Rising Above the Loud and Messy by Lara Williams, Author and Speaker (another chance to win her book, see below for details)
I don’t like to lose my temper with my kids. I don’t wake up hoping to crush their little spirits or overreact to spills. I don’t enjoy nagging my man or criticizing his ways. But I regularly prove my humanity. Believe me. Many a day have I forfeited my chance for “Mommy (or Wife) of the Year”.
But God promises abundant living. And I’m certain that includes me in my role as wife or mom. He plans for us as His children to live free from our self-agenda and full of love. He designed us to experience vibrant faith. And it’s in spite of the momentary loud and messy circumstances.
It does get loud. In fact I want to offer our guests earplugs when they come into our home. And life gets messy — emotionally, spiritually, and, of course, physically. In fact, I’m not sure that my kids can see clutter. But Jesus wants to meet us in the midst of it all and change things. He wants to change us.
A few months back I wrote a short, practical book with my friend, Katie Orr, called Savoring Living Water. In it we talk about how to have an effective time in God’s Word. God gave His Word as a gift, meant to invade our moments and change our hearts for the better of our homes.
But often the promises lay flat on the pages of Scripture. Often we spend time in His Word only to close the Book and get frustrated with our families before we reach the breakfast table. But He has more for us.
If what I read from His Word doesn’t change me, then I’m missing the point. If His truths, promises, and commands don’t affect me when the full glass of chocolate milk spills across the just-mopped floor, then I’m not fully getting it. And I want to get it.
I want them to see Him in me.
Life will happen. But He gifts us with His Word, meant to guide and pierce us, lift and sustain us. I pray that we as His daughters learn to savor His Word, drinking deep of His Living Water. In the end being changed to reflect His Son, even through the loud and messy.
As a gift to our readers, Lara is giving away two electronic copies of her book Savoring Living Water. Yesterday we had a chance to win at the end of her article from “Loving Your Man When it Hurts Series” To enter simply leave a comment below answering one of the following questions:
- How do you “savor” His Word throughout daily living?
- How do you want God’s Word to change you in your home?
Speaker and writer, Lara resides in central NC with her husband and three young children. You can find her online at www.LaraWilliams.org. And you can read her blog at http://tooverflowing.com/.
Click here www.tooverflowing.com/savoring-living-water/ read more about Savoring Living Water.
photo via flickr: Yashna M
Details on Book Giveaway:
You can win an electronic copy of Savoring Living Water by:
- You’re automatically entered when you comment below!
Extra entry:
- Let me know how you’re following Inspired by Family Mag? (email updates, RSS, FB, Twitter)
A winner will be chosen at random morning of Valentines day! If you filled out the email part when you commented then I will contact you, if you’re the winner.
Two copies are being given away, you also have a chance to win at “Loving Your Man When it Hurts Series” here.
Lara, I desire to clothe myself in God’s word. So often I can be described by your example from above – I sit, soak up God’s word, get up from the table, and then I allow my flesh to take over – I too easily get frustrated over “spilled milk,” or I crush the spirit of one of my precious children by my facial expression or cutting words. I am intrigued by your book. Although I strive everyday to overcome my flesh, it is a journey I will forever travel. Thanks so much for sharing!
Krista, so true, so true. Thank God we are all in the process of “becoming” more like Him!