"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from
being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,
forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins."
2 Peter 1:5-9
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory
that far outweighs them all."
2 Corinthians 4:17
"By their fruit you will recognize them.
Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?'
Matthew 7:16
Life.Lessons.or.Faith.Lessons?
One of the coolest things I've learned while writing this series has been how interconnected these topics truly are. It has been such a wonderful insight for me to notice these connections, to isolate each lesson when we focus on one at a time, and to feel the Lord's hand moving through each of the lessons, connecting them all together.
I know that He works through all the small moments. I trust that he gives all things for a purpose. I know that if I can miss the opportunities; I can miss the chances to learn & lead.
I pray that I will be recognized by my sons for my fruit, and that it will be good fruit that they see. I pray that my sons will be recognized by their good fruit as well. I know that God works through all things, and I trust that he is pruning us & shaping us more into the image of Christ.
Lord, thank you for teaching me. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for the time in your Word, looking for your words to lead. Thank you for the 31Days writing series. You have blessed me in the writing. Thank you for the time to write, and the courage to share it. Thank you for my sons & for all the lesson you teach me. Please continue to give me wisdom & patience to persevere when it seems that the lessons are not taking root & growing. You are so good to us. Amen.
Thank you for reading along with me. I have enjoyed this journey most of anyone- teaching my sons these building block lessons can feel like being in an ocean tossed about by the waves, making no progress. But I trust that the Lord is working; He is carrying us. One day I hope to see how far he's brought us. He guides our steps & makes our path straight. Trust Him. Trust that it is all in His hands & not yours. All the effort & struggle is not in vain. It is working together to produce in our lives, the fruit. May the Lord bless you as you continue in your own journey.
"The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance on you, and give you peace..."
Numbers 6:25
What a great series topic and wonderful verses. Congratulations on finishing strong. I love the pics of your boys in suspenders. Absolutely adorable!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!! I appreciate your feedback. :-)
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