It's July?!

Hey there, I'm back again!

This week is packed full of things to prepare for our show at the dance studio on Saturday.  It feels good having last years show under my belt - I feel like I made some changes for the better in planning and running things, so I feel a peace about this year verses last year.  My nerves aren't as high, and I know things can run smoothly because they have before.  That's a good feeling!  So now it's just the last minute things to do, a dress rehearsal Friday and the "curtain goes up" on Saturday!  :)

Lately I feel like the Lord has been trying to expand my ability to trust him with outcomes of things.  There is a particular situation right now life that effects my husband more directly than me.  Which basically means I can't do anything about it without overstepping him, which of course I do not want to do.  

For a long time this has left me saying all the things I wish I could say or do in my head, and sometimes out loud.  When what I REALLY want to do is get out there and fight a battle that is not mine but my husbands to fight..... Hmm.... this must be part of what Eve's curse was talking about.  Wanting to take over, smack a few heads, say a few words.... all things I shouldn't do.  :)

Then a few weeks ago God got my attention with this:

GENTLENESS

One of those good ol' Fruits of the Spirit.... one I was not really walking in.... what makes me sad is that means I was hindering the Spirit.  I wasn't fully living in Him because I was allowing bitterness, frustration and anger to live where gentleness should have.  *Lift up hand, smack forehead*

The Bible has so much to say about gentleness, but here are a few nuggets that have stuck out to me.  I have bolded (is that a word?) things that especially spoke to me.

Philippians 4:4-6

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness 
be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything,  
but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, 
present your requests to God. 

"The Lord is near" hit me like a brick - why am I getting so huffy?  He is near - He is right next to me.  Oh, how I wish I could see Him beside me at all times.  I know my walk would be so different.  I guess that's what perfecting our faith is all about.  In every situation, including this frustrating one, I must be thankful and diligently present my request to God instead of daydreaming about everything I'd like to do.

Ephesians 4:1-3

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the 
calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, 
bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the 
unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Peace is not some lofty goal that we all somehow attain by thinking about butterflies and rainbows, it starts in me. In you.  In our hearts.  We must choose peace in our hearts so that it becomes and outward manifestation to the world.  In this situation I need to choose peace and patience.  So hard, but ultimately worth it for the sake of God's kingdom. I also think it's interesting that Paul writes "every effort".  I think that's because peace can be hard work sometimes.  If it said "a smidgen of effort" than imagine where we'd all be!

So now, I am doing my best to be gentle, even though sometimes it's with clenched teeth or the faint smell of smoke exiting my ears.  "Gentle, heart, gentle.  Remember, of great worth in God's eye" (1 Peter 3:4)  If you think of me, I'd love for your prayers in this area - for gentleness for me and also some change in the situation itself.

Thank you so much for reading!  God bless you! 

p.s. Interested in the dance studio?  Visit our Facebook page here!