Mary Jo's

 

What do you get when you spend seven hours in a fabric store??

Enough material for 13 dresses and 5 skirts!

If I'm M.I.A. for the next few weeks, you know why!

In the everday moments of life ...

I am continually amazed at how God uses ordinary circumstances in my life to draw me closer to Him!
My mom had surgery last week and has been out of commission for a bit. And because of this I've been helping out around the house and with the girls a little more than usual. All I can say is that I've learned a whole lot about myself this week! Growing up, many times I heard women say that you never realize what a selfish being you are until you have kids. I never really understood what they meant by this statement. Well, now I do!

A few days ago I got into an argument with one of the girls and lost my temper - I was being prideful and selfish in my expectations. I had forgotten that I was dealing with a little girl and shouldn't expect so much from her. It wasn't until after this argument that I realized the way I react to my sisters and the habits I'm developing now are preparing me for the future and how I will raise my own children someday! It caused me to rethink my motives on so many things! In the back of my mind, I've found myself thinking "I really don't have to put that much effort into how I help train my sisters; one day when I become a mommy, I'll get my act together and do things the right way, but I don't have to deal with that now 'cause they're my mom's kids, not mine! " I never really thought that much about the impact this area of my life has upon my little sisters. I would try to do things right for a few days (more like hours) at least until things quit going my way and I got frustrated with my own inadequacies. In the last few days my perspective on being an older sister has changed and I find myself thinking twice before I react to their silliness or aggravating-ness. I discussed this with my mom and as we were talking the words of Colossians 3 came to mind. I've been memorizing this passage for the last few months with our Sunday School class and it really hit home for me this week. I realized just how much practical application is crammed in this passage ...

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him - a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, Barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

 My life is still not a perfect reflection of the truths and principles in this passage; far from it! But I do know that my Lord is sanctifying me a little more each day, even if it is through helping to potty-train a three-year old or teaching a phonics lesson to a squirming 2nd grader. He is always faithful to teach me something even when I'm struggling to find time for a quiet Quiet Time!