Thorns and Brambles.....

I have often thought of having an invited writer, one who "knows" us and would "tell it like it is," give you the real scoop, but I doubt they would, they would likely tell you nice things and such. I sometimes tremble as I write here to the sometimes 3,ooo, (sometimes less) that look and read into our lives each week, but I really get wobbly knees as I think about the 13 people that really know me and read this (ones who can read it) because its would seem easier to write and let you all read the goody stuff compared to writing here and then allowing what I write to be what I live and my own family either say its true by His grace or they chuckle and sneer under their breath! I have 26 eyeballs on me and somedays they still see a lot of "thorns and brambles." I am just as you, a sinner saved by grace seeking to live each day in and by His grace and sometimes I squelch the "grace." This morning I read several verses that convicted my heart, especially of a particular little situation that happened yesterday. Anna had a beautiful idea of being generous and she mentioned it to me and I just gave all kinds of excuses of why not to do it. I felt justified in my "mommy answer." This morning I read in Luke 6:44, For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. (45) A good man out of good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart the his mouth speaketh. You see I saw this morning that I have a lot of thorns and brambles in my heart because I did not let the abundance of figs and grapes flow generously to this idea that Anna had. It showed me that I spoke and responded with a heart that is not generous and giving and how I need more of Him and less of me so that my response will be, "that is such a thoughtful idea and sure lets do that." I need for the thorns and bramble to be replaced with rich flowing fruit dripping with His grace to do the things that please Him and my heart needs treasures that come from Him that I might have the abundance to be generous to others as He has been to me! Lord, I need YOU, I want to be real to my family and live a life that is true to the words I write and then as you allow to be a light to those beyond my walls here!!

Cleaning day here.....how does it get so dirty???? The guys are out doing some work, payed work, which is good!! Not much else here. Doing all the daily things, laundry, some school, fix dinner, and of course play!!!

Thanks for knowing I still need Him as desperatley as YOU!!