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Reaching

As Joash grows, he keeps reaching for things. Like light switches. Now that we are in winter and it is dark so early, he is quick to say,"turn lights on." He is also learning he can do some of them himself. In the play room, he can reach the light switch if he stands on tiptoes on his little stool And in the basement, he does this...
He uses a tool (rolled up posters that I saved from my classroom) to help reach the light switch. I was so surprised the first day he did this. Blown away by what the mind of a two year old can figure out.

I, too, have been finding myself reaching for the last while. I have been challenged and humbled in so many ways be the people around me. Challenged to grow in my relationship with God. Humbled to see others around me who are in the same boat and making a conscience effort to do something about it.

So, I too have been looking for ways to do this better. To learn more, to grow, to be the best follower of God, wife and mom I can be. A few months ago, I was invited by a friend to join a Good Morning Girls Bible Study, which has been wonderful. It has given me some direction and purpose to my daily devotions. Then, just last week I finally started reading 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I know I am late on the bandwagon for this one, but if you have not read it yet, do! I have not even finished it yet, but I have been challenged in so many ways. It is a book that deserves a slow read. I have also started reading her blog, which is just as amazing. And it was on her blog that she issued her scripture memory project - The Romans Project. By learning just 2 verses a week, by the end of the year you will have memorized Romans 1, 8 and 12.

"Interesting," I thought to myself last night as I read about it before bed. I was intrigued but decided to sleep on it. This morning, I woke up with it still on my mind. There are lots of reasons for this. The text Wilbert and I chose for our wedding passage is in Romans 12 - our life verses as a married couple. I want to continue to grow in my relationship with God. Two verses a week sounded manageable. I went to the computer to print off the materials. In my Good Morning Girls Facebook group, another member wondered if anyone wanted to join her in memorizing scripture this year with a link to the Ann's blog. If that wasn't a sign I should do it, I don't know what is. Then, when Wilbert came home for coffee this morning, I asked him if he wanted to join me in memorizing. It is then that he tells me Romans 8 is what led him to see that being a Christian made sense. His personal life verses are there.

So, we are doing this together. Please join us if you wish.

I also feel that writing about this will be an important part of my growth. I have learned that writing helps me make sense of things. I can often express myself more easily in writing. After starting 1000 Gifts,  I commented to Wilbert that I wished I could write like that. He told me not to sell myself too short. I have thought about that and have decided on this: I am not Ann Voskamp, so I won't be able to write like her. I am Denise and I can only write like me. So it may not be poetic and roll of the tongue like a prayer song, but it will be me.

Don't worry, I will still post funny things about Joash and Baby #2. Stories and pictures about our life and what we are up too. But, don't be surprised if those stories lead to something else. To a recognition and thanksgiving to the One who granted those gifts for the day.
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