Seeds of Truth

Lots of changes going on at our house. My small fries are growing and learning. The job of referee has become one that I know well. But, I know they'll get it eventually. Planting the seeds of kindness and devotion to siblings sometimes takes quite a long time before the fruit is seen. Just when I think I might snap at the sound of the next stage 5 meltdown- I look over to see my son praying for our youngest who has been having a tough time getting her front teeth. When I say tough time, I mean awake from 1:30-4 am. I consume copious amounts of coffee. Ok, maybe not copious but it's a lot. I digress. The point is that I know His spirit is telling me to keep going. Even in all the mistakes I make as a parent the seeds of faith, hope, and love are being planted and HE is the one who is watering them. There's no greater joy. 

Each new stage is a new chapter equipped with some uncharted waters. The thing about growing is that there's some stretching involved. Sometimes it's an achy, painful stretching. Regardless of the feelings, it's new growth and fresh strength is being born. The areas of my struggles past and present and future, are the battlegrounds of my greatest victories. Those are the areas where God's deepest truths are revealed. They strip away all falsehood and only truth can remain. But, I have to set foot on the battlefield first. I have to rise to the occasion regardless of what it may require of me. Whether it means to referee, teach, wipe, lovingly rebuke, cast vision and identity, or sincerely apologize.  The good news is that Jesus is always by my side and He has already purchased my victory. Something about Jesus, when he points out some area He wants to go with me- It's 100% truth and 100% kindness. I doesn't leave me feeling like he's sucker punched me. Its true, but not mean or harsh. He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me. 

Don't let one negative naysayer keep you from believing the truth that God has put down into your spirit.

^{Isaiah 54: 11} “O storm-battered city,
    troubled and desolate!
I will rebuild you with precious jewels
    and make your foundations from lapis lazuli.
¹² I will make your towers of sparkling rubies,
    your gates of shining gems,
    and your walls of precious stones.
¹³ I will teach all your children,
    and they will enjoy great peace.
¹⁴ You will be secure under a government that is just and fair.
    Your enemies will stay far away.
You will live in peace,
    and terror will not come near.
¹⁵ If any nation comes to fight you,
    it is not because I sent them.
    Whoever attacks you will go down in defeat.

¹⁶ “I have created the blacksmith
    who fans the coals beneath the forge
and makes the weapons of destruction.
    And I have created the armies that destroy.
¹⁷ But in that coming day
    no weapon turned against you will succeed.
You will silence every voice
    raised up to accuse you.
These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord;
    their vindication will come from me.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!