Continuing the theme of fighting mothering fears with the promises of God, I want to encourage you to listen to this sermon by Jerry Bridges. He was at our church on Sunday—what a blessing!—and he spoke on “Trusting God.” Here’s one quote that stood out to me:
“Here’s a principle to keep in mind: The promises of god are as real as the circumstances you are in. Your circumstances say “God has forgotten you.” Your circumstances say, “I look for God, and just when I need God to come through for me, God doesn’t seem to be any place.” That’s what your circumstances say. The promise of God says, “I will not leave you. I will never forsake you.” And that promise is just as real as the circumstances you are in. And so by faith, we look beyond our circumstances and we look to the promises of God.”
Whether you are tempted to fear over an errant teenager or a disobedient toddler, may God give you faith to look beyond your circumstances and remember the VERY REAL promise that God is with you and will never leave you.
Well, my doc would like to induce me on Friday if Hudson doesn’t make an appearance before then. So, I’m officially on count down. At least I know I’ll be recovered in time to fully enjoy my Thanksgiving food!
We are all pretty much ready to go. Caly and MJ could not be more excited and talk about “baby brother” constantly. My belly has been the recipient of many hugs and kisses! Daddy cannot wait to meet his son and Mommy cannot wait to be on the other side of labor!
Your prayers have been a significant encouragement to me through the births of both my girls. Could I ask you to do me that great kindness a third time?
We will get some pictures up by Friday evening if all goes as planned. And we will be sure to post if Hudson surprises us in the next couple days.
Kristin wanted me to give a big thank you to everyone who prayed for her and baby Claire! This was Kristin’s easiest delivery yet and sweet Claire is a healthy little girl. Mommy is recovering well and Claire is being smothered in love. I got to spend special time with my new niece the other day doing some newborn pics. Hope you enjoy!
Today was “one of those days.” I woke up late and could barely keep my eyes open as I began my morning routine. I was behind schedule. All of my well thought out plans for my morning seemed lost. On days like this, the temptation to live by my emotions looms large. Complaining and grumbling were on my tongue. And then I read this, “We are TODAY accepted in the Beloved, TODAY absolved from sin, TODAY acquitted at the bar of God. Oh! Soul-transporting thought.” Mr. Spurgeon strikes again. My grumbling heart stood rebuked. Today is one of those days—one of those amazing days, which find me standing before the bar of God acquitted from all of my sin because of the death of Jesus Christ on my behalf. Yes, Mr. Spurgeon, this is a “soul transporting” thought.
Regardless of what this day holds for you, may the truth of your acceptance in the Beloved reign first in your heart.
(This book is not yet available, so obviously I haven’t read it yet. But I’m eager to recommend it on the basis of the author’s excellent first book Seabiscuit)
One (among many!) of the encouraging messages from this past week’s Pastors Conference was given by pastor Rick Gamache from 1 Peter 5:6-11, entitled “When A Pastor Suffers.” It was addressed to pastors, but I thought you all would appreciate it too, because the topic was anxiety and faith—just what we’ve been talking about here on girltalk. When I learned that Rick had also preached this sermon to his church, and that the audio was available at their website, I just had to pass it along. Given my temptations to worry and anxiety, I’ve listened to a lot of sermons and read a lot of books over the years. This is one of the best! I hope you’ll take time to listen to “Be Humble Be Alert” this week.
We just returned from a very refreshing Sovereign Grace Pastors Conference. One evening, Dad announced the release of a new book which Justin Taylor calls “the best material for family devotions I’ve ever seen.” Long Story Short is written by Sovereign Grace’s own Marty Machowski and we highly recommend it. Westminster Bookstore is currently selling it for only $6.99, which is 65 percent off the list price! But you’ll have to hurry because the sale ends today!
UPDATE: Westminster sale ended Friday, but you can still purchase the book for 20 percent off the list price.
Have a joy-filled weekend because of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ!
