Sunday, October 5, 2014

Girls!!

Wanted to post a few pictures from our quick girls weekend in Des Moines. A little less than 24 hrs of pure fun for the three cousins. So grateful to see the three of them share a friendship that is inclusive of one another at all times. 
We are looking forward to making this an annual tradition!

Contentment

Such a first world problem and yet, an age old problem.
Honestly, if we were in a third world country our mindset would be mostly about survival. I am sure there still is a struggle with jealousy. Yet, some of the most content, joyful and truly happy people though I have met in places that seem so hopeless, empty of the luxuries that you can I experience everyday.
What is the secret?
I share what is on my mind, not because I have it figured out, but simply because I am here. Again.
I say again, because when I was younger I couldn't wait until I could go off to school and have my own adventure. When I was having grand adventures I was envious of those who were getting married and happily settling down. When I was getting married.... well you can fill in the blank. The pull of grand promotions, babies, houses, Pottery Barn furniture. You know what I am saying.
In the first years of our move to Kansas City, I saw the Lord really hammer contentment into my heart and I felt it transform my life. What peace, happiness and true joy I experienced no matter the circumstance. I still walk in that. Every once in awhile, I just have to remind myself of some simple truths. Heb 13:5 "Let your conduct be without covetousness, be content with such things as you have." Rom 12 :15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep." Heb 13:15 "Let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God." Notice, it says to offer it through Jesus, not out of our own strength or ability.
So, we are at the stage again where transition is happening for our close circle of friends. Grand adventures, job favor, even their kids are experiencing promotions in life. It is easy to get restless, wonder if we are missing something, maybe even envious of what our 'neighbor' has. Chances are that our life might even cause someone else to wrestle with discontentment. We are so blessed and life is so good. Psalm 119:74 "May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word." May I be continually reminded of where my hope is found.
Then I am reminded that the things in this world, that bring us happiness, is just icing on the cake compared to the joy to be found in Him and in the life to come.