Author: nataliebone

Have you ever heard of a rucksack? It is a weighted backpack that is used for training purposes. The challenge was to put this rucksack on and run a mile. I wondered what this weight could represent? I need something to think about that takes my mind off the physical pain. Ideas came to mind and I settled on other peoples stuff, especially words spoken that hurt. We can carry words, like weighted backpacks, and not even be aware of it. And to be honest, I know I have contributed my fair share of hurtful words. The longer the distance, the heavier the pack became. Then came the relief of being able to throw it to the ground! Could words be that easy?

I’ve thought about that experience several times lately, but have found words to be a bit more challenging to throw off. However, I have experienced the relief that truth offers when I read it or hear it. The collected weight just does not seem true anymore.

I felt my back tighten up and wondered what was causing the pain. Come to think of it, my hips did not feel quite right either. Age perhaps? A specialist offered to take a look at me for free and I gladly accepted. After a few minutes of awkward stretches and observations, my back and hips were back in alignment. Apparently, I had been wearing the wrong shoes to work out this whole time.

This made me think of the scripture verse, “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” (Ephesians 6:15 NLT). The enemy would have us all walking around in shoes of fear and we would be in pain and out of alignment. Anger, complaining, division, escape, guilt, shame, comparison, judgment and selfishness would be the result. Compare that with the shoes of peace that come from knowing the Good News. Our personal circumstances and world events might not change as easily as putting on a new pair of shoes, but we will have peace. And what do you think will draw others to the Good News more, peace or fear? Friends, let’s make sure we are wearing the right shoes.

“…let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus..” Hebrews 12:1-2

The instructions did not seem that difficult. Take two kettle bells and carry them for a marked distance. I picked out my weights and began walking. An idea came to mind. These weights could represent my sin, therefore I wanted to feel the weight. In the beginning, walking was not that difficult, but soon became quite challenging. I found if I talked to someone else while walking, the distraction took my mind off of the weight. I did not do that again. At a certain point you could set down the weight, but only for a moment. The relief was instant. I could hardly wait to finish and put them down for good.

I have thought about this physical example many times. The weight of our sin and the amount of energy it takes to live with it is exhausting. The offer of Jesus is to accept what He did on the cross for us because of our sin. God’s perfect Son took the weight of all our sin on Himself and died. How could He physically stand it? I only felt mine, not the whole worlds. What a Savior! The relief turns into gratitude. We become more and more aware of what it means to run our race. We are told to look to Jesus, who by the way, did not stay dead, but rose again on the third day!!

*I gave up blogging and shut the site down. The break was good, but felt the desire to start it back up again.

Thank you for following along and reading words that have flowed out of my heart. It has been a gift to write and have you read. As good as it’s been, it is now time for me to stop blogging. I plan on continuing to write, but might just be on social media.

Grateful,

Natalie

“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42

It is extremely hot in Texas and staying hydrated is a priority. The kids all have water bottles and fill them up regularly. The other day one of them complained about the taste of the filtered water we use. After some investigation, we discovered the minerals taken out of the water had begun to decompose, which in fact greatly effected our water. We change the filter out once a week, but our well water has lots of things in it that need to be removed apparently to become pure.

This came to mind when I read this verse today. I had to ask myself what kind of “water” am I serving to our family and others? Are there traces of fear, anger, judgment or unforgivness that taint the water? Wouldn’t the water be sweeter and more satisfying if filtered first through the gospel? What is in our hearts is what flows out of us, so the good news of the gospel changes everything that flows from us. Today may we serve this thirsty world glass after glass of cold water that is made pure because of Jesus.

I picked the Bible off a shelf at Half Price Books and found an incredible note written inside the cover. We bought the Bible and I posted a picture on a local moms page, in hopes of returning this treasure to its owner. Almost immediately the comments started flying in, some sweet and others brutal. In the end, one thing was extremely clear, people have been hurt greatly by the church and fathers. How long will these wounds remain unhealed? Has God been given one earthly face or a religious group and now people want nothing to do with Him? This makes me weep in sorrow and repent for what has been happening since sin entered this world. Currently, I am at a loss as to how to reach the commenting strangers, but I can pray for them. I can ask God to show Himself to them. Only then will the anger and hurt begin to be healed.

Today we get to celebrate my husband turning 50! He isn’t a big surprise party kinda guy and is actually on the golf course, watching one of our boys in a tournament. There is nowhere else he would rather be. He knows who needs encouragement or support and gives it. He does many things behind the scenes that make our family run smoothly. Ask him how many sandwiches he makes during the school year. His leadership makes us all feel safe and his love is an unconditional gift. He has this quiet strength about him that causes striving to cease. Nothing has to be earned or proven, just received with him. To be seen with all your flaws and daily stumbles could cause great insecurity, but that is not the case in our home. He sets the tone and we all relax eventually. Faith has been costly for this one, but we all benefit from it.

And so I pray the words of Nehemiah for him today. Remember him for his good, O my God, and all that he has done for our family. You see and know it all.

Happy 50th Birthday, Damon! I love you!

You know when you are reading scripture and words seem highlighted? You keep reading, but your eyes keep being drawn back to one particular line. That happened the other morning and I thought I would share it with you.

“And she had sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching.” Luke 10:39. The picture that comes to mind is so peaceful and inviting. I wonder if Mary would inch over just a bit so we can sit down too? She has taken a lowly place, are we comfortable here? Will we listen to His teaching or want to get back to serving like her sister Martha was busying doing? Honestly, I have found serving to be easier than listening at times. But I have to wonder what I will serve if I have not taken the time to listen.

Back in high school, our oldest daughter took sign language. Even the pandemic could not keep her from learning to form words with her hands. It seemed like an odd choice, without much opportunity to use it, until day one of summer camp. You see, this girl of ours is running the snack bar, serving sweet treats to hungry high school kids. A boy walks up to the counter and motions for pen and paper to write down his order. Her fingers still remember words and the two are able to communicate. Imagine his relief and joy! And in this encounter, I am given a beautiful reminder that God has plans for us, sees each one of us and communicates His love to us. We do not always know the details in our time of training and that requires faith, endurance and perseverance. But God knew the time would come, when one boy would need to know how loved he really is by a God who sees him. How good is He?!

Tonight is the night this one graduates and we are celebrating! This morning I read words to perfectly describe how I am feeling and had to share. “This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:23,24. This child has worked extremely hard, persevered and his heart has remained kind. He is one of my most favorite people in the world. There still remains an element of sadness over this chapter being completed, but watching who he is becoming is actually extremely exciting. I think tonight my tears will be a mix of joy and sorrow, but mostly joy. Both are possible and for that I am grateful.

*My dad flew in to help us celebrate, so this picture seemed appropriate.