Wordless Wednesday: BathTime Funnies

"The Rock Underneath"

Yesterday I came across a great blog, "(in)courage," where 30+ women share their personal stories and reflections as they strive to live by faith and seek God's truth--even in the ordinary (and at times weary) routines of life. I have been so encouraged by the writings I have read so far and am looking forward to reading more. Yesterday's post really resonated with me and I thought I would share it because I am sure I am not the only one who can relate and be encouraged by this...

The Rock Underneath

"It's a good thing to have all the props pulled out from under us occasionally. It gives us some sense of what is rock under our feet, and what is sand." -Madeleine L'Engle

The props have been pulled out from under me this week. Not the seen ones, like family or shelter or job or finance. But the unseen ones, the false ones I've made with my own hands. Fear has come to visit, sneaking through the cracked back door rather than knocking at the front. And he secretly tried to steal away valuable Truth before I even knew he was in the house.

He is so crafty, this Fear, that I take him on as my very identity: I am Afraid, I hear myself say. And in the saying, I practice the presence of Fear, rather than rest in the safety of God. Jesus says His spirit within me is one of power, love and a sound mind. But He whispers while Fear screams.

Fear screams for me to run.

But God beckons me, Come.

Fear pushes me to produce protection.

But God whispers I have already overcome.

And so I stand on rock and watch as the sand sinks swiftly down.

To be love-led rather than fear-driven is to stand on the rock underneath.Where have you placed your feet today?

by Emily, Chatting at the Sky

FREEDOM!

This is the first word I think of when I look at our new fencing in the backyard. My sanity has truly just been saved. I will no longer have to worry about turning my back for a second or needing to run into the house for something when I take Micah outside to play. He is completely caged in! Ha. It was so freeing to be able to run into the kitchen today for a drink without having to bring him inside with me-- not only was there no screaming and crying (he gets very upset when he has to come inside and doesn't understand that he can go right back out), but I didn't have to worry that in less than one minute he would be in the front yard or back alley. I seriously think I have added some years onto my life with new addition to our home.

Not only does it give me sanity but it creates a really cozy eating area in the back of the yard. Our picnic table fits perfectly and the tree provides wonderful shade. We are looking forward to getting some stone down and eventually running electricity to the shed so we can even have lighting back there at night. I am having fun envisioning all that we could do with that little cozy space! Lanterns, shade plants, stepping stones,...if you have any brilliant ideas for this space, feel free to share!