Author: nataliebone

Studying scripture with friends the other night, brought us to this interesting verse about two people “who have swerved from the truth…” (2 Timothy 2:18). Because of their swerving from the narrow path, they ended up upsetting the faith of others. This caused me to rethink my own intake of ideas and somethings I have listened to within the last year. While truth does not change, words spun creatively can attempt to add a side road here and there. We can easily take others with us.

So, what do we do? When you get a bit lost or turned around, go back to the simple gospel. God sent His Son, Jesus, to be born of a woman and He lived a perfect life, always listening and obeying His Father. God allowed Jesus to be nailed to a cross and die. Jesus’ dead body was placed in a borrowed tomb and a heavy stone covered the entrance. On the third day, the stone was rolled away and Jesus walked out, alive and well. His death and resurrection paid for my sin and yours. After forty days of living again on the earth, He went back to heaven, but has promised to return. This is the truth that is to be believed and lived by every human He ever created. However, we are given a choice, accept or deny. I chose to accept this truth when I was eleven years old. I swerved off and on many times, but God has never left me. On the narrow road I will stay and keep walking towards home. Too many precious ones are counting on me not swerving.

I love Sunday. I love gathering with others, some I know and some I do not. I love opening our Bibles together and keeping them open for the rest of the week. I love hearing others perspective and what is in their heart. I love lunch with our family and a restful afternoon.

Today we looked at a passage in Matthew and one particular verse stuck out to me. “…He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matthew 22:32). Sunday helps remind us all of what is living, it creates a desire in us to respond and join in all that is living. Sin has the appearance of life, but it is death. Good news! Jesus died on the cross, rose again and offers everyone life. Who can deny such an invitation?

An interesting thing happened between one of the kids and I. To tell my side, I need to take you back to middle school. A popular test in the church was given, the results came back and I have believed/lived them up until now. It was by no means negative, just not correct. It had to do with the gift(s) we are given as believers. For years this “gift” felt uncomfortable, not easy and more like work. Fast forward to current day and we have one of our children doing the same thing as I did. Striving is exhausting at any age, but this has never been the plan. Like opening a custom made gift on Christmas, it is meant to be used and enjoyed. It benefits others and can help guide us in how or where we serve. Come to find out, this child had been using my gift and I have tried to live with theirs. In what felt like a gift exchange, we will both begin opening and using what has been in us all along. And a beautiful lesson comes to us all, that it is never too late.

We celebrated seventeen years of getting to know one of our kids yesterday! This child is quite unique and stands out without even meaning too. She works hard, always has, but takes time for whoever is in front of her. She has eyes to see the one who needs a friend and draws them in. Her determination to learn is admirable, but I can hardly wait until she is able to focus more on what interests her most. She is strong, but has weaknesses that are not often seen. To participate in this child’s story is a privilege.

Happy Birthday Anna Kate! I love you.

Turning into our neighborhood, late last night after a long road trip, my first thought was how much I love home. Our outside lights were shining a warm welcome, as we all piled out of the van and quickly fell into our own beds. Home at last.

Our home is a place, but it is also has an atmosphere. There is freedom within these walls to belong, to learn, to ask questions, to make mistakes, to try again, to forgive, to be imperfect, to be known, to be seen, to laugh, to cry and sometimes yell. I am often tempted to put demands on those within to measure up to an unobtainable standard, but realize it comes from my own insecurities and fears. I am learning to be approachable, honest and welcoming and it impacts our family. One of the many things I wished I would have learned earlier, but the God I know lets me start again each day.

We studied the subject of suffering in Bible study today, each one of us is not left out of this life experience. To measure, compare or put expectation on suffering seems like an added burden on already slumped shoulders. Then I walked outside and saw two sweet friends, arm in arm walking slow to the car. And right there in the parking lot I saw a beautiful picture of Jesus with us on this journey marked with times of suffering. May we be ones that model the same side by side.

One of the kids and I were talking about going through a time of pressing. This one said they didn’t think they had a choice and I agreed. Going through a time like this is never easy and I am finding it especially difficult when you are watching one of your children. However, this I know, they will never be the same and will take on more of their Creators likeness. They will also have more to extend to others, for there is no oil without a pressing.

We get to celebrate another child’s birthday today! One turns fifteen and lives out her name daily. She brings joy and grace along in many, sometimes unnoticed, ways. You will not find her on a stage, but in the audience, cheering on her friends. You will not hear strong opinions coming from her very often, peace is more her nature. She laughs easy, asks questions often and sees deep into a persons heart. This one sits right in the middle, with three older siblings and three younger ones, comfortable in either group. She never takes herself or others too seriously, wisdom beyond her years. I think she knows we are growing more and more like Him and is gentle with us all. To count her as a daughter is quite a privilege, but to know her as a sister in Christ, is an honor.

Happy Birthday, Abbey Grace. I love you.

Here we are getting to celebrate another child’s birthday! Nineteen years have gone by quickly in my mind. Your ready smile and willingness to do hard things, has been a constant thread over the years. You are learning more about the One who made you, the God who has all your days planned out. Getting to have a front row seat to watch and talk about possibilities is exciting. You have such a pure heart and unselfish way about you, rare qualities for us humans. I hope you know how proud I am of who you are and count it quite an honor to be your mom.

Happy Birthday Jackson!!

Reading a beautiful passage in scripture recently, I noticed the word “purification”. A wedding was taking place, the wine ran out, but only the servants seem to know about the problem. Jesus has the servants fill these stone purification jars with water. What was empty, used for ritual, became filled with ordinary. When the water was drawn out, it had been turned to the best wine. The master of the feast even asked questions.

Maybe you feel a bit empty and ordinary too. Could it be that we are going through purification? In the process, we reach a point of empty and we bring our need to Jesus. He serves us living water day after day, filling us over time. And then one day, what is in your heart is drawn out and shared. My prayer for us is that the wine is so fine and pure that others begin to ask questions.