Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Comforting Arms

She was restless and whiny, obviously in need of something but neither one of us knew what. Nothing I suggested seemed to do the trick - my almost 3-year-old didn't want a snack, didn't want to read books and we'd already watched enough TV. After more suggestions and emphatic "no's", on a whim I whisked her up into my lap expecting her to reject that idea, too. But she didn't. She snuggled into my arms and as I felt her whole body relax I wrapped my arms even tighter around her wanting to freeze the moment. We stayed like that a long time, she and I, just being still and loving on each other. And after an unknown amount of time (I sure wasn't keeping track) she bounced up, at peace again, ready to move on with the day. Ah, the power of being still in a mother's arms . . .


My soul was restless and I was whiny, obviously in need of something but not knowing what. Nothing I could think of seemed to do the trick - I didn't want to snack (although I did anyway), didn't want to read anything and I sure didn't want to watch TV. After several suggestions and emphatic "no's", on a whim my husband suggested we continue watching a DVD Bible Study we had started a few nights before probably expecting me to reject that idea, too. Well, I did. But he persisted and I gave in. I snuggled into the couch and the speaker started in on pursuing godly joy. The verses flowed and as familiar words of comfort and challenge resonated in my ears I felt my whole body relax as my Father wrapped His arms tighter and tighter around me. We stayed like that a long time, He and I, just being still and allowing Him to love on me. And after the DVD was over (30ish minutes?? I sure wasn't keeping track) my spirit bounced up, at peace again, ready to move on with the day. Ah, the power of being still in the Father's arms . . .

Friday, December 5, 2008

Worship

I l-o-v-e this video.

They're starting a new Saturday night service at our church and we got a preview of it this past Sunday morning. A little more contemporary, different music style, same message. They played this video before the start of service and I think it's an awesome reminder that worship is NOT about us. NOT about how it makes us feel. It should be about the object of our worship and it's easy to lose that in preferences and tradition.

It's short - take 2-3 minutes and watch . . .you will be so blessed!