John 1:35-41

I’ve never noticed this before. One day while Jesus was walking around and passed by John the disciple, the guys who were with him heard him say “look it’s the Lamb of God” and they just immediately left John to follow Jesus. (side note:that in and of it’s self is some pretty amazing devotion in my opinion!) Jesus saw them, I guess kind of just following behind Him all lost puppy like, and was like “what do you want?” They said they wanted to know where he was staying (odd response I think) and Jesus tells them to come and check it out. So what does Andrew do? He immediately goes and grabs his BFF, his brother, and tells him to come with him.

I kinda love this. It feels like real life to me. I mean, Andrew encounters the Lord, is both feet in and ready to go, but he also wants a friend to come along. Either because he doesn’t want to go alone, or because he thinks this will be pretty amazing and doesn’t want his brother to miss out.

 

And then it happens again.  John 1:43

Jesus straight walks right up to Phillip and says “Follow me”. And we don’t even get Phillips response (we assume it’s a yes based on his next actions) and he immediately goes to his BFF, Nathanael, and tells him hey dude we’ve found the guy from the OT and I think he’s the real deal. I believe Nathanael is a lot like us, when he’s a tad skeptical and says nothing good can come from Nazareth. So they go and check out this Jesus together and they are both in. Another side note: I love that this narrative is given in the Bible. You have Phillip who is just in, the moment Jesus asks him to be, and Nathanael has the audacity/courage to ask a question. He’s curious, and wants a closer look. And Jesus knows it and isn’t mad at him for it. Jesus is so gracious with us in our insecurities, or hesitations, and He knows Nathanael needs just a little something to prove to him that He is the Messiah. All it takes for Nathanael is simply Jesus telling him where he was right before he showed up there-such a small thing-but it was enough. He just needed a little bit of confirmation, and Jesus was loving enough to take His time with Him, and work through that, so Nathanael would come and Follow Jesus as well.

I’m not exactly sure what I make of this. I guess it was both interesting to me, and a bit reassuring that I really do want to walk with Jesus, with my BFF. My husband, a few close girlfriends, the people in my life that also love Jesus and are willing and wanting to follow Him too. Because, I don’t think the Christian life is meant to be done alone. We need encouragement and accountability. We need those people praying alongside us, with us and for us. And us for them.  It also does this heart good to be reminded of how patient Jesus is, how willing He is to answer our questions and walk us through doubt or uncertainty. But He also expects the best from us, and He is hoping that we will make the choice to obey Him and follow Him,even if/when we don’t have all the answers, we don’t know what the road ahead might look like, or things in the present just don’t make sense. He knows. He knows. And His promise is He will never leave us or forsake us.

 

I’m reading through the book of John, again. I did a few months ago, and found it so interesting. I felt like I was seeing Jesus a fresh once again. I was reminded and confronted by how He lived. What He said to people. Who He loved and called friends. Man, He really calls us to live a very different life, and I was convicted about that and what it means for me living here in suburbia. Cause to be honest, sometimes it feels easier to follow and model Jesus when there are poor all around you. Or your neighbor always needs help. Or the local brothel would love it if you came by and started a bible study. And hey, feel free to swing by the prison and do a little Bible study with them too. (Yes, I do realize I can do that here but somehow it feels different to me?!?!)

So what about here? In Katy Texas where, I’m noticing, everyone is fine. Or at least says they are. And no one needs Jesus from the outside, so it’s harder to look at people and see their physical needs. So, I’m processing how to do this. I’m praying about what/how He wants me to get involved in here. I’ve been praying about it for a while now, and I’m afraid if I don’t just jump in somewhere then that’s all it will be. There have been plans for our church to delve into some local ministries, but for various reasons, that has been put on hold for the next month. And that has kind of been my excuse. sure, I’ve met a few neighbors  and other people various ways, and done some playdates, but I’m ready for more.

A friend here visits her grandma in a care facility, and I’m hoping we can start coming with her to just go and visit and love on some people. It seems like a good thing to do with the kids, since we are together all day every day! We’ll see, I’ll let you know.

 

 

I’ve almost made it. I feel like I’m on mile 11, I know the finish line is close, and I’m doing it. I’m making it. But I am tired. I need some water, maybe even a caffeine gummy.

As I was having my quiet time the yesterday, I feel like the Lord was trying to show me something. There wasn’t really a particular verse that I was reading, but it was more so as I was praying and sitting with Him, asking Him to re-fill me with His love and patience for my sweet children, that I felt Him say to me,”don’t just survive while your husband is gone, thrive.” Ooooooo. That was a good word for me. Some days I’ve been acting l we’re just killing time until he comes back. Trying to distract myself from the fact that he is out of town. Which, of course there is nothing wrong with that. But I think it can dictate how my day goes, what my attitude and perspective is on the day is as well. As I was sharing my heart with a friend, she told me that when her children were young and her husband was gone she would do the same. She embraced being off the hook for cooking dinner every night (and reminded me how great and fun it is to have breakfast for dinner!), and to find those fun projects that you’ve been wanting to get done but find hard to when all you want to do when your husband is home is hang out with him.

So for the last week, I did.

I made eggs and hash browns one night. I did a super easy and delicious potato soup the next day (here is the recipe !!  then eggs again! And I have been working on a few projects that I’ve actually been making some real progress on with all this time to myself. I’ve been writing, a lot. God has been putting it on my heart more and more, and I’m trying to listen to Him and walk in obedience in this one.

I printed out pictures for a collage I want to do in Hudson’s room. I’ve purposefully avoided doing anything too intricate (I love me some Pinterest but I can get carried away!) for Eliana’s birthday party so I don’t loose perspective and spend too much time on something her sweet little 3yr self won’t notice. I re-habed my bike as you saw! I finally printed the rest of the photos for my shelves in the hallway. I made that calendar I was telling you about to get myself a little more organized.  I found and have almost finished a great parenting book (PreSchool Wise) that has been amazing in helping me deal with some things dealing with parenting Eliana’s little heart. And,I even weeded, remember?!

Overall, I would say it’s been a productive week.  (But I still can’t wait for him to get home!!)