Author: nataliebone

My eyes skimmed over scripture about paying taxes. Some people had questioned Jesus about taxes and He requests a coin. He asks whose likeness is on the coin? He then instructs them to give the coin to whom it belongs and to give to God what belongs to Him. I immediately thought of our kids and the picture comes to mind of holding each one as a newborn. I remember studying them and memorizing each precious detail. You want to see if they have your eyes or your husbands smile. As they grow, you see parts of your personality and struggles too, reflecting back to you in each one. Then we remember they belong to God and give them back again. And past my eyes and struggles, I see whose image they bear. What an honor to encourage more and more of His likeness every day.

There is a layer of snow and ice outside. A warm fire is burning and everyone is grateful for a change from the normal schedule. It all feels like the Christmas season and brings to mind the story too. Today, the part about the star the wisemen saw, comes to mind. These men saw this particular star, that stood out in some way, and it ended up leading them to where Jesus was. This star was doing what it was made to do. It was created, called by name and assigned a place to shine. The big moment arrived and worship of the Savior was the result. I wonder if it had been waiting to be made visible since the creation of the world? Did night after night arrive, but it’s name was never called? Maybe it knew the purpose all along, to lead others to the One that made them too.

Our youngest daughter painted rocks at church on Sunday. She was most excited about the paint because it glows in the dark. At home she took me into the pantry to show me their glow. I thought of these rocks the next morning, as I was reading in Joshua. One man from each of the twelve tribes was instructed to go back and pick up a stone from the midst of the Jordan River, whose water rose up in a heap, creating a dry path for the Israelites to walk right through to the other side. They took the stones as an act of remembrance for the generations to come.

Maybe you have stones of remembrance too, each a reminder of something only God could have done. I wondered if maybe I need to paint ours with glow in the dark paint for when times appear dark. When tempted to be discouraged, we could catch the glow of a stone and remember God was with us then and is with us now. Very encouraging!

One more lesson from the fallen tree seems right for today. Because sometimes when something is uprooted, there is more to learn. In this case, a piece broke off the fallen tree and was wedged deep into the ground. It took my husband two hours to dig the piece up and he saw there was even more damage done. A couple of sprinkler pipes were broken and wires disconnected as well. I had to ask if this meant anything? Was there something else that needed removing in me? The answer came in Bible study, a bit of rebellion remained in my heart. Out it came and the repairs were made. Maybe more of the Living Water can flow, to overflowing is what I am asking for, and to become more childlike in trust.

Apparently I am allergic to a certain type of antibiotic. My body reacted with hives while we were driving to North Carolina. Treating one problem led to quite another. It is strange to look in the mirror and not look like yourself, but more medicine and I am better. It did make me wonder about other internal things and the effects that are not so obvious. It also caused me to want to rid myself of anything, physically and spiritually, that was contributing to anything less than God’s healthy design.

The days passed and we had a great time as a family. Giving and receiving gifts is one of my favorite things. And I guess God was not finished giving, because on the drive home, we got word that a giant oak tree had fallen in our yard. The root system had been compromised and extreme temperatures left the 100 year old tree unhealthy. The unseen roots were now exposed and there was some damage. However, I could not help but think what an amazing picture this was of what I had asked of the Lord. Extremes can expose what is not healthy in us too. Deep roots of fear, guilt and shame unearthed from my heart, then taken away by the Christ we celebrate. Now I ask that He plants only what will bear much for His kingdom, with roots that grow down deep and remain strong when the extremes come.

I read a line in a Christmas devotional that has stuck with me. The writer highlighted character traits of Mary and said how the same traits were evident in the life of Jesus. Humility and obedience are the two that stand out to me most. Because the young girl that God entrusted His Son to be born to, would also be the one raising Him. God became holdable to Mary, then grew up in her care. Humility and obedience would be needed for what He came to do. I wonder how she lived her day to day life demonstrating these traits? What was her own mother like?

Since God places children in our care too, what do we have in us that they need to live out their purpose? More questions and a desire to find out.

Today we celebrate our youngest turning nine years old. Her name means lively and this is the perfect description of this child. She is a sweet friend, quiet at times, but confident. She is trying basketball this season and should be fun to watch. One of the cool things about children is letting them try new things. You never know what they will excel in or learn from. I like being apart of this and want to document along the way. It is also exciting to watch her learn about Jesus. She has her own way of getting to know Him, more of an observer, taking it all in. Soon I think she will make her own decision to trust in Him. There is no other gift greater.

Happy Birthday, sweet Vivian. I love you.

Monday was my mom’s birthday. Since she now lives in heaven, I decided I can still honor her here. When I think about my mom, the first word that comes to mind is beauty. She had outward beauty, that even strangers noticed and a quiet, inside beauty those up close got to experience. With these thoughts and memories running through my mind, I was not surprised when they collided with what our group has been studying in the scriptures. We looked at the life of a man named Elijah, who trained another to continue his ministry. This man was Elisha, who asked for something I would never have thought to ask. He asked for a double portion and only knew he had received it after Elijah was gone. What would I ask to have a double portion of that my mom had? The answer came quick and that is beauty. Not on the outside, but the inside kind that lasts. What would that look like? How can God use this to carry on what my mom began? Questions without answers, but asked to the One who knows.

This sweet picture, taken eight years ago, came up on social media today. It made me smile, until I read the sentence I put with it. This boy of mine had put ornaments on a tree and declared each one perfect. I had said I rearranged them after he went to bed. Why did I not just leave them? Now I miss the days that our home had plenty of evidence that young children reside here. Isn’t this home as much theirs as it is mine?

Not even thirty minutes had passed and I was given another chance. Grace works like that sometimes. This same boy was helping me load the dishwasher. Given the basic instructions, he helped and I left his work. Maybe we are both growing.

One of our boys turns thirteen today. He is a party waiting to happen. If you need cheering up or a good laugh, he is your guy. Everyone needs a kid like this in their life. With so much energy, he functions best when he is serving and thrives while doing so. There is this look in his eye, one that lacks fear, and I know God put it there. It reminds me to relax and enjoy what is right in front of me. He has this way of seeing opportunities and making the most of each one. Age does not matter to him, for he believes a person is worth knowing at any stage of life. This will continue to serve him well and make life so much more enjoyable. And since his dream is to be a professional golfer, he is going to get to enrich many lives, I just know it.

Paxton, my prayer for you all your days is that you continually remember that it is God who will strengthen you, help you, who takes hold of you with His righteous hand. (Isaiah 41:10). And know that I am cheering you on! I love you!