Tuesday, May 30, 2006
fun in 4 days
Some favorites from an extended weekend:-garage sales with my mother-in-law that included great finds of cute red slip-ons and never-worn baby GAP clothes, not to mention lots of fun time spent with a great lady
-dinner with a sister-in-law and a tour of her new house (as of July 15th!)
-time well spent with my big sister and cousins, who are rarely seen, at a lovely bridal shower
-surprising another sister-in-law with company, presents, and food for her birthday
-hugging, kissing, and squeezing my 12mo. old niece and having her recognize her "aunt heather"
- a date with my husband to a drive-in movie
- a hike in cranberry lake with my favorite person (my husband)
-bbq-ing with friends
-hearing Lael tell R.Jay and I what memorial day is
-riding on the back of husband's motorcycle to said bbq - fun, but aching later
-driving past cementarys filled with flags, flowers, and people and being thankful for what has liberated me to do all the above
Heather Dowling at 9:38 AM
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
a centered self
II Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline."Last Wednesday night at our small group a discussion was brought to light on just why is it that we aren't walking in one-mind, one-heart, together in power like those great men of Acts. Selfishness and pride. I'm chewing on what was shared still today. I've counted the steps of my daily routine and found I'm not utilizing the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline as I should.
I have been given a spirit of power. How incredible! The power to overcome in the midst of a battle, the power to say to that mountain "be removed", the power to heal in Jesus' name.
I have been given a spirit of love. God knew I'd need it. Do I always love the church like Christ? I'm finding the answer is 'no'. Do I love those who are unlovely inwardly and outwardly? I'm finding my answer is 'i'm trying'.
I have been given a spirit of self-discipline. Oh boy. I doubt I have to mention that I haven't attained perfection in many areas of self-control in my life. Reading. Praying. Exercising. Eating. Shopping. Fellowshipping. Cleaning. I'll stop there. I have a lot of work to do.
All in all, am I self centered? Sounds silly, but the revelation I got from that isn't. Is my self centered? Is it centered on Christ? Has my self been centered in line with Christ? Am I walking in the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline He has so generously given? In Titus I suppose I'm somewhere in the middle of gleaning from the older woman and teaching the young. Nonetheless I'm encouraged to learn and teach self-control. In 2Peter self-control is one of the fruits I should be trying to attain daily.
I've been compelled to honestly search my motives lately. In the most quiet rooms of my heart and the most quiet times of my day. Am I walking in the gifts and spirits God has poured on me, His daughter, or am I robbing my family and my church? I want to have clean hands and a pure heart before God and His children and to understand the important things He is calling us into today. I want to be used and I don't want to miss an opportunity.
This quietness in my heart that I fought against before, is now becoming a necessity. In those moments He speaks and I'm lifted up. I really love my Jesus.
Heather Dowling at 1:02 PM
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
the quiet
Growing up our home was usually nothing less of loud music (usually produced by my Dad), kids running and playing, and company chatting. Going from a girl living in a home of busy bodies to a wife living in a home with one quiet man was, needless to say, a change. In the beginning of this new transition I invited many people over (most with kids), I made too much food for the two of us, and you could usually find music filling the rooms of this house.Today is quiet. The lights are off. No music playing. The hum of our refridgerator and the spatter of rain on the tin roof and windows is peaceful. There was a day, not long ago, that the stillness in this house would have driven me mad. An entire day of peacefulness and no one interupting was too much for a girl from a chaotic family. No, today is quiet. Quiet in the rooms of this house. Quiet in my spirit.
Questions have ceased. Fears have been silenced. Pride has been delt with. Today my spirit is nourished by Jesus. I am learning that in silence He calms, in quiet He leads, and in stillness He heals. Though I fight for busyness and voice my mind all to quickly, I desire such a placid place. Today my God brings rest for my spirit.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God..."
Today I pray for the "unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit"(1Peter 3:4) to be found in me. When the whirlpool of my mind begins to churn I will vow to find the stillness. I will find Jesus. It really is as simple as this: He is all I need.
Still, let me be still
Let me be okay with the quiet in my heart
Still, I want to be still
I'm so quick to move, instead of listening to you
Shut my mouth
Crush my pride
Give me the tears of a broken life
Still
Heather Dowling at 12:30 PM
Sunday, May 14, 2006
If you've ever hoped, dreamed, or desired for something earnestly...you should read this.
What a great gift on what a great day.
Happy Mother's Day.
Heather Dowling at 7:50 PM
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Riley
In one year she went from jet black hair and little eyes to an over-sized toe-head demanding everyone's attention. On Wednesday May 10 our niece, Riley, turned 1. I remember the day she was born and I waited patiently nearby to watch her every move. I remember thoughts of excitment and wonder clouding my head with ideas of what my own experience might be like. She stole my heart that day. The day I became a bonafide aunt. Although we're still wondering what our own experience will be like, we're wrapped up in all the cuteness this little one has to offer.With bright blond hair and big blue eyes, she's a heartbreaker, especially for her aunt Heather. The fact that she is one dumbfounds me still. I don't remember babies growing this fast when I was younger.
Today the family will celebrate this gift to our family. Today is another day where I'm reminded how much we need a digital camera. We're off to watch the smiles, the loud laughter and entertainment, and the precious kisses and hugs of our little Riley Janelle Cole.
Happy Birthday Baby.
Heather Dowling at 9:09 AM
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Eye-opening
I'm not sure why I'm a little surprised, but after three days of incredible ministry, my very faith is being tested. The Word was incredible, the men were God-fearing and wise, the worship was powerful. A great time was had by all. The more I learn the more I see I need to learn more. I've got a lot of digging to do, but I'm very appreciative of the new light that has been shed on many situations in my small world.I enjoy making dinner and dessert for my husband. Something about spending time in this little white kitchen taking a little of this and a little of that and making a great meal is very rewarding, especially when your husband praises you. He does a great job at that. The "nice" glasses and dishes were out tonight. It's fun to dress it up every now and then. It is days like today that make me feel like a wife, a woman, and someone very appreciated. I love being married.
It has been an eye-opening few days. For sure. Thank you, Jesus.
Heather Dowling at 8:33 PM
Monday, May 08, 2006
Clean house, bags packed, chocolate-chip walnut bananna bread delivered to a friend who has had it rough, presents wrapped for niece's birthday, baby gift put together for a friend's new arrival... I think I might have things caught up! (for a few days anyhow)R.Jay and I are off to Utica, NY for a few days. MFI (Ministers Fellowship International) has an annual conference at Mt. Zion (church in Utica) and R.Jay and I get to attend this year! Along with some fun friends.
Now the only worry I have on my mind... did I pack everything? How is that after hundreds of trips, planned and un-planned, we always seem to ask oursevles "did we get everything?" Sure enough your toothbrush or favorite t-shirt gets left behind. I checked, re-checked, and double checked (something many tease me of in my OCD perfectionism) and I think we're good!
Have a fun week.
Heather Dowling at 11:26 AM
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Things I don't understand:
- How I can possibly still have such a full schedule since I've quit my job. Unbelievable.- Migranes: I battled one throughout the night and into the morning today.
- How God could still love me... despite my sinful nature.
- How a foolish 15 year old kid can have a baby, but we can't.
- How my husband is so careful with words and I have the tendancy to speak whatever is on my mind.
- That my house gets messy right after I clean it. There is just two of us!
- How much I miss the way things were.
- How much my husband loves me, even when I'm grumpy.
- How a song can change my very mood.
- The will of God.
- How it took me 5 days before I had a new post up on here. Oh that's right... I do understand this one. See #1.
I've added some new pictures. Nothing new, most of the wedding. (Someday I will have the wedding pictures all posted)!
Heather Dowling at 2:45 PM
Monday, May 01, 2006
I'll copy an idea from two other friends. I enjoy the fun and interesting ways we inform others of the wonderful tid bits of our lives. The tid bits that would, in normal banter, probably never be shared. I'm glad we share such things here. Here it goes...1... year of marriage and going strong
2... bridal showers that I'm attending (just this month)
3... days last week my husband worked over-over time. I miss him.
4... seats at our dining room table. I wish the other two were occupied much more often. That's an invitation to any!
5... times have I ever actually bought eggs in a grocery store since being married. R.Jay's father buys them in bulk, at a fantastic price, and hands them out to friends and family on a weekly basis. Nice.
6... months since my family moved from New York to North Carolina. Strange.
7... rooms make up this little house. "Love grows best in little houses".
8... days into August will be my 22nd birthday. Chris Rice is in Darien Lake that very same day. I really want to be there.
9... PM will bring my favorite television show, 24.
10... times already this morning I have wondered why I am not pregnant. I think I need to gain some control over that.
Heather Dowling at 11:05 AM