Sometimes when life hits you like a ton of bricks, it helps to sit quietly and take it all in. That is what we have been doing for the past four weeks. God has carried us through a number of difficulties over the past 3 years or so. Lately, I was looking forward to breathing for a moment, recovering and trying to look forward to enjoying a season of sweet rest. Our youngest child has been sick most of his life, and it seemed like things were coming to a close. The doctors' bills might finally have a chance of being caught up on. We've been working like mad dogs, with Nathan working 2 jobs (one third shift) and going to school full time, and me working a part time job with the kids, it's been too crazy. He would graduate this Summer though, and it would slow down for a bit. We could finally stop running, stop working so hard, stop pushing until we had nothing in us. God had something else in mind. We have been blessed with another life to care for. We will be bringing another sweet child into this world sometime around October. I truly cannot describe what tremendous fear and trembling took place in the Wandell home as we saw the providence of God one up any plans I had in mind. His plans are way better, and clearly much more exciting!
Nathan and I have decided that it's "Game On" as far as Ben and Grace are concerned. There can be no more practice parenting in our home! Nathan and I will now be outnumbered, and that basically means that your children could possibly eat you alive. So we have our work cut out for us. I am halfway joking in this, of course. They won't literally eat us!
I will not post too much more tonight as I have another early morning tomorrow at work. I believe that God is sovereign, that He knows all things, that He knows what is best for His children, and the He is the creator and provider of all things. Therefore whatever need I present to Him, he cares about it and can fulfill it.
I have a doctor's appointment Monday, which I plan to be sharing on soon.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Union University
You can give to their disaster relief fund here:
https://www.uu.edu/Union2010/giving/creditcard.cfm
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Two second t shirt
Have you EVER tried the two second t shirt fold?
It is totally rocking my laundry day! LOL! It REALLY WORKS! The video makes it seem more difficult than it really is.
It is totally rocking my laundry day! LOL! It REALLY WORKS! The video makes it seem more difficult than it really is.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Though the Earth Give Way
God is good, all of the time. He firmly displays the power of His strong hand. He covers our bodies with protection through the storm. He moves the winds and the rain to save his people. He builds a fortress around his children.
Tonight is the eve following a catastrophic storm at Union University in Jackson, TN. This was my alma mater. I met my husband at this school and we courted, fell in love, and planned our lives together all while at Union. I was a resident advisor at Union and remember enduring 3 tornados in Jackson, TN in one year. Two of the tornadoes were powerful enough to cause extensive damage and terrorize frightened young girls who were just learning how to live without the protection of their parents. The great damage caused during those storms (millions of dollars worth) is easily shadowed by last night's devastating storm. Many students were trapped by the buildings caving in all around them. Cars were strewn on top of cars (many, not just here and there). 20% of the dorms are liveable now. Buildings were destroyed. The power of the storm is unimaginable. But all students survived. God had His strong hand on His people. God kept the bathroom walls surrounding his frightened children intact while everything around them crumbled. It is illogical when you look at the pictures and see walls stripped completely from buildings, roofs gone, and the bathroom walls are still strong and stable.
Yes, we know that God could surely have taken people home last night. He could've done whatever He wanted to do. All He does is to draw His people to Himself. Last night He protected the people of Union University. They faced a storm and ran to God, their "refuge and strength"
Tonight is the eve following a catastrophic storm at Union University in Jackson, TN. This was my alma mater. I met my husband at this school and we courted, fell in love, and planned our lives together all while at Union. I was a resident advisor at Union and remember enduring 3 tornados in Jackson, TN in one year. Two of the tornadoes were powerful enough to cause extensive damage and terrorize frightened young girls who were just learning how to live without the protection of their parents. The great damage caused during those storms (millions of dollars worth) is easily shadowed by last night's devastating storm. Many students were trapped by the buildings caving in all around them. Cars were strewn on top of cars (many, not just here and there). 20% of the dorms are liveable now. Buildings were destroyed. The power of the storm is unimaginable. But all students survived. God had His strong hand on His people. God kept the bathroom walls surrounding his frightened children intact while everything around them crumbled. It is illogical when you look at the pictures and see walls stripped completely from buildings, roofs gone, and the bathroom walls are still strong and stable.
Yes, we know that God could surely have taken people home last night. He could've done whatever He wanted to do. All He does is to draw His people to Himself. Last night He protected the people of Union University. They faced a storm and ran to God, their "refuge and strength"
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.Psalm 46: 1, 2
Their Bibles were opened as the fierce winds attacked and their voices raised in prayer and petition for their lives, for protection, for God's glory in the midst of suffering. Their prayers were answered.
And today, my earth gave way in a manner of speaking. God brought to my attention that it is not my job to fix everything and that God is perfectly capable (that doesn't do Him justice!) to take care of things on His own time and in His own way. He showed me this by allowing a circumstance that I can do nothing about. Benjamin is sick and will need outpatient surgery. It breaks my heart that he is so sick. It also hurts to know that I cannot fix it for him or take it from him. God has given him such stamina. I want my son to be well, but I also want to know God, to know what he is doing with these circumstances to show Himself to us. I know that God wants me to see Him, to grow with Him, to trust myself less and Him more. I weep as my empty hands have nothing to offer my suffering son. But God's hands are strong and His supply is endless. He is the protector and provider, creator of all things, and He will provide in this circumstance as well. He promises to never leave or forsake His children. He has plans for Benjamin's life that will bring glory to His name. If that includes deafness, then God will do it. If that includes a full recovery and miraculous healing, then God WILL do it. And I will pray that God's name be honored in the midst of this, that God increase our faith in HIS all sufficient power.
These everyday, physical needs, pains, desires encompass so much of our life, but Christ has SO much more to offer. He offers water that, once we drink of it, we will never thirst again. He has salve for our spiritual eyes and spiritual food that is fulfilling and rich. He offers life, eternal with His Holy father. True rest and a heart that is at peace. Lord, I want all you have to offer and more! Saturate our family with spiritual blessings. Continue to give us opportunities to run to you, whatever it takes.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Forgive us our sins
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
All thanks to God our Father who has forgiven every debt I owed and placed His sweet hand of peace over my heart. Help me show the same mercy, to reflect Christ in offering both cheeks, giving my cloak and tunic, going the extra mile or more and being willing to lay down my life for another man, regardless of what I (a mere human) believes they might deserve. Father, You are giver of ALL things, and things are not YOU. YOU are the real deal, and You are all that we want, all that we need!
Here is scripture for today that is quite significant.
All thanks to God our Father who has forgiven every debt I owed and placed His sweet hand of peace over my heart. Help me show the same mercy, to reflect Christ in offering both cheeks, giving my cloak and tunic, going the extra mile or more and being willing to lay down my life for another man, regardless of what I (a mere human) believes they might deserve. Father, You are giver of ALL things, and things are not YOU. YOU are the real deal, and You are all that we want, all that we need!
Here is scripture for today that is quite significant.
Matthew 18: 15-35A Brother Who Sins Against You
15"If your brother sins against you,[b] go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'[c] 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.18"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be[d]bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[e] loosed in heaven.
19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[f]
23"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents[g] was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii.[h] He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
29"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
30"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
Monday, January 21, 2008
To Young Believers
In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market! John 2:14-16Righteous anger. I saw it this week in a young man. Banging his fist, pleading with his brother to flee from the snare of Sin. I remember when I was young, it was so easy to question whether I made the right choice or not, wondering whether I should have clung so strongly to those convictions. I am so pleased to see how God is working and the Holy Spirit is convicting even the youngest of His children. The strength in conviction, the sorrow in seeing sin cover another's heart, and the passion and resolution to take ownership, to care enough for a spiritual sibling to do something about it.
My encouragement to young believers: Do not lose heart! Your words and your enthusiasm for the Gospel is an encouragement to your young friends but also to older believers. We relish moments to catch young brothers and sisters fighting the fight with us. We are thrilled to work alongside you, young sister, young brother.
A word from 1 Timothy for young believers.
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come...Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. Excepts from 1 Timothy 4To my younger siblings, I am thankful for you and what God is doing in you, drawing you and the people in your circle closer to Him! God's grace be with you.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
As Rich as Dirt
Today, stewardship is on the mind. John Piper was a catalyst for this in a sermon on marriage. These two topics of marriage and money in relation to stewardship may not make much sense as I pound it out here. I am still chewing on this.
God's ultimate provision.
Today John Piper preached profoundly on the purpose of marriage. He stated that the purpose of marriage was Children. Some may agree or disagree, but scripture is clear on this. Piper stated that marriage's goal is not just the procreation of children in general, but the procreation of believers, whether it be biological children or not. The purpose of marriage is a united people using their gifts and abilities to grow followers of Jesus Christ. This is profound in that we rarely consider the neighbor kids across the street to be called our "children" or even in my Sunday School class, I rarely consider the children that I teach the gospel to weekly, to be children of my lineage. But they are, when I covenant with God to grow and bring them to the truth of the Gospel, they grow under my spiritual lineage, which is Christ's, David's, Abraham's.
Another fantastic point that Piper made was that if we are single or not, we should still show hospitality to fellow believers. Regardless of our resources (an apartment that is "too small" or a "limited personality") we should steward the gifts and resources that God has given us to practice hospitality with fellow believers. I wonder what other resources we are not using or stewarding to God and his people. Our money is so often a point of contention for so many believers. We work hard so that we can earn money and provide for our family to be "obedient" believers. Scripture has never encouraged believers to obtain money. Scripture has only encouraged us to work because we are required to labor, to steward God's resources.
Being a mother of two very young children, it is very difficult to get to the movie theatres. There is one movie, however, that I was able to see about 15 minutes of which speaks to the issue of money and stewardship. Water World. I believe that all I know about the film is that the currency in this world of water is dirt or land because there is just so little of it. The characters fought over land and just a small amount of dirt was a great amount of wealth for a man. I just wonder, "Who decided Gold was the standard currency today?" Who determined that gold would be what people desired and traded and stole and killed for? If we used dust as currency, our family would be doing quite well. It just points out to me how easy and foolish idolatry is. Nothing is greater than God.
Try to imagine what God thinks when he watches us toil and worry over money, over being able to make ends meet and thrive. I imagine he feels like he is watching Water World. It's such a twisted thing for God's people to still worry about providing money "a mortal concept" to care for their family, while these same people believe and worship The God who is creator of all things, giver of all things, provider of all things. God provided bread falling from the sky to care for his children. Before this, manna had never been seen or heard of. God, in his ultimate creativity, will find ways to provide for His children who love Him. Money is something this world has created to worship and we should avoid the worship of, the worry over, money. I am deeply convicted by this and pray that God will provide more depth of insight and practice on how to love God more than worldly things.
God's ultimate provision.
Today John Piper preached profoundly on the purpose of marriage. He stated that the purpose of marriage was Children. Some may agree or disagree, but scripture is clear on this. Piper stated that marriage's goal is not just the procreation of children in general, but the procreation of believers, whether it be biological children or not. The purpose of marriage is a united people using their gifts and abilities to grow followers of Jesus Christ. This is profound in that we rarely consider the neighbor kids across the street to be called our "children" or even in my Sunday School class, I rarely consider the children that I teach the gospel to weekly, to be children of my lineage. But they are, when I covenant with God to grow and bring them to the truth of the Gospel, they grow under my spiritual lineage, which is Christ's, David's, Abraham's.
Another fantastic point that Piper made was that if we are single or not, we should still show hospitality to fellow believers. Regardless of our resources (an apartment that is "too small" or a "limited personality") we should steward the gifts and resources that God has given us to practice hospitality with fellow believers. I wonder what other resources we are not using or stewarding to God and his people. Our money is so often a point of contention for so many believers. We work hard so that we can earn money and provide for our family to be "obedient" believers. Scripture has never encouraged believers to obtain money. Scripture has only encouraged us to work because we are required to labor, to steward God's resources.
Being a mother of two very young children, it is very difficult to get to the movie theatres. There is one movie, however, that I was able to see about 15 minutes of which speaks to the issue of money and stewardship. Water World. I believe that all I know about the film is that the currency in this world of water is dirt or land because there is just so little of it. The characters fought over land and just a small amount of dirt was a great amount of wealth for a man. I just wonder, "Who decided Gold was the standard currency today?" Who determined that gold would be what people desired and traded and stole and killed for? If we used dust as currency, our family would be doing quite well. It just points out to me how easy and foolish idolatry is. Nothing is greater than God.
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
Try to imagine what God thinks when he watches us toil and worry over money, over being able to make ends meet and thrive. I imagine he feels like he is watching Water World. It's such a twisted thing for God's people to still worry about providing money "a mortal concept" to care for their family, while these same people believe and worship The God who is creator of all things, giver of all things, provider of all things. God provided bread falling from the sky to care for his children. Before this, manna had never been seen or heard of. God, in his ultimate creativity, will find ways to provide for His children who love Him. Money is something this world has created to worship and we should avoid the worship of, the worry over, money. I am deeply convicted by this and pray that God will provide more depth of insight and practice on how to love God more than worldly things.
Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
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