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Friday, August 3, 2007
 A few weeks ago my husband, myself, five very excited children and one happy dog headed out not too far from our home to go camping. We hadn’t “tent” camped since my oldest three were five, three and one. From that experience, I had told myself it would be a long time before we attempted to go camping without a roof over our head. We have been several places in which either a cabin or RV was our dwelling, but our kids wanted to camp with tents and sleeping bags. So we traded our carpeting and wood floors for green grass and our Serta pillow top mattress for the comforts of a leaky air mattress and sleeping bags. I gave up stainless steel appliances for two ice chests, a lovely camp stove and several plastic tubs for washing dishes. The lighting was sunshine and stars amidst seven chairs arranged nicely around the campfire ring and well let’s just say it was a lovely stroll through the trees to the nearest bathrooms with running water. But I loved it! Yes, you read right “I loved it!” I chose to spend the four days HAPPILY camping. We have all heard the phrase, "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Cor. 10:31 Often times in my home or campsite, my attitude determines the atmosphere. As I sat quietly one afternoon with a slight breeze brushing across my face, I decided to be more intentional in doing "all to the glory of God" not only here camping but also in my home. If someone could see inside my home, like they could see inside our campsite, I would want them to see a mother who knows her limitations and the visual imprint left in the floor from all the time spent on her knees. I would hope they notice the chips in all the dishes because of the many uses day after day serving others. I would hope they notice the table with all its scratches and markings from the many hours spent there gathering together to eat, talk, laugh and pray. I would hope they see people saved by the grace of God living to bring Him glory. My heart was convicted of some things in those few short days of camping. I recognized that I need to be more patient with my children. I have children in different stages and with different needs and I have overlooked some things in my busyness. I recognized I need to make some adjustments in my time and how I spend it. Ephesians 5:15-16 tells us "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." This verse requires that we take an honest look at what we are doing and how we do it. I began to make a list of how I spend my days. There are only two ways to spend them, wise or unwise. There is no other choice. How will you choose to spend today! In Him...Chris Visit Chris at her personal blog Come to the Table Labels: choices, Chris's Articles, glorifying God
Comments:
This was a great reminder Chris. Just knowing that a lot of times how we intentionally approach things makes all the difference in the world is actually very freeing. And I really need to take that one step further as you said, to do all to the glory of God. Not just for my pleasure but that He would be glorified. Thanks, Chris.
Chris - at this point in my Christian life it shouldn't amaze me to see how the Lord works - but it does. Just a couple of hours ago I wrote in devotional journal that I felt the Lord was telling me that I needed to be faithful in the ministry he has given me in my own home before I can hope to be trusted with "bigger things". If I am impatient and selfish, then I am not living wisely.
The Lord has used your devotional to drive this point home. Thank you for your encouraging and wise words.
Oh Chris,
You and I learn so much from God at the campground. Profound, how we discover some areas that need work when we are away from our normal routine. Love this post. Lynn
Amen, sister. Just today I was really convicted of just how I set the tone, moment by moment, in my home. And yes, it has carried over into campsites, and even hotel rooms across the ocean... I was convicted just today of my impatience and its effect on my precious children. I loved reading this today, even though the Lord used it to further convict me in certain areas. But, it's His grace. And for that, I'm thankful! Great post, friend!
This was so great Chris...and I agree with all the other girls that I too have been convicted of setting the wrong tone in my home...It happened just today actually! Even though I am behind on my reading, God is always right on time..:))
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