3 is enough

Does anyone remember the show from a LONG time ago called "8 is enough"? Well, that was my dream, maybe not 8 but I wanted to have a big family. When I got married my husband told me he only wanted 2. I got him to compromise to 4 so things were going to be great! Five years after we were married, we had our first child. Brian, my husband then told me 1 was enough. I waited patiently, or rather not too patiently for him to change his mind. When our oldest child was 10 months old we got pregnant. I was then informed again that 2 was enough. I waited again. This time a bit more patiently because I had gone back to college so I had plenty to occupy my time. As graduation grew closer I began to talk of number three. My husband agreed and in March of 2009 we welcomed our little boy into the world:) Some would be done at this point but not me because I am "goal oriented." I get an idea in my head and then I seek to make it happen. God, however had a different plan for me. "3 is enough, 3 is enough," I kept hearing Him say to me. For a while I played a game with my husband and with God. I would say, "Yes, Brian or Lord. I am fine with 3. Oh yes, three is a wonderful number!" All the while I was hoping my husband and God would let me have four. I was so blinded by my own desires. I actually believed that if my mouth told God 3 was enough, I could manipulate Him to get what I wanted. God cannot be manipulated and through my quiet time with Him, He has asked me to lay my desires down before Him. I may have wanted 4 children but God wants me to follow Him and stop striving for what I want. It hasn't been easy but I now have a peace that I know only comes from God. Without trying to trick God or my husband, I can truly say, "3 is enough."

What are you unwilling to give to God? What issue or person or area of your life are you grasping onto with all your might? Give it/him/her to God and He will give you rest.

Proverbs 3:5&6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Peas or no Peace

Okay maybe the title is a little bit misleading. I really wish I had a legitimate way to connect the two but sadly, I don't. I for some reason really just wanted to say it.

Peace can be thought of in a few different ways:

Peace vs. war

Peace vs. noise

Peace vs. turmoil

God of peace vs. god of endless distractions

Peace has been on my mind since two weekends ago when I went on a women's retreat with my church. God met me there in a mighty way and brought me to a place where I saw how much I have been neglecting Him. Our world is so fast paced filled with any and every distraction. Godly activities can also be distractions that take us away from where God wants us to be. Resting in the Savior was born out of the rest and peace that God has granted me since I purposefully have set time aside for just Him. Let me make a point to say that I am FAR from perfect at this. I am a die-hard fan of sleeping and have been this way since my childhood. I have started telling God, "I want to be alone with You, please help me want to meet with You." God has helped me fight off the temptation to fall back asleep and I pray He continues His pursuit of me.

What are some of your distractions? God wants to grant you peace in this life. What keeps you from making time to get alone with Him?

Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you... He will quiet you with His love. NIV
Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. NASB