so thankful God had you write this. My husband and I are nursing out 19-year old daughter through her first heartbreak. It is SO painful, but we rest in the fact that God is already ahead of us on this.
So we take comfort in the fact that “this, too, shall pass”
Blessings and have a wonderful day.
Beautiful! Thank you so much for that encouragement and for being so transparent with us. I appreciate the “no bull” rule because so often I want to look at other families and wish we had it “all together” like they do. 🙂 You have no idea how much you encourage me and make me want to give my husband a break and appreciate him for who God made him.
Beth,
Thank you again for giving me hope. I so long for my children to grow in Christ and wish that my husband would see things exactly the same as I do (which I truly know would be a terrible misfortune). Thank you for the reminder and encouragement to allow our men to be who God made them, and to encourage our children in our own quiet ways through scripture.
And thank you Debbie for the reminder that I am not the Holy Spirit in my husband’s life. It’s such a great truth and so funny at the same time that I could even think such a thing. What a goof I am, thank God that He is gracious!
I am thankful for honest heathens more that religious fakes…..not that your husband or those in my family to whom I refer are heathen in the purest sense of the word but……I am sure our God loves honesty in a person more than almost any other quality….much more palatable than a lukewarm pew warming churchy kind of guy! Glory to God for the Mavericks and their abiltiy to see and speak to the real issues of life without religiousifying them (made that word up myself). Godliness and religion are not the same thing! Thanks for this post and Shalom to you and your precious family.
Precious moments from a precious family … and I’m so grateful to have met each and every one of you!
Beth,
I remember in telling us about your home “alter” in one of your earlier Bible studies you wrote. I know what you mean by wanting your husband to be the spiritual leader of the home. Prayed over 10 years for it, and finally the Lord answered my prayer. He went from being a passive spiritual leader to being a Gideon. We never had a family devotional time with the family, but my children see him praying,reading the Word, and serving the Lord. Our God is good.
Beth
thanks so much for sharing your memories with me … reminds me that this side of heaven none of us are worthy but by His grace alone —
Beth,
Thank you for sharing a part of your life. What a great story about your family. I love finding things that trigger a walk down memory lane.
Love you
Oh Beth! What a wonderful treasure!!! Thank you for sharing it with us…as for my family, I am it as the spiritual leader. I was saved 5 years into our marriage and my hubby is still not a believer (9 years later)…however, he is the man for me, my partner and love, my encourager and my best friend…He is the man God picked for me. I pray for him daily and believe one day he will come to know and accept Jesus…
Blessings!
Beth,
Our husbands would be good friends….mine even said so after hearing you speak at the Focus Marriage Conference a year or so ago.
I have laid down (and unfortunately pick up) this specific struggle so many times. I realized a few years ago that I had tried for most of our now 21 year marriage to be the Holy Spirit to my husband. Just didn’t know any better at the time…don’t guess I need to tell you that; it didn’t work! We are rearing 5 sons and I want SO much for them to be Spirit led men. Suppose that’s why I keep picking up that struggle: FEAR. Fear that not seeing it at home from their dad will cause another generation to fall prey to the struggle. My husband loves God and serves God–but it doesn’t look like I want it to or think that it should (didn’t you say something about that??)
This week I was dealing with this very thing (again) and so how sweet of God to have you share this with me. Trust. I am trusting God to fill in the gaps–if there even ARE any, it may just look like it from my perspective. “My grace is sufficient…” This has been my mantra for God covering ALL the parental shortcomings in our home. Because I realize that I too am flawed! And, for me, that has helped.
Loved the idea of sharing verses…..maybe I’ll see if that would take in my home as well. Thanks sister!
Tonya
Very nice. Thanks, Beth!
Its just amazing how Jesus is ALWAYS right and always on time. I needed to hear this story Beth. Neeeded it so right now. Tonight. Thank you!
Beth, what a beautiful post. You inspire me!
Beth, I cannot tell you what this post meant to me tonight. Right before I opened this up to read it I was begging my husband to start praying with me nightly feeling like it is hopeless. I love how God encourages us at just the perfect time! Your post was just what I needed, and He knew that! God is merciful and gracious, and He will lead us through. Thank you!
This inspires me. As a Mom of 4, relying on God’s grace every single day, this inspires me to press on. I love your honesty, Beth. The pictures of the Bible verse cards signed by your family brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing!
this was so encouraging! what a great idea! i’m going to try it with my girls!
Thank you so much for sharing, what a great idea for a busy family!!! My son is only 4 . . . or 4 1/2 as he would be quick to correct me if he could read. 🙂 When he is older this is great way to have a family moment together, but not. 🙂
Will be seeing you in Lincoln, NE this weekend. Am bringing 3 of my girlfriends from college, we do girl weekends frequently . . . or as frequently as we can. 🙂 As mothers, teachers, friends, sisters, wives, daughters and the many other hats we wear, we are deeply desiring be filled by the God we serve. Thank you so much for yielding to His calling, it blessesso many of us!!! I am praying for you this weekend. God bless!
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
Absolutely precious! Thanks for sharing that. 🙂
What wonderful memories!!!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! I so needed to read this today-God is always on time! Praise Jesus!
Beautiful, Beth! I have a 2 yr. old girl and a 7 week old girl. When I was pregnant with my 7 week old girl I did your Esther Bible Study and Psalms of Ascent. I was so nervous to have 2 girls but was so encouraged by how much you talked about your girls and this post continues to encourage me! I look forward to the day when they are old enough for an altar! Love it! I also can’t wait until we can have family feet time in the tub at night 🙂 I told my husband about this and he said he might participate 🙂
Oh, my dear Sister In Christ, thank you for your honesty and we mothers “hear you” – the notes are profound. I just bet more powerful in the Kingdom than even you will ever know until that day- you and your family members are a true example of what God will do when redemption is sought by even one parent- thank you God that you have given a mother and a father authority to intervene in our family’s lives by asking you to come, Lord Jesus Come- Beth,we love you dearly and this blog means so much to each mother who has the blessing of receiving your remarkable insights. You bring the encouragement of Christ to us my, my, my Your “old girl” Siesta Lots of love and blessings to you and yours
Beth, I’ve read about this before in something Amanda wrote, I believe. I thought it was a great idea…tho I know you’re not asking for kudos!! Whichever daughter wrote about it…did so because it made a mark in their life and started them on the devotional journey. I’m in a season of grief due to my mother’s illness..and I’ve had several dear flashbacks lately of the different ways my mom used to get the Word in our hearts daily. Such a timely reminder that we need to be intentional in our walk with Christ…and intentional in our roles as parents. Also, it is water to my thirsty soul when I read about your marital struggles, triumphs, valleys, etc. I hold on alot to the thoughts and wisdom you share. Thank you for heeding the call of the Lord!
We just had a full family blowout at our place. Coming into my office to shut it all out, I came here for distraction. The verses were perfect, the message was humility…again.
And putting Him first. Again.
I am the momma, I went and said I was sorry. Thank you.
God uses you and I am always grateful.
Becca
Thanks for sharing this … I’ve heard you say that you can’t boss your man before but somehow today, because I so much wanna boss mine into being the spiritual leader I want him to be … I don’t know if I grasp that the man is still the spiritual leader even in the home of one of this generation’s most notable Christian authors! lol … but to know you have a great marriage … and great kids … and it wasn’t all perfect gives me such hope … because I have messed up so many times in my son’s 15 years … and now I send him off to the mission field and just hope beyond hope that Jesus shines brighter than the scar tissue from my mistakes!!
I just cried until I snorted! Those cards are a treasure, indeed!