Before my eyes were even fully awake on Monday, I heard the sound of coughing coming from the living room. I knew it was going to be one of those days. By the time I could brush my teeth and get my coffee, three out of four of the kids were coughing, moaning and trying to climb into my lap.
We rallied a little on Tuesday when I fixed our broken vacuum cleaner. It had been out of commission for several days – okay, fine – it had been several weeks. I was beginning to have floors that you could eat off of – not because of their cleanliness, mind you, but because of the amount of food crumbs on them. I took that baby apart, fixed it, put it back together and proceeded to vacuum the entire house to which my husband said, “That’s hot.” I’m certain that Proverbs 31:32 would have read, “She repaireth small household appliances.”
Then, we got to Wednesday. The coughing and moaning was now accompanied by fevers and snotty noses. Foolishly, I thought we may still be able to have a school day. The crying, coughing, teething baby, however, did not seem to think that was a good idea. 
Now, here we are at Thursday. Everyone is lounging and coughing and watching cartoons. I really don’t know why I felt the need to share all of that with you. Maybe it’s because I don’t know how so many of you do it. How do so many bloggers have something witty or inspiring to say each and every day? It’s beyond me.
I did want to leave you with one thought from my Bible reading this week. It’s something I have been pondering, especially since I am prone to fear and worry.
Who are you that you should fear man who dies,
or a son of man who is given up like grass?
But you have forgotten the Lord, your Maker,
who stretched out the heavens
and laid the foundations of the earth. – Isaiah 51:12-13
As I read this, it occurred to me that we can not fear and remember at the same time. I don’t think this means that we never feel fear. The question, instead, is this: do we live afraid? We can’t live afraid and remember the Lord.
Some day, I will have the courage to write about the last eighteen months of my life. We had a baby, lost a job, lost a home and moved three times. Friends walked away and relationships ended and it left me all a little gun shy. I’m just very aware that this world offers little to no security. What if this friend misunderstands my heart, too? What if this job doesn’t work out either? What if forever doesn’t mean the same thing anymore?
I’ve been living afraid.
And, if I’m afraid, then I have forgotten.
It’s time to start remembering.
I adore, y’all. I really do.
This friend isn’t going anywhere. You’re stuck with me. Love you!! 😊
Love you so much. Thank you for being you.
Good afternoon, Dear Mom, Wife, Daughter, and Encourager of the Blogosphere! It sounds like you have been tested with water and fire for the last year and a half. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. “For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior . . .” (Isaiah 43:2-3) “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?. . . ” . . . In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:31;37) God bless you, Stacy! You are already more than a conqueror in Jesus! Stand firm and know that you and your family are prayed for. My family has been through some “stuff” too, and had some “friends” walk away, but Jesus never leaves or forsakes us. I know that you know all this. It’s just the protective “mother instinct” surfacing. I’m praying also for a quick recovery for the kiddos. Blessings!
Thank you so much, Peg. Your words mean so much. You have brought a smile to my face this morning. Have a great day!
Staci, you are not alone sweet sister in Christ! In our longing for love and community, we forget that “this world offers…no security”; and yet, community is what we are called to. The HCSB version of Joshua 1:5 says ” No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you” and later there is this admonition, “Be strong and courageous…” in verse 6. I am praying for you this morning, for peace, for joy, for strength and courage…and for less coughing!!! Though this world and all in it may forsake us, our King never will! Thank you for all you do to encourage, inspire, and remind us all were are not alone in this daily battle! Much Love!
Oh, Stacy, I fear we have more in common than those two LifeWay girls could have ever imagined.
Are you coming to Allume? I wish you could, if you aren’t. I need to sit down with you so we can talk each other’s ears off.
I am not going. 🙁 But, goodness, I would love to do coffee one day. You and I? We really should have been closer when we were, you know, closer! lol
Seriously!! When we didn’t have seven children between us to take up all the time. 🙂
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