I am taking Reed on his first trip to the beach this summer.  We are going with my parents and my sister and her family.  I am looking forward to some R&R, as most teachers are this time of year.

Right now I am trying to think of all of the things I might need for both The Little Outdoorsman and myself.  He's pretty good to go.  I have some kid-safe sunscreen, a couple pairs of swim trunks, water shoes, and plenty of swim safety stuff like life jackets and those awesome puddle jumpers.  Boys.

Side note: I picked up this super cute beach bag and some big beach towels for myself.  Want to guess where I bought them?  
Macy's?  Wrong.  
Dillards?  Wrong.  
​TJ Maxx?  Still wrong.
The local grocery store.  For 25% off.  That's right! You know you're jealous! #momlife 

So now only one thing looms on the horizon- far above a rental car and fun money.

​SWIMSUIT SHOPPING.

Yeah, go ahead and cue gloomy skies, crashing waves, and sharp rocks.  Like most women, I don't really look forward to swimsuit shopping.  It doesn't fill my heart with excitement and joy.  Especially when I think about flourescent lights and a two-year-old in the mix, who, by the way, has decided to ask questions about everything he notices very loudly.  He's an observant little fellow, too.

Ugh.

So here's the game plan.  I am going to think about swimsuit shopping for the rest of the week in fear and dread.  Saturday morning, I will text my sister.  The conversation will look like this:

Me: Swimsuit shopping.  Kohl's.  One hour.  Need moral support.

Jess:  Only if I can watch Reed and we can get ice cream afterwards.

Me: OK

We will meet up, she will whisk Reed away while magically appearing whenever I need her to look at my swimsuit.  We will find one that makes me look like a modestly-clad Scarlett Johansson.  It will fit me perfectly.  And it will be 50% off.  And then we will go get ice cream.

I will not accept anything less than this.

So obviously we all know that something, if not everything, in these plans will go poorly.  Probably the Scarlett Johansson part.  Because my husband or sister can watch Reed for an hour, I can probably find a good deal, and you know we are going to get ice cream.

But once the swimsuit shopping escapade is over, I think I am going to be ready for this trip!  I haven't been on a vacation in a long time.  I am really looking forward to experiencing the beach for the first time with Reed, spending time with my family, and most of all, listening to the ocean.

I love the sound of the ocean.  It is so soothing, peaceful, and repetitive.  I can sit by the beach all day, never get in the water, and just listen to the waves and the seagulls.  I can't wait for this time to get perspective, appreciate God's creation, and have some fun!

My favorite song right now is "You Make Me Brave" by Bethel Music.  I listen to it several times a day!  In the chorus, Amanda Cook sings, 

As Your love, in wave after wave
Crashes over me, crashes over me
For You are for us
You are not against us
Champion of Heaven
You made a way for all to enter in

Every time I listen to this song, I think of those waves at the beach.  How repetitive they are.  How they never stop.  All day, all night, I'll be able to hear those waves crashing on the beach.  Just like God's love, they are never ending.  Actually, God's love is even stronger, more long-lasting, and more soothing than the waves on the shore of the most beautiful beach.

My sister made this sign for Reed's room before he was born.  It is based on Psalm 93:4.  When I think of this verse and the song by Bethel Music, I find myself not worrying too much about rental cars and saving money for vacation.  I don't feel anxious about taking a two-year old to the beach.  I don't even care if I look like a super-fit celebrity in my swimsuit anymore.  The things of this earth start to slip away, and all that really matters is my relationship with my heavenly Father.

He loves me so much.

He loves you so much, too.

And I know that!  I really do!  You might know that, too.  I KNOW, deep down, that heaven is the only thing that matters, and that if I seek Him above all, everything else will fall into place.  I know that He loves me.

So why do I still worry?  Why do I still get caught up in the cares of this life?

Because I forget to sit and listen to the waves.

I just get so busy!  Busy in my actions, busy in my thoughts.  I get caught up, like a fish in a net.  
And before I know it, I'm not paying attention to His love, wave after wave, crashing over me.  Instead, I'm looking at the waves of this life, just like Peter, tossing this little boat I call my life around.  Oh, I would so much rather listen to the waves of His love.

So how do we listen to the waves?  How do we keep in mind how much God loves us, especially in the midst of this busy life?  How do we maintain that heavenly perspective?

1. Spend time alone with God each day​
Spending time with God in the morning has become essential to my growth as a Christian.  This is scheduled time where I get alone, completely alone, and read my Bible, pray, journal, think, and dream with my Savior.  This alone time gives me perspective for each day and allows me to wake up in peace.  I wrote more about this in my earliest Faith blog posts, which you can find here: (Part 1)  (Part 2)

2.  Meditate on God's Word
​When I am having a really bad day, I like to talk to myself using scriptures.  I began doing this after listening to a teaching by Joyce Meyer.  For example, if I am having a day where I am feeling forgotten or lost, I will repeat one of my favorite reminders of God's love: "You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me" Psalm 139:5 (NIV).  After saying this five, ten, or  two hundred times (hey- don't judge!), I always feel better, and I am reminded that God is in control and directing my footsteps.

3.  Listen to Christian Music
I am a big Christian music fan!  We are fortunate to have two really awesome Christian music radio stations on our FM radio, and they are such an encouragement to me.  Any time I am in the car or by myself at home, I have Christian music on.  It is a great reminder of God's love.  Sometimes, in the afternoons, Reed and I will turn on Israel Houghton, Elevation Worship, or Hillsong United and just have a dance party.  Reed brings the guitar and the drum set and we just have a great time.  I'm sure it is hilarious for the neighbors.

4.  Attend a church service or concert
One of my favorite things to do is to go to a Christian music concert or conference.  We attend an amazing church every Sunday, but there is something about getting together with a group of believers in a larger setting that just amps everything up.  My life has been changed forever at some of the concerts and conferences I have attended. They are refreshing, rejuvenating, and provide a great opportunity to connect with other believers outside of your local church.  You can check for concerts and events in your area at www.klove.com/events/local/

5.  Keep a journal of all of the ways God blesses you in one day.
If you are having an especially rough week, try keeping track for an entire day every way God blesses you in that day.  Your list should cover big and small blessings.  
For example, my list for today might start in this way:
1.  I got a full night's sleep
2. I have breakfast to eat.
3.  I was able to avoid traffic on my way to work.

​You get the idea.  So many blessings!
If you don't want to cart around a journal all day, use the Notes app on your phone.  You will be surprised by all of the little things God does each day to show His love for you.


These are just some of the strategies that I use to help keep myself aware of God's love for me.  Each day I find it a challenge to "Set my mind on things above" (Colossians 3:2), and I know I am not alone in this struggle!  So today, rest in Jesus's love.  Think about the waves of the sea, or the clouds in the sky, or the wind blowing in your face, and realize that His love for you is so much greater than these wonders of nature.  He sees your every move.  You are the apple of his eye.  He chose you.  He died for you.  He is preparing a place for you.  Set your mind on heavenly things, on the waves of His love, and watch the storms here on earth fade from view.

Grace and peace,
Rebekah

I am slightly obsessed with making lists after a couple of trying days.  It's probably some sort of bizarre reaction to the dozens of tiny (or not so tiny) things that happened to spiral out of control over our Easter weekend- which, of course, I had planned out very, very, very carefully.

How naive!

This past weekend was one of the hardest, yet most rewarding I've had in a while.  It was one of THOSE weekends.  You know, the kind where anything and everything that you touch like breaks or blows up.  Listen to some of the things that happened in the past 48 hours:
​

• I woke up at 4:30 AM for no apparent reason and couldn’t fall back asleep, twice.
• There was a pop-up rain shower just in time for our Easter egg hunt.
• I braved the Easter crowd at the grocery store only to accidentally shoplift band-aids.  Reed may have had something to do with it.  So I had to go all the way back in to return the band-aids, unbuckling Reed from his carseat, getting wet (again), sweating from the humidity.  So gross! And just so you know, this was not out of any zealous desire to do good, only to avoid the guilt I would surely feel for the rest of the day if I did not.  Just being honest.
• I forgot to eat lunch.  This doesn't happen to me often.  I love my food!
• My phone service was momentarily interrupted and I couldn't contact my husband (who was out of state) during the entirety of my band-aid crisis.
• I planned to help my mother-in-law cook part of Easter dinner on Saturday.  As I pulled out of my driveway my TIRE FELL OFF.   Yes, just fell off.  My son and I just felt a small jolt.  We were going very slowly.  Something about a ball or a joint or some kind of car mumbo-jumbo that I don’t understand.  Apparently, I’m lucky to be alive.
• I forgot to eat dinner.  You know stuff is getting real, now.
• I reached my data cap.
• I was sick on Easter Sunday ALL DAY.
• We broke down while test driving a new car.  On Easter Sunday.  While going up a hill.  Women in Easter dresses had to help push the car.  Like, really?!

After typing these out, I immediately noticed two things:

1. Nine of these ten statements start with “I” or “my”.  (Uh-oh.)
2. I managed to keep my cool all weekend.  I didn’t cry, scream, blame, or freak out (too much).  I was pretty flexible, understanding, and patient.  (Okay!)

I don’t have the energy to break down the implications of #1 today.  We’ll save that for another time.  I can, however, attribute #2 to a few things:

• God.  The wonderful, powerful, transformative grace of God.
• The support of my family and friends.  Everybody stepped up in a big way.
• This book: Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions by Lysa TerKeurst​.  I seriously LOVE this book.

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him;
Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.
Psalm 37: 23-24 (NIV)

Jesus abruptly sets down his fork and spoon. The disciples are still chewing as he wraps a servant's towel around his waist, pours water, and kneels to wash the dirty, stinky feet of his closest followers and his known betrayer. His friends grow quiet as he stoops low around the dinner table. They whisper, exchange glances, and shift in discomfort. Finally, Peter voices what everyone is thinking. He challenges Jesus' actions with confusion: "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" His tone is incredulous. He is shocked and uncomfortable. But Jesus answers with incredible gentleness:
​You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later on.
John 13:7 (AMP)

Have you ever felt like Simon Peter here? I know I have. One minute you are having a great time chilling out in your comfort zone and the next thing you know, God decides to throw a wrench in everything and you are squirming in discomfort, confusion, and maybe even pain. We ask God, "Why?" The Everlasting One's answer remains the same:

​You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later on.
​
Whenever I read that verse, I have to sit in silence for a moment. Selah- for real. How many things do I question in this life, each and every day? How many times do I have discontent and confusion in my heart? Sometimes consciously, sometimes unknowingly, I ask, "Why, God?". Life is full of confusion, heartache, and brokenness, and most of the time we don't understand the why. But Jesus' words echo still:

​You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later on.

Perhaps we will understand purpose behind some of our troubles as we move through this life. I know that I can look back on struggles in my own experiences and see very clearly the good that came out of each situation. But there are still others that still make no sense. At all. And that's ok. Although I don't think God desires me to ever suffer, I do know that He can use the things that happens in life for his purpose. I believe that one day, maybe not until eternity, I will look back on this life and see the Master at work behind the brokenness, using all things for my good.

So what is your struggle today? What is your fear? Whatever it is, our beautiful Servant-King repeats His promise:

​You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later on.

Dear hurting one, always hold fast to the truth that God loves you. So very deeply. He is closer than your breath. Your vision is so dim, so limited, compared to His. So although you may feel as if you are stumbling around in the dark- God is holding you in his hand. He sees things we do not, and his thoughts are beyond our comprehension.

Your job- trust Him.

Can you join me and surrender any fear and doubt at the foot of the cross today? Let us say, like Peter, in times of tribulation and confusion, "Then wash my hands and head as well, not just my feet!" (John 13:9). Let us willing to be immersed in what is uncomfortable, what is unable to be understood, in order to have a part in Him. Let us surrender to him regardless of the road ahead, trusting that though we may stumble, He will not let us fall. And, one day, we will see clearly the marvelous work he has done, and be thankful for every step of the journey; yes, even the painful, uncomfortable ones.

Love and peace,
​Rebekah

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. 
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Psalm 143:8 (NIV)

 The verse above is one of my favorites.  A dear friend bought me a plaque with the verse on it, and it sits on my desk at work. It reminds me to take time to remember God's love each morning and place my trust in him for every day.  Without Jesus and his direction, whew, where would I be?

I was researching verses about rising early, and I came across Psalm 57:8: "Awake, my soul!  Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn."  I actually laughed when I read this because I am certain that David was a morning person.  Look at all of those exclamation points.  I bet he drove his men crazy while he was out in the caves in the morning, awakening the dawn with all of his exclamation points!  
But I get it.  I am up before dawn most mornings- boy, do I feel like I am, anyway!  Although I might not be praising God with a harp and lyre (lyre, what in the world is a lyre??  Reed probably knows), I do honor him with the first-fruits of my morning.  

After getting my coffee and breakfast together, I settle in on the corner of our couch and gather my stack of books.  I usually have out my Bible (obviously), a short devotional, and my journal.  Sometimes I add in a prayer book or smaller book if I have time.  Now, again, this is what I do.  I know that everybody has their own time, place, methods, and I am not trying to set any rules.  Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! Like I said, sometimes I end up just falling asleep after 5 minutes, or I spill coffee on myself, or Oliver tries to lay on my Bible, or I get caught up on social media messaging my friends who also like to awaken the dawn.  Grace.  We have a long way to go, folks.

I usually start out with a short devotional.  I have found that helps me focus and gives me a starting place.  Right now I am reading Moments with God for Moms by Karen Stubbs.  It is a 365 day devotional and I love it.  If you are interested, you can find it here.  One of my former students gave me this book and it has truly been a blessing.  Teacher perks!

After my devotion, I like to move on to praying and reading my Bible.  Then I usually end my time by journaling.  I love my journal.  I usually write about what happened the day before, or I write out a prayer, or I break down a Bible verse.  Or I pick out stickers placed by a tiny artistic intruder who thought, "hey- this is a great idea".

If I have time, sometimes I read from a short book as well.  One of my new favorites is Zip It: The Keep It Shut 40-Day Challenge by Karen Ehman.  It is all about using words wisely, and, well, I've noticed that someone needs to be a little more careful with her words.  I will review it in more detail in a later post, but if you want to check it out early you can find it here.  It is just a couple of pages a morning, but I find the messages stick with me all day.

I really love spending this special time with God.  By the time I am finished, I feel connected and like I have a better perspective than when I started.  Plus, it is really nice to not rush into the day and be able to wake up slowly before anyone needs anything or I have to go off to work.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. 
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

When I place my trust in my King each morning and remember His love for me, my day is so much easier.  He directs my paths and holds my life in his hands.  That is so comforting to know each morning.

I would love to hear some of the things you do when you are spending time with God.  Please comment!​