His Right Hand

Father's Day brings to mind all the memories I have of my childhood about my Dad and my grandfather.  For whatever reason, I remember their hands....the hard work they did, the comfort they brought in the hugs I felt, watching the way a pencil was held in their hand while helping me with math or teaching me to write words in Italian.  In fact, I remember writing a poem about my father's hands and I think I gave it to him as a Father's Day present when I was a child.  Now, I watch how my husband uses his hands to work, to love, and to instruct our children today.  My Father in heaven has shown me ways He uses His hands, too.  Particularly I've noticed many verses about His right hand all through the ages of time.  I've listed some of these (there are too many to list) here on the Sitting At His Feet page.  There are several reasons God chose to use the words "right hand" in the scriptures.  Sometimes He uses it to show how He effects His will among men, of His working in their behalf, and/or showing His favor.  I've also been updating my "God's Character" list here. 

A Lesson In Faith

Ten years ago my husband and I got married.  Prior to that I was married and had two children in that marriage.  It was an abusive and unfaithful marriage.  During the process of my divorce 12 years ago, this man you see pictured introduced me to Jesus.  We married two years later.  Finally this week he was able to adopt my two children.  There is a verse of scripture that reminds me of what God has done for us: "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." (Romans 8:15).  The last 10 years have been a roller coaster and a true test of faith where the adoption of my children by my husband is concerned--we went through long bouts of doubt, quietness from the Lord and also periods of peace and stillness knowing He is God and will "....work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28).  To make a long story (a 12-year long story) short, the Lord has grown my faith so much over that last 12 years!  It took 12 years for me to see the "light at the end of the tunnel" but God is not through with me yet--this I know!  God won't stop growing me until I am made more like His Son, Jesus Christ.  Click here to read two scriptures about faith that I have held on to over the last year in particular.  It's when I'm quiet, not disctracted by things of this world, and when I am Sitting at His Feet that I can best hear His voice an not harden my heart (Hebrews 3:7-8).

Balancing Busyness

"BALANCING BUSYNESS"??? Sounds like an oxymoron to me :) The first thing I do every morning is grab my coffee, check my bank statement, and do a 20-minute bible study (in that order---but I know it should be bible study first).  I just can't sit still and concentrate until I know what I've got to do is done.  May has shown itself to be SO BUSY already!  And it will just get busier as the weeks move on this month.  So, my desire to stay in God's Word is very persuing.  The problem is, there is so much to do FIRST (or so I struggle with priorities).  Satan likes to distract me from sitting down and reading/meditating on God's Word--the lies and deception start creeping in "The Lord knows you're busy...it's OK to slack off on reading just a bit" and so on.  I know the truth and I'm learning, through God's wisdom, to discern His voice.  Click here to see some verses the Lord has shown me about the "business of busyness" and balancing life as a wife and mother and the importance of Sitting at His Feet.

Persevering & Letting Go

My husband and I have found ourselves in a challenging "place" over the last several months: raising teenagers who are struggling between being children while striving for their independence. We look to God's Word for wisdom and guidance.  God has ALOT to say to parents and I am truly grateful for his instruction--Who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance (taken from Isaiah 28:29) With that being said, it still is not easy because I have to deal with my flesh and my pride when, in turn, training up my children to be responsible adults.   Of course, I look to God for bible verses I can read to my children when they want to "go their own way" in hopes that they will listen and heed instruction.  These include:

(Prov. 4:1-2)Hear, my children, the instruction of a father,
And give attention to know understanding;
² For I give you good doctrine:
Do not forsake my law.

(Prov. 8:32-33) Now therefore, listen to me, my children,
For blessed are those who keep my ways.
³³ Hear instruction and be wise,
And do not disdain it.

(Ex 20:12)Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you

And, very important for me to remember is that I also play A BIG PART in this and have a crucial responsibility to carry out.  This is difficult when I am feeling mentally exhausted and discouraged by wayward behavior.  I know I MUST  watch over the ways of my household and NOT eat the bread of idleness (taken from Proverbs 31:27) I hope you'll click here to see the words the Lord has given me for encouragement and instruction.  I hope that by Sitting at His Feet you will be encouraged also.