Faith Talk Friday: Tuning In

“Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.”
― Zig Ziglar

 

I've been pondering again lately. Thinking about paying attention and tuning in. There are so many things that fight for my attention, so many things that require my concentration.

 

While cooking dinner the other night, I had a moment where I 'snapped back' to reality as I realised that the whole time my son had been speaking to me, I was daydreaming about writing. It was a great daydream too, I had some great ideas floating around in there! Then I thought that regardless of how great those ideas were, my son needed me to listen and I should've tuned in to his needs in that moment.

 

This brain of mine gets so easily distracted (as I'm sure every woman's brain does!) and so I find myself having to be purposeful in tuning in to the most important things. To practise tuning in. To make sure I actually stop my mind from wandering, or my hands from being so busy, or my heart from being lead astray by emotions, and really tune in to the right things at the right time.

 

Are we missing what's important right now for things that can wait till later?

 

Here's some things we could enjoy that we would otherwise miss if we don't tune in ...

 

• realising just how good our husbands are to us (and thanking him)
• discovering the individual world of our children that they want to share with us
• many kisses and cuddles
• seeing when your husband needs some encouragement and love
• enjoying the beautiful world that God has made
• seeing little hands at work
• their smiles of love and adoration
• getting to really know the hearts of those you love
• making memories that will last eternally
• seeing each new day as an opportunity to show Christ in everything
• being a listening ear to someone who just needs someone to relate to
• inspiration for our talents and hobbies that is everywhere
• to write that card to that person who needs encouragement
• laughing until our stomachs ache with our husband and children
• opportunities to make an impact in even one persons heart for today

 

These are some things that are not so nice, but still important to tune into ...

• when there is sin in our lives that keeps us from knowing God that should be dealt with
• when there is sin in our children's hearts that needs addressing
• when we have wronged someone and need to ask for forgiveness and apologise
• when we keep putting off prayer and reading His word
• when we need to deal with past hurts that are holding us back for the future
• when we need to forgive someone who's wronged us

I'm sure you could add more to both these lists, but the most important thing that we miss out on when we are too distracted is being tuned into the voice of God. Hearing His direction, wisdom, guidance and comfort.

 

So, in an effort to 'tune in' more myself each day, I've have been taking photos (surprise surprise!) of the things I've enjoyed ... although, some I've kept to myself too ;)

 

 

 
 

 

    

 

  

 

What little moments have you loved tuning into this week?

 

Family Friendly Wednesday: Pondered Treasures

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19) 

 

I had asked my four year old son to get out something for a task for me to do, and to my surprise he began doing it for me! Unasked and happily! My heart melted. My first reaction was to quickly grab my iPhone, take a photo and post it on IG and FB. Then I stopped and thought, ‘hang-on, this was a moment just for me to enjoy’. I wonder how many times we rob ourselves of ‘pondering’ things over in our own hearts, by just quickly broadcasting it to people who do care, but not exactly the same as we do.

FB and IG are great tools of communication if they are used positively, and especially if we live away from extended families, or children studying away from home etc. However, this thought really stirred in my heart a desire to always ‘keep’ something as just my own, or just between my husband and I, or our immediate family. This is what helps to create family culture, identity, memories and bonds. It’s what makes a heart filled with irreplaceable, priceless, treasure memories of our children once they are gone and left home. The really special things I record in my diary. I still take photos of these moments (because I do love photographs, and IG for that matter!), but just save the gems to my camera roll instead of posting to FB or IG.

Treasured:  to keep or regard as precious; value highly. Cherished, precious, wanted, loved.

Pondering:  deeply or seriously thoughtful. To weigh in the mind with thoroughness and care. To be reflective.

 

Of course when this was said of her, Mary was pondering on the things that the shepherds spoke of, concerning what the angels had proclaimed about the beautiful boy she has just given birth to. But I can’t help but think if she had acquired a beautiful habit that would have filled her memory with beautiful treasures that were just hers as her son grew into a man.  Can you see her? Admiring her son, the Son of God. Admiring His wisdom, His kindness. Being full of motherly pride when she saw Him bend down low to help those in need; the lowest, the ‘scummy one’s’ of society. I wonder if she blabbed it all over the market place what her son was doing, what her son said. I don’t think she ever did. I think she continued in the habit of quietly pondering.

There’s nothing wrong with being proud of our children’s achievements, character, skills etc. But I think Mary was on to something. She reflected, not rushed. She pondered, not paraded. She treasured up, not talked out. She filled her heart, not filled her need of outward praise. What a beautiful example to us mothers in just that little sentence in Luke.

Before I reach, before you reach to ‘announce’ positive things on FB or IG, be picky and choosy. Obviously I don’t not share anything at all for others to see, but I do first consider if it’s a beautiful treasure that God has gifted only me with to ponder upon in my heart. I hope you do too!

Take the time to enjoy cherishing your moments thoroughly!

Be Inspired Monday: Great New Music

My family are music lovers. We play instruments (well, the kids anyway! I'm 'dabbling' with guitar and piano), we sing along with it (obviously) and there is rarely a day that goes by without it being listened to (sometimes really loudly!) and absolutely loved. It's an easy way to create a beautiful atmosphere in your home for those you love! Don't you agree?!

 

I thought I'd inspire you with some new tunes we've been enjoying lately. Some artists we already  knew but just bought their new albums, and some we've had the great pleasure of stumbling across.

I have included links to a song from each album, and some information about the artist, so I hope that you really like listening to these great songs!

• "Mercy Me - The Worship Sessions" I saw this in the Koorong catalogue for 10 bucks ... bargain! My favourite song on this album is 'Just as I am'.

 



 

 

• "Leeland -Sound of Melodies".  When I went to Hillsong Conference in Sydney this year, Leeland performed live, and they were amazing! Really amazing! 'Carried to the Table' is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Ever.

 

• "Kari Jobe". I heard Kari live at Hillsong as well and the sound of her voice is haunting, it goes right through you. Stunning performer. 'Beautiful' is well ... beautiful!

 

•  "Hillsong - Glorious Ruins". Obviously from when I went to conference. It's a great album that declares that God can make something beautiful out of our ruins. My favourite song? Glorious Ruins!





 



 

• "Jason Gray - A Way to see in the Dark". I stumbled across this guy the other week through another blog (now I can't remember the blog - but whoever you are, thank you!) and I am hooked. He is raw, real and so inspiring. It's actually hard to choose a favourite on this album ... 'Remind Me Who I am' is fabulous, 'Without Running Away' is challenging and 'Nothing Is Wasted' is full of hope. He also has such incredibly powerful and creative music videos with his songs; he is just so honest and uplifting.

 

 

Well, I hope you enjoy these great albums! Are your family music lovers too? What are your family favourites? If these links haven't worked, please let me know, I really want you to hear these tunes! Which one is your favourite?