Power of the Spirit

 
There are a number of things rattling around in my heart.  How can I best serve God and my neighbors?  How can the passions of my heart be satisfied without a platform on which to deliver?
  It is a dear thing to wait on the Lord.  He is the one that opens the windows of heaven for me.  It is never by my might or power that I am successful in proclaiming the Gospel, or doing acts of service for His children.  It is only by His Spirit that anything gets done successfully.
  I have been feeling pretty well lately.  Oh, I still have some issues, but they are so minor compared to all the physical maladies of the past, that I feel I am doing really well.  It makes me restless to DO.  I have been a mother forever, and helping out with the grandchildren satisfies somewhat.  But it seems there is more on the horizon.   It's cloudy and I can't see clearly what's out there but I sense something awaits.   The preparation time might last for 75.5 years so that 5 months of longing might be fulfilled.  I know it will be worthwhile when the Lord releases in the power of the Spirit.



Zechariah 4:6b  Not by might
Nor by power
But by My Spirit

Hungry Bundles

  This week I had opportunity to care for Samuel and Isaac while their Mom went out for a couple of hours.  I do enjoy them.  Although they look a lot alike, they have differences that tickle me.  Samuel's hair is totally disobedient to any kind of plan regarding the comb.  Isaac's fits his little head quite perfectly.  And Isaac is still a pound ahead of Sam..
  By the time a couple of hours had gone by, they were both thinking of food.  Trying to comfort them, and using two arms to hold them still works because they are so little.  The time is soon approaching that I will need a third arm.  It is no fun to listen to a baby cry.  I have experience with that.
  When our son Charlie was a newborn, he raised the roof with crying and he was inconsolable.  As  happens , it came most always at mealtime, when we were all planning to have a meal together, and hoping to hear each other talk.  He outgrew the screaming and instead became a talker.  It took him awhile to develop his skill.  Now it is hard to get him to be quiet, especially at mealtime.  I think babies that cry a lot, when all their physical needs are met, just have a lot to say.  It was one of the thoughts that helped us through those trying days. 
  Hang tightly onto your joy.   Along with love it glues the whole family together.

James 1:2a  Consider it great joy,
My brothers and sisters (and also my children)
Whenever you experience
Various trials,

His Footstool

   Although we are still picking some things, our garden is well beyond peak.  I reflect on the amazing days of gathering produce these past months, and can't help but recall our first garden in St. Cloud.  Located exactly where it is now, we planted and worked to get anything to grow, besides weeds and bugs.  My first crop of green beans was meager and bug eaten.  With every bean I picked, I thanked Father for His wonderful provision.
  This year, we were still eating from last years produce, when our season ran down for the year.  Amazing!  Picking and gathering is, for me, a gentle and tender time. God is so close and I praise Him for His abundance.  It is a time of getting close to Him with a thankful heart and pondering the shear wonder of His good earth.
  It is almost as though His feet were resting in our garden.


Matthew 5:34-35 But I say to you, do not swear at all:
Neither by heaven
   for it is God's throne
Nor by the earth
  for it is His footstool;
Nor by Jerusalem,
  for it is the city of the great King.

Weekend Fun

  Whew!  So much fun in such a short time!  Our daughter Emily and hubby Eric, along with their four children, came for a quick Labor day weekend.  Driving from KS is no small feat, so we really appreciated seeing them.  On Monday we went to "the lake" and were the only ones there for the first hour or more.  Kayaks and a canoe were employed by nearly everyone throughout the day.  The baby boys, only six weeks old and their brave parents, endured the whole time with very little fussing, babies or parents!
  I had such a sweet time watching everyone and enjoying being together.  Our girls take over the kitchen/cooking/planning pretty much, so I can relax even with so many around.  We were 23 total with Phil and Jaimee and their two girls absent.
  It's hard to believe that our little group has grown that much.  I still, and will always marvel at the individuality of each one; their talents and giftings; the way each family becomes their own. It makes me think of the joy Father must have in each of His children and the way His family is becoming His own.  What a treasure we are, these earthen vessels, formed by the Potter Himself.
  Makes me love Him even more.