Monday, July 5, 2010

So thankful to be an American...

Growing, busy and loving it. I have to say that I am so thankful June is over...

and my July is looking much better... :)

I absolutely love being an American- with all my freedoms and privileges. That I can choose to burn hundreds of dollars of fireworks in my driveway, choose where I want to work, vacation, play, whatever. That I can feel safe anywhere I go in the United States- we are spoiled rotten...and so blessed to be born and raised in this great Country.
(You know it was a bad one if STEVE has to cover his ears!)

My friend pointed out to me the other day that my schedule is a little crazy. And the more I think about it, the more I would have to agree with her. I have really been struggling with some anxiety, and God has been so good- He just keeps reminding me to put all my faith and trust in Him. It's just too bad that I need the reminder about every 10 minutes.

As I try to keep my focus, I am realizing the busy-ness of my life is part of the problem. How to fix that I haven't quite figured out, but admitting the problem is half the battle, right? ;) Having teenagers doesn't help. It is amazing to me that I can take all the insanity of other teenagers in stride, praying faithfully for them, loving them and encouraging them- but my two kiddos throw me into a complete panic. I am sure the fact that they are MY "babies" is the biggest reason, but I also know that my "do it yourself" attitude doesn't help. Elbow grease and will power doesn't fix attitudes of the heart unfortunately-that is the work of God. :)

As I worry and stress, not knowing the future or how I can really help my kids walk better- God keeps bringing me back to Romans 8. It's not a matter of what I can do, it's a matter of what the Holy Spirit can do in their hearts and their lives. That needs to be my prayer- that they would be filled with the Holy Spirit and live "according to His Word". Oh, what a comfort that is to my mama heart. That I can't screw it up, and that I can't really make it happen either. It is God's Work, and He knows my heart and hears my prayers. And when I don't have the words...the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit in me does. Amazing Grace...

" ...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." Romans 8: 26b-27

Thank you, Father, for giving us your spirit. And thank you when my worries try to overwhelm me- You are there. Your Spirit is praying for me, for my children, and I can trust in your unfailing love and mercy.

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. " Psalm 119:9-11

1 comment:

KEI said...

Oh sweet friend, I needed a good reminding dose of God's goodness Renee style!!! Thank you and love you!