A Lesson from Judges

As I learn to worship corporately with my one year old, I find it's best to fix my mind on just a few points of the sermon, and try to reflect on them later in the day. So here's what stood out to me today, in a sermon on Judges 6:

First: our fears show us our idols. Gideon was afraid of the Midianites, and convinced that God had abandoned His people, and worshipped the gods of the Amorites. What am I afraid of? What am I treasuring more than God and His glory?

Second: God, in His mercy, forgives His people over and over again, in spite of their unfaithfulness. And it isn't because of who they are, but who He is. We, too, are called to forgiveness because of who God is and what Christ has done. When I reflect on what Jesus Christ has forgiven me, how can I withhold my forgiveness?

Of course, it's easier said than done. But at least now, I know what to pray for.

Home, Sweet Home

Only one more full week and then a few short days until I'm home full time with my baby. I can't believe how fast this year went by, and when I spend time with her and see all of the new things she's learning and doing each day, I know I'm ready to be home with her. I'm so thankful for my mom and the way she dedicated herself to raising us full time. I'm thankful for the example she was and still is as a godly wife and mother. I'm also thankful for so many mommies I've known who are training their children in the way they should go, each and every day, for the glory of God. I know it won't be easy, but I am really looking forward to focusing on being Luke's wife and Ellie's mommy. I'm amazed and thankful at the way God is changing my heart to prepare me to be home.

And I'm thankful for such a cute baby! Who wouldn't love to be home with this sweet girl!?

Refining Times

I miss Luke. I think it was sitting out on the circle with neighbors, watching the kids play, that made me miss him so much tonight. Or maybe it was saying goodbye to another friend heading out for deployment. Or maybe it was just spending the whole day with Ellie, sprawling out on the floor with her so she could crawl up to me and drum on my back and then crawl over to get to my other side and laugh, that made me miss him. Days like this make it seem like such a long time before he'll return home.
So I remind myself that it's easier now than it would be if Ellie were older, and that he's doing important work, and that someday when we've been married 30 years we'll look back on this and think of what a short time in our history it really was. I tell myself that there are other wives who have already done this several times, wives who give birth while their husbands are away, wives who don't have the kind of support I do here. And I remind myself that he's in God's hands, the safest place he can be, and doing the good works God prepared in advance for him to do. I am so thankful to rest in the loving arms of the Father, and to know Luke is also in His care.

Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed
For I am your God and will still give you aid.
I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie
My grace, all sufficient, shall be your supply.
The flames will not hurt you, I only design
Your dross to consume and your gold to refine.
-John Rippon (How Firm a Foundation)

Several Thousand Words

We made it back late Monday night. Ellie adjusted to the time change with no problems. What a trooper! Since I failed to keep up with the whole blog thing while we were gone, I thought I'd share some pictures of our trip.

Ellie congratulating the new HS graduate:


Ellie learning to like potato salad, and Uncle Frankie:


Baby in a basket!

The handsome groom:


Wedding Reception After-Party: Happy Birthday Ellie!




My aunt put these pictures of Ellie and our little family from the day she was born onto this pillow. Ellie was very excited to see Daddy's picture! She understands so much of what I say now, when I ask her where Daddy's picture is, she crawls right over to the pillow and points. I can't believe my baby is a year old!

Biker

I went out on the motorcycle with my dad for the first time today. The back roads here are perfect for bike rides, winding through towns and over streams. We passed Hudsonfest, which featured a cow milking contest with a cardboard cow. We passed an enormous mowed lawn-- no house, just a lawn up a big hill-- and at the top of the hill were two lawn chairs. We paused at a dam that stops the Nashua River, and finally at this biker store/coffee bar for coffee and serious biker talk.
It was a beautiful ride. I was a lot more comfortable than I thought I would be, decked out in my dad's leather jacket and his extra helmet. I really enjoyed the ride. If you're in the area and want to trace our path, here's our route:

Massachusetts

We made it! It took three flights, a two hour delay in Chicago, and a long wait for our luggage, but Ellie and I (and our stuff) are all at my parents house in MA now. Ellie did reasonably well on the planes. She didn't sleep much at all, so there was some crankiness, but thanks to the kindness of the other passengers, she made lots of new friends.
She's been reluctant to go to my brother or my dad so far. (Okay, not reluctant. She cried and cried until I held her again). But I think she'll get used to them before too long. She'll just have to remember how much she loves them!