Early Days and Late Nights

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her households, and a portion to her maidens.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 

Proverbs 31:15 and 18

She rises early....her candle doesn't go out by night. What a lady! I'm getting angry just thinking about the fact I've been awake since 4:30 this morning and here it is 30 minutes to midnight knowing my day will start again in just a few hours. A day full of cooking, cleaning, teaching, disciplining, loving, nursing, honoring, reading, praying, chasing, running, wrestling. ... living!

Reading Proverbs 31:10-31 encourages me so much. Each time I think I've had a busy day, reading about this virtuous woman is ever so humbling. She is definitely my "woman crush". Anytime I feel that life is too much, I have to remind myself of this woman who truly feared the Lord. Three things that really help me get through:

1. Remembering who will provide my daily bread.
I give my all each and every day because I know I have a father in heaven who is my provider. He supplies all of my needs. I don't have to keep my time and possessions to myself because I know when I drain myself empty He will just fill me back up. And I love it when He fills me up with His spirit! The fruits of His Spirit are peace, love, patience, and joy. .. just to name a few and I desperately need those everyday!

2. It's all out of love.
I wake up each day and give my all out of love for my children, my husband, and most of all my love for Christ. It's something about working out of love that makes work not feel like work. When you enjoy what you do and find pleasure in your work, it's not so bad. I love all of the hugs and kisses throughout the day, receiving praise from my husband, and knowing at the end of the day God is satisfied with me.

3. I'm blessed because of it!
When you give, give, and give you receive, receive, and receive. Giving out of love, not expecting anything in return... just praying I find favor in God's sight and that He is pleased with me is more than enough! Oftentimes you don't receive gratification from those you give so much to or do so much for, but it's OK because someone is always watching. And trust me, you'd rather receive what He has for you more than what man can give you. He blesses me so that I can be a blessing to someone else.

So at the end of the day, I'm satisfied. I'm able to stay up late just to finish cleaning, review lessons, or just spend time with my Father just to wake up early and do it all over again!

How do you get through your busy days?

Spending Time in Our Secret Place

How refreshing and exhilarating is engaging in true worship of God! One thing I desire more than worship by myself, is for others to share in the experience with me! Praise is definitely contagious. And as if it couldn't get any better...it does...try giving yourself completely in unashamed, spirit filled worship with your spouse!

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." 

-Matthew 18:20 KJV 

Each morning my husband and I rise an hour and a half before our children do just to spend time, first together with God and then with one another. We usually start with prayer and lead straight into studying God's Word. When we are done, we then take the time to take care of whatever needs we may have...emotional, intellectual, physical, etc. A great way to start off a wonderful day! :) 

As if that wasn't good enough, we were recently given some advice by a wise old man (my father :)) who suggested that we find a small area of the house just for the two of us that is quiet and try to worshiping in that area together. We chose our bedroom closet. Usually that's not a place the children go. Just a secret place for me and my guy. 

So this is a new. Just trying something a little different to see what happens. Sit in the darkness in silence and just think about Him. And be crazy enough to trust that He would join us in the midst. We chose to really worship God there, first. Prayer, but instead of asking for things...just start with exclaiming His majesty! Reflecting on how good God has been, is, and will forever be. Thank Him for all things, think about Him for who He is, and if that isn't humbling enough pouring out our hearts to him surrendering it all to Him in just being satisfied in awe of Him! We don't have it all figured out, but we are excited about it!

WOW!

It was EXPLOSIVE!

Talk about a beautiful morning! Nothing more attractive than a man being vulnerable to Christ! How long were we in that closet? I don't know. What actually happened in that closet? Words cannot explain. I just encourage you to try it! :) Prepare for something amazing.

Please leave a comment describing an explosive worship experience you had with your spouse. I'd love to hear from you!