I am reading the book "The Story of Your Life" by Matthew West and Angela Thomas. There is a quote by Henry David Thoreau that has been rolling around in my head for a couple of weeks. He says:
"Most men lead quiet lives of desperation and go to the grave
with the song still in them."
When I read that I had to stop reading, it rattled me. Even as I have gone about my days and weeks and continued to read the book I have felt a tug back to the quote.
It is a "stop and take stock of your life" quote. I know that I have done some incredible things walking with Jesus and following Him. I also know that I have failed at times and not stepped out onto the water. All I saw was the waves and they kept me in the boat.
The feeling of sorrow for not believing or not being brave enough can be sobering as I know I let Him down and it has been a catalyst to not allow it to happen again. I don't know how many times I uttered "help my unbelief" like that guy in Luke 9:24.
"If you can? said Jesus, Everything is possible for him who believes. Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, I do believe; help my unbelief."
verses 23 & 24
Maybe it's because I'm turning 47 this week or maybe it's because I feel misplaced and lost as to what I'm supposed to be doing, but I do NOT want to go to my grave with anything left in me.
My girls have this hanging in their bathroom and every time I see it makes me smile and that thing rises in me that says I want that to be me! I'm sure you've seen it:
"Life should NOT be a journey with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in hand, latte in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, Woo-Hoo what a ride!"
I would still like to look good though ;) but you get the point...we are to live the heck out of life and not worry so much about what others think by staying in our safe zone and just getting by.
One of my biggest dreams for my kids is for them to find their "Sweet Spot" and live every day to the fullest. It is hard to watch them struggle with disappointments and confusion in finding out what that is for them. Heck, I'm right there with them...
When Jesus said He came to give us abundant life, He meant here on earth. He wants us to enjoy and be fulfilled by life, not leaving behind anything He put in us to share.
Take a moment and think about what Mr. Thoreau said...is there an adventure God is calling you to that you are allowing the waves to keep you in the boat. Ask God to help your unbelief and jump in!! We need your song!!!
I pray that God will richly bless you as you step out!
Have a fab day!
All my love,
~ Jodi xoxo
Monday, April 23, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
Jesus!
I can't believe it's Easter already!!! I have had the hardest time feeling prepared for holiday's this year, they all kind of snuck up on me. The last couple of weeks I have been trying to not let that happen for Easter.
I have, once again, found the awe of all that Jesus did for me. I am saddened that I lose it in the first place. Life has a way of overtaking and crowding it out, doesn't it?!?
I am not only overwhelmed by His sacrifice He made for me physically; the beatings, whips, being nailed to the cross and the thorns pressed into His head. I am also am overcome with the emotional turmoil He went through; being separated from His Father, seeing His mother's pain and the confusion of His disciples, the anger from the crowds, the betrayal of Judas and the Jews. Jesus knew what he was going to have to endure and walk through here on earth, but I don't think that makes the pain any less.
I think of God, as His Father, seeing all that Jesus went through hold back His anger and not destroy everyone. I know how I can become "Ballistic-Crazy-Mom" if my kids are hurting or being treated unfair. I want to rush in and not only rescue my kids but show the bad, stupid people how we deal with it in Brooklyn! ;)
How much love the Father has for me, not to act on what He was seeing ~ all that His Son was going through!!! How did He keep His self-control? And the pain of having to turn His back on His Son because He couldn't be where there is sin. He had to leave Jesus in His most desperate moment, for me!!! WOW!
I am overcome with love and gratitude! There are so many people who blame Him and curse Him for their lives and trouble, I do not want to miss a chance to praise Him and bless Him and tell Him how awesome He is!
In my quiet time this week, I was reading Psalm 18 and verse 16 stuck out to me:
"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of the deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy."
He came to rescue me, to rescue you. We are not left alone!!
Where would I be if Jesus did not come and die for me? I would be even more of a mess.
I pray that we would remember how much we are loved and that we have a Rescuer, a Savior...His name is Jesus!!
Happy Easter!
Have a fab day!!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
I have, once again, found the awe of all that Jesus did for me. I am saddened that I lose it in the first place. Life has a way of overtaking and crowding it out, doesn't it?!?
I am not only overwhelmed by His sacrifice He made for me physically; the beatings, whips, being nailed to the cross and the thorns pressed into His head. I am also am overcome with the emotional turmoil He went through; being separated from His Father, seeing His mother's pain and the confusion of His disciples, the anger from the crowds, the betrayal of Judas and the Jews. Jesus knew what he was going to have to endure and walk through here on earth, but I don't think that makes the pain any less.
I think of God, as His Father, seeing all that Jesus went through hold back His anger and not destroy everyone. I know how I can become "Ballistic-Crazy-Mom" if my kids are hurting or being treated unfair. I want to rush in and not only rescue my kids but show the bad, stupid people how we deal with it in Brooklyn! ;)
How much love the Father has for me, not to act on what He was seeing ~ all that His Son was going through!!! How did He keep His self-control? And the pain of having to turn His back on His Son because He couldn't be where there is sin. He had to leave Jesus in His most desperate moment, for me!!! WOW!
I am overcome with love and gratitude! There are so many people who blame Him and curse Him for their lives and trouble, I do not want to miss a chance to praise Him and bless Him and tell Him how awesome He is!
In my quiet time this week, I was reading Psalm 18 and verse 16 stuck out to me:
"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of the deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy."
He came to rescue me, to rescue you. We are not left alone!!
Where would I be if Jesus did not come and die for me? I would be even more of a mess.
I pray that we would remember how much we are loved and that we have a Rescuer, a Savior...His name is Jesus!!
Happy Easter!
Have a fab day!!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)