Okay...My lovely wife did this some time ago, and got some great suggestions in return. I thought I could try the same because I'm excited about the kinds of books that Luke is getting into, and Christmas is coming up - a great time for books. For me, books are about the only gift that I ever consistently feel I can make personal. Though Lindley has done most of the book shopping with her dad and sister for the last several years, and though she still may get the lion's share of this, with good communication, we will try to get a few books from outside of that trip.
Therefore, allow me to share with you some books that I like, some books that I would like to consider, and ask for your feedback. Of course, you can always make suggestions that aren't my list as well.
My favorites that we have or that have already made it to this year's Christmas list:
A Boy and His Bunny by Sean Bryan
Duck in a Truck by Jez Alborough
The Ugly Pumpkin by Dave Horowitz - this one can really only be read in October and November
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
The Pencil Alan Ahlberg - I've only read this one once, but it was great!
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems - I've only heard this one read once, but it was great
I fairly confident that I'm forgetting a couple of biggies and will add them if I think of them later
Books I would like to consider and would appreciate feedback on if you have read them:
Harold and The Purple Crayon by Crocket Johnson
Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw
If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff
Time to Say Please by Mo Willems
I would appreciate feedback and comments on the above or others that are good for a 3-4 year old.
Thanks!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Poem
"I'm Right"
Standing across from a very dull wit,
I’m surely unsure and decide now to sit.
The world went changing twenty times ‘round us,
Yet he won’t budge nor move lest hit by a bus.
WAKE UP YOU YOUNG CUSS! Can’t you see the guise?
Be ye still so stubborn, you can’t change your mind?
I beg you to budge, to alter your ways.
If not you will stagnate, and stay just the same!
Though I wish now for things to be clearer,
‘Tis right…I’m sitting ‘fore me in the mirror.
Standing across from a very dull wit,
I’m surely unsure and decide now to sit.
The world went changing twenty times ‘round us,
Yet he won’t budge nor move lest hit by a bus.
WAKE UP YOU YOUNG CUSS! Can’t you see the guise?
Be ye still so stubborn, you can’t change your mind?
I beg you to budge, to alter your ways.
If not you will stagnate, and stay just the same!
Though I wish now for things to be clearer,
‘Tis right…I’m sitting ‘fore me in the mirror.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
When it comes to love, today's American society focuses on two things:
1. Falling in love
2. Growing old together
It seems that being there for your spouse used to be easier. That's easy when you grew up in a loving family - generally sheltered from any spousal problems. It's easy when you're young and energetic. It's easy when you don't have children pulling you in their direction all day, or when your job doesn't require more of you than your family should allow. Actually, what used to be easy was being romantic - holding hands, eating out, going around the world, date night. What I still needed to learn was how to love.
I needed to learn that it was more than just being romantic. Love was putting other lusts aside, it was cherishing her for who she was, it was loving God so much that I wanted her to grow in his love too. The basic premise of the book The Sacred Marriage is that marriage is a tool that God uses to bring us closer to him. And, when you really delve into it, we can be superbly blessed by a Godly marriage by more than just happiness. For me, God did chose to use marriage to make me happy. He showed me satisfaction and happiness that I probably never would have found if it wasn't for Lindley. That said, he's given us much more than this: peace through each other, friendship, love, and most importantly he's been using it to bring us closer to him. For years, we went our own direction, but now he's using us to sharpen eachother.
So, back to my original point...what about the times inbetween falling in love and growing old together. What happens with all of the aforementioned distractions? Fight to still be romantic: fly around the world, give flowers, offer compliments, listen even when you don't want to. Recognize that this isn't your spouse's fault either. It may be frustrating, but there is rarely a time when it is completely black or white. So, I will leave you with a poem written by a man in love. He and his wife had many children, suffered miscarriages, his famed wit required him to travel to entertain kings, but through all of this, these two still knew to love even through the rough times. Therefore, do the same. Take 100% responsibility for what you can do in your marriage, and don't let go of the love. Grow old together by loving each other. This is John Donne's "The Sun Rising:"
Busy old fool, unruly Sun,
Why dost thou thus,
Through windows, and through curtains, call on us?
Must to thy motions lovers' seasons run?
Saucy pedantic wretch, go chide
Late schoolboys, and sour prentices,
Go tell court-huntsmen that the king will ride,
Call country ants to harvest offices,
Love, all alike, no season knows, nor clime,
Nor hours, days, months, which are the rags of time.
Thy beams, so reverend and strong
Why shouldst thou think?
I could eclipse and cloud them with a wink,
But that I would not lose her sight so long:
If her eyes have not blinded thine,
Look, and tomorrow late, tell me
Whether both th' Indias of spice and mine
Be where thou leftst them, or lie here with me.
Ask for those kings whom thou saw'st yesterday,
And thou shalt hear: "All here in one bed lay."
She is all states, and all princes I,
Nothing else is.
Princes do but play us; compar'd to this,
All honour's mimic, all wealth alchemy.
Thou, sun, art half as happy 's we,
In that the world's contracted thus;
Thine age asks ease, and since thy duties be
To warm the world, that's done in warming us.
Shine here to us, and thou art everywhere;
This bed thy centre is, these walls, thy sphere.
1. Falling in love
2. Growing old together
It seems that being there for your spouse used to be easier. That's easy when you grew up in a loving family - generally sheltered from any spousal problems. It's easy when you're young and energetic. It's easy when you don't have children pulling you in their direction all day, or when your job doesn't require more of you than your family should allow. Actually, what used to be easy was being romantic - holding hands, eating out, going around the world, date night. What I still needed to learn was how to love.
I needed to learn that it was more than just being romantic. Love was putting other lusts aside, it was cherishing her for who she was, it was loving God so much that I wanted her to grow in his love too. The basic premise of the book The Sacred Marriage is that marriage is a tool that God uses to bring us closer to him. And, when you really delve into it, we can be superbly blessed by a Godly marriage by more than just happiness. For me, God did chose to use marriage to make me happy. He showed me satisfaction and happiness that I probably never would have found if it wasn't for Lindley. That said, he's given us much more than this: peace through each other, friendship, love, and most importantly he's been using it to bring us closer to him. For years, we went our own direction, but now he's using us to sharpen eachother.
So, back to my original point...what about the times inbetween falling in love and growing old together. What happens with all of the aforementioned distractions? Fight to still be romantic: fly around the world, give flowers, offer compliments, listen even when you don't want to. Recognize that this isn't your spouse's fault either. It may be frustrating, but there is rarely a time when it is completely black or white. So, I will leave you with a poem written by a man in love. He and his wife had many children, suffered miscarriages, his famed wit required him to travel to entertain kings, but through all of this, these two still knew to love even through the rough times. Therefore, do the same. Take 100% responsibility for what you can do in your marriage, and don't let go of the love. Grow old together by loving each other. This is John Donne's "The Sun Rising:"
Busy old fool, unruly Sun,
Why dost thou thus,
Through windows, and through curtains, call on us?
Must to thy motions lovers' seasons run?
Saucy pedantic wretch, go chide
Late schoolboys, and sour prentices,
Go tell court-huntsmen that the king will ride,
Call country ants to harvest offices,
Love, all alike, no season knows, nor clime,
Nor hours, days, months, which are the rags of time.
Thy beams, so reverend and strong
Why shouldst thou think?
I could eclipse and cloud them with a wink,
But that I would not lose her sight so long:
If her eyes have not blinded thine,
Look, and tomorrow late, tell me
Whether both th' Indias of spice and mine
Be where thou leftst them, or lie here with me.
Ask for those kings whom thou saw'st yesterday,
And thou shalt hear: "All here in one bed lay."
She is all states, and all princes I,
Nothing else is.
Princes do but play us; compar'd to this,
All honour's mimic, all wealth alchemy.
Thou, sun, art half as happy 's we,
In that the world's contracted thus;
Thine age asks ease, and since thy duties be
To warm the world, that's done in warming us.
Shine here to us, and thou art everywhere;
This bed thy centre is, these walls, thy sphere.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Super Long Blog - Go Grab a Cup of Coffee
I have only lived in one country other than the United States of America, and that was only for 4-5 months as a college student. I have not seen first hand atrocities committed in some nations, or fearmongering that dominates others. I have not experienced first hand the liberties upheld in many other countries that encourage creativity, art and expression, or that provide education exceedingly well.
What I do know is that God has blessed me to live in the United States. Most people see the blessing of being an American as a wealth issue, and that would be true if I believed that God put much credence in wordly wealth. But blessings that God has given me through my country come from other areas: the freedom to vote, the freedom to practice life as a Christian without fear of significant persecution, the ability to choose how to educate my children, and many other similar areas that I take for granted.
But this blog is not about the greatness of the United States of America because, though we have freedoms, we also have flaws. One of these flaws is our history of slavery. A related flaw is our history of racism. And a final related flaw – see a theme here – is modern racism.
Now, all three of these areas have very different levels of atrocity that I won't expound upon in great detail. As I am not a minority, I do not have enough experience to speak to the modern day racism – most of my experience is anecdotal. As I am not African American old enough to have a relative that was a slave, or that lived through the historical racism that occurred post-abolition and during the civil rights movement; I do not have enough experience to speak to those areas either. So, I will not dwell any more on this than to note that today my eyes were opened to the fact that modern day racism is a completely different topic than when civil liberties were prevented just 35 and sometimes fewere years ago.
So, why all of this today? Well, you may have guessed: our nation experienced the first moment yesterday that made me truly proud of our country in a few years. I’m afraid that by writing this statement, I may mislead you to think that I, out of all my wisdom, voted for Barack Obama as president. I did not – and that is hard to say as I fear that someone, other than my wife, may read this post. I always try to keep my political decisions very close to the vest. But, as a dutiful blogger, it is my obligation to fully disclose that I voted for John McCain. I gave strong consideration to voting for Obama merely because of the importance it should hold for our country not only to the African American community, but for the nation as a whole. Though for a large, important piece of our country, that one issue was the only issue; for me it was one of many. Fiscally, I believed in other philosophies; socially I was divided on issues; and regarding Iraq, I disagree with the initial exit strategies I heard. Therefore, it wasn’t enough to swing my vote. (Okay, I apologize, but the lawyers made me use this paragraph.)
But I realize that, as even one who did not vote for President-Elect Obama swells with pride, this one issue may not be the only issue for some people because it concerns race, but may be the only issue for many because it is transcendent. Minorities that once thought that we were 25 or more years away from electing an African American president, can now see that it is possible to move forward today. When Charlie is 4 years old, and possibly 8, he will only know a history that includes a black president. Luke will likely only remember one president at that point in his life too. This is only a small step to overcome inequalities that exist in our nation, but it is a step that is affecting and molding millions of young Americans.
I listened to both McCain and Obama speak last night – after the race had been decided. These were two outstanding Americans that made me appreciate the decision our country made. True, Obama said what needed to be said about working across party lines, and you may or may not believe it. What I do believe is that this is a man that will lead the way he is convicted rather than where the party dictates. At least I can’t think of any strong liberal democratic leaders to whom he owes this victory. (I am not oblivious to the fact that his philosophies are quite liberal themselves, but hear me out.)
Currently, he has changed 86 electorates votes (and I believe NC will go his way too which will bring that tally up to 101) from red to blue – about 19%. This represents votes where Americans were not concerned with voting one party or the other, but were voting on issues. I am hopeful that this will be a new era in politics. Not an era where Newt Gingrich or Nancy Pelosi spout about how the other party created this nations problems, but one where we can address individual issues on their merits rather than on their party.
President-Elect Obama and I disagree on a great number of issues, and I imagine he will make decisions and lead the nation in directions that makes me cringe. But, Franklyn Delano Roosevelt made decisions that horrified the nation too. Do you recall the “fascistic and socialistic” New Deal policies including the Social Security Act, the FDIC, the Agricultural Adjustment Act, the Emergency Banking Relief Act the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Federal Securities Act, the National Labor Relations Act, and the nationalization of gold (which would absolutely appall me)? These are largely seen as acts that helped sustain our nation until WWII finally pulled us out of the financial crisis.
Therefore, though I may cringe, I believe that we have a man that will truly lead, and I am thrilled to see that our country has proven that we know we can be led by a person regardless of his race. Congratulations President-Elect Obama, and we will be praying for you as our leader.
THE END
What I do know is that God has blessed me to live in the United States. Most people see the blessing of being an American as a wealth issue, and that would be true if I believed that God put much credence in wordly wealth. But blessings that God has given me through my country come from other areas: the freedom to vote, the freedom to practice life as a Christian without fear of significant persecution, the ability to choose how to educate my children, and many other similar areas that I take for granted.
But this blog is not about the greatness of the United States of America because, though we have freedoms, we also have flaws. One of these flaws is our history of slavery. A related flaw is our history of racism. And a final related flaw – see a theme here – is modern racism.
Now, all three of these areas have very different levels of atrocity that I won't expound upon in great detail. As I am not a minority, I do not have enough experience to speak to the modern day racism – most of my experience is anecdotal. As I am not African American old enough to have a relative that was a slave, or that lived through the historical racism that occurred post-abolition and during the civil rights movement; I do not have enough experience to speak to those areas either. So, I will not dwell any more on this than to note that today my eyes were opened to the fact that modern day racism is a completely different topic than when civil liberties were prevented just 35 and sometimes fewere years ago.
So, why all of this today? Well, you may have guessed: our nation experienced the first moment yesterday that made me truly proud of our country in a few years. I’m afraid that by writing this statement, I may mislead you to think that I, out of all my wisdom, voted for Barack Obama as president. I did not – and that is hard to say as I fear that someone, other than my wife, may read this post. I always try to keep my political decisions very close to the vest. But, as a dutiful blogger, it is my obligation to fully disclose that I voted for John McCain. I gave strong consideration to voting for Obama merely because of the importance it should hold for our country not only to the African American community, but for the nation as a whole. Though for a large, important piece of our country, that one issue was the only issue; for me it was one of many. Fiscally, I believed in other philosophies; socially I was divided on issues; and regarding Iraq, I disagree with the initial exit strategies I heard. Therefore, it wasn’t enough to swing my vote. (Okay, I apologize, but the lawyers made me use this paragraph.)
But I realize that, as even one who did not vote for President-Elect Obama swells with pride, this one issue may not be the only issue for some people because it concerns race, but may be the only issue for many because it is transcendent. Minorities that once thought that we were 25 or more years away from electing an African American president, can now see that it is possible to move forward today. When Charlie is 4 years old, and possibly 8, he will only know a history that includes a black president. Luke will likely only remember one president at that point in his life too. This is only a small step to overcome inequalities that exist in our nation, but it is a step that is affecting and molding millions of young Americans.
I listened to both McCain and Obama speak last night – after the race had been decided. These were two outstanding Americans that made me appreciate the decision our country made. True, Obama said what needed to be said about working across party lines, and you may or may not believe it. What I do believe is that this is a man that will lead the way he is convicted rather than where the party dictates. At least I can’t think of any strong liberal democratic leaders to whom he owes this victory. (I am not oblivious to the fact that his philosophies are quite liberal themselves, but hear me out.)
Currently, he has changed 86 electorates votes (and I believe NC will go his way too which will bring that tally up to 101) from red to blue – about 19%. This represents votes where Americans were not concerned with voting one party or the other, but were voting on issues. I am hopeful that this will be a new era in politics. Not an era where Newt Gingrich or Nancy Pelosi spout about how the other party created this nations problems, but one where we can address individual issues on their merits rather than on their party.
President-Elect Obama and I disagree on a great number of issues, and I imagine he will make decisions and lead the nation in directions that makes me cringe. But, Franklyn Delano Roosevelt made decisions that horrified the nation too. Do you recall the “fascistic and socialistic” New Deal policies including the Social Security Act, the FDIC, the Agricultural Adjustment Act, the Emergency Banking Relief Act the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Federal Securities Act, the National Labor Relations Act, and the nationalization of gold (which would absolutely appall me)? These are largely seen as acts that helped sustain our nation until WWII finally pulled us out of the financial crisis.
Therefore, though I may cringe, I believe that we have a man that will truly lead, and I am thrilled to see that our country has proven that we know we can be led by a person regardless of his race. Congratulations President-Elect Obama, and we will be praying for you as our leader.
THE END
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Silence is Golden...
My first blog eluded to the fact that I really need some type of artistic inspiration to want to write. It just so happens that I go through periods of inspiration, and then I begin forcing my expressions and then just drop the attempt at expression altogether. So, my last 2-3 blogs have been largely uninspired. I cannot say that this changes much from an inspirational perspective, but I do believe that maybe I should write.
Part of my blog-related silence is that I have been largely consumed by thoughts about changing jobs. So, I've been wrapped up in the following series of thoughts over the last few months:
1. Will I get an interview?
2. Will I get another interview?
3. Will they offer me the job?
4. and throughout all that time...Should I take the job, if it's offered?
There are some definite hurdles to overcome, but there are also great opportunities - at least in the short term - at FedEx. So, that led me to question, what is the long-term perspective on both jobs? I don't feel like there were really any major limits on my potential for growth at Marsh, other than the fact that I would have to move to either a hub or our headquarters, if I wanted to get into the kind of job responsibilities that really suit my strengths/minimize my weaknesses.
At FedEx, on the other hand, I'm already at the headquarters. Now, there's no guaranty that someone doesn't think that I need to move in order to move into better role, but the chances are better. Also, I'm really moving into a role that suits my strengths immediately. At Marsh, I was honing skills that weren't natural strengths. So, it was almost a no brainer. Okay, it should have been a no brainer, but for our purposes we will simplify it and say that it was.
I'll be honest, I think that I would have had to move to Charlotte, Atlanta, New York, etc... to really find something that I would have enjoyed long term at Marsh. So, this really opens up some exciting opportunities right away. Now I just need those of you that might happen onto this blog to be praying that things go well. Start date is August 1.
Part of my blog-related silence is that I have been largely consumed by thoughts about changing jobs. So, I've been wrapped up in the following series of thoughts over the last few months:
1. Will I get an interview?
2. Will I get another interview?
3. Will they offer me the job?
4. and throughout all that time...Should I take the job, if it's offered?
There are some definite hurdles to overcome, but there are also great opportunities - at least in the short term - at FedEx. So, that led me to question, what is the long-term perspective on both jobs? I don't feel like there were really any major limits on my potential for growth at Marsh, other than the fact that I would have to move to either a hub or our headquarters, if I wanted to get into the kind of job responsibilities that really suit my strengths/minimize my weaknesses.
At FedEx, on the other hand, I'm already at the headquarters. Now, there's no guaranty that someone doesn't think that I need to move in order to move into better role, but the chances are better. Also, I'm really moving into a role that suits my strengths immediately. At Marsh, I was honing skills that weren't natural strengths. So, it was almost a no brainer. Okay, it should have been a no brainer, but for our purposes we will simplify it and say that it was.
I'll be honest, I think that I would have had to move to Charlotte, Atlanta, New York, etc... to really find something that I would have enjoyed long term at Marsh. So, this really opens up some exciting opportunities right away. Now I just need those of you that might happen onto this blog to be praying that things go well. Start date is August 1.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Life in a nutshell...
Well, frankly, I haven't writtten anything in quite some time for many reasons. (Incidentally, I don't feel like I've written anything good in even longer, but I'm not going to concern myself with that since this is mainly supposed to be an outlet for me!) First, I haven't had much time. Second, I haven't felt any literary creative juices flowing for some time.
I attribute this to two possible excuses. For one, it could be that corporate, clock-in/out environment of which I swore I would never partake. I actually don't really clock in and out, but it still feels about the same. It amazes me, that I truly believe that I could do a better job sitting in Starbucks with my laptop than behind my desk, but that's neither here nor there. The job is still not bad. It's actually quite challenging which I enjoy. I still can be creative. It just is expressed in different ways than I expected earlier in life. So, work is good, but one reason that I am not consistently inspired to write that story, poem, inspirational epiphany, etc....
The second excuse, and one that without doubt affects me, is a lack of sleep. I have always known that good sleep keeps me at the top of my game. I would say that I am not at the top of my game because our newborn, Charlie, doesn't seem to want allow for much of it. It's completely worth it, though! (Since getting married, I have tried to live by the cliche "Work to live. Don't live to work.") Charlie is quite a handsome boy, and, once we get his digestive issues worked out, I think will be a very chill, cool little brother for Luke. I can't wait for his first smile!
So, what is life in a nutshell and why have I not been inspired to write anything?
1. There is work which is, though not what my 18-year old self had planned, not bad just busy, and often requires long days.
2. There is family which is awesome! I couldn't ask for more.
3. There is finishing up the Leadership Academy's "Community Action Plan." For my team, this is a welcome guide to Hispanics in Memphis that lists vital resources in the community, explains how to use them, whether documentation is necessary, whether Spanish is spoken, etc.... I am so glad that I had just learned the life lesson that it's okay to allow other people to run the show. Rachel has done a great job keeping the project going, and I've just gotten to do some fun things like a focus group in Spanish, translations, phone calls to the organizations, translations, proof-reading, explaining the project, etc....
4. There is Nathan Street when work hasn't kept me out.
5. There is the Argentina mission trip planning.
Well, I think you understand my life in a nutshell. Therefore, the blog just wasn't happening. But, at least you know why!
Peace,
I attribute this to two possible excuses. For one, it could be that corporate, clock-in/out environment of which I swore I would never partake. I actually don't really clock in and out, but it still feels about the same. It amazes me, that I truly believe that I could do a better job sitting in Starbucks with my laptop than behind my desk, but that's neither here nor there. The job is still not bad. It's actually quite challenging which I enjoy. I still can be creative. It just is expressed in different ways than I expected earlier in life. So, work is good, but one reason that I am not consistently inspired to write that story, poem, inspirational epiphany, etc....
The second excuse, and one that without doubt affects me, is a lack of sleep. I have always known that good sleep keeps me at the top of my game. I would say that I am not at the top of my game because our newborn, Charlie, doesn't seem to want allow for much of it. It's completely worth it, though! (Since getting married, I have tried to live by the cliche "Work to live. Don't live to work.") Charlie is quite a handsome boy, and, once we get his digestive issues worked out, I think will be a very chill, cool little brother for Luke. I can't wait for his first smile!
So, what is life in a nutshell and why have I not been inspired to write anything?
1. There is work which is, though not what my 18-year old self had planned, not bad just busy, and often requires long days.
2. There is family which is awesome! I couldn't ask for more.
3. There is finishing up the Leadership Academy's "Community Action Plan." For my team, this is a welcome guide to Hispanics in Memphis that lists vital resources in the community, explains how to use them, whether documentation is necessary, whether Spanish is spoken, etc.... I am so glad that I had just learned the life lesson that it's okay to allow other people to run the show. Rachel has done a great job keeping the project going, and I've just gotten to do some fun things like a focus group in Spanish, translations, phone calls to the organizations, translations, proof-reading, explaining the project, etc....
4. There is Nathan Street when work hasn't kept me out.
5. There is the Argentina mission trip planning.
Well, I think you understand my life in a nutshell. Therefore, the blog just wasn't happening. But, at least you know why!
Peace,
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Encouraging verses when you're tired
For any of you new, aspiring or old husbands, I have a little hint for you. Men and women are different. Their needs are met differently. Aaahhh...Now, don't you feel enlightened?!
One of the key differences, on the male side, is that you want to do things to help your wife (girlfriend, etc...) when she needs help. I found myself falling into that trap today. I saw Lindley, exhausted from nursing and never sleeping more than 2-3 hours at a time in order to get Charlie up to birth weight. So, I wanted to help with dinner, get the boys to bed, tidy up (my definition of "tidy up" may not be quite as complete as some of yours), etc....
Now mind you that, since this is a public forum, I would not be posting at all if she had a bad reaction to any of this. She has been sweet and appreciative, but sick and tired...quite literally. Clearly, any "help" by actions wasn't truly helping her needs at all.
To be perfectly honest, I know what I was trying to do and why, but I'm still not exactly sure what really needs to be done to help. I said a quick prayer for her, and then decided that I should remove myself from the equation. So, I just decided that I would let God do the talking. The following verses are what I hope can help:
Psalm 138:3
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
1 Thes. 3:7
Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
Isaiah 40:29-31
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Matthew 6:31-33
31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Psalm 21:13
Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.
Psalm 107:8-9
8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, 9 for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Psalm 148:1-6
1 Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. 2 Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. 3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. 4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. 6 He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.
Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Philippians 4:4-7
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, 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.
One of the key differences, on the male side, is that you want to do things to help your wife (girlfriend, etc...) when she needs help. I found myself falling into that trap today. I saw Lindley, exhausted from nursing and never sleeping more than 2-3 hours at a time in order to get Charlie up to birth weight. So, I wanted to help with dinner, get the boys to bed, tidy up (my definition of "tidy up" may not be quite as complete as some of yours), etc....
Now mind you that, since this is a public forum, I would not be posting at all if she had a bad reaction to any of this. She has been sweet and appreciative, but sick and tired...quite literally. Clearly, any "help" by actions wasn't truly helping her needs at all.
To be perfectly honest, I know what I was trying to do and why, but I'm still not exactly sure what really needs to be done to help. I said a quick prayer for her, and then decided that I should remove myself from the equation. So, I just decided that I would let God do the talking. The following verses are what I hope can help:
Psalm 138:3
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
1 Thes. 3:7
Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
Isaiah 40:29-31
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Matthew 6:31-33
31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Psalm 21:13
Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.
Psalm 107:8-9
8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, 9 for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Psalm 148:1-6
1 Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. 2 Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. 3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. 4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. 6 He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.
Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Philippians 4:4-7
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, 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.
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