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Thursday, October 22, 2009

I am Totally Loaded

I don't usually boast and brag about how rich I am, I just don't think it is classy. But it seems that lately, the balance on our checking account has dictated my attitude. Not to divulge too much personal information, but just to give you an idea- both account balance and attitude have been negative.

My handsome, smart and abundantly optimistic husband has gently reminded me on several occasions, over the past few months, to enjoy this season of want. "One day, Tyne, we will look back on this time, where we were totally broke and living with my parents, and we will laugh."

Unsatisfied with his response and wholly unsatisfied with our current situation, the Lord has directed me to a familiar place in His Word to reflect on my riches.

Look out, Joneses. There will be a lot of keeping up to do with the White Family, let the boasting begin.

The wealthiest American would gladly trade his entire portfolio for the storehouse of earthly treasures that I have-

A marriage that is full of joy, honesty, love and respect. A husband that adores me and serves me and finds me attractive even when I am occasionally in pajamas to greet him after a long day of work. This is a beautiful the glimpse of Jesus' love and sacrifice for us even when we are full of sin and filth.

A quiver full of children, that delight me with their antics and challenge me with their squabbling.

The freckles that paint Avery's face are a daily treat to my heart, her wit mirrors the brilliance of her heavenly Father.

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The robust energy that pours from my son, a tender warrior, who is ferocious with a sword toward a tree, and gentle in his snuggles and hugs toward Reece. What a reminder of the power and tenderness that the Lord uses to pursue us.

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One look at Audrey's lashes and full cheeks will make you forget your woes, her toddler language is marvelously unrefined. She is tenacious and sweet, independent and the first to offer a hearty embrace.

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Reece, melt a mama's heart. When her tiny hands brush my cheek or relentlessly pull my hair, I am rich indeed. Her two new teeth and army crawl tease me that soon she will be 1, then 2, then 3, then 4, and the Lord will make her into an awesome woman after His heart.

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My extended family is one of my richest earthly blessings. Besides being completely generous and gracious to have us in their home, my mother-in-law will work a 12 hour day, come home, and this is how you will find her-

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My aunt will pick up the phone and lovingly inquire about Reece and make sure that the doctors are tending to every detail (side note for those of you keeping up, we won't have her test results back until the middle of November).

My mom will call and reveal a surprise treat for me and my Sister-in-law, Beth (sorry Bethers, no details for you, Birthday girl!).

My dad will pray every morning at 4 am for our family, for every one of us, lifting up prayers to the Father of Lights, the Great Physician, the Loving Savior.

I am totally loaded, and that is just a glimpse of my earthly wealth. Imagine my delight when I revisit a familiar book and see the riches of spiritual blessings that have been poured out on me.

I guess I had new eyes to see the numerous times that the book of Ephesians says the word "rich," or some variation of the word. When you are monetarily poor, you tend to see words like that.

God is rich, and in turn, He pours out His riches on us. I love the abundance that is freely poured out on us, His children, through the Lord's generosity...

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." Eph 1:3

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us in all wisdom and insight." Eph 1:7-8

"also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will," Eph 1:11

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" Eph 1:18

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)" Eph 2:4

This is just skimming the surface, a quick glance at the vast spiritual wealth that the Lord has for us, who FREELY RECEIVE His gifts of grace through Jesus.

I am totally loaded. And I so desire you to know the riches that you can have in Christ, that are yours for the taking. Please email me if you have questions on how you can receive the blessings of God through Christ~ tynerbock[at]gmail[dot]com.

13 comments:

Katie W said...

I can't tell you how encouraging this post was to me, Tyne. It has been a very difficult few months for our family, but I have just been telling myself over and over that God knows exactly what He's doing, and He wouldn't give such seemingly insurmountable challenges to us for no reason. Your post just reminds me about all the blessings that I have to be grateful for.

Katie W said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
SavannahsSmiles said...

Tyne,
I so needed this word of encouragment today-to really grasp how rich I am in the Lord-the inheritance, blessings, and mercy that are mine simply b/c I am a child of God. We have faced some of the most challenging moments of our lives lately and I have become so easily discouraged. Thanks so much for reminding me to praise God for my richness! Love you and your family.

Jenny Smucker said...

So good to get caught up on your blog! You're always encouraging, and your kiddos are always adorable. Thanks for sharing!

A Musing Mother said...

...and earthly riches come and go. They are completely temporary.

Although I still like having them.

Mrs Montoya said...

Um, for someone who was going to give up blogging your words are awfully powerful. God Bless you Tyne for sharing your humility and truly charming perspective. You inspire me beautiful girl. Pajamas and all :)

Unknown said...

Beautiful. You are SO RICH Tyne! I got chills reading this and seeing your gorgeous family. Thank you for such a beautiful post.

Patois42 said...

Oh, that is lovely, lovely, lovely. And totally rich.

Jen said...

Thanks Tyne! I needed that:)

Erica said...

Thank you for that, Tyne! What a much-needed reminder for those of us sharing in the raising-small-children-on-an-even-smaller-budget phase of life! :) We've been studying Ephesians in our women's Bible study, and I too was amazed at the RICHES we have in Christ! And on top of all that, He gives us such beautiful blessings here on earth. Praise Him!

Mrs Montoya said...

Hi friend. I have an award for you. Please stop by and pick it up.

Shabby Chica said...

unrealized eschatology. we are freakin' broke but Rich. righteous, but not fully...yet. Romans 8 groaning... in us. Tyne, you are royally gifted in using the what you have in your hands to speak of Him... Father, thank You for Your royalty and the Son You sent into our Poverty... we still need, both, Lord.

Angel2 said...

Tyne, ugh, I needed this! This is SO WISE! Hubby and I were just praying last night about how we are in a season of spiritual dryness and exhaustion. We keep coming and coming to God to fill us up and it seems to last but a second before we need a refill. It's good to have to depend. We are just "poor" as you are, yet so rich in all that matters.

This gave me inspiration to keep a journal dedicated to each of my kids to write notes to them. Loving on them and praising them, showing their accomplishments that I could give to them when they are older. I think this would help to shift my focus in a positive direction!

Ugh, thank you!
Angel2
(I'm Adrianne's friend. I met you at Hawaiian Falls. She pointed me to your blog and said it was awesome.)