Sunday, August 28, 2011

{great day}

Today was a really, really great day. 
I plan on wallowing in it all week as the week ahead
does not look too appealing. 

Our sermon today was great.  We are still in
Ephesians and I'm soaking in every word. 
Now, to apply it like I should. 

And, we started our new Life Group class today.
It was somewhat bittersweet as we left the one
we had been in since we began at FBG. 
Although, for a significant amount of time we 
have not even been hit or miss in our old class -
 more like miss and miss some more.  Terrible actually.

But, we started fresh today and absolutely loved it and
am looking forward to the new journey.  It is
focused on parenting, particularly middle school parenting.

Troy quoted  a portion of the following from J.C. Ryle and
it hit my heart directly....and, I know it will be read over
and over by me for many years to come.....

“Precious, no doubt, are these little ones in your eyes; but if you truly love them, then often think about their souls. Nothing should concern you as greatly as their eternal destiny. No part of them should be so dear to you as that part which will never die.

“This is the thought that should be uppermost on your mind in all that you do for your children. In every step you take about them, in every plan, and scheme, and arrangement that concerns them, do not leave out that mighty question, ‘How will this affect their souls?’

“A true Christian must not be a slave to what’s currently ‘in-fashion,’ if he wants to train his child for heaven. He must not be content to teach them and instruct them in certain ways, merely because it is customary, or to allow them to read books of a questionable sort, merely because everybody else reads them, or to let them form bad habits, merely because they are the habits of the day. He must train with an eye to his children’s souls. He must not be ashamed to hear his training called odd and strange. What if it is? The time is short—the customs of this world are passing away. He that has trained his children for heaven, rather than for the earth—for God, rather than for man—he is the parent that will be called wise in the end.”

~ J.C. Ryle

Awe. 

   I have only  read a bit about J.C. Ryle, but, it looks as though I will be reading more.
From what I have quickly read, his writings are very intriguing. 
And, from a little research,  there is a lot to read by this man.

But, how true is the above??  It made me stop dead in my tracks and really
examine some things in my life.......our family life.   It is amazing how even
 the smallest decisions we may make on a day to day basis as just part of the
 ebb and flow can/may/will have a most definite impact on their literal souls.  

Yes, my perspective changed instantly. 
We didn't really discuss the following, but, I have
been pondering it all day.  And, likely will be all night.

 I think I've always tried to be the best mom I could with their souls 
always very apparent to me.  I've always tried to make the moments
 matter, etc.

But, it was easier to keep my eye on the prize when
 I was thinking in those terms with my "mom-brain." 
But, this quote took me much deeper. 
What about the "little things"
that I may personally do, or not do;
those things that are not necessarily associated
with me being their mom,
but maybe as a friend, wife or daughter.  
The things they see or hear me do, or maybe the things
that only I would know about such as holding grudges, judging, 
holding onto bitterness..."the hidden things".

The things that actually separate me from God. 
They don't have to be one of the "big ten" to be 
disastrous nonetheless.  And, honestly, those are probably
the most dangerous of all to all of those around us. 
Things I think they may not be aware of because I'm not necessarily
 in mommy-mode when I am harboring them.  
If I am separated, how can I effectively be cultivating the utmost of their little souls?

The truth is, I can't.

  Every moment matters. 
Every thought counts. 
 Every unconfessed sin corrupts.

Yes, this mommy had a major eye-opening experience as
I fought back the tears when I heard the above quote. 
 It took me to a much deeper examination of my own heart.  
Because if my heart is not in the right place, how can I help 
authentically lead theirs to the right place.

The eternal place.

Heavy? Yes.  
Easy? No.
But.......I'm honored to be the one. :)

A definite work in progress.

3 comments:

Tonia Hobbs said...

That is wonderful. I love the word soul. Dont you? So thankful for you new LG, and your willingness to be obiedient, listen, learn, and. . . act it out.

Tonia Hobbs said...

I have read it now over and over.

"No part of them should be so dear to you at the part which will never die."

It doesnt get any better than that.

Shannon said...

I can't read it without tears stinging....