Parker, our 4 year old declared loudly last night….”Can I sleep in my bellybutton.?”

Let’s be honest.  Half the time, we have no idea what Parker is talking about. Vince and I just looked at each other, and said, “What?”

Parker: “You know.  Like Bubba does.  Sleep in my bellybutton.”

“Oh….I get it!” I said, cracking up.  “You mean sleep without a shirt on?  Like instead of sleeping IN your PJs, you want to sleep IN your bellybutton.”

Parker: “Yes, dat’s right Mama.  Well, can I?”

After we finally stopped laughing, I said, “Well, Bud, it’s REALLY cold out tonight.  Are you gonna get cold with no shirt on?”

Parker:  “No way Mama.  I’m a big boy.  I can do it just like Bubba.”

After all, we all know that big kids sleep in their bellybuttons, and by golly, Parker was going to do it too.  PJ tops are for amateurs. Babies.  He was not going to be moved.

I have been reading the book of James this week, and James loves to talk about being “steadfast”.  I feel like that word is one that I’ve always heard in church.  Be steadfast.  But, I really had no idea what it meant until this morning.  Thank you google.  It literally means, FIXED IN PLACE.  Similar to Parker sleeping’ in his bellybutton – he was steadfast.  Fixed in place.  He was not wavering.  Not moving.

Read James 1:2-4 with me:

Consider it all joy my brothers when you face trials of various kinds for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness (steadiness, dependable-ness, reliable-ness, solid-ness, loyalty, faithfulness).  And let steadfastness have it’s FULL effect, that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing. 

First, let’s take note that this verse says WHEN we face trials.  Not if.  We are promised trials.  And, let’s be honest…that is not awesome. But, with God there is always a kick back. A resolution.  A hope.  He says these trials produce things in our heart that we desperately need to become complete people.

What trail are you facing?

One of my trials this year has been health related.  It’s actually been awful if I’m honest.  I’m having surgery next week to hopefully fix the issue.  And, this is a TRIAL for me.  It’s really hard to consider it joy.  This surgery will make me unable to have any more kids. And, if you guys know my heart, that’s hard to grasp for me.  But, you know what God is producing in me through this?  He is producing steadfastness.

Psalms 16:8 “I will keep my eyes always on the Lord.  With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  (I will not be moved, I will not be upended, I will stand firm).

When my eyes are on him.  Looking at his face.  His love for me.  His father’s heart for my family.  His protection.  His plan.  I will not be moved .  Let me repeat.  I WILL NOT BE MOVED.  He has a plan for my family.  He loves me.  He loves you.  He has a plan for your trial.  He has a plan greater than mine and yours.  His dreams for my family are greater than mine. His dreams for your family are greater than yours.

I am growing in that trust.  The trust that “He is with me always, even to the end of the age.”

I am growing in the fact that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”

I am growing in the fact that “He never leaves or forsakes us.”

I am growing in steadfastness.

I will not be moved.

And, I will not sleep in my bellybutton.