This is the blog for Gavin and Carrie Jones and family. We live in Papua New Guinea and are working to see lives transformed by the living Word of God through Bible translation. Gavin is a helicopter pilot. Carrie, who has her degree in Public Health, works in the lab at our busy rural clinic. Our son, Isaac, was born in 2004 and our quintuplets, Will, David, Marcie, Seth, and Grace, were born in 2012.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. The you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. -Proverbs 3:3-6

Saturday, December 8, 2012

On the changing table of life

As I was just changing David following a warm bath and bottle, watching him shivering but still looking at me trustingly I was reminded that in many ways we are on God's changing table. He is changing us and conforming us to the image of Christ, He promises, and we need to trust that even when the wait and the process is uncomfortable (like David feeling cold) the outcome will be for our best! Even when God uses the suction bulb to remove the junk that REALLY needs to go in order for us to be fed, as when the babies have to be suctioned so they can breathe to swallow their milk, it's obviously very unpleasant at the time (the babies do NOT look trustingly at me during that!! They close their eyes and SCREAM!) but the end result makes us so much better. Then we can calmly suck our nourishment and drowsily, peacefully fall asleep in His arms. That's how we grow, just like babies. :) Sleep and eat. Rest in God's care and be nourished by His Word either on our own or in community.

Romans 8:32 and 34 says: "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (2 Peter 1:3 also says He has given us everything we need for life and godliness.) Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was RAISED - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us."

So as I lie on the changing table of life, I KNOW that my Savior, who took the penalty for my sin by his death and who allows me access to the Only God of Creation by his resurrection, continues to intercede/mediate/"pray" for me. I just need to look trustingly at him even when shivering, screaming about a situation I do NOT like, or just feeling insecure. I'm more secure than I can imagine, much more than any baby ever is on any earthly changing table with the most loving of human parents standing right there keeping watch.

May you also see the Father's gracious provision of all you need - including eternal salvation - through His Son, Jesus Christ.

In His grip of grace,
Carrie
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8 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 8, 2012 at 4:01 PM

    Beautiful, Carrie, and it is so true that "in our weakness (insecurities) is His strength (security) allowed to be made perfect."

    Blessings,

    Gail Boemker
    JAARS
    Waxhaw, NC

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 8, 2012 at 6:09 PM

    Funny, how we so easily call Him "Father", but we conveniently forget that that make us CHILDREN! If we would wholly trust our Lord and Father as children, the simple joys of life might take on more meaning. Beautifully put, Carrie, thanks for taking time to post. NKL

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  3. AnonymousDecember 8, 2012 at 8:13 PM

    Carrie, this is a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing this precious story. Debbie Miller

    ReplyDelete
  4. ByNanasHandsDecember 9, 2012 at 5:34 AM

    There are many times in life that we're "shivering" feeling as if we've been left out in the cold. We need to remember that He has "covered" us with the blood of His Son and there is where we'll find our warmth! Beautiful post to wake up to Carrie....

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownDecember 9, 2012 at 8:18 AM

    thought of you and your journey when i read this today:

    http://www.amylsullivan1.com/2012/12/from-over-three-years-to-under-thirty.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jane in TXDecember 9, 2012 at 6:07 PM

      Very encouraging, Kendal! Thanks for directing us to this sweet story. Jane (Quintessential Grandma)

      Delete
  6. KatrinaDecember 9, 2012 at 6:20 PM

    Oh Carrie, this is gorgeous. AND what I love most about it is what a sweet testimony it is to the way God has "changed" and accommodated your quiet times with him during this season of craziness. Since I doubt you've had many leisurely devotions over coffee, He is faithfully meeting you there at the changing table to call these Scriptures to mind and reassure you that He has you firmly in His grip. Love you girl . . . counting the days till I see you and those babes.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jane NelsonDecember 10, 2012 at 11:06 AM

    Thank you for this. I needed this reminder at this time in my life. :)

    ReplyDelete

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Gavin, Carrie, Isaac, Will, David, Marcie, Seth, & Grace Jones

Gavin, Carrie, Isaac, Will, David, Marcie, Seth, & Grace Jones

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