I have always been outgoing and involved in sports in my life. I have had no hesitations for trying out or competing and even leading at times but I have no idea how to lead a family in Christ..
Most of my life when it comes to relationships I have been the compromiser, the follower, the peace-keeper. No matter who I dated, I would conform to their likes and be easy to follow. That did not always suit me well though. Most of the times it caused more problems than it helped. I was always at conflict within myself for not following my way. I have a very outspoken husband who is very generous with his love for me and the kids. He is very black and white in his ways and that is hard at times when I want to be gray. I admire homes where the husband is the spiritual leader because frankly, I am used to following and not leading and I am not really comfortable with the idea. I guess God never promised me that life would be comfortable huh?!
So, how do I lead my own family in relationship with Christ? I know that my relationship with Christ is the only one I can control, I can teach my children to love the Lord and pray that they grab hold and take it to heart always but I am not used to being the leader. Maybe it is because I am so new at it and I am not sure exactly of what I am doing. Any advice?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Love
Let's talk about love...Isn't that a Van Halen song?
In study we talked about why God makes love the priority command. Here's what I learned. Love motivates obedience. Tell that to my kids. Or at least my son! I seem to act better when I am motivated by love, when I am filled with love, than when I am empty. Next it motivates perseverance. How true is that?! When we really love, we persevere. We see things through to the end, no matter when that is. I think of the love for my family. I will always fight, defend and protect them. I guess I need to know that is what Jesus thinks about me too! This one is a biggie for me..Love for God empowers love for others! I love that. By seeking God, loving him first He will provide me with all the love I need for everyone else. I always thought I had enough love to go around but at 3am when I am tired and Reagan is crying, Riley had an accident and Olivia is sick, I need all the love I can get! I also find that when I am feeling full of love from God that I am a better wife. I dont' mind as much when my husband leaves a trail of messes behind him (note I said "as much") or if he is late or any other number of things.
Here's where I am identifying True love by the following:
Does God regularly circulate my thoughts? Yes, often.
Am I often drawn to spend time with Him? Yes, often. But doing it is another thing..I know, not so good.
Does my life demonstrate a love for God? I think so..not sure..Um..
Do I often enjoy God? I am learning about God, to know Him is to love him I'm sure.
Do I ultimately find relief or satisfaction in obedience? I have never been known to be obedient but I am working on it. I think I am getting a taste of that with my son!
The best thing I learned is that I can ask God to have the love for Him I want! I kind of thought that I was supposed to have this overwhelming joy just come in my heart and I would be giddy.. (Maybe I watch too many movies or romances) but I realize in my newness to Christ that also since it is His desire for me to love him completely that He will grant it to me. How cool is that?
Oh ya, and I love you too. Study girls will know what I mean.
Does
In study we talked about why God makes love the priority command. Here's what I learned. Love motivates obedience. Tell that to my kids. Or at least my son! I seem to act better when I am motivated by love, when I am filled with love, than when I am empty. Next it motivates perseverance. How true is that?! When we really love, we persevere. We see things through to the end, no matter when that is. I think of the love for my family. I will always fight, defend and protect them. I guess I need to know that is what Jesus thinks about me too! This one is a biggie for me..Love for God empowers love for others! I love that. By seeking God, loving him first He will provide me with all the love I need for everyone else. I always thought I had enough love to go around but at 3am when I am tired and Reagan is crying, Riley had an accident and Olivia is sick, I need all the love I can get! I also find that when I am feeling full of love from God that I am a better wife. I dont' mind as much when my husband leaves a trail of messes behind him (note I said "as much") or if he is late or any other number of things.
Here's where I am identifying True love by the following:
Does God regularly circulate my thoughts? Yes, often.
Am I often drawn to spend time with Him? Yes, often. But doing it is another thing..I know, not so good.
Does my life demonstrate a love for God? I think so..not sure..Um..
Do I often enjoy God? I am learning about God, to know Him is to love him I'm sure.
Do I ultimately find relief or satisfaction in obedience? I have never been known to be obedient but I am working on it. I think I am getting a taste of that with my son!
The best thing I learned is that I can ask God to have the love for Him I want! I kind of thought that I was supposed to have this overwhelming joy just come in my heart and I would be giddy.. (Maybe I watch too many movies or romances) but I realize in my newness to Christ that also since it is His desire for me to love him completely that He will grant it to me. How cool is that?
Oh ya, and I love you too. Study girls will know what I mean.
Does
Do I REALLY love God?
Okay, That may seem like a weird thing to say but during our study last week that statement hit me profoundly. Beth was being her usual Beth self and was talking about how you know when you go to church and you sing songs of worship and the songs say that talk about undying love for God or show me brokenness so I can live fully in Christ.. You know what I mean, singing songs about undying, overwhelming love for Christ when you don't feel it fully..yet. Don't get me wrong, I love what only Jesus can do for me, the gift God has given me in salvation and the gift of the spirit however I am learning to love God, since I don't know him as well as I will. I certainly never want to be one who says things I don't mean, I want to mean what I say, especially when it comes to worshipping my God and creator.
When I think of God's love for me, I am a little hesitant to accept it because it is hard for me at times to accept love, but I realize that it is sinful to not take God at his word, that he loves me more than anything. I can only try to comprehend it by the feelings and deep love I have for my own children. I love them beyond all comprehension and would do anything in the world for them, die for them if I had to. That is how I try to wrap my mind around God's love for me. The more I know God, the more I love him too. I felt relieved to know that it is okay for me to not have that overwhelming, emotional love for God just yet. I know I will, I pray for it, I beg for it. I want it more than anything. And I will get it.
When I think of God's love for me, I am a little hesitant to accept it because it is hard for me at times to accept love, but I realize that it is sinful to not take God at his word, that he loves me more than anything. I can only try to comprehend it by the feelings and deep love I have for my own children. I love them beyond all comprehension and would do anything in the world for them, die for them if I had to. That is how I try to wrap my mind around God's love for me. The more I know God, the more I love him too. I felt relieved to know that it is okay for me to not have that overwhelming, emotional love for God just yet. I know I will, I pray for it, I beg for it. I want it more than anything. And I will get it.
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