Wednesday, August 24, 2011

SOZO




There is a mystery in childbearing that I have yet to fully understand.

You'd think that because I am preparing to give birth to my fifth child, I would be an "expert" by now, but tis not the case.


With each new birth, there is a part of my spirit that is opened just a little bit more to "see" and grasp what this mystery truly means.


We were singing the above song a few weeks back and the chorus lyrics, which I've sung many a time, took on a new meaning.


"I am alive, 'cause You are alive.
Jesus, Your presence is changing my life.
I'm saved by the power of Your life in mine,
I'm saved by the power of Your life in mine."


Trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I have another little life growing inside of me, is like trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I have Jesus' life growing inside of me.

I have Christ in me and it gives me hope.


"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." {Col. 1:27}


To some this is foolishness. I admit it to be almost unexplainable, and isn't that just like a mystery, which often is only understood by revelation? It takes a child-like faith that says, "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!" {Mark 9:24}


In 1 Timothy 2:15, it says, "Notwithstanding, she shall be saved in childbearing..." When you actually look up that Greek word for "saved", you find that it denotes much more than an eternal salvation. "Sozo: to save, keep safe and sound, rescue from danger or destruction, to preserve, to make well, to restore, to heal, to be made whole."


"To be made whole."

This phrase is dear to me. I am being made whole. Daily!

Don't ask me to explain how giving birth will make me whole, because it is a mystery. All I know is that I need it, I crave it, I long for it.


It is the hope of this life. To be completed by the One who is perfect in love.
He takes all my sins, flaws, fears, and He restores, renews, heals.


~christa jean

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Wishies




Here is some more progress to report. We finally have the mirrors (remember when I found these bad boys for 5 bucks each?!) and light hung in our dining room. I have plans to paint this room still and I've decided to make it a bit dramatic! We've kept the wall color schemes quite neutral in this house. That way, I can add in pops of color with accessories and such. But, I say! (in me best British accent), have some fun with at least one room!




In this room, I aim to paint an almost a mermaid/emerald green on the top 3/4 of the walls and then add a board and batten molding look (inspired by Thrifty Decor Chick) to the bottom. My hubby even suggested painting the ceiling in the same green, only making it super glossy. He's got classy taste and we usually decorate well together, except, uhhhh, when we don't.







I am loving this IKEA light (always looks like a big dandelion wishie to me) that I've seen sooo many places and it's probably "so last season", but I don't care. It brings a sense of whimsy to this space that works well with the formal look of the crystal and mirrors. Oh, and by the way, I found those lamps in our local Re-Store, BEFORE they were even priced and placed for sale. Yup, I go snooping sometimes.




Okay, I wasn't really scrounging around in their store room. I just happened to be walking by and caught a glimpse and asked how much they would be. The nice sales man told me 9 dollars a piece. I said, "SOLD!" and promptly bought them. This was before I had a house or even had an idea what to do with them. The shades date them, unfortunately, so I'm keeping an eye out for some replacements.







I had plans to paint a design on the green in this room to make it look wall papered, but now I'm re-thinking that plan. Do you see why? The light makes shadows dance all over the walls. It is so fun! One day they are snowflakes, another day flowers. Today, I overheard the shadows referred to as large spiders. Ewww. My little guy calls them "fans" (he's obsessed with fans).




Anyhoo, here is my life in stages, friends.




~christa jean








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Monday, August 8, 2011

The Rock Show Is Now Open!

I think one of the most important jobs as a parent is to help our children learn what it is they were meant for. They each have such unique giftings, skills, and interests. It is a privilege to help them see the beauty in this.

So, when your almost nine year old wants to hold her own "Rock Show" with a friend, you have a choice, to view this as a bother (one more thing to clean up, ya know) or let her flourish in her interest.

Choice number 2 is best!

Here are some highlights from the "show"...




She saved up some bucks and bought herself this book she had seen. She especially wanted a book that would tell her what part of the world certain rocks and minerals were from.



Just in case you couldn't see where the obsidian is, she drew arrows.




The masters of the show, in matching shirts even.



Let your family flourish and thrive!


~christa jean