thanks elisabeth elliot

"Just here is the lesson for me: when Jesus took up his cross, He was saying yes with all his being to the will of the Father. If I am unwilling to say yes in even a very little thing, how shall I accept a more painful thing? What sort of practice does it take for a disciple to learn to follow the Crucified? A friend hurts us, a plan goes awry, an effort fails--small things indeed. But then cancer strikes, a daughter marries unwisely, a business folds, a wife abandons her home and family. The call still comes to us: Take up your cross and come with Me. With You, Lord? Yes, with Me. Will You give me strength and show me the way? That was my promise--is it my custom to break promises? "

Oh I'm tired. And painting is hard work; mixing colours is hard work. Working with 5- and 6-year-olds is HARD work. Reminding them to wash their hands, to keep their hands off each other, to walk, to talk quietly, to share, how to share, how to apologise, and on and on. It's HARD. And it feels like I'm not making any difference.
But that's a lie from Satan and I'm not going to believe it. Instead, Jesus, I believe that You love these kids with everlasting love and that You called me to this job to love these kids. To, in a million small ways, be Your hands and Your feet and Your voice. And You know that I fail daily. But You forgive me and You intercede on my behalf and underneath are the everlasting arms. And You give wisdom and grace. Jesus--I need Your help! I seriously can't do this anymore unless You help me.

this is rad

straight from elisabeth elliot

Sometimes a task we have begun takes on seemingly crushing size, and we wonder what ever gave us the notion that we could accomplish it. There is no way out, no way around it, and yet we cannot contemplate actually carrying it through. The rearing of children or the writing of a book are illustrations that come to mind. Let us recall that the task is a divinely appointed one, and divine aid is therefore to be expected. Expect it! Ask for it, wait for it, believe that God gives it. Offer to Him the job itself, along with your fears and misgivings about it. He will not fail or be discouraged. Let his courage encourage you. The day will come when the task will be finished. Trust Him for it.

"For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded, therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed" (Is 50:7 AV).