Perspectives

Nehemiah 2:11-16 KJV

11 So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days. 12 And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon. 13 And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire. 14 Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king's pool: but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass. 15 Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned. 16 And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.

Here we see Nehemiah being a good leader. He needs all the information to make wise decisions and to make sure he knows the complete situation so he gathers the information himself. He also hasn't told anyone what he is doing because he doesn't want to be influenced one way or the other and he doesn't want to face opposition.

He also made sure he saw the whole picture. He went around the city looking directly and closely at the wall and then also looked at the wall from a distance to achieve a different perspective on the situation.

Shouldn't we approach problems the same way? We should make sure we know all the details and do so by looking from different perspectives.

Sunday Psalms

My friends and family have had a difficult week as we have lost a beloved individual who has touched many lives. While we will miss her here on earth, we can rest in the knowledge that she is with Jesus and even her death will be used for God's glory. We can turn to God for our own comfort and peace.

Kindness

Spring Sewing Projects

A few weeks ago we went through our totes of clothes to see if we had what we needed for everyone. For those who still needed items, I made a list so that I could keep my eyes out at thrift stores. However, sometimes, it is hard to find exactly what we are looking for so I knew I would have to do some sewing.

In our family, we all wear modest swimwear. Most of the time, the older girls ask for swim dresses or swim skirts with shirts for birthday presents because of the higher costs for modest swimwear. For the younger girls we have usually just done swim shorts and shirts, but I had always wanted them in skirts/dresses just like the older girls. Even making modest swimwear is expensive due to the cost of the fabric. What I did this year though, cost me $1 for two swimsuits! 

For our 2 year old, I took a swim shirt we already had and just added a swim skirt that I had picked up at a free-for-all (A local church has a day when anyone in the community can come in and get items such as clothes, shoes, toys, etc. all for free!). The skirt was a girl's size 6, so it was wide enough for me to gather to add to the shirt and the length was just right for my 2 year old. I had also picked up some athletic wear leggings that I used to cut out what I needed for leggings for her.

For our 1 year old, I had picked up a one piece (with shorts) suit on the dollar rack at our local consignment. I then took another swim skirt that I picked up at the free-for-all and cut out what I needed to make a skirt. The skirt will be worn over the other and the "shorts" of the suit are the "leggings". I had contemplated cutting the suit and making a dress, but I wanted to be able to use the suit for a boy if we have another boy some day.

Our one year old is long for her age so finding dresses that are long enough for her is difficult. I made these two dresses out of shirts that had been given to us. The pink/blue one is barely long enough (I must have miscalculated when cutting the fabric for the "skirt" part) so I am in the process of making at least one more.

The two year old is also tall. I made a couple of skirts to go with these shirts that had also been given to us. 

Our ninth born is having a birthday next week and here is the dress she requested. She loves to twirl so her dresses for the last couple of years have accommodated twirling.

My current sewing project is making a dress for our one year old. Then I hope to move on to some shirts for myself and a shirt for our son's birthday (I have until July to make that one). I have also been making some small bags to possibly sell or give as gifts.

Do you sew? What have you been busy with lately?

Standing on God's Promises

Nehemiah 2:5-10 KJV

5 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it. 6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. 7 Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah; 8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me. 9 Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me. 10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

We have seen that Nehemiah prayed for months before even saying anything to the king and then again right when he was put on the spot. He also asked for one thing at a time.

First, he asked if he could go and rebuild the wall. Then he set the length of time. Lastly, he asked for letters that would give him safety and building materials.

He progressed forward as he saw God's favor on his plans. He stood on the promise we find in Psalm 31:4-5.

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

The king even went above his requests and sent "security" with him.

With Nehemiah we see one of God's promises played out. We can be sure that He keeps his promises. We can stand on His promises!

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Proverbs 6:20-21 KJV

20 My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

How do we "bind" something on our hearts? The only way I can think of is to memorize. Not only memorize, though, but rehearse and study. I imagine "tie them about they neck" as something that is done daily-something to do every day. I also picture being led/guided by pulling a person around by a necktie. Our parents instructions/commandments should guide us through life.

MercyMe - Even If (Official Lyric Video)

I'm sharing for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. Remember that God is in control. He is faithful. He is good. Trust in Him. Lean on Him for your strength.

I'm Busy, Lord

I came across a beautiful poem when studying patience that I wanted to share with all of you.

I'm Busy, Lord!
I'm busy, Lord. Surely You can see
The thousand things that wait for me!
The dishes still lie in the sink-
I cannot stop to pray and think.

Lord, I know You understand.
For You gave these children to my hand;
And now they cry and need me so,
Lord, You understand. I'd better go.

Now I've got them all to sleep,
I'd better dust and mop and sweep.
I must thaw out the meat for stew,
And the ironing is long overdue!

And kindly my Lord answered me,
"Why do you from my presence flee?
I have so much for you today.
My child, I want to hear you pray.

"I love you, child; I want you here
To rest and listen- to shed a tear.
What if Paul had stopped to say,
'Lord, I'm too busy to write letters today!'?

"No, my child, I'm what you need,
Through household duties you can speed,
Yet when you're through, there's emptiness
If this quiet time you miss."

Oh, thank You, Lord, for showing me
How much I need to wait on Thee.
For what's an undone dish or two
Compared with sharing time with You?!
-Nancy Stitzel

Sunday Psalms

Psalms 1:1-6 KJV 

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Feast on Christ