Access to the Fruit

Has it every occurred to you that we (as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ) have access to the Fruits of the Spirits? All of them? All the time?

This has become strangely obvious to me in the last day or two.

I've been reading a great book (Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney) that has enlightened me in my marriage and my motherhood, and pushed me to model my own life after the wife and mother described Titus 2.

Diving into this book has also compelled me to dive into praying for my marriage. I can honestly say that I've not really prayed for my marriage in a while. So as I've been praying more about being a wife, I've therefore been reflecting a lot on me in my marriage.

And unfortunately, I've noticed some behaviors that do not bring glory to the Father, nor my husband. This sort of self reflection has made me aware of my "contrary spirit" that I sometimes have towards my husband. Sometimes I disagree, just to disagree. Or I'm difficult - not because I'm right, not because he's right, but because my sinful nature just wants to be contrary.

So in realizing this, (which was revolutionary in and of itself) that at times, when my husband comes home from a long day at work, I have such a contrary spirit. I, too, became fully aware that I can pray about that!

And even better, what if I prayed for a spirit of gentleness?
Before he came home from work?
Or what if I prayed for a spirit of
Joy?
patience?
kindness?
What might our dinner look like if I'm covered in goodness?

Oh, how inspired I am (once again by that comforting Word) at the thought of me choosing kindness over a contrary heart?

"Now the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against these there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23

Our Lamp-Lit Path

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." - Psalm 119:105

We are going to be leaving our beloved Florence. Wes is beginning a seminary journey at RTS in Charlotte and after much prayer we have felt a calling to go to Charlotte where hopefully seminary will be a family call and focus.

Many details have not been lined up. Some have. But either way, we feel we need to respond in obedience and go. "And My God shall supply all your need according to His riches and glory." Philipians 4:19

After a wonderful conversation with our head pastor - who has loved us and supported us through this entire process, He motivated us and pushed to trust God alone during this time. To look to Him for all answers.
Wowsers.
That leaves me desperately flipping through my bible daily, finding the written Word to soothe my soul and grip me right where my wandering heart is.

It was difficult to share our news with our sweet kids at church, our dear, dear friends and family, and yet, still this call is our common denomination. This call remains. No matter what the conversation looks like, no matter what the circumstances look like, no matter what details remain undetermined. This call abounds.

And honestly, I feel like we are walking on a path - only lit by a Lamp that lights barely over our feet. And yet, I'm comforted. It doesn't make any sense, but it fulfills my need to Trust the Lord with ALL of me. In ways, I've not had to do in a while.

Would love for you to pray with us. Our house is now on the market. Would love for it to sell.
Before I go into my long list of prayer requests, I'm just going to end with two verses. I've felt compelled to memorize during this lamp-lit season.

"He is before all things. In Him all things hold together." Col 1:17
"All things are of Him, through Him and to Him. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." Romans 11:36