Samuel's middle name means perseverance. He was born with a natural tenacity but we have encouraged perseverance by reminding him the meaning of his name when he wants to quit. I've heard him say to himself when he is struggling to conquer something, "Samuel 'I can't quit' Balty." His tenacity has frustrated me at times but I desire perseverance to be a character trait that all my children possess.
One of our favorite Praise and Worship groups is Selah. The African songs on their project are the only songs my kids can sing in Congolese. It was a great privilege to worship with them last evening in God's outdoor cathedral with blue skies, painted by God Himself. One of our favorite parts of the concert was when a couple of men from the Congo came forward and sang, impromptu, Selah's African songs with them. What a delight to see them sing...and (gasp) move, dare I say dance to "their" music!
Many of Selah's songs speak to me personally, but one of my favorites is "Press On." Philippians 3: 13-14, "But this one thing I do, forgetting those things that are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
In short, don't give up!
Many of my readers, I know, are mothers; I can understand their exhaustion and some days, exasperation. Like you, my energy runs low when my boys' runs high and I wonder how I can train them to be Godly men in such an ungodly society. Some of my readers have physical challenges and the future looks grim. I have friends who suffer with infertility and each month is another reminder of what might not be.
Depression grips your soul and loneliness hovers even in a crowd.
I don't know what you are facing today but I want to leave you with these lyrics written by Dan Burgess and performed by Selah.
"Press On"
When the valley is deep
When the mountain is steep
When the body is weary
When we stumble and fall
When the choices are hard
When we're battered and scarred
When we've spent our resources
When we've given our all
Chorus:
In Jesus' name, we press on
In Jesus' name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on
So, although my middle name does not mean perseverance, I am encouraged to face today with my eyes fixed on heaven and say, "My name is Amy 'I will not quit' Balty." Sisters, Press On!
P.S. Since Yahoo's confirmation that they are indeed changing their blog site, I have been occasionally bringing some of my old blogs over here. Since the opening song on my site right now is the chorus to Press On by Selah, I thought this might be a good time to use this one again.
One of our favorite Praise and Worship groups is Selah. The African songs on their project are the only songs my kids can sing in Congolese. It was a great privilege to worship with them last evening in God's outdoor cathedral with blue skies, painted by God Himself. One of our favorite parts of the concert was when a couple of men from the Congo came forward and sang, impromptu, Selah's African songs with them. What a delight to see them sing...and (gasp) move, dare I say dance to "their" music!
Many of Selah's songs speak to me personally, but one of my favorites is "Press On." Philippians 3: 13-14, "But this one thing I do, forgetting those things that are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
In short, don't give up!
Many of my readers, I know, are mothers; I can understand their exhaustion and some days, exasperation. Like you, my energy runs low when my boys' runs high and I wonder how I can train them to be Godly men in such an ungodly society. Some of my readers have physical challenges and the future looks grim. I have friends who suffer with infertility and each month is another reminder of what might not be.
Depression grips your soul and loneliness hovers even in a crowd.
I don't know what you are facing today but I want to leave you with these lyrics written by Dan Burgess and performed by Selah.
"Press On"
When the valley is deep
When the mountain is steep
When the body is weary
When we stumble and fall
When the choices are hard
When we're battered and scarred
When we've spent our resources
When we've given our all
Chorus:
In Jesus' name, we press on
In Jesus' name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on
So, although my middle name does not mean perseverance, I am encouraged to face today with my eyes fixed on heaven and say, "My name is Amy 'I will not quit' Balty." Sisters, Press On!
P.S. Since Yahoo's confirmation that they are indeed changing their blog site, I have been occasionally bringing some of my old blogs over here. Since the opening song on my site right now is the chorus to Press On by Selah, I thought this might be a good time to use this one again.
Comments
Selah is also one of my favorite groups. Press On has helped me through many a trial...encouraging me to do just that...Press on!! Their music is so uplifting.
Lisa
Charlene