stubborn

Yes, my sweet girl is a little bit stubborn. No. Correction. She is very stubborn (even though she is sweet, huggable, and oh so cute).

Here she is below in the car, sucking on her thumb because she is tired. Maybe she knew mommy would take her to the park later in the afternoon, since she resolved to skip her afternoon nap.

"Peekaboo, Mommy."
If you look closely, you may even be able to see her hair sticking to her forehead. It was in the 90s yesterday. Taking Abigail to the park when it is that hot is purely selfless and shortlived:)

Parenting certainly keeps me on my knees. It most reminds of my own stubborn heart and my desperate need of grace. In my study of Isaiah right now, I have been struck by the self-reliance of Israel and Judah - their pride and arrogance strikes close to home - which is quite alarming. I daily drift towards pride and self-reliance - the do it on my own mentality. I confess that I rarely turn to the Lord first when I encounter struggles and strife. It usually takes falling on my face to get me on my knees.

So I was very much encouraged this week by chapter 9 this week.

"But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulon and Napthtali, but in the latter time has has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light

those who dwelt in a land of deep

darkness,

on them has light shined.

You have multiplied the nation;

you have increased its joy;

they rejoice before you

as with joy at the harvest,

as they are glad when they divide the spoil....

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his

shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his

kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do

this." -- Isaiah 9:1-3,6-7

What a picture of grace! Zebulun and Naphtali were a part of the self-reliant tribe of Israel who had "pride and arrogance of heart" (Is 9:9). God judged their arrogance, pride and self-reliance (Isaiah 9 -10:4), but he didn't leave them forever. He leaves them with hope - a light that pierces the darkness - Jesus of Nazareth. So my prayer this week is that I would spend time on my knees, asking for God's daily grace in my life. I need this light that pierces the darkness. I desire to depend on the Lord and allow His peace to guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. May I truly know and fellowship with the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. And I pray the same for you too.