It breaks my heart to share that we found out on Friday that our baby died. I went for my regular 4 week check up (I was 17 weeks pregnant) and we discovered that there was no heartbeat. As you can imagine, the last several days have been very difficult. On Tuesday, I was admitted to the hospital to induce labor. After 12 hours of labor our little David was born. He was beautiful and looked just like his daddy :) As much as our hearts grieve our loss, we have been thoroughly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from our friends, family and our church. Know we love you and are so grateful that the Lord has blessed us with you!
Know that the LORD is so GOOD and has never left us for even one minute. He truly is our Rock Eternal.
Below is an email that Robert sent to his friends at Pure Life Ministries yesterday after we got home from the hospital...I wanted to share it with you as well.
Love you all,
Luci
David Christoffer Nicholson
Born in Heaven: On or before December 5th, 2008
Born on Earth: December 9th 9:47 PM
Length: 6.9 in
Weight: 2 oz
Yesterday was the longest, most gut-wrenching day we ever had, yet God provided so much sweetness in the sorrow. Our baby was so precious. We got to hold little David and say goodbye. It was a blessing to have that closure, although we will doubtless continue grieving. Today we came home from the hospital and rested. Please continue to pray for Luci's recovery, both physical and emotional.
I wanted to share why we picked the name we did. Earlier this year we attended a class on biblical prophecy at a local church. On the last day of the class, the staff prayed over each of us individually. As soon as they laid hands on Luci, the baby leapt in her womb over and over again. It was as if he was already in tune with the Spirit of God and felt His presence. Yesterday, shortly after he was born I thought of the story of King David leaping and dancing in the presence of the Lord before the Ark. We also chose the Swedish (my heritage) spelling for "Christopher". We felt Christ - offer was so meaningful. We know our baby is with Jesus and we will see him some day.
"I shall go to him, but he will not return to me" -2 Samuel 12:23
Know that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. The God of all Comfort is with us.
God Bless,
Rob and Luci
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
With Every Season - Turn, Turn, Turn
Ecclesiastes 3:1
A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...
Apparently...many of these seasons are occuring all at once for us...and all since my last post...
First...we sold our house in Lewisville and are moving to Denton...a little over a year after the Lord put this move on our hearts!
Second...our van blew up and we bought a new (to us) one.
And Third...the most exciting thing changing in our lives is...we will be welcoming our third child to our family sometime around the beginning of May...PRAISE GOD!
See pics below of the new baby and the new house :) Please continue to lift us up in prayer as we make many transitions in the next couple of months. We will be moving into our new house on December 29th!
Also...just a quick follow up on my last post...I know, SO VERY long ago...
The kids have transitioned beautifully into their new school. We love Vista Academy!!
Love y'all!
Luci
A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...
Apparently...many of these seasons are occuring all at once for us...and all since my last post...
First...we sold our house in Lewisville and are moving to Denton...a little over a year after the Lord put this move on our hearts!
Second...our van blew up and we bought a new (to us) one.
And Third...the most exciting thing changing in our lives is...we will be welcoming our third child to our family sometime around the beginning of May...PRAISE GOD!
See pics below of the new baby and the new house :) Please continue to lift us up in prayer as we make many transitions in the next couple of months. We will be moving into our new house on December 29th!
Also...just a quick follow up on my last post...I know, SO VERY long ago...
The kids have transitioned beautifully into their new school. We love Vista Academy!!
Love y'all!
Luci
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Awesome God! - New School/Leap of Faith
I just wanted to brag on our great God and King! He is SO personal and SO detailed. He is amazing.
I know this is long...but I don't blog enough, sorry!
About a month and a half ago...we "randomly" met some people at our church who told us about a charter school in Hickory Creek called Vista Academy (it turns out they both work for the district). We decided to check into it. We went for a tour while the kids were still in Kansas for the summer and were really impressed both with their facility, and more importantly, their teaching philosophy.
Unfortunately, they were full and we put both boys on the waiting list. About a week before school started, I called and both kids had 4 people in front of them on the list...so we had no choice but enroll them at their previous school. One week into the new school year, I received a call that they had an opening for Braden...
Now, some background...
Braden is thrilled that we are planning to move and excited about going to a new school. Joshua on the other hand...not so happy. He is in 4th grade and has been at the same school since kindergarten. He did not want to leave his friends and has a ton of anxiety about change, meeting new people, etc.
Ok...back to the story. So, Braden has a spot. I had to make a decision that day. They had already started school...yikes, do I risk "upsetting the applecart" and move one child to a new school? EVERYTHING in me was like...no, let's just keep it convenient and comfortable...we'll just move them when we sell our house and move. BUT...this kept going through my head..."if you accept the position there will be a spot for Joshua next week...if you don't, you will never know." (I wish I could say this is what made me make the decision...but nope :) To say the least, I was torn. Robert and I prayed and talked to the kids' dad...we decided that we were impressed with the school and it was worth it to give it a try for Braden. Besides, he would be the most open to the change, thank goodness it wasn't Joshua :)
This was on a Friday. I accepted the position for Braden and we shared the news with him that night. Praise God!! He was excited! We talked it up all weekend. On Monday, I enrolled him in the new school with plans for him to start the next Monday. Then I went to work. That afternoon...I got a call from the school that Joshua had a spot. I about fell over! Just that morning, they had told me the likelihood of him getting in this year was slim to none. As soon as I got the message...that phrase that kept going through my head on Friday came back to me "if you accept the position, there will be a spot for Joshua next week." Our God is awesome, huh?
Okay...it gets better. We broke the news to Joshua (and were more than a little apprehensive about his possible reaction). BUT..honestly, he had listened to us pump it up all weekend and put up very little protest...and was even a little excited. Huge praise God!!
But...that is not all...and this is my favorite part about how DETAILED and PERSONAL our GOD is and how VERY MUCH HE LOVES MY CHILDREN!! The night before they started at their new school, Joshua was very scared about meeting new people. I prayed for him and assured him that God would be with him and he would make new friends. The next day, when they got home from school they both RAVED about the experience and were so excited about everything! Then they start telling me about the new friends they made. Braden made three and Joshua made one. Here is the conversation I had with Joshua.
Joshua - Mom! I made a friend today!
Me - That's awesome Joshua, what's his name?
Joshua - Mom, it's not a he. She's a girl.
Me - OHHH, how'd you meet her?
Joshua - She just walked up to me and introduced herself and asked if I would be her friend. I said yes. Then we talked for awhile. Later she gave me this.
Joshua pulls out a folded note (y'know, the kind we passed in middle school and high school??) I'm like, hmmm...are they already passing notes? Anyway, he hands it to me to read and this is what it said.
I know this is long...but I don't blog enough, sorry!
About a month and a half ago...we "randomly" met some people at our church who told us about a charter school in Hickory Creek called Vista Academy (it turns out they both work for the district). We decided to check into it. We went for a tour while the kids were still in Kansas for the summer and were really impressed both with their facility, and more importantly, their teaching philosophy.
Unfortunately, they were full and we put both boys on the waiting list. About a week before school started, I called and both kids had 4 people in front of them on the list...so we had no choice but enroll them at their previous school. One week into the new school year, I received a call that they had an opening for Braden...
Now, some background...
Braden is thrilled that we are planning to move and excited about going to a new school. Joshua on the other hand...not so happy. He is in 4th grade and has been at the same school since kindergarten. He did not want to leave his friends and has a ton of anxiety about change, meeting new people, etc.
Ok...back to the story. So, Braden has a spot. I had to make a decision that day. They had already started school...yikes, do I risk "upsetting the applecart" and move one child to a new school? EVERYTHING in me was like...no, let's just keep it convenient and comfortable...we'll just move them when we sell our house and move. BUT...this kept going through my head..."if you accept the position there will be a spot for Joshua next week...if you don't, you will never know." (I wish I could say this is what made me make the decision...but nope :) To say the least, I was torn. Robert and I prayed and talked to the kids' dad...we decided that we were impressed with the school and it was worth it to give it a try for Braden. Besides, he would be the most open to the change, thank goodness it wasn't Joshua :)
This was on a Friday. I accepted the position for Braden and we shared the news with him that night. Praise God!! He was excited! We talked it up all weekend. On Monday, I enrolled him in the new school with plans for him to start the next Monday. Then I went to work. That afternoon...I got a call from the school that Joshua had a spot. I about fell over! Just that morning, they had told me the likelihood of him getting in this year was slim to none. As soon as I got the message...that phrase that kept going through my head on Friday came back to me "if you accept the position, there will be a spot for Joshua next week." Our God is awesome, huh?
Okay...it gets better. We broke the news to Joshua (and were more than a little apprehensive about his possible reaction). BUT..honestly, he had listened to us pump it up all weekend and put up very little protest...and was even a little excited. Huge praise God!!
But...that is not all...and this is my favorite part about how DETAILED and PERSONAL our GOD is and how VERY MUCH HE LOVES MY CHILDREN!! The night before they started at their new school, Joshua was very scared about meeting new people. I prayed for him and assured him that God would be with him and he would make new friends. The next day, when they got home from school they both RAVED about the experience and were so excited about everything! Then they start telling me about the new friends they made. Braden made three and Joshua made one. Here is the conversation I had with Joshua.
Joshua - Mom! I made a friend today!
Me - That's awesome Joshua, what's his name?
Joshua - Mom, it's not a he. She's a girl.
Me - OHHH, how'd you meet her?
Joshua - She just walked up to me and introduced herself and asked if I would be her friend. I said yes. Then we talked for awhile. Later she gave me this.
Joshua pulls out a folded note (y'know, the kind we passed in middle school and high school??) I'm like, hmmm...are they already passing notes? Anyway, he hands it to me to read and this is what it said.
My jaw hit the floor! From a 4th grade girl??? I want to meet her parents! Robert took one look and said..."Joshua, you need to marry that girl." Joshua gave him a "ugh, gross" look. SO FUNNY!
All that said...how much does our great God and King love my son?? Isn't that awesome??
Monday, July 21, 2008
My Talented Husband!
Just wanted to share some pictures of the awesome work my husband has done in our house over the last couple of months. The house is officially on the market now, so if you know anyone who wants to move to Lewisville...send them our way :)
P.S. In addition to the pics below...he also put a new roof on...he has been BUSY this year! Love you sweetie!
View from our front door...aren't the new floors beautiful??
Our formal dining room turned office/study/library. Robert built the bookshelves.
Our freshly painted living room and fireplace. New floors in here too.
The updated kitchen...painted cabinets/walls, new tile counters/backsplash, new floors and new sink & dishwasher. New light fixtures too :)
This is the toy room. This was actually a project last summer and was a surprise for the boys when they got back from visiting their Dad...just thought I'd share more of Robert's work!
P.S. In addition to the pics below...he also put a new roof on...he has been BUSY this year! Love you sweetie!
View from our front door...aren't the new floors beautiful??
Our formal dining room turned office/study/library. Robert built the bookshelves.
Our freshly painted living room and fireplace. New floors in here too.
The updated kitchen...painted cabinets/walls, new tile counters/backsplash, new floors and new sink & dishwasher. New light fixtures too :)
This is the toy room. This was actually a project last summer and was a surprise for the boys when they got back from visiting their Dad...just thought I'd share more of Robert's work!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Bedtime Prayers
Just want to share a quick story about the wonderful conversations I have with my sons...totally cracks me up!
I always pray with my sons before bed...last night, I asked Braden, my 7 year old, for his prayer requests. He said "Mommy, pray that I don't get a girlfriend." Is it wrong that I gleefully prayed this prayer??...and then took the prayer a bit further and prayed that my child would wait on the Lord and His choice for him for a wife? The funny thing is, as I was praying the part about Jesus, please don't let Braden have a girlfriend, Braden yells, "yes!" like alright, He won't give me one. His excitement about Jesus not giving him a girlfriend cracked me up.
To make things funnier, tonight at dinner, I joked with Braden that he can't get mad at me if in 10 years he doesn't have a girlfriend because he ASKED me to pray this prayer :) Then Joshua, my 9 year old, pipes up with, "pray that for me too." Then I start praying the same prayer for him and he says..."well, actually mom, it's too late, I already have a girlfriend." To which I replied..."you haven't kissed her have you?" He gave me a horrified look and an emphatic "NO! I am going to wait like you and Robert did...until we get married" Sweet huh?? Then I took this very sweet and hilarious opportunity to pray over both of the boys and their purity.
I am a very blessed Momma :)
I always pray with my sons before bed...last night, I asked Braden, my 7 year old, for his prayer requests. He said "Mommy, pray that I don't get a girlfriend." Is it wrong that I gleefully prayed this prayer??...and then took the prayer a bit further and prayed that my child would wait on the Lord and His choice for him for a wife? The funny thing is, as I was praying the part about Jesus, please don't let Braden have a girlfriend, Braden yells, "yes!" like alright, He won't give me one. His excitement about Jesus not giving him a girlfriend cracked me up.
To make things funnier, tonight at dinner, I joked with Braden that he can't get mad at me if in 10 years he doesn't have a girlfriend because he ASKED me to pray this prayer :) Then Joshua, my 9 year old, pipes up with, "pray that for me too." Then I start praying the same prayer for him and he says..."well, actually mom, it's too late, I already have a girlfriend." To which I replied..."you haven't kissed her have you?" He gave me a horrified look and an emphatic "NO! I am going to wait like you and Robert did...until we get married" Sweet huh?? Then I took this very sweet and hilarious opportunity to pray over both of the boys and their purity.
I am a very blessed Momma :)
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
Mom and Boys - Mother's Day Dinner at Sonic :)My wonderful husband and children gave me a camera for Mother's Day...woohoo! We had an old digital camera that just wasn't cutting it anymore...so now you might actually get pictures on my blogs :)
Here is what we have been up to this weekend...replacing our roof! If I had the camera yesterday...I would show you pictures of the awesome body of Christ coming together to help us with the roof. Extra thanks to Peter, Jacob, Dan and Ryan for working in the HOT sun yesterday! The boys are having a blast working with Robert today.
Getting Ready...
Braden and Robert - Prep Work
My talented husband
Braden and Robert loading nails
Joshua learning the ropes
Joshua - Roofing Assistant Thursday, May 1, 2008
Deeper Than Words
God has gifted my wonderful husband with the ability to pour out his heart to the Lord through poetry. I have posted two of my favorites below.
The first, Deeper Than Words, describes my heart and sometimes frustration in my walk with the Lord. Sometimes...my head (pride) so gets in the way. I might know scripture, understand the "right" answer, etc, etc...but get so frustrated when my heart is so far from Him. Anyone can spout answers...but, Lord I beg...I need You to work in me in a way that is...
Deeper than words, deeper than thought,
Deeper than feelings is what I need.
I'm so tired of this superficial lot;
From all pretence I must be freed.
God, please go beyond what I've thought or I've heard;
You must do a work in me that is deeper than words.
---
Deeper than words and outward acts
My walk with you must be real.
I'm sick of posturing, posing and tact.
I shouldn't have to say what I feel.
That my life would be a witness shouldn't seem absurd;
Speak through me in ways that are deeper than words.
---
Deeper than words, written or read,
My knowledge of You should be alive.
May Your living word never seem dead.
My zeal for You won't You revive?
On to greater depths of God, I would be spurred;
Draw me into You, draw me deeper than words.
This is my other favorite...makes me fall in love with the Lord every time I read it :) The caption with this one reads:
Read it to your Lord, then let Him read it to you
Let's go to our secret place
A place where there's no fear
Where we can commune together
Where I can draw so near
---
I give myself to you
Nothing for myself I keep
All my riches are for you
My devotion is that deep
--- Close beside you now
I love when we embrace
Rest and peace and joy
Are here now in this place
---
I love you more than any other
You mean everything to me
I long to be one with you
For all eternity
Check out his other poetry on his poetry blog...
Sunday, April 20, 2008
View of the Father
One of the small group questions this weekend at our church's Recovery program was "What historically has been your relationship with God?"
Historically, my relationship with God has been a view of God being somewhere "out there." A distant God that was only concerned with what I am doing right and doing wrong. My view has been that He is happy when I am doing good and angry when I am not. I have always had a difficult time grasping how personal He is and how much He loves me (as I am) and as my pastor says...not some future version of me. In other words...the abundance of His LAVISH GRACE in Christ!
As I said in my earlier post, I have been struggling with anxiety and depression lately...and the Lord is so sweetly showing me that part of my problem is my incorrect view of Him and His character.
This is how He spoke to me this weekend...
First...I have heard the story of the Prodigal son 3x since Friday...yep, you read correctly...3x! Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Each time, the Lord emphasized to me that the Father was watching for the son to return and even while the son "was a long way off", the Father ran to him and embraced and kissed him." How powerful to know that even when we go our own way, the Father is always watching us and longing for our return...and that HE RUNS to us and EMBRACES us!
Second...talking to a girl this weekend, she shared how much she struggles with trying to do things right, be perfect, get right with God. I was overwhelmed with sadness as she spoke as I literally felt the amazing love that God has for her and how much it hurts him that she cannot see it. Yes, I know, ironic :) As soon as I realized the irony, I asked the Lord, is this how you feel about me? I'm sure you can guess His answer.
Third...church this morning. 2 songs during worship just spoke God's love for me. Come Ye Sinners has a part that says "I will arise and go to Jesus, He will embrace me in His arms...I was reminded of the Father in the story of the prodigal son and how he embraced his son. Second...Jesus Savior Pilot Me...this was a song played at our wedding. Just an awesome reminder to trust Him to pilot me.
Lord, I thank you for Your peace, patience and love. I love you. Thank you for being faithful to finish the good work you have started in me. Help me to rest and trust in You and You alone.
- Luci
Philippians 1:5-6
5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Historically, my relationship with God has been a view of God being somewhere "out there." A distant God that was only concerned with what I am doing right and doing wrong. My view has been that He is happy when I am doing good and angry when I am not. I have always had a difficult time grasping how personal He is and how much He loves me (as I am) and as my pastor says...not some future version of me. In other words...the abundance of His LAVISH GRACE in Christ!
As I said in my earlier post, I have been struggling with anxiety and depression lately...and the Lord is so sweetly showing me that part of my problem is my incorrect view of Him and His character.
This is how He spoke to me this weekend...
First...I have heard the story of the Prodigal son 3x since Friday...yep, you read correctly...3x! Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Each time, the Lord emphasized to me that the Father was watching for the son to return and even while the son "was a long way off", the Father ran to him and embraced and kissed him." How powerful to know that even when we go our own way, the Father is always watching us and longing for our return...and that HE RUNS to us and EMBRACES us!
Second...talking to a girl this weekend, she shared how much she struggles with trying to do things right, be perfect, get right with God. I was overwhelmed with sadness as she spoke as I literally felt the amazing love that God has for her and how much it hurts him that she cannot see it. Yes, I know, ironic :) As soon as I realized the irony, I asked the Lord, is this how you feel about me? I'm sure you can guess His answer.
Third...church this morning. 2 songs during worship just spoke God's love for me. Come Ye Sinners has a part that says "I will arise and go to Jesus, He will embrace me in His arms...I was reminded of the Father in the story of the prodigal son and how he embraced his son. Second...Jesus Savior Pilot Me...this was a song played at our wedding. Just an awesome reminder to trust Him to pilot me.
Lord, I thank you for Your peace, patience and love. I love you. Thank you for being faithful to finish the good work you have started in me. Help me to rest and trust in You and You alone.
- Luci
Philippians 1:5-6
5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Weeping may last for a night, but JOY comes in the morning...
The last several months have been extremely dark for me. I have been battling almost daily depression and anxiety/panic attacks. My inner world has been dominated by fear. There were times I truly did not think I could take even one more minute. There were times that my heart burned in pain within me. There were times that the pressure was so great, I thought I might be crushed....BUT
THE LORD IS FAITHFUL. HE IS...even through my lack of faith, unbelief, and fear, HE has NEVER left my side. He is kind and gentle and has provided rest for my soul. He has never allowed more than I can bear. He has strengthened me, He has raised up prayer warriors (thank you!!), He is conquering my pride, self dependence, understanding (my ways), fear, and incorrect views of Him and of myself and is gaining victory at every turn. He is a victorious warrior against everything He finds displeasing in me. He is my comfort, my ROCK, my salvation, my everything.
Jesus thank you for being THE TRUTH that sets me free. Thank you for opening Your Word for me this morning and showing me You. I surrender ALL Please help me want more of You.
Jesus You are amazing and I am so grateful to belong to you. I love and praise You.
-Luci
Psalm 30:5
For his anger is but for a moment,and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night,but joy comes with the morning.
THE LORD IS FAITHFUL. HE IS...even through my lack of faith, unbelief, and fear, HE has NEVER left my side. He is kind and gentle and has provided rest for my soul. He has never allowed more than I can bear. He has strengthened me, He has raised up prayer warriors (thank you!!), He is conquering my pride, self dependence, understanding (my ways), fear, and incorrect views of Him and of myself and is gaining victory at every turn. He is a victorious warrior against everything He finds displeasing in me. He is my comfort, my ROCK, my salvation, my everything.
Jesus thank you for being THE TRUTH that sets me free. Thank you for opening Your Word for me this morning and showing me You. I surrender ALL Please help me want more of You.
Jesus You are amazing and I am so grateful to belong to you. I love and praise You.
-Luci
Psalm 30:5
For his anger is but for a moment,and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night,but joy comes with the morning.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
New Poetry Blog
Now that lenten season is upon us, I thought I'd post all my poetry inspired by the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Follow the link below if you want to be inspired and/or challenged. I know it will because my own poetry inspires and challenges me. LOL. I love you all and pray that God will make His great love and sacrifice more real to you.
http://godsbard.blogspot.com/
-Robert
http://godsbard.blogspot.com/
-Robert
Friday, February 29, 2008
TADAAAA!! SURPRISE!
Did I ever mention that I am a horrible procrastinator??? I am trying desperately to blog at least once a month...so does 10:52pm on 2/29 count as an entry for February?? Some of my blog friends (shh..Andrea) say that I only blog quarterly. Not SO :) I am a MONTHLY blogger! :)
So...now, what do I blog about???
It is now 11:10...I'm not doing so hot on blogging. I think this is why I only blog quarterly.
Ok, Luci, pick a subject.
Idolatry
I know, weighty subject.
I went to LifeWay Christian tonight to try to find a CD for my kids. In fact, I felt sure that I was being led there specifically for that purpose. Imagine my surprise when they did not have the CD I was looking for...
So, with my children involved in a Veggie Tales movie and my husband lost in the bargain CD aisle, I decided to wander and "find" the CD I knew had to be there. I spotted the clearance rack. "Aha!" I thought. Maybe the CD has been discontinued. I looked through all the CD's to no avail. At this point, I somewhat dejectedly began to let go of the idea that I had heard from the Lord on going to Lifeway for the CD. Maybe He wants me here for something else??
So, CD forgotten, I began to wander again. This time I find myself in the Bible study section. I slowly walk up and down the aisles, pondering the shear volume of Bible studies available then aimlessly thinking about all the time collectively it took all the authors to write all of these books (ok, I know deep thoughts in the book store). Anyway...a Bible study catches my eye. It is a study on prayer by Jim Cymbala. "Cool," I think to myself. I like Jim Cymbala. Maybe this is why the Lord sent me here. I flip through the pages...Nothing. Hmmm, I think. I've never read his book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. Maybe I am supposed to buy that. Hmmm, still no Holy Spirit confirmation.
I still cannot shake the feeling that I am supposed to be in this store (obviously not for a kids CD or a Jim Cymbala book). Beginning to give up, I turn to go find my husband. As soon as I turn, a Bible study titled No Other Gods: Confronting our Modern-Day Idols by Kelly Minter catches my eye. I immediately dismiss it thinking "huh, probably a book about technology, TV, sports, shopping, etc...I don't really struggle with those things (YUCK PRIDE). I start to walk away, but something (HOLY SPIRIT), made me turn back to flip through it. Needless to say, this was "the ONE" He had for me.
I have been struggling a lot with idolatry lately (husband, children, myself, etc) and have REALLY been struggling with fear.
So...now, what do I blog about???
It is now 11:10...I'm not doing so hot on blogging. I think this is why I only blog quarterly.
Ok, Luci, pick a subject.
Idolatry
I know, weighty subject.
I went to LifeWay Christian tonight to try to find a CD for my kids. In fact, I felt sure that I was being led there specifically for that purpose. Imagine my surprise when they did not have the CD I was looking for...
So, with my children involved in a Veggie Tales movie and my husband lost in the bargain CD aisle, I decided to wander and "find" the CD I knew had to be there. I spotted the clearance rack. "Aha!" I thought. Maybe the CD has been discontinued. I looked through all the CD's to no avail. At this point, I somewhat dejectedly began to let go of the idea that I had heard from the Lord on going to Lifeway for the CD. Maybe He wants me here for something else??
So, CD forgotten, I began to wander again. This time I find myself in the Bible study section. I slowly walk up and down the aisles, pondering the shear volume of Bible studies available then aimlessly thinking about all the time collectively it took all the authors to write all of these books (ok, I know deep thoughts in the book store). Anyway...a Bible study catches my eye. It is a study on prayer by Jim Cymbala. "Cool," I think to myself. I like Jim Cymbala. Maybe this is why the Lord sent me here. I flip through the pages...Nothing. Hmmm, I think. I've never read his book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. Maybe I am supposed to buy that. Hmmm, still no Holy Spirit confirmation.
I still cannot shake the feeling that I am supposed to be in this store (obviously not for a kids CD or a Jim Cymbala book). Beginning to give up, I turn to go find my husband. As soon as I turn, a Bible study titled No Other Gods: Confronting our Modern-Day Idols by Kelly Minter catches my eye. I immediately dismiss it thinking "huh, probably a book about technology, TV, sports, shopping, etc...I don't really struggle with those things (YUCK PRIDE). I start to walk away, but something (HOLY SPIRIT), made me turn back to flip through it. Needless to say, this was "the ONE" He had for me.
I have been struggling a lot with idolatry lately (husband, children, myself, etc) and have REALLY been struggling with fear.
Check out an excerpt from the Bible study on fear...
"I've been pondering something this week in regard to today's study: whether fear itself is an idol or the bond that attaches us to our idols. Initially, I thought of fear as a definite false god because of its power to rule us, drive our decisions, and dictate our actions. Bottom line--fear motivates, therefore it must be an idol, or so I thought.
But, I kept thinking...fear isn't something we want in our lives; no one likes to be afraid...We don't seek after fear. To the contrary, we drown our fears with things like alcohol, escape, entertainment and denial. For the most part we are afraid of being afraid. So perhaps fear isn't a primary god but the guard that stands outside the castle where the primary god lives. In other terms, fear protects our idols.
As my husband would say "YIKES!!" This hit me like a ton of bricks. Thank you Lord. Can't wait to see what You have in store for me. I love you Lord!!
Psalm 62:1-2
My soul finds rest in God alone. My salvation comes from Him.
He is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress. I will never be shaken.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Just checking in...
Hi there...bet you wonder what's been going on the last several months. Lots of changes going on in our lives, so thought I would catch you up.
In August, Robert and I began praying that the Lord would give us a vision, a direction to begin moving. We have felt very strongly about taking our first year of marriage to just chill, get to know each other, and focus on our family, but we still wanted the Lord to show us a direction to go.
***Quick sidenote...In case you aren't married out there...I STRONGLY suggest taking this time if possible...strip your lives of as much busyness...even "Christian" busyness...it is actually Biblical...Praise God!!. Merging two lives...and in our case four...is just plain messy.
Shortly after we began praying, Robert felt like we should check out our church's new campus in Denton...awesome church...check it out http://www.thevillagechurch.net/. I was curious but didn't think much about it. The second weekend the church was open, we visited and both felt very strongly that this was where the Lord wanted us. We went back the second week and have been going there ever since.
The Lord has VERY graciously given us a joint vision in answer to our prayer. Since changing to the Denton campus, the Lord has given us the desire to move to Denton and has guided me to pursue a teaching certificate and eventually a teaching job with Denton ISD. We are currently working on fixing up our house in Lewisville and plan on putting it on the market in the next couple of months. As for the teaching certificate...I have found an on-line program and have recently begun the coursework...very exciting and somewhat scary...I am hoping to teach 4th grade...can't wait!!
Much love to all...P.S. We have a home computer now...don't know if that will help my blogging frequency...but we'll see :)
In August, Robert and I began praying that the Lord would give us a vision, a direction to begin moving. We have felt very strongly about taking our first year of marriage to just chill, get to know each other, and focus on our family, but we still wanted the Lord to show us a direction to go.
***Quick sidenote...In case you aren't married out there...I STRONGLY suggest taking this time if possible...strip your lives of as much busyness...even "Christian" busyness...it is actually Biblical...Praise God!!. Merging two lives...and in our case four...is just plain messy.
Shortly after we began praying, Robert felt like we should check out our church's new campus in Denton...awesome church...check it out http://www.thevillagechurch.net/. I was curious but didn't think much about it. The second weekend the church was open, we visited and both felt very strongly that this was where the Lord wanted us. We went back the second week and have been going there ever since.
The Lord has VERY graciously given us a joint vision in answer to our prayer. Since changing to the Denton campus, the Lord has given us the desire to move to Denton and has guided me to pursue a teaching certificate and eventually a teaching job with Denton ISD. We are currently working on fixing up our house in Lewisville and plan on putting it on the market in the next couple of months. As for the teaching certificate...I have found an on-line program and have recently begun the coursework...very exciting and somewhat scary...I am hoping to teach 4th grade...can't wait!!
Much love to all...P.S. We have a home computer now...don't know if that will help my blogging frequency...but we'll see :)
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