Why choose this?

This morning, I noticed a notification on my phone.  A friend of one of my children had posted a video of himself.  In the video, he used really hard words for a mom's heart to hear.  I adore this young man, and I have prayed for him so many times.  Yet, his language shows evidence that we tend to lean toward doing what we should not.  Why is it that we allow ourselves to ensnared by the whisper of evil, even from very young ages?

In scripture we see that Satan has been planting seeds of doubt in our mind from the earliest written record of mankind.

“For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”  Genesis 3:5

Why, when parents set out to raise children to do what is right, do we rebel against our teaching and become bent towards evil?

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.  Proverbs 16:9

We are promised peace and prosperity, in return for choosing righteousness.

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.  Proverbs 3:1-2

Yet, usually without even realizing it, we are making our own plans and leaving Him out.  I know that when I have done things I should not have done, it didn't start out that way.  In the beginning, I was seeking to do something that seemed good to me, but I was probably looking away from God, rather than toward Him.

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.  Proverbs 14:12

I want to choose what is right, and want to focus on Him, because, it is evident throughout scripture that we have lost our focus on Him, and we choose to do what is evil.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Philippians 4:8

I love Proverbs, because this book reminds me that I am not to be trusted to rely on what I think, and will fare much better if I look to His ways.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

I have tried many times, and failed, when choosing my own way.  So I want to choose His way, for His plans are good.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future..."  Jeremiah 29:11

I am praying today, to seek His ways, and not my own.

By Grace alone, Ashley

Super excited! I'm #51 of the top 100!

I just found out that my blog is featured on this page, and I just have to share this!  Not to mention that there are 99 other AWESOME bloggers featured on the page!

Check out this post, and be sure to find Grace upon Grace at #51.  Wow!!

http://healthymomsmagazine.net/2016/09/top-100-homeschooling-blogs.html

I am humbled, as I have not kept this up the way I wanted to, but I am so excited to have been featured in her top 100 articles!

Maybe I'm not alone in missing those blissful, crazy, snuggly, busy moments of childhood!  If only!

If only...

I truly cannot believe how quickly the years have flown.  I cannot sleep tonight.  My step-kids have grown, and gone.  My son was just married, two weeks ago!  My other son will be driving soon.  My daughter is nearly as tall as me.  They all know more than me (or at least to them, they do)!!

I lay in bed longing for just one more story time with my kids around me, all sweet smelling after their baths.  I long for the days when bubbles on the lawn was fun for them.  I miss those sweaty, little hands as I raced to see every animal at the zoo, and they pulled me along!

I love the beautiful people they have grown into.  I am thankful daily that He has blessed me with them.  I know so many say I am supposed to enjoy this more, and I am sure I will.  However, I had no idea it could ever have gone so fast!

If only it was granted in my power,

I’d turn back time, maybe just one hour.

But then, I’d be tempted for a week, or maybe two,

To grab a little more time to spend with you.

I remember when you were first a flutter, then a kick.

I waited impatiently, for each gentle movement, as the clock did tick.

And when the doctor held you up before my eyes,

My heart melted at the sound of your tiny cries.

Each day I was there and watched you grow,

Kissing every bump and scraped elbow.

I guess I really never thought about it then,

How fleeting those moments with you had been.

But time is a thief and it marches on,

Childhood vanished and the teen did dawn.

Sometimes those days were tough, we didn’t always agree.

I yearned to hold on, you pulled to be free.

And secretly, I reminded Him night and day,

Lest He forget how special you are, so I did pray,

Whispered thanks for giving you to me, that He might know,

And continue his protection, never to let you go.

Now I think back on your sweet little face,

Your soft, head of hair, a fun game of chase.

A romp on the lawn, a splash in the pool.

Wishing time didn’t feel so cruel.

The sweet way you spoke, in your gravelly voice,

The way you would stomp to get your choice.

That wonderful time each night all snuggled in bed,

Reading stories and laughing, I hung by a thread.

I knew this day would not come easy for me.

I tried not to blink, I didn’t want to be free.

I celebrate every moment we’ve had,

But oh, I can’t help but feel a little sad.

And yet, I feel happy, but it’s harder than I thought.

I’m proud of you, and thankful for all the joy you’ve brought.

So don’t think me too silly, for all the whimsy and such,

And the things I can’t part with, I don’t mean to keep too much.

I know those old projects, aging paint, cracking glue.

To you the space is needed, and long overdue.

But each of those things in your box has weathered the miles,

Each picture, so precious, awakens memories, my heart smiles.

Today, you read this, you may not understand,

I relinquish the time when you once held my hand.

My prayer that the hard times, haven’t been too hard,

I longed for childhood joys, not with sadness marred.

I love you so much, and though the time did fly,

No greater joy, through my errors, I still did try.

If only I showed you His love and instilled in you, the proof,

That He is the Way, the Life, and the Truth.