1) Life surely has its seasons. I am discovering how true this is with writing and I am learning to be okay with now not being a season for writing. Now is a season for other special things.
God’s Word: “There is a special time for everything. There is a time for everything that happens under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
2) Things don’t always go as I plan but I can always trust in God’s plans. The same holds true for trusting in God’s plans for my children.
God’s Word: “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
3) I won’t always understand His ways but His ways are always best.
God’s Word: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
4) Being a parent never ends. However, when you are a parent to adult children there are fewer opportunities to voice your thoughts, suggestions and opinions. But we can take our concerns to the Lord. “And the greatest thing about that is, when we take our concerns to the Lord – trusting that God hears our prayers and answers them on behalf of our adult children – it means our prayers have power to affect change in their lives.” ~ Stormie Omartian, The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children (pg. 9)
God’s Word: “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13
5) “Yahweh gives courage; I can be unwavering in my obedience” @steveryancarter. It’s not about my strengths but about how God wants to work in and through me as I trust in Him. It’s not about me; it’s all about Him.
God’s Word: “If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11
6) The mission of the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics to “inspire Christians to live out a Biblical theology that integrates faith, work and economics” is having a positive impact in my daily life as I try to integrate my faith and my work. I am grateful to The High Calling for leading me to this website.
God’s Word: “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
7) People want to be seen and known. We can start by knowing their name. It’s a good first step in loving our neighbors. And we all know our neighbor isn't just the person living next door to us. I have been at my place of employment for over five (5) years now and of the 80+ people employed with me there are many I still do not know. So I am starting with getting to know their names.
God’s Word: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
8) I need God ALL. THE. TIME. Knowing my need for Him is not new but I am learning how to find a rhythm of stopping to be with God throughout my day because of my constant need for Him. Thankfully, God promises to be with us ALL. THE. TIME.
God’s Word: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
9) When God asks me to do again the thing I fear most, I remember His faithfulness in bringing me this far and trust Him with the un-known future for He has proven Himself faithful.
God’s Word: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
10) Planning a wedding – a renewal of vows – brings much joy to my heart! We (hubs and I) have plans to celebrate 25 years together this fall with a big celebration!
God’s Word: “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 10:9
How about you, friends? What has God been teaching you?
I love that you did this post! The way you weave scripture is beautiful. Love you!
ReplyDeletethank you, sweet friend. xoxo
DeleteThis is beautiful and I agree with Kristin - the weaving of the scripture is precious. Amen to needing God all the time and so true that parenting never ends but changes. Working harder on #7 with you! Congratulations on your soon to be 25th anniversary - something to celebrate indeed : )
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mindy. I am working on applying #7 in more way than just at the office too. Remembering people's name is a weakness and one I really want to improve on. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings.
DeleteI love that you're going to renew your vows, Beth! Can't wait to hear all about your plans!
ReplyDeleteYour sharing is deep and strong today. God's up to something good in your life and it's reflected in your reflections. How exciting!
Hugs ...
Thank you, Linda. I look forward to sharing more about our plans as they develop. Thanks, as always, for your words of encouragement. (((hugs)))
DeleteThat was one way to get all caught up :) and I loved it! Beautiful quotes & Scriptures. May God continue to be with you & bless you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Joanne! God bless you.
DeleteParenting never ends...so true
ReplyDeletetrue, indeed!
DeleteOh how much do I love this? And congratulations on the renewal of your vows coming up. That is so wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLove you, friend. xoxo
DeleteBeth,
ReplyDeleteThis is beautifully GOOD stuff!! I found myself reading each section and saying, "Yes" and "Amen" after everything you wrote. So true that we are never done being a parent, but thanks for the reminder that God hears our prayers for our adult children and the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. Love these words this morning and love your heart!!
Love and ((hugs)) friend,
Bev
Love you, Bev. The book by Stormie O. contains lots of good stuff for us to remember as parents to adult children. (((hugs)))
DeleteBeth,
ReplyDeleteWhat a joy to read. Your focus on Scripture and seeing God in everything is inspiring. Your constant faith blesses me. Thank you for this beautiful list of what you learned.
Thank you, Debbie. It's always a joy to see you here. Many blessings to you. xoxo
DeleteI love these "what I learned" posts - and the bonus scriptures you have placed with each lesson. Perfect! I am your next-door neighbor over at Kristin's today! Good to see you, Beth.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Susan. Always good to see you here. Easter blessings to you.
DeleteThank you for sharing all that God is teaching you! It gives me a chance for reflection on my own life and the work that is being done in me. God certainly is your center and it shows in your words today. I'm excited for your chance to renew your vows and celebrate the journey that you and your husband have been on and look to future. Hugs and blessings friend!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you, sweet friend. xoxo
DeleteWhat rich lessons of grace and wisdom. Thanks for sharing for I am blessed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Ginger. xoxo
DeleteMy you've learned a lot! I just love how God is confirming and teaching you so much, for such a time as this! All in His perfect timing, SO excited for you vow renewal! If any couple deserves to celebrate a 2nd time it's you two!
ReplyDeleteGod is teaching me a lot in this season of "new" and this season of grief. A lot about Him and a lot about myself. Faith ~ Trust ~ Love
Thank you, sweet friend, for always sharing from your heart. Love you.
Thanks, sweet friend. <3
DeleteAnd I love that no matter the season, He is always there teaching us and guiding us. How great is our God!
Much love to you.
xoxo
Since Dave died, 11/5/11, God has taught me to **totally** rely upon Him for my **every** need. He has not failed me, He has a plan and He loves me with an unconditional love. He holds me in His righteous right hand of mercy, grace and love. I desperately want to sell my farm and move closer to family; it hasn't happened yet but I trust God. He has a plan, a perfect plan for my life and I choose His perfect plan, not His permissive plan.
ReplyDeleteBlessed be His name forever.
Beth! What a fabulous . I found myself agreeing with so many of your "lessons" and congrats on 25 years, what a joyful celebration! Blessings!!
ReplyDeleteWow - I love your list and how you include a verse for each one! Congrats on 25 years and on the fun of planning a big celebration! I have visions of Pinterest boards just thinking about it! ;)
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, congrats on the 25 years. how neat that is and how blessed you are. I certainly agree with your list especially #2 and #4. I think parenting these adults kids is so much harder and harder than I ever expected. Easter Blessings, Beth!
ReplyDeleteHi Beth! I just stopped by to wish you a Happy Easter. May God bless you and yours abundantly in this holy season.
ReplyDeleteHappy Spring too!
Ceil
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