Molly Ann

Molly Ann is the third child, six months old and is consistently included in most of the other two kids activities, wether it is ballet, or birthday parties, field trips or just carpools She managed to go to two footballs games this weekend, one, a high school and the other a pro game that I happened to be with her at. It was one of the last games that my dad had left for us to enjoy in his suite, so not only was Molly Ann there, but so were all the other grandchildren as well their parents and friends. It was a win win day for me...not only did the Texans win but I did as well, as I got to have each of them on my lap at one time or another during the game. To have all these babies, at a football game which is my favorite sport, and then get to watch them all interact and to get to hold this precious baby and give her a bottle. Be still me heart. Baby Molly Ann just rolls with the flow. As long as she has a bottle, a pacifier, a blanket and someone to love on her, she is quite content and even is so comfortable that she can nap in the midst of the chaos.

Reminds me of Jesus sleeping in the midst of a storm. Isn't that the way we are to be. At peace in the comfort of the arms of Christ no matter what chaos is going on around us. Just to know that we can be pacified by the confidence in knowing that all is well and that God is overseeing the whole deal, whatever the deal is, and will make arrangements and adjustments that will perfectly coincide with his will, for his purposes. We are blanketed in God's love and surrounded by his countenance.

But oh too often, we get caught up in the details and want to control the outcome of this or that and lose sight of the "go with the flow" mentality. You have done it, I have done it and all it does it stir up the emotions, activate the stress level and roll out our attitude of discontent and frustration onto the others who are around us.

I just sat there with that baby in my lap and watched her little face as she was enjoying her bottle. The noise around us was crazy as the Texans scored, but she continued on peacefully. Oh how many times do we let our circumstances determine our mindset, instead of letting our mindset rule over our circumstances?

"We can change our mindset, and reinvent ourselves anytime we want. By choosing to see things in a different way, and stretching our limits. We will never achieve what we can't conceive in our mind first. We have to first believe that something is a possibility, before we can have access to it. Otherwise it is out of our reach: Mark 11:24 "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Develop A Winning Mindset - Reinvent Your Mind By Henrietta Elegunde

We can be in at peace in the midst of chaos, or we can let chaos overshadow our midst of peace. It is a matter of who we let have the reigns of the thoughts that are in our mind. If we stand strong on what we know about Christ, his ways, his promises, his presence, his watchful eyes, and past provisions, then we are able to adjust our mindset to a peaceful and secure countenance, oh but if allow the chaos of circumstances that are often times beyond our control to interfere with our Christian footing then we are sure to stumble into frustration and anxiousness.

One of my favorite quotes that I have handing on my wall is this: "Sometimes God chooses to calm the storm, but other times he chooses to let the storm rage, and calms His child." If you are in the middle of a raging storm, think a minute of the image of a small child secured and sleeping in the arms of a loving mom. She is at peace because she is tucked away in the arms of someone who cares for her, loves her, provides for her and keeps her from harms way. We are that child, everyday and in every way, as we are secured in the arms of Christ. He loves us, cares for us , provides for us and protects us through the shield of his word and his way. Let Christ calm the child that lies within you...the one who is anxious and fearful and overwhelmed by the world's offerings. Let him give you the strength and wisdom to make decisions that are within the realms of his will. Be at peace with who you are and in whose arms you are cradled, and carry on. Go forth in peace.

James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

I read this and am truly kind of laughing at this lesson. For it was only a few days ago, that I had let chaos overshadow my peace, and wouldn't I know that God would reinforce to me this lesson today, after the storm had passed and he knew it was then I would be able to hear it and embrace it for another time. Sure hope I remember it, accept it and embrace it.

Dear Lord, I just fight it constantly, letting you be in control and trying to work things out my way without lovingly and respectfully submitting to your will. Help me to be content in your ways in the midst of my chaos, and develop a mindset that is secured by your faithfulness. Amen

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!