Focusing on the eternal

I've been pretty quiet on my blog lately (for all 3 people or so who read it ;) ).  To be honest, I just can't talk (or write, I guess would be more of an accurate statement), about the things that are going on in our lives right now.  Maybe one day, but right now its just too raw and painful.  I can say this, though: the Lord continues to teach me, to comfort me, to carry me, to love me, to be what I need when I need all the time.  I'm more in love with my husband than ever before and I am filled with thankfulness for our family.

I finished up a Bible study that I was doing through the summer and felt drawn to the book of James as my next study.  I love James.  Talk about convicting.  All that talk about the tongue.  Yikes.  Its also the book from which my favorite Miss Kim-ism is found: Whats down in the well comes up in the bucket.  Yep, James is definitely a doozy.  But, I love it.  Even when it steps on my toes and brings conviction to my heart.  Because, God's Word tells me that he disciplines and rebukes those He loves (Rev. 3:19).

So, with all that being said, I've been study for about a week and have made it all the way to verse 11 in chapter 1.  And today, as I read verses 9-11 for the first time, I was like...ummm, okay, soooo.....what do You want me to take away from this?? 

Funny I should ask.

The Lord started moving my pen across the page of my notebook and pouring out His truth into my heart.  The end result?  Things are so temporary.  We get so wrapped up in our "stuff" that we forget that it ain't goin' with us.  But, do you know what is eternal?  Well, lots of things, but 4 specific ones are etched onto my heart.

Their names are Ayden Parker, Landon Ryan, Camden Isaiah, and Laney Kate.

4 precious babies entrusted to Jesse and I.  Its our responsibility to teach them about eternity.  To teach them that Jesus loves them so very much that he stretched out his hands on the cross and took the punishment for their (and mine, and your) sin.  All so that we would have a way to spend all of eternity with Him. 

We beg God for the day of our children's salvations.  We anticipate eagerly the way God will use each of them in His kingdom, not just as adults but from the moment they ask Him to come and live in their sweet little hearts.

Yes, Lord.

And, so, it makes me wonder.  Do you know Him?  If you don't know Him, I sure would love to tell you about what He's done for me and in me and through me and with me.