Why I'm Missing in Action...

I know I've been missing in action this week. Sorry friends...

Its been a crazy, busy week filled with celebrating our 14th Anniversary with a last minute concert trip...slicing my finger leading to a very bulky bandage making it difficult to type (all because I was frustrated & impatient)...& following God in new opportunities.

Do you remember a few months ago when I shared with you that I am working with a group of ladies to bring Anne Graham Lotz's Revival Just Give Me Jesus to our area? Well we are working hard and we are just a few short months away. Today I started posting a blog on our website. I would love for you to visit. If you are anywhere close to Augusta Georgia we would love for you to come to the Just Give Me Jesus Augusta Revival Sept 21st & 22nd 2012. You can find out more information on the Just Give Me Jesus Augusta website.

Can I also ask you to be praying for me...I have been asked to give my testimony at church Sunday night. I am nervous & need time to prepare. Please pray I will hear God's direction for what He wants me to share with those who are in the congregation Sunday night.

I promise I will be back on Monday with more marriage inspiration.

In His Calm,


Mary

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8

Revival.

When you hear the word revival what comes to your mind?....

visit http://www.justgivemejesusaugusta.org/marysblog.html to read more. 

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:32, NIV

In His Calm,

Mary 

Thankful Thursday ~ Doing the necessary

Spring is in the air. Birds are chirping. Flowers blooming. Kids are running & playing in the warm sun.

Life is getting very busy with spring break trips, ballgames for kids, recitals and end of year activities at school. It is very easy to get caught up in the hurry up and go of this time of year.

Like birds waking up chirping and flitting around at daybreak, life is waking up from the cold, gray days of winter.

We find ourselves flying around checking off our to-do lists, running from one activity to the next.

A few weeks ago my kids had spring break. We really wanted to be like so many of our friends and head out of town for a much needed vacation. We actually had plans to be one of the many families headed to Disney. But, plans changed and we stayed home instead.

We were all disappointed we weren't like our friends heading out for days at the beach or days in the Magic Kingdom. The kids moaned & groaned because we were staying home. To them the idea of spring cleaning wasn't exactly their idea of fun. To be honest it wasn't my idea of fun either. But, it was necessary.

Sometimes even though it isn't fun we need to do the necessary. Tasks were accomplished that week that had been looming over us like a big dark cloud. Files were culled & shredded that caused us to relive some very painful memories. Tears were shed and memories were relived but healing took place. Closure was made. We are now fully ready to wake up to the daybreak that lies ahead of us.

Sometimes staying where you are and dealing with the life you have is the best place to be.

What "necessary" task is waiting for you?

Now before you think poor kids they had no fun on their spring break we did enjoy making some wonderful memories by taking the kids to play putt-putt, to the batting cages, a college baseball game & family date nights for pizza & ice cream :-).


Continuing the Joy Dare #583 - #605:

• spontaneous thanks
• crisp, cold spring morning
• surprise day off for my husband
• smooth renovations
• picture perfect progress
• the excitement of new
• watching little birds grow & leave the nest
• blessing a new mom with dinner
• God's perfect timing
• sisterhood among friends
• a special place just for us
• watching a vision materialize
• bicycle streamers found in a bird nest
• repaired tile
• technology even if it frustrates me
• the art of a bird balancing on a thin branch
• the power of prayer
• trusting God's healing
• a nest full of day old baby birds
• a nest full of baby blue eggs
• my sleeping son
• the crack of a baseball on a bat
• 3 giggling girls holding slimy worms
• impromptu marshmallow roast with friends

 

Taking the Joy Dare of counting 1000 gifts with Ann at A Holy Experience 

In His Calm,

Mary

Marriage Monday ~ Protection of a Momma Bird

This weekend my son & daughter came running into the house flustered and upset. After I settled them down I found out what the culprit was.

A momma bird swooped down and nearly hit the back of my son's head. She then circled around and did the same to my daughter. Neither of them could believe a bird could be so aggressive.

I took them back outside and explained to them the momma bird was protecting her baby birds. We have been watching several nests for the past few weeks. The eggs have hatched and the baby birds are beginning to grow. Now that they are a little older they are chirping more and bringing more attention to themselves. Because of that, momma bird has become more aggressive.

I explained to my children that momma bird is doing what comes natural. She doesn't want anything to hurt her babies and will do whatever necessary to protect them. I reminded them that I am that same way with them. If anyone threatens to harm them or upset them I will swoop in and do whatever is necessary to protect them.

I watched smiles spread across their faces as they realized momma bird loves her babies just like I love them.

I've thought about that moment several times since and as I've relived that moment I realized I am just like momma bird with my marriage.

I love my husband very much and want to do whatever I can to protect him and our marriage.

Marriage is a sacred union designed by God. 

Each day marriages face potential danger from the world. Do you see your marriage as something you need to protect? Do you keep vigil like the momma bird sitting on a gutter watching out after her young?

Threats & danger from the world can be both obvious & subtle.

• Flirting or suggestive comments from a coworker.
• New accepted "normal" marriages in the media.
• Over-scheduling of our lives to the point we push out any alone time with our husband.
• Exhaustion from sleepless nights with a baby.

We must stand guard over our marriages.

What does keeping vigil over your marriage look like?

• Daily pray for your husband and your marriage.
• Encourage your husband.
• Thank him for all that he does for you and your family. 

When you see a threat how should you swoop in to protect your husband & marriage?

• Start by praying for the specific incident.
• Go to your husband & express your concern and then pray together.
• Do whatever is necessary to remove yourself &/or your husband from the situation.

Remember as you keep vigil over your marriage to pray daily for your husband and for protection of your marriage. Prayer is our first line of defense.

Leave me a comment letting me know how I can pray for your marriage. I would be honored to join you in your vigil.

In His Calm,


Mary