Studying these photos reminded me of the state of my heart. I thought about how easy it is to work hard at displaying a well put together exterior, smile included. But am I the same sweetness to my family as I am to friends and acquaintances? Most importantly, am I giving the Lord intimate, devoted time the way I advise others to? One thing I know for sure is that I can't play this game for too long before I'm exposed. Only that intimate time with Him will make me able to be genuine in all of my relationships. I've tested it. I know it to be true but I need a wake up call now and then. How about you? Who are you when no one's looking?
"But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7 Gratitude:
701. the potential of a visit from a long time friend
702. how he said he needed to protect Olivia at church today
703. how he laughed in the restaurant when he thought Daddy was taking his booster seat to the bathroom
704. the potential of new curriculum... difficult but exciting decisions
705. my new laundry system, compliments of a seminar at the homeschool convention (it's working!)
706. the 8th pregnancy of a lovely friend
707. the healthy birth of Isabel--a first baby
708. taking photos with no pressure (feels good to be finished with the business)
709. piano-fix-it-guys
710. the way she "raps" a song to any repetitive thing she hears
711. the very forthright words of our young adults' pastor who speaks every Sunday night
712. what God is going to do with my husband's application to the city for a permit
713. waking up to birdsong
714. first spring storm this afternoon... mmm... comfort
715. how they each have a knitted blankie from Mama--just like they did with Great-Mama
716. an interesting recipe I came across today--chocolate fig brownies
717. a fabulous recipe I came across today--lasagna cupcakes
718. hockey being replaced by golf
719. the opportunity I had to speak to a large group... wanna listen?--it's all about fasting: http://bgthamilton.com/index.cfm?i=3595&mid=4&ministryid=15107 (click on March 29th) (What you can't see when you listen... I'm building a brick monument beside me each time I tell a story, AND I'm crazy nervous!)
11 comments:
Lovely. So much in conjunction (harmony) with what I've been thinking and writing.
What a great analogy!!! I am so there! Worrying, fearing the opinion of others...how did the piano look in the inside? :) and I was sad to hear about your piano bench...
This sure spoke to me today. Taking a step back to reflect on this today. Love your blessing of a spring storm. I'm longing for one. It's so dry and windy here.
Thanks for your "sweet" comment. I sure like that word haha!
Jeana
Wake up calls... they can disturb us from our comfortable living. But when they change us, we're always better for it. Great post Heather!
Who You Are When No One's Looking?
That's such a great title and so very thought provoking. Let me tell you, I'm not nearly as pleased with my answer as I'd like to be but "eucharisteo proceeds the miracle" and I'm counting on that. :D God bless.
This is beautiful! And I love that 1 Samuel 16 verse. Gorgeous photos. #703... too funny! #706, 707... how wonderful! Love waking to birdsong! What a great list of gifts! :)
Great post- such honesty. Oh, yes the fear of others' opinions!
Please share your laundry secret!
Anna: Love your new photo!
Laundry... four little baskets, one for each child. I fold straight from the dryer into their baskets (each on a shelf) then do a laundry call. They come and put the clothes away, knowing that these baskets live in the laundry room and are only allowed out to their rooms for 5 minutes. The baskets are small enough to keep it from being overwhelming (since I tend to do a lot of laundry at once). I may call them a few times that day but little bits are better than a huge load... somehow the big piles never get into the drawers. It's been working very well!
Did you notice I took your advice and linked the talk?
Love, Heather
Fun laundry tip...great idea! :)
*Love* your list...and the photos. How wonderful that you can just *enjoy* your photography now without the *pressure*.
And yes, who are we when no one is looking? You have a gorgeous piano...and MORE gorgeous children. Because of the things that happen to that piano, I can safely say that your priorities are in order. How liberating it is to really not worry at all what others think! May the LORD help us all to *get there*! :)
In His Love,
Camille
As always, I LOVE your lists!!! Pregnancy has put me hopelessly behind on just about everything...
Thanks for the thought provoking post. With pregnancy hormones going, I am ever more conscious of the need to be gentle and kind with my responses in my home - even more so than with others.
It was such a blessing to listen to your encouragment on fasting. I have to say it is so much fun to put a voice with a picture too!
I also just had to laugh when listening to your talk. My mom had the exact same 'praying place'. I have vivid memories of laying next to the door with my lips at the crack, calling her... I'm mortified now that I know how desperately she needed that time. :)
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