These days... matters of the heart

We haven't been up to much other than the norm (school, cleaning...) thanks to the very cold weather. We are expecting another snowstorm this weekend - yikes! Thankfully, yesterday was "warm" and sunny. So beautiful, I actually wanted to headed out to the outlet mall in search of good deals, followed by a necessary trip to Target for food and supplies in prep for the big storm. Target was a mad house! Now we are just hunkering down, waiting...

Waiting. Being at peace with where you are. Trusting God with every aspect of your life. Waiting for Him to lead and not jump ahead or push for what I want. This is hard to do. I was reading the scriptures and was touched by all the verses in the Bible that emphasize the need to "rest", "wait" on the Lord. He makes me lie down in green pastures. Ps.23:2 I never really noticed the word "makes" until recently. Haahaaa He MAKES me lie down. And that is what he has done. He has slowed down life for me, to show me, teach me, reveal to me, restore me. He restores me soul Ps. 23:3 I think sometimes it is easy to get busy or think "what can I do Lord? What should I be doing?" This isn't wrong. In fact, there are times it is pleasing to the Lord. But how many times, I have put aside resting in the Lord. I believe, sometimes all God wants for us is to rest, to just stop. So we can hear His voice. Now, I am a mom of 3 active kiddos and life never stops. I've been covered in either vomit or poop more times than I can count in the last week. Between the kids, the extra activities, pre-K schooling... not to mention my relationship with my husband... there are times I feel like a little hamster running in a circle and I look around me and think "What have I accomplished today?" Before we moved here, I was so busy running, I know that my relationship with the Lord suffered and it was hard to hear his "still, small voice". I've said this before, but I know the Lord used this move to isolate me, get my attention, and MAKE ME LIE DOWN. He had to remind me how important it is to "pray without ceasing" and listen for His voice. He has used this winter as well. Last winter was so hard! I am so thankful for the people God placed in my life to help me through the loneliness. I loved the people, but hated Virginia. Spring came and we moved to a town we love, to live near wonderful friends, and into a house that gives us plenty of room to run on cold days! However, I am a beach, sun, warm weather type of girl. I LOVE the outdoors! To be inside so much can drive me crazy at times! Even though, I do not love the winter, I have come to be at peace with it. Because of how God has used it in my life, it now has a special place in my heart. God has used the times of isolation to speak to me as he did Elijah in 1 Kings 19
Go out and stand before Me on the mountain," the Lord told Elijah. As Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty sindstorm hit the mountain, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper. That's when the Lord spoke to Elijah. god didn't speak through the spectacular things (though he has before) that were happening. HE spoke in the quietness of a still, small voice - a gentlewhisper. "Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
God didn't use a great might work to get my attention or speak to me. He simple made me lie down, isolated me, and began to whisper as quietly and as gently as the snow falling outside my window. What was he whispering? "Elizabeth. Come and draw near. Come and rest in my arms. Trust me. Love me. I miss you. Come."
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you . James 4:8
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight Prov. 3:5-6
Pray without ceasing 1 Thess. 5:17
And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together Col 1:17

The snow is falling heavily. The news projects over 20inches of snow and have Virginians in a tizzy. People have been stressing, rushing, pushing, and some even yelling trying to get food. Nate bought the last bag of chips at the grocery store. :) Had to have some corn chips for snacking I guess haahaaa I have no idea what to expect this time around. However, I'm kinda excited to see what happens. Winter. Gotta love it!

I pray God continues to grow me and speak to me! Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; on you I wait all the day. Ps. 25:4,5

Now to sillier things...


We pulled out the camera the other day and I let the girls take pictures. They loved it! I think they did a pretty good job!

I took this one :) "The our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing... The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad." - ps. 126:2,3

I liked their expressions in these, especially Audrey's.

Peace and happy friday!