Self Control

This week I’m teaching my kids about Self Control, using I Peter 5:8. “Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Whenever I’m teaching them a new character trait, the Lord sees fit to test me as well. How did He do it this morning?

As I was leaving for Bible Study, I strapped Kevin into his infant seat, only to notice that it smelled… the cat had peed in it beyond repair. What to do?? I used an old towel inside w/ holes cut out to fix the situation short-term. “Be Self Controlled, Becky,” I reminded myself. Thankfully, this verse kept the cat alive to tell about it.

My tests today also came in the form of Nathan stepping into a stinky old pond, covering himself in mud from his knees down. From me stepping in gum on the way to the grocery store. (Flip flops are hard to maneuver in when they’re constantly being stuck to the ground.) A dishwasher that for some reason overflowed and poured water on half of my kitchen floor, requiring 4 beach towels to clean it up. Baby spit up all over me while he’s in the sling as I’m getting the kids ready for bed.

I’m just thinking I’d better head to bed before I get tested anymore!

I Will Trust You

Our church has their Spring Musical "Glorious" this weekend, and we went Friday night. Having little Kevin has left me a bit sleep deprived & spiritually dry, which is to be expected - it's a season I've experienced for a couple of months after each baby - and I was enjoying passively the musical until about half way through when they sang “I Will Trust You.” My brain locked in and God used it to refresh my heart. I wanted to share the words with you.

I Will Trust You
Words & Music by Sue C. Smith, David Moffitt, & Travis Cottrell

You can still the pounding of the ocean.
You can move Your hand and stop the rain.
You can speak and calm this storm around me.
But even if it rages on and on… I will trust You.

You can help me stand on ground that’s shaking,
Make the earth a rock beneath my feet.
You can light the road that I am trav’ling…
But even if the darkness covers me… I will trust You.

You have been faithful. You have been good.
You have been perfect to a thousand generations.
So I will not waver, and I will not be moved.
I will trust You.

If I call Your name and You are silent,
If it feels like mercy may not come,
If I cannot see how you will rescue,
I will still believe I’m not alone.
I will trust You.

When the mountains fall,
When the waves come crashing in,
I will trust You.

You are the faithful God,
I will put my trust in You,
I will trust You.

You alone are God,
There is nothing You can’t do,
I will trust You.

I will not be moved,
I will not be shaken,
I will trust You.

Until the last breath I am given,
Or the sky rolls back for Your return.
Until the day when every question’s answered,
Knowing You are with me is enough.

I will trust You.

For information about seeing the musical this weekend, visit Spring Musical "Glorious"

My Heritage

While making dinner tonight, I was listening to Swing Music and thinking about how much I liked the new Star Trek Movie. Then I thought, “This is sort of a strange combination.” I started pondering how the different people in my life have shaped me into the person I am.

I can thank my Grandpa Hogan for my love of swing music, men’s barber shop quartets, old black and white movies, and black tea with milk and sugar. I sure miss him. Heaven will be a sweet place. My Grandma Hogan taught me how to color and has passed on a passion for all things crafty and artistic. I can thank my dad for my love of Star Trek, other science fiction, Mexican food, eating out, and 50’s Rock and Roll Music. I owe my mom for instilling in me the habit of having a personal time with God daily and also for my killer Scrabble game. My Grandma Stelzer has shown me by personal example how to raise a large family by being frugal, showing love, and minding her own business unless asked for advice.

I wish I learned how to be patient like my Dad and Grandpa Hogan. I wish I knew how to keep a clean and orderly house like my mom. I wish I knew how to paint like my Grandma Hogan. I wish I knew how to love animals, for the sake of my daughter Abby, like my Grandma Stelzer does.

But it didn’t all stick.

I wonder what parts of me will stick on my kids.