A fruitful week after all...

This has been a challenging and frustrating week.  I got one of those virulent viruses on Monday that played havoc with my internal systems, and left me 4 pounds lighter, too weak to do what I want to do, and a whole week behind in what I thought I'd have done by now. So this morning, from the security of my comfy chair, I have been reflecting on why such times are so good for me-- apart from the weight loss, of course.

In my quiet time this morning, I read the following from the book of Philippians:

Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. ~Phil. 1:18b-21a

There is so much encouragement packed into these verses! I can rejoice because Jesus is about His work in me.  His Spirit and the prayers of His people are used for my deliverance. I receive courage and expect that in Christ I will not be ashamed but give Him honor in all things-- life or death. Christ is all.  And here is what really struck me: if I continue in this life, I can be confident of fruitful labor. Wow. As a person who broke out in a sweat just trying to water the garden, and who had to take a nap after paying a few bills, that is comfort!  When I feel like I am the furthest thing from fruitful, I have the assurance that God is at work making my labor fruitful as long as I live. If there has ever been a week that seemed unfruitful, this has been it. But God has used my prayers this week.  He has worked on making me into the likeness of Jesus this week. He has turned my heart in prayer to His praise this week.

I guess it's been a fruitful week after all...

Sabbath Songs

"Jesus, My Great High Priest"
by Isaac Watts, 1674-1748

1. Jesus, my great High Priest,
        Offered His blood and died;
        My guilty conscience seeks
        No sacrifice beside.
        His powerful blood did once atone,
        And now it pleads before the throne.

        2. To this dear Surety's hand
        Will I commit my cause;
        He answers and fulfils
        His Father's broken laws.
        Behold my soul at freedom set;
        My Surety paid the dreadful debt.

        3. My Advocate appears
        For my defense on high;
        The Father bows His ears
        And lays His thunder by.
        Not all that hell or sin can say
        Shall turn His heart, His love, away.

        4. Should all the hosts of death
        And powers of hell unknown
        Put their most dreadful forms
        Of rage and mischief on,
        I shall be safe, for Christ displays
        Superior power and guardian grace. 

All in the family...

 Emma does a great imitation of the "Blue Steel" look (my apologies, Gentle Reader, to those of you who are unfamiliar with or dislike the movie Zoolander...)  But then, she comes by it honestly enough in our family.  Witness her parents and aunt and uncle below.

  

We are a pretty wild family, after all.  And Emma is a party girl, too! This looks a bit like a disco move!

Wednesday without words...mostly

 

Emma and Nikki on Mother's Day.  What a beautiful Mommy Emma has!

Emma in motion...

...and laughing at her funny mommy!

Rhythm of life...

Summer is almost upon us.  This weekend, I hope to finish the final bit of planting in my garden, prepare for my last week of classes for the school year, and get a camping trip onto the calendar.  Hurrah!  I love the natural rhythm of life when one is a teacher.  I am always ready for a summer change-of-pace.

This year has been a year of new teaching adventures.  They have been both enjoyable and irritating, convicting where my sin is involved, and overwhelming where God's grace is seen. I am grateful for the past school year, and grateful for its coming end. I love the changing of these seasons!

Happy 400th birthday, KJV (King Jame Version of the bible)

HT: TC