Only Temporary

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

My husband is a builder so we build houses and move a lot. A lot = every two years. Fortunately, we have been able to stay in the same neighborhood for the last four houses. Each new home is a treat and a blessing. I design and decorate it, but it never really feels like mine. Everyone visits (I love cooking for friends and family) and say, “Oh, don’t you love it, how could you ever leave it?” I guess I just move in knowing it’s probably temporary and there will be another move coming along in a couple of years. Another bonus is we don’t have much extra. We keep a light load.

As I reflected on this, right before Christmas as we moved into another home, it occurred to me . . . I should adopt this attitude about everything in my life. My gifts, talents, finances, children, time – none of these things are my own, but given to me (on loan) by my gracious Father in Heaven. It’s not promised to me, I can’t earn it and it can go away at any time. However, the one thing that will always REMAIN is His constant and mighty love, forgiveness, mercy and gift of eternal life. Thank goodness that comes with a permanent tag instead of a temporary one.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20

The world deceives us into thinking the material and worldly treasures we are what we should strive to have, but when we get caught up in collecting, having, acquiring and gaining ~ we lose sight of the only treasures that count. I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but as we approach 2014 I’m going to try and keep my thoughts focused on how temporary all we have really is, contemplate where I keep my treasure and aspire to store up some more treasures in Heaven.

Will you join me?

Jealous for God

Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. Exodus 34:14

We read in the Bible about how our God is a jealous. How He desires to be first in our lives, for us to seek Him, pray and talk to Him daily. However, this week I experienced being jealous FOR Him! I gained a first hand experience into the meanings of these passages. I received the most amazing, heart-felt, God-inspried e-mail from a friend. She was sharing what God had revealed to her through the scriptures and wanted to share it with those she loved. I was so grateful because we spent last week moving and unpacking so there was little time or energy left to sit quietly with God like I enjoy doing. I admit, I was jealous! I woke up at 3 a.m. and spent some time praying. Confessing to God that I was jealous for time, insight, audible whispers and inspiration. All the gifts I only receive after spending time with God in His word. Oh, how I was jealous for Him.

He quickly spoke to my heart and said, “Allison, this is how I feel when your life becomes some hectic you don’t take time be with me. I am jealous of all the other things you spend your time and energy on. I love you, desire for you to seek me in all you do and spend time in communication with me.”

I am so grateful for these insights into His love. Only God can take jealousy and a wild week of moving and unpacking into a divine insight into who He is, was and always will be.

I pray this Christmas in all the hustle and bustle that God takes every peaceful or crazy moment and opens your eyes in a new way to the amazing gift of His son Jesus, His great love for each of us and His desire to be in the middle of our lives.

Merry Christmas!

Where have you been?

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5

It has been a while since I have been able to sit quietly, reflect and write. I’m grateful for those who have asked if everything was ok, said they missed my blogs and wondered where I was. Home school has been an amazing challenge, gift and blessing. I’ve learned a lot ~ and not just about diagramming sentences, linking verbs, European Seas and 1st conjugation latin tenses. It has been a lesson of endurance, patience and total reliance of God. It’s important to me that people understand I’m not the one who pulls this off everyday because I am completely inadequate. It is the grace and power of God and it’s been AWESOME to see Him pull it off.

So, where have I been?

In awe of our amazing and gracious God who never lets us down and gives us EVERYTHING we need to follow Him and His plan for us.

Praising God for the blessing and opportunity to spend more time with my children.

Begging for forgiveness on the days I let my flesh have more control over my heart and mouth than my Heavenly Father.

Praying the seeds I’m planting in my children are of Him and never wither from the poison of this world.

Wondering if what I do is enough and if I’m good enough to continue.

Clinging to God’s words and promises of provision, peace, and direction.

Thanking Him for every answered prayer, for every time He has tamed my tongue, given me patience I didn’t have and provided me an opportunity to teach my children more about His character, mercy and love.

So, I’ve been in awe, praising, begging, praying, wondering, clinging, and thanking these past few months. No matter where you are in your life right now, what you are going through, new adventure God has you on or challenge you are facing I’m praying that you are doing some of the same. Lean into Him today! Pull Him close! I leave you with this song from  Matt Redman called 10,000 Reasons. May we PrAiSe Him for every thing and keep our eyes on Him as we approach the celebration of our Savior’s birth!

With love & gratitude, Allison