Contemplations of a Mommy "Monk"

Jesus took his inner circle (James, John and Peter) up to the mountain, but they had no idea what they were about to experience up there. Before their eyes, the human form of God was transformed into all of His glory - blinding radiance shone and they were in complete awe (Matthew 17:1-5). Jesus was joined by Moses and Elijah in this most amazing mountaintop experience. The disciples were swept away by the experience of God's glory and the revelation of Jesus' part in Israel's history. They were enlightened and overjoyed by God's presence to the point of assuming this was the peak of Jesus' life. Peter saw Jesus in all His glory and he wanted to stay there in that place forever and he suggested that they build shelters so this glorious moment could last forever. But it was not meant to be. The apex of Jesus' ministry was not on that mount; it was on another mountain altogether - Calvary. He could not conquer sin and death if He remained on the mount of transfig...

30 dirty toes soaked in water for 5 minutes + 1 soapy washcloth = Unlimited spontaneous giggles and spiritual service All I could think about was Jesus’ command in John 13 as I scrubbed my kids’ filthy feet. I wonder if the disciples laughed too? Sometimes I think dying to self and living for Christ sounds so serious and difficult which is why I never imagined that spiritual service might involve FUN. In my present situation, as a mother of young children, dying to self means serving my children with a glad heart. My children’s needs always seem to come right at the moment when I’m tending to my own personal needs. This type of spiritual service tests my selfish nature daily. Dying to self is such a painful process but last night’s foot scrubbing revealed the life that can be found on the other side of death. I’ve been so caught up in the dying part that I forgot about the living part. I’m ready to start enjoying my life as a servant-mother instead of dreading the daily death t...