Food for Thought

These are some things I have been mulling over this week. The first applies to a hard time I am having at work and the second to the strength needed by the men in this world to hold a family and everything together in these times we live.

1. I read this quote and it was like God silencing me, my complaints and my heart:

But the bottom line is that the right choice was made. God is the orchestrator. He is not hung up on qualifications. Ask David. Ask Mary. Ask Moses.
He knows what is best and my job is to embrace what is in front of me. He doesn’t close doors of opportunity only to open windows of lesser things. He’s not out to play whack-a-mole with my dreams. Door and windows are lame. He wants to blow the roof off and do more than we could imagine. Ask David. Ask Mary. Ask Moses.
My job isn’t to compare. My job is to build. And the first building blocks? Thankfulness and humility.

2. I am overwhelmed everyday at the images, words and ideals thrown in our faces in today's world. Don't get me wrong, I am not a prude nor do I have some overly idealistic version of life but when I turn on the radio and hear someone singing about not knowing who she is on bed with and not remembering anything from the night before, I shudder. Shudder at the messages being targeted at our children and us for that matter. Not because those things don't happen but because we sensationalize then into the rule and not the exceptions. I have been deeply moved by a new song by casting Crowns called Courageous. It's an all call to the men of this world to take back their families and lay down their lives to lift Him up. It brings me to tears every time for multiple reasons. It makes me overwhelmed with appreciation for my husband who tries and sometimes succeeds and sometimes fails to put the Lord first in everything especially with regards to our family. It also breaks my heart for those around me who don't know the comfort, peace and joy that come from abandonment to the Lord. Life is hard no matter what but it can be joyful and peaceful when you know decisions in your life are being made prayerfully by someone and yourself who truly love God more then you love each other. My prayer is for this to continue in my marriage as well as those around me because relationships are hard enough without taking God out of the equation.

We were made to be courageous
We were made to lead the way
We could be the generation
That finally breaks the chains

We were warriors on the front lines
Standing, unafraid
But now we're watchers on the sidelines
While our families slip away
Where are you, men of courage?
You were made for so much more
Let the pounding of our hearts cry
We will serve the Lord

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight
The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

This is our resolution
Our answer to the call
We will love our wives and children
We refuse to let them fall
We will reignite the passion
That we buried deep inside
May the watchers become warriors
Let the men of God arise

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight
The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous