My list...part 1

A few years ago now I made a list, a list of what I would look for in a man that I would want to marry. Not the type of list I would have made in my early teen years...tall, dark, handsome....yeah you know what I am talking about. And a list that is more than just the obvious (at least obvious for me)...that he's man and a Christian. But a list coming mostly from scripture...I don't have the list any more, but to recall a few...

He loves his wife as Christ loves the church – Eph 5:25
He should love their wife as their own bodies – Eph 5:28
He'd live with his wife in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel 1 Peter 3:7

Then there were other qualities – not necessarily given in scripture as addressed to husbands but more general...
A man of prayer
self-controlled
be in accordance with sound doctrine
sound in faith, in love, and steadfastness
sober-minded

And the list went on...But when I was thinking back on the list this week I was convicted. Convicted that I need not be focused on searching for this man who fits the description or try to make a man fit that description and trust that the Lord would bring him if the Lord wills.

Rather, I need to focus on becoming a godly woman and wife. What are those things that I should be learning or reinforcing in my life that that will lead to that? So I began to prayerfully think on this and journaling my thoughts, some of which Lord willing I will be posting in the coming days.

But here me say, I am not erasing from my mind that list that I had written out about what type of man I want to marry. I still will use that as I do want to get just caught up in a relationship for the sake of being in a relationship but because I am interested in getting to the man God had placed in my life and see if he may be that one who embodies these biblical characteristics.

Music new to me...JJ Heller

In the last week or so I have discovered the music of JJ Heller and she has quickly become one of my favorite musicians/vocalists. Her music can be found on itunes, jjheller.com, or amazon. One album, Wake Up The World, is available for free on noisetrade.com for a limited time. I highly recommend checking it out!

The Pipers - Molly Piper

John Piper is a well known pastor and speaker, his son Abraham Piper has become a well known blogger. While I am grateful for John Piper's ministry and enjoy reading Abraham Piper's blog 22 Words I really appreciate the blog The Pipers written by Abraham's wife, Molly Piper.

Molly Piper blogs on many topics ranging from family, life's issues, crafts, books, home renovations, and possibly the saddest but most helpful - especially to those in a similar situation - is the still birth of her daughter Felicity and the grief that follows. I can't say enough about the blog, how much I appreciate her honesty in happiness and grief, her practicality of many of the posts (I've even learned how to fold a fitted sheet!)

I recommend The Pipers blog to anyone, especially women, those seeking godly wisdom from other Christian women, those grieving the loss of a child, those looking for practical ideas, mothers, young ladies hoping to be mothers...basically any woman.

Lakeshore Baptist Children's Choir

The last Sunday of this month Lakeshore Baptist Church will be having the children's choir sing at the Sunday morning service. I am really looking forward to this, as are most of the children.

Pastor Don asked me about a year ago if I would be interested in leading a children's choir, I was a little hesitant at first but finally said I would. We began last winter, singing at the Easter service earlier this year. There was not a huge turn out in kids, though we had several that came very faithfully and we had a good time.

This semester I have been joined by Emily Elbourne, who is helping on piano, and a woman who recently began attending the church - Mrs. Joni. She is a school bus driver and has been very helpful in picking up children and just knowing many children and asking them to come. This semester has been very good so far. We have a many children join us in the choir, most of whom have never been to church here or anywhere.

I have had a great time with the kids this semester, as well as constantly learning. I have been streched in ways I wouldn't have thought. But it's been good.

When I was thinking about songs to sing I wanted the focus to be evident - Christ and the gospel. I was greatly encouraged by the music from Sovereign Grace Ministries and chose to use a couple of their songs this semester. One song that we've been singing and I think has become the favorite of the group is To Be Like Jesus.

To Be Like Jesus

VERSE 1
Love, joy, peace, and patience too
Grow in those who trust in You
All who put their hope in Christ
Kindness, goodness, faithfulness
Self-control and gentleness
Live in those who have new life

CHORUS
I want to be like Jesus
To walk and talk like Jesus
I want to live like one who follows Him
I want to love like Jesus
To give my all like Jesus
I want to live like one who follows Him

VERSE 2
I don’t always do what’s right
Jesus lived a perfect life
And for sins like mine He died
Teach me to obey Your Word
Help me to put others first
Holy Spirit, change my life

© 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)

Broken Silence - Ms. Lisa

I've never met Ms. Lisa, author of the Broken Silence blog, but I've been very encouraged by this wife and homeschooling mother of two. I check almost everyday to see if she has a new post up. I love reading her posts. She mixes hymns, theology, family, laughs, and helpful and encouraging snippets from books, scripture, blogs, and sermons.

I came across Broken Silence after Pastor Don had reconnected with his friend Tim, whom he went to high school with - Tim happens to be the husband of Ms. Lisa. I am sure glad to have gotten connected with this blog and can gain wisdom, insight, and sometimes just get a good laugh.