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Hi I’m Lauren, and I like books🤓📚Preferably many at one time (currently reading all of these). I’m not sure what this says about me and I’m not sure when it happened (my guess is seminary), but I keep books next to every place I might possibly sit down. . Mine is a mind that loves to observe, ponder, process, and construct. I like to read a little then give space, work with my hands, and let the ideas settle somewhere in my framework of understanding. So if you asked me what I prefer—reading a book or cleaning the house—book will always win hands down, but I’d have to acknowledge that, in my life, the two go best together. . I can’t enjoy a book fully when I neglect the duty of housework. But there’s always housework to be done, and I fool myself if I believe that rest only comes when the house is clean. . I don’t work well unto the Lord when my mind is lazy, consumed with unimportant matters, or simply task-oriented. Both reading and cleaning are an act of faith, and both can become restful when I live with conviction and do them faithfully to know God and enjoy Him. . Tell me, what books are you reading? And what is your preference—reading or cleaning—or have they started to go best together?
Anyone who’s asked me how we’re doing lately knows how quickly the answer runs to the praise of my husband. The blow of this transition to two has been softened by his faithful and sacrificial presence. . I can’t believe I’ve had the privilege of knowing him for over a decade, and I cherish him more with every year that passes. Today’s his 30th birthday, and as I reflect on the last ten years, all I can do is praise the Lord for letting me witness His faithfulness to sanctify and transform the human heart (mine included). . I truly have only good things to say about him, even as his nearest neighbor. He’s gracious, faithful, caring, inspiring, and winsome. I rejoice that he is the father of our children and the one God ordained I live my days with. Happy birthday babe😘
When my roles require extra sacrifice than normal, I’m prone to live that day looking to reclaim something that will serve me. If Daddy’s around, I let him shoulder more of the burden. I’ll put off what needs to be done in preference for what will repay me for my time given away. I’ll keep others at a hardened distance because suddenly, all I can see them for is what they take away from me. . But the theology that’s pressing into this old pattern of sin is this: my inheritance is sealed, kept in heaven for me. I am a co-heir with Christ of every spiritual blessing. . When I seek out what I can call “mine” here—a nap, a little piece of quiet, a treat, a time to not be needed—I’m after what perishes and leaves me bitter and loveless. I’m choosing a temporary treasure over the imperishable, unfading, undefiled inheritance that awaits me in eternity. . But if I live as though I have nothing to gain here on earth but more of Christ, I can keep giving away my life and surprisingly, find more life given in return. . #risenmotherhood #thenursingseries #womenintheword #wordsworthnoting
His love endures forever. Forever! How huge and holy a word. A word that punctuates eternity, for our sake, because who—created in a time-bound fashion—could truly understand what it means? . My love waxes and wanes with every trial. It’s stretched and shown for how shallow it truly is when I’m asked to do for others what I would prefer be done for myself. . When I see this stark contrast, how difficult it is for me to endure, I worship and repent and worship. And with every humbling, He forms more of Christ in me, compelling me by His love to endure. . #sanctification #wordsworthnoting
Motherhood, you have fanned to flame the Sanctifier’s fire in my heart. He’s used you to expose my sin, bring me low, and teach me to beg for mercy, even as He forms Christ in me. The limitations He’s placed on me through you press me firmly against Him—a holy, humbling place. . Yet despite all the wretchedness I see in myself, the Father allows me the privilege of mirroring the kind of love He has for us. What is this grace? How unworthy I am to receive it! Praise be to God for Christ Jesus. . But the greatest of these is not just sanctification, nor getting to image the Father’s love, but what they afford in growth in the knowledge of God Himself. Motherhood, you have drawn me deeper into relationship—into intimacy, dependency, and childlike delight—with my Creator, and I could not be more humbled by this. . (*I know Mother’s Day is a holiday loaded with emotions for many. My heart aches to care for you this day. The best gift I can give you is to showcase the love of the Father to use any circumstance to sanctify you, use you to bear witness to His love, and draw you deeper into relationship with Him. To compel you to find in Him your greatest treasure.💗)