Need Encouragement?

Here's a powerful post on the high calling of being a mother over at Holy Experience.
This post was encourageing yet convicting, reaffirming yet challenging.

Hope you are changed...
Holli

That don't make no sense

"That don't make no sense." -Boo 3 years old

I was explaining to the boys about what Jesus says about turning the other cheek when we are wronged by someone. I went on to explain that Jesus was our perfect example because when he was beaten and crucified the Bible tells us that:

"
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth:he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." Isaiah 53:7

I was hoping that this example would make a deep impression on the boys. Just as I was thinking that maybe this had made them think about turning the other cheek Boo made this statement:

"That don't make no sense."

At first I was a little irritated and at this point I don't even remember what I said to him about it. But that little grammatically incorrect statement by my three-year old has stayed on my mind. You see children speak the truth as they see it and the fact is he saw this very clearly.

You know what? It doesn't make sense. The extravagant, rich, far-reaching grace of God does not make sense! How he could love me enough to suffer does not make sense. But it is this extravagant love he has for me that makes me run after him each day.

"While we were yet in weakness at the fitting time Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:6

"But God shows and clearly proves his love for us by the fact that while we were sinners Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"...But where sin increased and abounded, grace has surpassed it and increased the more and superabounded." Romans 5:20

Christ chose to do something completely senseless to me. At the fitting time, Christ willingly gave his life for me. And this sacrifice that doesn't make sense demands my life, my all.

"I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1

Still Learning...(from my children)

Holli

Gifts

snuggling close in the dark...three-year-old warm breath on my face...little hand touching my cheek in the dark...checking to see if mommy is still there

early morning snuggles from baby girl...her fingers gently touching my eyes, ears nose and mouth

three warn bodies laying beside me in the early morning...four-year-old observing..."we are a family"

new life growing within...being knit together day by day...by the hand of God

time with Chris last night...snuggling on the couch...breathing in that smell of his

listening to my boys sing praises to their God

the smell of supper cooking on the stove

Basking in his gifts...
Holli