the next generation isn't even 5 minutes away

today was set to be a busy day. church, followed by two meetings and sarah co-leading a group of 9th grade girls meant we wouldn't really get to spend any time together until... well, whenever i'm done with this post and she's done putting isaac to bed. and it's 8:35pm now, so we've been on the go since this morning!
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i've always been amazed at some of the bible stories from the old testament. it seems that God did some AMAZING things, and yet the next generation didn't know Him. moses had led the israelites out of egypt after some horrendous plagues, and then they crossed the red sea on dry land... crazy, right? yet they still doubted him, and generations soon after those who witnessed these things didn't even know Him! in fact, those that had been led out of egypt in such an incredible fashion forgot and grumbled against God! how could they have done that?! it amazes me! yet...
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my morning started with an hour-or-so of prayer and devotion in from God's word and "my utmost for his highest" by oswald chambers. i learned a lot, and got to pray specifically for many people i touch at least weekly, some more often. i even had a chance to sit in silence and listen for God's still, small voice.
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around 7:30am, the girls were making noise upstairs, so i went to bring them down so they would let sarah and isaac sleep a little longer. things spiraled out of control, and i lost it. i got selfish and cared more about their feelings toward me than i did in loving them and correcting them. i rambled and lectured and got angry and self-righteous. i didn't teach them a thing other than "daddy has some issues". not even 5 minutes before, i had been spiritually ready to tackle another day.
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why am i surprised at those old testament stories? beats me! it only took me 5 minutes to forget God and lose my cool.
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i did turn things around, and it ended up being a good day over all. i think the highlight of my day was a good conversation sarah and i had over breakfast and catching up with the dishes regarding salvation. i won't go into details now as i'm still formulating my opion(s), but it was nice bonding with her in this way. it's been a while since we've had a deep, challenging conversation like this one.
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favorite bible verse read today: "now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! amen." (ephesians3:20-21)
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i only took one picture today of a "cross" the girls constructed in the front yard yesterday while playing in the snow. since i'm too lazy to go get the cord for the camera right now, you'll have to see that one some other time. for now, here's a link to the "song of the day", which has literally been stuck in my head for at least 12 hours straight. it's the theme of my morning rebellion from God, and it's my prayer of reconciliation to Him. i hope you enjoy... http://youtu.be/tk_3WNdG5cA