This Abundant Life

This Abundant Life
"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." - John 10:10

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Let Us Not Overlook the Plain and Obvious


Gwendolyn and I are busy getting ready for Christmas in July with a Birthday Party for Jesus, this Friday (not because we are such a super-spiritual and event-clever family, but because we happen to be a little birthday/Christmas CRAZY in this house).

In our preparation, this morning we were reading the nativity story in her Bible. As we stared at a picture of Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus in the stable, I began pointing out the various characters. Like a good mother, I spoke of Joseph being Jesus' earthly Father and God also being Jesus' Father and the baby, pictured, being Jesus, etc...etc. As I finished imparting spiritual wisdom and went on to continue reading, Gwendolyn points her finger to the only remaining figure on the page and says, "...and that's a cow."

It's true. That was a cow.

In the tired and, often, unpredictable moments of mothering small children, It's the simple and true things that are of most encouragement to me. Somehow, amidst the hours of readable Facebook statuses, googled coupon codes, interesting DIY projects and on-line shopping sales, it can be hard to notice the very real cow in the picture.

Jesus is my cow. And, I need to spend my time looking at, and listening to, those who can point Him out to me and say, "and that's a cow." That is Jesus. He's your only source of real and lasting Joy and plain-old, regular happiness. Look at Him, and you vision for all your life-roles and daily activities will be clear, fresh and...dare I say it...Exciting!

Here area few of my personal favorite Joy-reminder resources:
Femina
Desiring God Blog
Passionate Homemaking

What are some of yours???

5 comments:

The Williams said...

you know, I really love the blog www.ashleyannphotography.com because everyday she points to Jesus but it is light and refreshing. She reminds me that you can diy and craft while still keeping your eyes on Jesus. Plus, I find I can get caught up in being super serious about faith and forgetting to have fun with life in general. She is fun and she loves Jesus and I need a bit of that.
I also really love the We are THAT family blog. It reminds me that sometimes God calls you, after you have 3 kids and a fully established life, to serve Him in big ways and that the family he's provided you will answer His call with you. That we never have to worry about carpools or cleaning the sink taking off our edge. I love the reminder that Jesus can rock our worlds whenever he wants and we are never safe.
Thanks for the reminder!

Mrs Bic said...

AWESOME, Cara! I totally agree...WE can be that to each other...speaking of...I'm ready to start doing blog letters again. I'll do the first one...have it to you by tuesday?

The Williams said...

that would be great! and, yeah, we CAN be that to eachother. I love blogging for the constant encouragement it is to me that those I rarely see but remember constantly are learning how to love Jesus where they are at.

Lara said...

Girl Talk is a huge encouragement to me. :) Love ya Jenn!!!http://www.girltalkhome.com

Mrs Bic said...

Lara, I love Girltalk too! Great stuff. I just posted something from them, on facebook, yesterday. I love their book, Shopping for Time. Thanks for mentioning them!