Lessons from my Children
Sometimes I am surprised by the way God uses my children to teach me lessons about Himself.
I must confess that sometimes I get frustrated at my children's response to "wait just a minute" or if I tell them "no". In their impatience or disappointment they show a lack of trust in me as their mom. Don't they know that I love them and I want what is best for them? Sometimes my "no" might be because I have a surprise waiting for them right around the corner or my "no" might be because I know what is best for them. To give in to their demands would mean the best would be spoiled (and they might be too!)
But how often have I treated God the same way? When my prayers go unanswered or God says, "No" to my request, I question if He really knows what is best. Instead of looking at His character I look at my circumstances to determine my joy and contentment. What a mistake!
As we have waited for our house to sell we have been disappointed by 3 low offers. We have also lost the perfect house we made a contingent offer on in Washington. It has been easy to doubt, to question, and to second guess decisions we have made.
During this period of waiting God has been working. He has not been surprised by the low offers we have received. He has not been surprised that the house we wanted got another offer. He has not been surprised that we are still in Arkansas. He has a purpose and a plan in every part of our waiting.
We have seen God's provision in allowing Courtney to finish her sophomore year here in Arkansas. We have been thankful for more time with friends here in this state. God has taught me more about His character and His faithfulness. God has given me time to allow my trust and faith in Him to grow rather than to rely on my circumstances.
I looked up wait in the Merriam -Webster dictionary and here are some of the definitions:
- to stay in a place of expectation of
- to look forward to expectantly
- to be ready and available
That gives me a better idea of what it means to wait upon the Lord...rather than thinking of being deprived it gives a picture of eager expectation.
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14
"Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors." Proverbs 8:34
"The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him." Lamentations 3:25
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning." Psalm 130:5-6
Now I am looking forward to expectantly to see what God is going to do in our situation and what else He is going to teach me about His character.
Celebrating our first anniversary
1993
Tom's parents stayed with our children during the conference. 
2007 was another CSU year. We drove to Rocky Mountain National Park and took a hike in the beauty of God's creation.
MaryElise was only 5 pounds when she was born and very tiny. Here she is next to Whitney's 15 inch doll!
