I feel the air of change blowing all around me. Not bad changes, but significant changes and I really don't handle change well at all.
Maybe it has something to do with my son finishing preschool today, which means only 2 and a half months until he is officially in kindergarten, taking him away from me for 5 days a week. No more playgroups, no more play dates, no more random excursions during the day time, no more lunches with both my little ones. Real school brings about more responsibility, more activities, less free play time, and most of all less simplicity. I have adored, cherished and reveled in simple little childhood days of nothing but play with my first born. I remember hearing about mothers who cried when their children went to kindergarten, and I thought that was silly. I've cried several times about his graduating preschool...who's the silly one now?! I am not ready, and don't think I ever will be ready for these precious carefree days to end. Yes I still have my second born, my 2 and half year old princess that I get to do these things with, but those days with my first born are over. Yes we plan to expand our family at some point by one more precious little one, but those little days with my first born are over. Yes I still have summers, winter break and spring break with him, but he is going to be thrust into a world where I am not in control, and cannot see what he is doing or what's happening to him. Am I the only mother who has ever felt this way? Well perhaps not, but that doesn't make it any easier.
Then there is the tiny little matter of us putting our house on the market this summer. We've never sold a home and the last and only time we've moved was from our one bedroom apartment into this house when I found out I was pregnant with that aforementioned first born child back in July 2004, nearly 6 years ago. Basically all our married life and definitely all our children's lives have been here in this small but cozy home. A home filled with memories and priceless moments I will never forget.
Another little change is it seems a lot of my friends lives are taking on new aspects, making them busier and less available. I've so very much enjoyed these regular random visits with my friends and our children over the past 6 years. I take for granted that I get to see my best friends many times throughout the week. It's such a blessing and one for which I will always be thankful. God has brought such amazing friends into my life over these years and I feel somehow that I won't see them as often now that everyone's lives are getting busier. I don't want to lose touch. I want to remain close with these people that mean so much to me. I don't like such hectic schedules. It doesn't leave time for quality in relationships. I treasure quality and depth in relationships. I fear all these changes will change my relationships that I've worked hard to maintain and build and not having siblings has made these friendships all the more special to me.
I feel Jon's job is going to change...for the better this time (Praise the Lord) but with that kind of change means change for our family. Hopefully this will be a great change and he will get better hours so he will be with us more often and then maybe I won't feel so frightened by all this change!
So if I seem a little down, or emotional, or far away, it's nothing personal, I'm just dealing with change and I don't handle change very well! I know in a year I'll look back and realize we have settled into a new routine of life and new chapter in life and it will be good, maybe even better than this chapter has been. Yes I will hold to that thought, that I will look back and see that all these changes were for the good and the new routines we are about to build will be even better than the first routines our family developed! Change...maybe it's not such a wretched thing after all?!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Learning to ask What not Why
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
God has been doing some amazing work in my life lately. I am definitely in the middle of one of those amazing times during your walk with the Lord where you can just feel Him, sense Him working and hear Him speaking to your soul in so many ways. My friend and I are leading a womens' Bible study Thursday evenings and the book we are studying couldn't have come at a better time for me personally. I have been brought to tears while preparing study materials more than once, and I am not one who cries easily. The way God spoke to me today sent chills and warmth through my body at the same time. One of our studies coming up will be on dealing with loss and asking God "Why". Last year me and my family went through some major loss in several different areas of life and let me tell you, "Why" was all I asked, almost with every breath I took. I went through a roller coaster of emotions, shock, anger, sadness, despair, hope, thankfulness, and then back to shock. Now I am in the healing period of my life. I can feel God healing the deep wounds the loss left me with and this study was exactly what I needed. There was a section the book we are reading "Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl" that says this..."Trying to come to grips with the fact that God could have prevented my deep grief but didn't is a bit like trying to catch the wind and turn it into something visible. It's an answer we could chase our whole lives and never get. And sometimes this chase simply wears people out. They turn and walk away, whispering,'I tried, God, but You didn't work for me. You hurt my feelings and I dont' want anything to do with you anymore.'...It's understandable really. We are told from an early age that God can do anything and we've read stories about Jesus helping people. But how do we process such beliefs in the face of loss? Whether the loss of an opportunity, the loss of a relationship, the loss of ones health, or the loss of a loved one, the loss of any kind hurts. We too often ask the wrong questions: Why did this happen? Why didn't you stop this God? Why were my prayers not answered? Why? Asking why is perfectly normal. Asking why isn't unspiritual. However if asking this question pushes us farther from God rather than drawing us closer to Him, it is the wrong question...We can't see the full scope of the situation like God can; therefore we must acknowledge that his thoughts are more complete and that he is more capable of accurately discerning what is best in every circumstance. if asking the why question doesn't offer hope, what will? The "what " question. In other words: Now that this has happened what am I supposed to do with it?"
As I was reading this I remembered that Jonathan, my husband, had a note card with something written his mother had written on it that was to this effect and by some miracle (God!) I knew exactly where that note card was! See Jon's mom passed away very suddenly last June. She was only 59 and this sudden loss turned our families world upside down. I was very close to my mother in law and she was a wonderful Godly woman with years worth of Godly Biblical wisdom that she shared with anyone who was in need. I have missed those long conversations about God and His Word. I quickly found the note card with her handwritten words and this is what it read
"We ask God many questions. The right one is "What do you want, God?" "What does God want for this area?" "Don't focus on circumstances, focus on God, what does he want?" I sit here with tears of joy as I write these words. God is still using my mother in law! She may have written this for herself at some point but I know God meant this for me, right here, right now on March 22, 2010, at a time when I would need it most! It's amazing how I am here dealing with losing her, being healed inwardly by the Lord, and yet he still uses the one I am asking "Why" about to help heal my soul! If that doesn't give you "Godbumps" I dont' know what will!
God has been doing some amazing work in my life lately. I am definitely in the middle of one of those amazing times during your walk with the Lord where you can just feel Him, sense Him working and hear Him speaking to your soul in so many ways. My friend and I are leading a womens' Bible study Thursday evenings and the book we are studying couldn't have come at a better time for me personally. I have been brought to tears while preparing study materials more than once, and I am not one who cries easily. The way God spoke to me today sent chills and warmth through my body at the same time. One of our studies coming up will be on dealing with loss and asking God "Why". Last year me and my family went through some major loss in several different areas of life and let me tell you, "Why" was all I asked, almost with every breath I took. I went through a roller coaster of emotions, shock, anger, sadness, despair, hope, thankfulness, and then back to shock. Now I am in the healing period of my life. I can feel God healing the deep wounds the loss left me with and this study was exactly what I needed. There was a section the book we are reading "Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl" that says this..."Trying to come to grips with the fact that God could have prevented my deep grief but didn't is a bit like trying to catch the wind and turn it into something visible. It's an answer we could chase our whole lives and never get. And sometimes this chase simply wears people out. They turn and walk away, whispering,'I tried, God, but You didn't work for me. You hurt my feelings and I dont' want anything to do with you anymore.'...It's understandable really. We are told from an early age that God can do anything and we've read stories about Jesus helping people. But how do we process such beliefs in the face of loss? Whether the loss of an opportunity, the loss of a relationship, the loss of ones health, or the loss of a loved one, the loss of any kind hurts. We too often ask the wrong questions: Why did this happen? Why didn't you stop this God? Why were my prayers not answered? Why? Asking why is perfectly normal. Asking why isn't unspiritual. However if asking this question pushes us farther from God rather than drawing us closer to Him, it is the wrong question...We can't see the full scope of the situation like God can; therefore we must acknowledge that his thoughts are more complete and that he is more capable of accurately discerning what is best in every circumstance. if asking the why question doesn't offer hope, what will? The "what " question. In other words: Now that this has happened what am I supposed to do with it?"
As I was reading this I remembered that Jonathan, my husband, had a note card with something written his mother had written on it that was to this effect and by some miracle (God!) I knew exactly where that note card was! See Jon's mom passed away very suddenly last June. She was only 59 and this sudden loss turned our families world upside down. I was very close to my mother in law and she was a wonderful Godly woman with years worth of Godly Biblical wisdom that she shared with anyone who was in need. I have missed those long conversations about God and His Word. I quickly found the note card with her handwritten words and this is what it read
"We ask God many questions. The right one is "What do you want, God?" "What does God want for this area?" "Don't focus on circumstances, focus on God, what does he want?" I sit here with tears of joy as I write these words. God is still using my mother in law! She may have written this for herself at some point but I know God meant this for me, right here, right now on March 22, 2010, at a time when I would need it most! It's amazing how I am here dealing with losing her, being healed inwardly by the Lord, and yet he still uses the one I am asking "Why" about to help heal my soul! If that doesn't give you "Godbumps" I dont' know what will!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
He Goes Before Me
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
Once again as I was preparing for this weeks Bible study God touched my heart deeply. Not thirty minutes had passed since I had been talking to a friend on the phone and one of the topics we discussed was what to do about our children's schooling this upcoming fall. My son, my sweet first born, is headed to kindergarten this fall and I have been in turmoil about where to send him. I know my preferable choice would be the local Christian school a few minutes down the road, but at this present time we don't have the monthly allowance in our budget for tuition. So I have been left with public school or homeschooling. (Unless God chooses to do a financial miracle and make it possible for him to attend that Christian school) I get quite nervous and concerned about the size of the classes at the public school, along with what my son may be exposed to and what kind of teacher he might get. I would so prefer him to go to a school where what we believe and teach here at home is backed up at school and where the class size is much smaller. I have never really felt like homeschooling is my true calling in life, but I have been fearing public school so much that I have made that an option for our family. After talking with my friend (who I hope reads this and understands how completely encouraging she has been through this school situation and I am extremely grateful for her words of advice) I realized that God can and WILL take care of my child no matter where he is, as long as we are following His plan for our family. Then as I sat down to do some Bible Study I found this verse and it was as if God were speaking directly to my soul..."Because the Lord himself goes before me, my family and my son, and will be with us He will never leave us or forsake us. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
God has already gone before us and has taken care of the school situation. I do not have to be afraid I do not have to be discouraged that perhaps my son may have to go to public school for kindergarten. We will take it day by day and if God decides to make a way for our children to attend a Christian school he will clearly provide the means to do so. No matter what, He, our faithful loving Father, has already gone ahead of us and worked things out! Is there something in your life that you are afraid of? God is going before you, working it out! Trust him, don't be afraid or discouraged, our God is faithful to do what He promises!
Once again as I was preparing for this weeks Bible study God touched my heart deeply. Not thirty minutes had passed since I had been talking to a friend on the phone and one of the topics we discussed was what to do about our children's schooling this upcoming fall. My son, my sweet first born, is headed to kindergarten this fall and I have been in turmoil about where to send him. I know my preferable choice would be the local Christian school a few minutes down the road, but at this present time we don't have the monthly allowance in our budget for tuition. So I have been left with public school or homeschooling. (Unless God chooses to do a financial miracle and make it possible for him to attend that Christian school) I get quite nervous and concerned about the size of the classes at the public school, along with what my son may be exposed to and what kind of teacher he might get. I would so prefer him to go to a school where what we believe and teach here at home is backed up at school and where the class size is much smaller. I have never really felt like homeschooling is my true calling in life, but I have been fearing public school so much that I have made that an option for our family. After talking with my friend (who I hope reads this and understands how completely encouraging she has been through this school situation and I am extremely grateful for her words of advice) I realized that God can and WILL take care of my child no matter where he is, as long as we are following His plan for our family. Then as I sat down to do some Bible Study I found this verse and it was as if God were speaking directly to my soul..."Because the Lord himself goes before me, my family and my son, and will be with us He will never leave us or forsake us. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
God has already gone before us and has taken care of the school situation. I do not have to be afraid I do not have to be discouraged that perhaps my son may have to go to public school for kindergarten. We will take it day by day and if God decides to make a way for our children to attend a Christian school he will clearly provide the means to do so. No matter what, He, our faithful loving Father, has already gone ahead of us and worked things out! Is there something in your life that you are afraid of? God is going before you, working it out! Trust him, don't be afraid or discouraged, our God is faithful to do what He promises!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Making Motives Matter
"I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously." 1 Chronicles 29:17
As I was preparing for Bible study this week I came across this verse in First Chronicles. It sent chills down my spine because I was looking for a different verse, dealing with this same thing and yet God led me to this passage! I love "God moments"! During this Bible study we are going through the book called "Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl" by Lysa Terkuerst. So what does a "Good Bible Study Girl" look like? She is someone who reads her Bible daily, gives generously to others, is kind, compassionate, caring, friendly, volunteering her time and energy to the church or good causes, etc and so forth. All of these things are an outward show of right and good things. Here is the key to becoming more than just a good bible study girl...MAKING MOTIVES MATTER! God doesn't care about what we do outwardly, he cares about the motives behind those actions. Are you kind and friendly and giving and volunteering here and there out of you love for God and other people, or because you feel obligated or "it's the good thing to do" or to win praise from people? So many times I have found myself being the "Good Bible Study Girl", doing this and that, running here and there, all in the name of doing what is good and right, while inside I'm less than thrilled because I'm tired or have taken on too much. God wants us to focus on a few things and do them well and completely out of our love for him and other people, not taking on every good thing that comes our way because we feel that is what a good Christian does. Make your motives matter, weigh them out and see if they are pure. As this verse tells us, God rejoices when he finds a heart filled with integrity and pure motives!
As I was preparing for Bible study this week I came across this verse in First Chronicles. It sent chills down my spine because I was looking for a different verse, dealing with this same thing and yet God led me to this passage! I love "God moments"! During this Bible study we are going through the book called "Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl" by Lysa Terkuerst. So what does a "Good Bible Study Girl" look like? She is someone who reads her Bible daily, gives generously to others, is kind, compassionate, caring, friendly, volunteering her time and energy to the church or good causes, etc and so forth. All of these things are an outward show of right and good things. Here is the key to becoming more than just a good bible study girl...MAKING MOTIVES MATTER! God doesn't care about what we do outwardly, he cares about the motives behind those actions. Are you kind and friendly and giving and volunteering here and there out of you love for God and other people, or because you feel obligated or "it's the good thing to do" or to win praise from people? So many times I have found myself being the "Good Bible Study Girl", doing this and that, running here and there, all in the name of doing what is good and right, while inside I'm less than thrilled because I'm tired or have taken on too much. God wants us to focus on a few things and do them well and completely out of our love for him and other people, not taking on every good thing that comes our way because we feel that is what a good Christian does. Make your motives matter, weigh them out and see if they are pure. As this verse tells us, God rejoices when he finds a heart filled with integrity and pure motives!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up you are still with me!... Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." Psalm 139:17, 18 & 23
My thoughts have been very anxious lately. I won't go into why because that is not what is important. I just know that I have felt very on edge and anxious for a few weeks now. I know that one of biggest struggles I face daily is worry and being anxious about things that could happen...the what if's of life. I sat down tonight to do a devotion, and came across this passage of Scripture. It brought me comfort and helped ease my worried mind. The God who created this universe thinks about me, little-old-worried- until-I-get-headaches-and-so-anxious-at-times-that-I-can't-sleep, me! WOW! And his word says that his thoughts about me are precious and can't be numbered! When I sit back and really think about that it blows me away. I have a God who loves me and never forgets about me, how could He when he's thinking so many precious thoughts about me:) All my days, all my comings and goings he knows about and he sees to the inner core of me and knows all my ins and outs, ups and downs. Again, WOW! Sometimes when I get "caught up in the moment" of stress and worries, I definitely forget that God is right there with me through it all, that he hasn't slacked on taking care of things or that this situation has slipped under his radar. He's working in it all, working out the best solution that fits the person I am, the woman He created me to be!
I invite you to take a moment and just revel in God's precious thoughts about you. They outnumber any worries and anxieties you might have. While doing so turn any and every anxious thought over to Him and let Him fill you with His amazing peace!
Thank you God for thinking about me so often and in such a loving amazing incomprehensible way!
My thoughts have been very anxious lately. I won't go into why because that is not what is important. I just know that I have felt very on edge and anxious for a few weeks now. I know that one of biggest struggles I face daily is worry and being anxious about things that could happen...the what if's of life. I sat down tonight to do a devotion, and came across this passage of Scripture. It brought me comfort and helped ease my worried mind. The God who created this universe thinks about me, little-old-worried- until-I-get-headaches-and-so-anxious-at-times-that-I-can't-sleep, me! WOW! And his word says that his thoughts about me are precious and can't be numbered! When I sit back and really think about that it blows me away. I have a God who loves me and never forgets about me, how could He when he's thinking so many precious thoughts about me:) All my days, all my comings and goings he knows about and he sees to the inner core of me and knows all my ins and outs, ups and downs. Again, WOW! Sometimes when I get "caught up in the moment" of stress and worries, I definitely forget that God is right there with me through it all, that he hasn't slacked on taking care of things or that this situation has slipped under his radar. He's working in it all, working out the best solution that fits the person I am, the woman He created me to be!
I invite you to take a moment and just revel in God's precious thoughts about you. They outnumber any worries and anxieties you might have. While doing so turn any and every anxious thought over to Him and let Him fill you with His amazing peace!
Thank you God for thinking about me so often and in such a loving amazing incomprehensible way!
Monday, February 15, 2010
As the Deer...
"As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?" Psalm 42:1 & 2
Does my heart really long for the Lord, really thirst for Him? Does my heart eagerly anticipate the moment when I am able to be in His presence? To be honest I think more often than not my heart is in a state of wanting temporal material things. Things that will wear down, grow old and lose my interest after a short period. There are most definitely times, usually after an amazing time of Bible study or praise and worship or after a particularly uplifting or convicting sermon, that I do long desperately to be closer to the Lord, to know Him on a deeper level. Then I come down off my spiritual high when I get in the car or come home to children fighting over a toy, another bill to pay, a sink full of dirty dishes to wash and hampers brimming over with laundry . Suddenly my heart starts longing for a vacation, more money for this or that, time to myself, and a maid to knock on my door to come to my dirty house's rescue. I think that it's really difficult to long for something you have never actually seen or witnessed, (your eternal home in Heaven). We are finite human beings with limited understanding and a sinful nature. We grow weary, we lose our patience, we long for something more. That's just called being human. I believe we are always in a state of wanting more, wanting better because we were created to long for perfection, Christ and our heavenly home. Since we haven't experienced perfection, we long for what we perceive to be "perfect" in our worldly view. In those moments when we are on a "spiritual high" so to speak, our hearts are turned toward the only fulfilling longing we will ever have, and that is to long to be closer to the Lord. Take time each day to "long for God as the deer longs for streams of water." It's the only longing that will bring complete fulfillment because God will never disappoint when someone truly longs to know Him better and grow closer to Him!
Does my heart really long for the Lord, really thirst for Him? Does my heart eagerly anticipate the moment when I am able to be in His presence? To be honest I think more often than not my heart is in a state of wanting temporal material things. Things that will wear down, grow old and lose my interest after a short period. There are most definitely times, usually after an amazing time of Bible study or praise and worship or after a particularly uplifting or convicting sermon, that I do long desperately to be closer to the Lord, to know Him on a deeper level. Then I come down off my spiritual high when I get in the car or come home to children fighting over a toy, another bill to pay, a sink full of dirty dishes to wash and hampers brimming over with laundry . Suddenly my heart starts longing for a vacation, more money for this or that, time to myself, and a maid to knock on my door to come to my dirty house's rescue. I think that it's really difficult to long for something you have never actually seen or witnessed, (your eternal home in Heaven). We are finite human beings with limited understanding and a sinful nature. We grow weary, we lose our patience, we long for something more. That's just called being human. I believe we are always in a state of wanting more, wanting better because we were created to long for perfection, Christ and our heavenly home. Since we haven't experienced perfection, we long for what we perceive to be "perfect" in our worldly view. In those moments when we are on a "spiritual high" so to speak, our hearts are turned toward the only fulfilling longing we will ever have, and that is to long to be closer to the Lord. Take time each day to "long for God as the deer longs for streams of water." It's the only longing that will bring complete fulfillment because God will never disappoint when someone truly longs to know Him better and grow closer to Him!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Planted Firmly or Breaking Under the Pressure?
"But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word." Matthew 13:21
"Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong." Ephesians 3:17
We just had a major winter storm hit our area this past weekend. There were 12+ inches of snow and ice, on top of the foot of snow we had received the weekend before. The type of snow and ice we got was very heavy and clung to the trees, causing many to fall and break under the burden of the precipitation. This caused a major power outage (some are still waiting for power to be restored, going into day #5). We finally dug our way out yesterday and drove into town for some much needed interaction with other people and time out of the house! On our way there we passed so many trees that had fallen and others that were bowing so low they were touching the ground, sure to break soon. This, as many things do, took on a much deeper spiritual meaning for me. What kind of Christian are you? Are you a Christian who will break under the pressures and burdens that life will bring your way or are your "roots" (your faith and relationship with the Lord) firmly planted so that you can weather the storms of life. These trees that fell this weekend didn't just "hurt themselves" their falling caused some major problems for so many people as they were without heat and water and their food spoiled. This also made me realize that when Christians aren't firmly rooted in the Lord they can bring others down with them when they break under the burdens and pressures. When we throw up our hands and break under the pressure we don't just hurt ourselves. There are many ways in which we can bring others down with us. For instance people are watching you, whether you are aware of it or not. They could be anyone from your children, to your spouse and your family and friends. If someone who knows that you are a Christian and maybe they aren't a Christian or are weak in the faith, sees you give up, walk away from your relationship with God, or break under the stresses what kind of example does that set? If your little child is watching mommy or daddy (which they do all the time) and sees them blow up and yell at one another or at someone else, are they seeing an example of Christ? Just food for thought!
So how do we get our roots stronger and deeper in Christ? We must read God's Word regularly, really study it and be involved in a Bible teaching church, surround ourselves with other Christians who can help us grow and be aware of our reactions to things. It takes lots of daily practice to pattern our behaviors after what is pleasing to the Lord. We will fall, but that does not mean we will be broken. The Lord will strengthen us as we keep on keeping on and over time our spiritual roots will deepen and spiritual maturity will come. Your roots won't be mature and deep overnight, that's not what is vital, what is important is that you are truly desiring this maturity and spiritual strengthening in your life and actively pursuing it!
I long for my roots to get stronger so that the storm won't cause me to break!
"Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong." Ephesians 3:17
We just had a major winter storm hit our area this past weekend. There were 12+ inches of snow and ice, on top of the foot of snow we had received the weekend before. The type of snow and ice we got was very heavy and clung to the trees, causing many to fall and break under the burden of the precipitation. This caused a major power outage (some are still waiting for power to be restored, going into day #5). We finally dug our way out yesterday and drove into town for some much needed interaction with other people and time out of the house! On our way there we passed so many trees that had fallen and others that were bowing so low they were touching the ground, sure to break soon. This, as many things do, took on a much deeper spiritual meaning for me. What kind of Christian are you? Are you a Christian who will break under the pressures and burdens that life will bring your way or are your "roots" (your faith and relationship with the Lord) firmly planted so that you can weather the storms of life. These trees that fell this weekend didn't just "hurt themselves" their falling caused some major problems for so many people as they were without heat and water and their food spoiled. This also made me realize that when Christians aren't firmly rooted in the Lord they can bring others down with them when they break under the burdens and pressures. When we throw up our hands and break under the pressure we don't just hurt ourselves. There are many ways in which we can bring others down with us. For instance people are watching you, whether you are aware of it or not. They could be anyone from your children, to your spouse and your family and friends. If someone who knows that you are a Christian and maybe they aren't a Christian or are weak in the faith, sees you give up, walk away from your relationship with God, or break under the stresses what kind of example does that set? If your little child is watching mommy or daddy (which they do all the time) and sees them blow up and yell at one another or at someone else, are they seeing an example of Christ? Just food for thought!
So how do we get our roots stronger and deeper in Christ? We must read God's Word regularly, really study it and be involved in a Bible teaching church, surround ourselves with other Christians who can help us grow and be aware of our reactions to things. It takes lots of daily practice to pattern our behaviors after what is pleasing to the Lord. We will fall, but that does not mean we will be broken. The Lord will strengthen us as we keep on keeping on and over time our spiritual roots will deepen and spiritual maturity will come. Your roots won't be mature and deep overnight, that's not what is vital, what is important is that you are truly desiring this maturity and spiritual strengthening in your life and actively pursuing it!
I long for my roots to get stronger so that the storm won't cause me to break!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Lessons from Ecclesiastes
"What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again." Ecclesiastes 3:15
I think we all go through things in the this life where we feel as if we are the only ones who have ever experienced this situation and that nobody could ever possibly understand what we are going through. We tend the believe that our circumstances are unique to us. The truth is that our circumstance is not new, and someone along the line (more than likely many people along the line) have gone through this same thing. I also think that this is a tool the devil uses to make us isolate ourselves and prevent us from reaching out to others. We think that nobody understands what we are going through so we keep it to ourselves and in turn we are missing out on the blessing and encouragement a friend can bring us. "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble." Ecclesiastes 4:9 & 10 Having people in your life, people that you trust, that you can open up to and share things with is a real blessing in times of hardship. I remember there have been times when I have been dealing with something that I felt nobody would understand so I kept it to myself. Or in some cases, I was embarrassed about whatever it was I was going through and didn't want to admit my struggle so again I kept it to myself. There have been other times though that I have opened up and shared my burdens with some of my dearest trusted friends and let me tell you, the times when I have shared my burden with a friend have been so much easier to go through than when I try to do it alone. I have also found that most likely one of my friends has already gone through something similar and can be such a great source of encouragement and hope for me!
So remember, don't isolate yourself or try to bear burdens alone. God gave us each other so we could help one another when one of us is in need. And remember, you are NOT alone!
I think we all go through things in the this life where we feel as if we are the only ones who have ever experienced this situation and that nobody could ever possibly understand what we are going through. We tend the believe that our circumstances are unique to us. The truth is that our circumstance is not new, and someone along the line (more than likely many people along the line) have gone through this same thing. I also think that this is a tool the devil uses to make us isolate ourselves and prevent us from reaching out to others. We think that nobody understands what we are going through so we keep it to ourselves and in turn we are missing out on the blessing and encouragement a friend can bring us. "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble." Ecclesiastes 4:9 & 10 Having people in your life, people that you trust, that you can open up to and share things with is a real blessing in times of hardship. I remember there have been times when I have been dealing with something that I felt nobody would understand so I kept it to myself. Or in some cases, I was embarrassed about whatever it was I was going through and didn't want to admit my struggle so again I kept it to myself. There have been other times though that I have opened up and shared my burdens with some of my dearest trusted friends and let me tell you, the times when I have shared my burden with a friend have been so much easier to go through than when I try to do it alone. I have also found that most likely one of my friends has already gone through something similar and can be such a great source of encouragement and hope for me!
So remember, don't isolate yourself or try to bear burdens alone. God gave us each other so we could help one another when one of us is in need. And remember, you are NOT alone!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
"For I Know The Plans..."
"'For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope'." Jeremiah 29:11
Kids have such a great way at teaching adults valuable life lessons. One of these lessons my children have taught me is that God always has our best planned out and his ways are ultimately for our best, even when we can't see it at the time. One day when my son was two years old and I was pregnant with our second child, my husband, I and our son were in the car on the way to do something fun for Aden (my son). To be honest I can't remember exactly what it was but I do specifically remember we had planned something fun to do with him on a Saturday afternoon. We did not tell him ahead of time what our plans were because we didn't want him bugging us all day long to go do it. Well while we were in the car Aden starts asking if we can go get some chicken nuggets and french fries. I do remember food was a part of the fun equation, but it wasn't the first thing we were doing. I told my little two year old that we would go get some food but we had something fun planned for him first. This was not acceptable to him because we weren't doing exactly what he wanted when he wanted and because all he could hear was the fact I told him not right now he could not hear me telling him that we had something better for him planned. He threw a royal temper fit. Usually I would have been very upset with him and might have even turned the car around and went right back home but that time I felt the Holy Spirit teaching me a very important lesson. Here I was my son's mother and I had something good planned just for him. Something that he was going to really enjoy and something better than just getting food right at that moment. He being two couldn't see past his own wants and trust me that I had something better planned for him. It was like looking in a spiritual mirror at myself and my relationship with my Heavenly Father. How many countless times have I demanded my own way and wants with the Lord while he is gently and lovingly telling me "No" or "Not Right Now", not because he doesn't want me to have good things and blessings, but because He in his omniscience and omnipotence has something much better planned for me. I acting more like a two year old than a twenty five year old, respond to not getting my way with whining, grumbling, and complaining and can't hear God telling me through all that, that He has something better for me and all I need to do is trust him.
"God today I ask you to help me stop acting like a two year old and learn to trust you when you tell me "No" or "Not Right Now". Help me learn to trust what Jeremiah 29:11 says that your plans are good and you have a wonderful future planned out tailored to the way you made me! Thank you for all your provisions, your continual love and amazing goodness. Amen"
Kids have such a great way at teaching adults valuable life lessons. One of these lessons my children have taught me is that God always has our best planned out and his ways are ultimately for our best, even when we can't see it at the time. One day when my son was two years old and I was pregnant with our second child, my husband, I and our son were in the car on the way to do something fun for Aden (my son). To be honest I can't remember exactly what it was but I do specifically remember we had planned something fun to do with him on a Saturday afternoon. We did not tell him ahead of time what our plans were because we didn't want him bugging us all day long to go do it. Well while we were in the car Aden starts asking if we can go get some chicken nuggets and french fries. I do remember food was a part of the fun equation, but it wasn't the first thing we were doing. I told my little two year old that we would go get some food but we had something fun planned for him first. This was not acceptable to him because we weren't doing exactly what he wanted when he wanted and because all he could hear was the fact I told him not right now he could not hear me telling him that we had something better for him planned. He threw a royal temper fit. Usually I would have been very upset with him and might have even turned the car around and went right back home but that time I felt the Holy Spirit teaching me a very important lesson. Here I was my son's mother and I had something good planned just for him. Something that he was going to really enjoy and something better than just getting food right at that moment. He being two couldn't see past his own wants and trust me that I had something better planned for him. It was like looking in a spiritual mirror at myself and my relationship with my Heavenly Father. How many countless times have I demanded my own way and wants with the Lord while he is gently and lovingly telling me "No" or "Not Right Now", not because he doesn't want me to have good things and blessings, but because He in his omniscience and omnipotence has something much better planned for me. I acting more like a two year old than a twenty five year old, respond to not getting my way with whining, grumbling, and complaining and can't hear God telling me through all that, that He has something better for me and all I need to do is trust him.
"God today I ask you to help me stop acting like a two year old and learn to trust you when you tell me "No" or "Not Right Now". Help me learn to trust what Jeremiah 29:11 says that your plans are good and you have a wonderful future planned out tailored to the way you made me! Thank you for all your provisions, your continual love and amazing goodness. Amen"
Monday, February 1, 2010
The 23rd Psalm
"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me be anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."
Oh how I love this Psalm. I have it memorized in the King James version but thought my NLT translation was easier understood by all. I like to take this verse by verse and really apply it to my life and circumstances, just as all of you can do too!
(vs.1)A shepherd takes care of his flock of sheep and like the parable in the New Testament even if one wanders away he goes to look for it, not to punish it but to make sure it is returned home safely and unharmed. God is our shepherd and because of this we can rest assured that He will take care of us at all times. Even in those moments when we go astray, He lovingly leads us back home. (vs.2) When you picture a green meadow and a peaceful stream what comes to mind? I picture a perfect spring day with endless deep blue skies, a babbling clear stream of water, me relaxing on a blanket in a field that has dark green grass and lots of pretty flowers, a gentle breeze blowing against my face, not a care in the world, just pure peace! It tells us in this verse that God gives us time of true rest. A time to renew our spirits and minds and strength. I think we are just too busy to accept those times when He brings them to us! (vs.3) When we allow Him, he will show us which "paths" to take in life. These paths are ones that are best for us and will bring honor to the Lord. We will be fulfilled by following God's plans for our lives. (vs.4) The hard times inevitably come to all of us, more than a few times in life, but the Lord promises to be right there in the midst of them. He never ever leaves us, not even for one moment. We don't have to allow fear to overcome us when we are going through this dark times in life. God's Word can be our source of comfort and guidance through these times, if we only let it. God's Word and will for our lives isn't something to make us miserable. It's what will bring about the greatest blessings on our lives. (vs.5) It doesn't matter what people say about you or try to do to you. God is bigger than anybody and everybody combined and he will bless you regardless of what others try to do. People who think you are crazy for accepting Christ and following Him will see his hand in your life as you become a new person, growing in your relationship with the Lord. God is not limited in way to bless you! He can and will cause your cup to overflow with blessings. (vs.6) God pursues you with his unfailing love and goodness! Isn't that awesome! We serve a God who pursues us our whole lives long, just to show us his love and goodness. And finally we can know for sure that we have an eternal home in Heaven by accepting Christ as our Savior. Being assured of that makes the worries of this earthly life seem a little less overwhelming in the light of eternity!
Oh how I love this Psalm. I have it memorized in the King James version but thought my NLT translation was easier understood by all. I like to take this verse by verse and really apply it to my life and circumstances, just as all of you can do too!
(vs.1)A shepherd takes care of his flock of sheep and like the parable in the New Testament even if one wanders away he goes to look for it, not to punish it but to make sure it is returned home safely and unharmed. God is our shepherd and because of this we can rest assured that He will take care of us at all times. Even in those moments when we go astray, He lovingly leads us back home. (vs.2) When you picture a green meadow and a peaceful stream what comes to mind? I picture a perfect spring day with endless deep blue skies, a babbling clear stream of water, me relaxing on a blanket in a field that has dark green grass and lots of pretty flowers, a gentle breeze blowing against my face, not a care in the world, just pure peace! It tells us in this verse that God gives us time of true rest. A time to renew our spirits and minds and strength. I think we are just too busy to accept those times when He brings them to us! (vs.3) When we allow Him, he will show us which "paths" to take in life. These paths are ones that are best for us and will bring honor to the Lord. We will be fulfilled by following God's plans for our lives. (vs.4) The hard times inevitably come to all of us, more than a few times in life, but the Lord promises to be right there in the midst of them. He never ever leaves us, not even for one moment. We don't have to allow fear to overcome us when we are going through this dark times in life. God's Word can be our source of comfort and guidance through these times, if we only let it. God's Word and will for our lives isn't something to make us miserable. It's what will bring about the greatest blessings on our lives. (vs.5) It doesn't matter what people say about you or try to do to you. God is bigger than anybody and everybody combined and he will bless you regardless of what others try to do. People who think you are crazy for accepting Christ and following Him will see his hand in your life as you become a new person, growing in your relationship with the Lord. God is not limited in way to bless you! He can and will cause your cup to overflow with blessings. (vs.6) God pursues you with his unfailing love and goodness! Isn't that awesome! We serve a God who pursues us our whole lives long, just to show us his love and goodness. And finally we can know for sure that we have an eternal home in Heaven by accepting Christ as our Savior. Being assured of that makes the worries of this earthly life seem a little less overwhelming in the light of eternity!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Ordinary Tasks for an Extraordinary God!
"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Colossians 3:23
This morning I woke up with a lot on my to do list, as I do on a very regular basis. I'm a stay at home mom of two young children and my husband works around 50 hours a week and is in school taking classes to finish up his degree, so that leaves me with a lot to do around the house. As any of you with children know, when you clean or organize a room in your house, it is inevitably going to be messy again within a twenty four hour period if your children are allowed within a 10 foot radius of that room! Not only do I find myself cleaning up and organizing rooms almost every day at some point during the day, I have found that the dishes don't clean themselves, meals don't make themselves, children aren't naturally squeaky clean, bills don't pay themselves and my body doesn't tone and strengthen itself. On top of the normal chores of every day life, there are added things on the to do list, such as doctors appointments, church ministries, volunteering, activities to go to and be apart of that my children are involved in, Bible study to prepare for, friends to spend time with, school functions, phone calls to make, emails to return, and the list goes on. Most of the time I find myself going about these chores and activities in my life with a to do list attitude, seeking only to be able to check it off my list when it is accomplished. Sometimes I go about these things with a less than happy attitude and grumble quietly to myself (sometimes not so quietly) as I have to wash my 50th dish of the day or pick up the 100th toy that has found its way in the direct path my feet are taking.
God wants more of us than an obligatory attitude towards whatever tasks we find ourselves doing. Everything we do, whether it seem very important or absolutely insignificant is to be done as if we were given that task directly from the Lord. If the Lord came down and asked you to personally do something would you do it halfheartedly? I doubt it! And the truth is, everything we do is for the Lord. It honors Him when we cheerfully go about our every day tasks of taking care of the family he has blessed us with. Every day you wake up and take a breath is another day God has given you and there is purpose in every day, even the seemingly ordinary days. So the next time you find yourself picking up that toy that you know you've picked up ten times already that day or find yourself volunteering at your child's school for yet another program or event, or pick up your husbands dirty socks that always seem to land a few feet away from the hamper, take a moment and thank God that He gave you another day on this earth to do these things for your family and more importantly for Him!
This morning I woke up with a lot on my to do list, as I do on a very regular basis. I'm a stay at home mom of two young children and my husband works around 50 hours a week and is in school taking classes to finish up his degree, so that leaves me with a lot to do around the house. As any of you with children know, when you clean or organize a room in your house, it is inevitably going to be messy again within a twenty four hour period if your children are allowed within a 10 foot radius of that room! Not only do I find myself cleaning up and organizing rooms almost every day at some point during the day, I have found that the dishes don't clean themselves, meals don't make themselves, children aren't naturally squeaky clean, bills don't pay themselves and my body doesn't tone and strengthen itself. On top of the normal chores of every day life, there are added things on the to do list, such as doctors appointments, church ministries, volunteering, activities to go to and be apart of that my children are involved in, Bible study to prepare for, friends to spend time with, school functions, phone calls to make, emails to return, and the list goes on. Most of the time I find myself going about these chores and activities in my life with a to do list attitude, seeking only to be able to check it off my list when it is accomplished. Sometimes I go about these things with a less than happy attitude and grumble quietly to myself (sometimes not so quietly) as I have to wash my 50th dish of the day or pick up the 100th toy that has found its way in the direct path my feet are taking.
God wants more of us than an obligatory attitude towards whatever tasks we find ourselves doing. Everything we do, whether it seem very important or absolutely insignificant is to be done as if we were given that task directly from the Lord. If the Lord came down and asked you to personally do something would you do it halfheartedly? I doubt it! And the truth is, everything we do is for the Lord. It honors Him when we cheerfully go about our every day tasks of taking care of the family he has blessed us with. Every day you wake up and take a breath is another day God has given you and there is purpose in every day, even the seemingly ordinary days. So the next time you find yourself picking up that toy that you know you've picked up ten times already that day or find yourself volunteering at your child's school for yet another program or event, or pick up your husbands dirty socks that always seem to land a few feet away from the hamper, take a moment and thank God that He gave you another day on this earth to do these things for your family and more importantly for Him!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Our Unlimited God
"Amaziah asked the man of God, 'But what about all that silver I paid to hire the army of Israel? The man of God replied, 'The Lord is able to give you much more than this!'"
1 Chronicles 25:9
I sat down today to do a devotion on the importance of being wise and frugal with the money God gives you but God in His divine way lead me to something a little different. As I searched for Scriptures on this topic I came across the above passage and for me it struck a major chord. Back in August of last year, when my husband was still working for an insurance agency, he sold a rather large policy that would bring in a significant amount of money for us. This was awesome for us because last year had been excruciatingly difficult for us financially. To make a very long story short, my husband ended up leaving the insurance business because it was a 100% commission job with no benefits and we needed something more reliable and stable. (This also was the final kicker to get him back in school to finish his degree!) Anyhow, this one policy was still pending as they needed to collect money from the people. Jon was promised that once they got the money and it all went through, that even though he didn't work there anymore he would get the money. We were happy to hear this as it would pay off some credit cards and give us something to stock away. Today, after 6 months of trying to get this policy issued we found out that not only did their original check bounce, the policy has been canceled because the people never returned any calls after their check bounced. I can definitely see where God was protecting us because we found out these individuals are not reliable and frequently don't pay bills, so we may have ended up owing all that money back (based on how the commission is set up) if we had indeed gotten is and they ended up not paying down the road! That would have been very bad as that money would have then been gone. So as I sat down to write today's devotion God brought me to this verse that I have never read before. Here was a young king, Amaziah, who was gathering an army to avenge the previous king, his father's, assassination. He paid 7,500 pounds of silver to hire the army of Israel to help in this fight. This was not what God wanted so the Lord sent a messenger to him to tell him that he needed to discharge the army of Israel and go with his original army. Amaziah was upset because he had spent so much money hiring them just to lose it all, but the messenger from God said "The Lord is able to give you much more than this." (Amaziah did discharge the army of Israel and do as the Lord wanted. He won the battle, but then made a poor decision to take some false idols back with him to worship... another story for another day!) This verse really stuck with me because it was as if the Lord was saying that He can and will take care of us in better ways than we can imagine. We were not meant to get that money and I believe there was protection in that from God for the reasons I stated above. I also know that God is able to give us much more to take care of all our needs. He is not limited in ways to provide and make things happen. I am so thankful my God is unlimited in resources and power!
1 Chronicles 25:9
I sat down today to do a devotion on the importance of being wise and frugal with the money God gives you but God in His divine way lead me to something a little different. As I searched for Scriptures on this topic I came across the above passage and for me it struck a major chord. Back in August of last year, when my husband was still working for an insurance agency, he sold a rather large policy that would bring in a significant amount of money for us. This was awesome for us because last year had been excruciatingly difficult for us financially. To make a very long story short, my husband ended up leaving the insurance business because it was a 100% commission job with no benefits and we needed something more reliable and stable. (This also was the final kicker to get him back in school to finish his degree!) Anyhow, this one policy was still pending as they needed to collect money from the people. Jon was promised that once they got the money and it all went through, that even though he didn't work there anymore he would get the money. We were happy to hear this as it would pay off some credit cards and give us something to stock away. Today, after 6 months of trying to get this policy issued we found out that not only did their original check bounce, the policy has been canceled because the people never returned any calls after their check bounced. I can definitely see where God was protecting us because we found out these individuals are not reliable and frequently don't pay bills, so we may have ended up owing all that money back (based on how the commission is set up) if we had indeed gotten is and they ended up not paying down the road! That would have been very bad as that money would have then been gone. So as I sat down to write today's devotion God brought me to this verse that I have never read before. Here was a young king, Amaziah, who was gathering an army to avenge the previous king, his father's, assassination. He paid 7,500 pounds of silver to hire the army of Israel to help in this fight. This was not what God wanted so the Lord sent a messenger to him to tell him that he needed to discharge the army of Israel and go with his original army. Amaziah was upset because he had spent so much money hiring them just to lose it all, but the messenger from God said "The Lord is able to give you much more than this." (Amaziah did discharge the army of Israel and do as the Lord wanted. He won the battle, but then made a poor decision to take some false idols back with him to worship... another story for another day!) This verse really stuck with me because it was as if the Lord was saying that He can and will take care of us in better ways than we can imagine. We were not meant to get that money and I believe there was protection in that from God for the reasons I stated above. I also know that God is able to give us much more to take care of all our needs. He is not limited in ways to provide and make things happen. I am so thankful my God is unlimited in resources and power!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
True Contentment
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Psalm 23:1
"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:11-13
I am not a content person. It seems that no matter what happens or what comes my way, soon enough I find myself wanting something new, different, "better". I remember when I got pregnant with my first child we were living in a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment and we found ourselves needing a larger place. After a month of searching we found the perfect place for us, a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom cedar sided rancher with a large enough yard for our children to play in. At the time it was perfect for us and I wanted it with all my heart. What seemed impossible God made possible and we closed on it in 30 days. For a little while I was seemingly content and completely happy with our new residence. Then we got pregnant with our second child and had collected quite a few more belongings over those 2 years and suddenly our perfect home felt cramped and too small. I found myself longing to move into a larger house that would accommodate our growing family. (At the present time we are still in our 3 bedroom 2 bathroom rancher and I am waiting on God to show us when, where and how to move!) I found myself at one point very unhappy with my home that I had been so thankful for at one time. This discontentment lasted for almost a solid year. I developed a real hatred of my home because I was allowing myself to be discontent with my current place in life to the point it was zapping me of all my joy and thankfulness. God got a hold of me and lovingly showed me that my attitude was not pleasing to Him at all and that I needed to learn to be content wherever I was in life. That's such a hard thing to learn. True contentment isn't giving up your hopes and dreams and accepting whatever life throws at you. It's learning how to be joyful and thankful no matter where you are in life. It's good to have goals and hopes, but to let them take over and make you dissatisfied and ungrateful for what you already have is wrong. Learning to "enjoy the ride" as you strive to reach those goals and make those dreams reality is key. You don't want to miss out on the blessings God has for you each day along the way of this journey called life. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude changes your whole way of thinking and living. Like Psalm 23 starts out, God gives you all you need. Trust him to take care of all aspects of your life and remember to thank Him along the way. Remember..."The Lord is your shepherd, you shall not want...
"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:11-13
I am not a content person. It seems that no matter what happens or what comes my way, soon enough I find myself wanting something new, different, "better". I remember when I got pregnant with my first child we were living in a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment and we found ourselves needing a larger place. After a month of searching we found the perfect place for us, a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom cedar sided rancher with a large enough yard for our children to play in. At the time it was perfect for us and I wanted it with all my heart. What seemed impossible God made possible and we closed on it in 30 days. For a little while I was seemingly content and completely happy with our new residence. Then we got pregnant with our second child and had collected quite a few more belongings over those 2 years and suddenly our perfect home felt cramped and too small. I found myself longing to move into a larger house that would accommodate our growing family. (At the present time we are still in our 3 bedroom 2 bathroom rancher and I am waiting on God to show us when, where and how to move!) I found myself at one point very unhappy with my home that I had been so thankful for at one time. This discontentment lasted for almost a solid year. I developed a real hatred of my home because I was allowing myself to be discontent with my current place in life to the point it was zapping me of all my joy and thankfulness. God got a hold of me and lovingly showed me that my attitude was not pleasing to Him at all and that I needed to learn to be content wherever I was in life. That's such a hard thing to learn. True contentment isn't giving up your hopes and dreams and accepting whatever life throws at you. It's learning how to be joyful and thankful no matter where you are in life. It's good to have goals and hopes, but to let them take over and make you dissatisfied and ungrateful for what you already have is wrong. Learning to "enjoy the ride" as you strive to reach those goals and make those dreams reality is key. You don't want to miss out on the blessings God has for you each day along the way of this journey called life. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude changes your whole way of thinking and living. Like Psalm 23 starts out, God gives you all you need. Trust him to take care of all aspects of your life and remember to thank Him along the way. Remember..."The Lord is your shepherd, you shall not want...
Monday, January 25, 2010
"A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine"
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Do everything without complaining and arguing." Philippians 2:14
"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength." Proverbs 17:22
Today didn't start out too good. My son had been sick all weekend and this morning his fever was back up and the rash was from his cheeks to his ankles. The doctor couldn't see him early enough for my husband to watch our daughter, but thankfully a good friend offered to watch her for me. I realized on the way to the doctor that there was a chance I might not get back in time to pick my daughter up from my friends house before she had to leave to pick up her son from preschool. (This wouldn't have been a big deal except she drives a small car that won't fit three car seats, and not to mention I didn't leave my car seat with her anyhow.) So that added to my irritation and feeling of being rushed. My son was diagnosed with Strep and sent home with a prescription for penicillin. (Yes I did get back to my friends house before she had to leave!) Then I couldn't find my prescription card at the pharmacy so it took another thirty minutes to get in touch with the right person at our insurance company who could help me figure things out. To top if off my blood sugar was running low (I'm borderline hypoglycemic) and I was feeling very weak, which always makes things seem worse.
Why share all this, you may be asking? This sure doesn't seem encouraging or uplifting! I share this because life happens. Our days are filled with tedious, annoying situations that we so often just react to without taking time to focus on the Lord or pray. I realized as I was searching for a passage of scripture today that instead of getting so irritated and worked up I should have taken just one moment in the midst of my grumblings and prayed and remembered these verses from God's Word. Being thankful is not just for the big things in life, it's for the small, seemingly insignificant things too. Being thankful changes your whole outlook, your whole day. I could have looked at it like this... I have an awesome friend who watched my daughter so I could focus on my sick son. My son, though sick, is extremely chipper and happy today. The strep isn't keeping him down. I got to have some one on one conversation time with him on the way to the doctor which is rare when you are a stay at home mom with more than one child! God did get me back to my friends house before she had to leave. The prescription situation did work out and we got his medicine for next to nothing, and we are all home happy and safe. And to top it off it's a GORGEOUS day here today. Sunny, mid sixties and the windows are open. A cheerful spirit really does do wonders for the soul. Grumpiness and complaining only wears away at our mental and emotional energy and does nothing good for anyone. I hope next time, when another not so ideal situation comes up I will remember to take a moment and turn my thoughts to Christ and not to the situation.
"Do everything without complaining and arguing." Philippians 2:14
"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength." Proverbs 17:22
Today didn't start out too good. My son had been sick all weekend and this morning his fever was back up and the rash was from his cheeks to his ankles. The doctor couldn't see him early enough for my husband to watch our daughter, but thankfully a good friend offered to watch her for me. I realized on the way to the doctor that there was a chance I might not get back in time to pick my daughter up from my friends house before she had to leave to pick up her son from preschool. (This wouldn't have been a big deal except she drives a small car that won't fit three car seats, and not to mention I didn't leave my car seat with her anyhow.) So that added to my irritation and feeling of being rushed. My son was diagnosed with Strep and sent home with a prescription for penicillin. (Yes I did get back to my friends house before she had to leave!) Then I couldn't find my prescription card at the pharmacy so it took another thirty minutes to get in touch with the right person at our insurance company who could help me figure things out. To top if off my blood sugar was running low (I'm borderline hypoglycemic) and I was feeling very weak, which always makes things seem worse.
Why share all this, you may be asking? This sure doesn't seem encouraging or uplifting! I share this because life happens. Our days are filled with tedious, annoying situations that we so often just react to without taking time to focus on the Lord or pray. I realized as I was searching for a passage of scripture today that instead of getting so irritated and worked up I should have taken just one moment in the midst of my grumblings and prayed and remembered these verses from God's Word. Being thankful is not just for the big things in life, it's for the small, seemingly insignificant things too. Being thankful changes your whole outlook, your whole day. I could have looked at it like this... I have an awesome friend who watched my daughter so I could focus on my sick son. My son, though sick, is extremely chipper and happy today. The strep isn't keeping him down. I got to have some one on one conversation time with him on the way to the doctor which is rare when you are a stay at home mom with more than one child! God did get me back to my friends house before she had to leave. The prescription situation did work out and we got his medicine for next to nothing, and we are all home happy and safe. And to top it off it's a GORGEOUS day here today. Sunny, mid sixties and the windows are open. A cheerful spirit really does do wonders for the soul. Grumpiness and complaining only wears away at our mental and emotional energy and does nothing good for anyone. I hope next time, when another not so ideal situation comes up I will remember to take a moment and turn my thoughts to Christ and not to the situation.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
From People Pleasing to God Pleasing
"But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ." 1 Peter 3:14-16
I have come to realize, sadly, that I am fearful person. I fear way too many things, one of these being fear of what others say and think about me. I want to be liked, plain and simple. Sometimes this fear of what others think has gotten in the way of me sharing the gospel or saying something that God has laid on my heart. I've been a Christian for twenty years now and I've become very aware of the nudging of the Holy Spirit. There have been times when I have felt like I should say something to someone or share a passage of Scripture but my fear of looking stupid or stumbling over my words clamps my mouth shut. This passage from 1 Peter has really shown me when I do what I know is right, share the Bible with others and truly live out my Christian life from day to day I will be rewarded. There is nothing to fear in doing what is right because God is so much more powerful than any and all of my fears combined. If someone laughs at me or makes fun of me for something I have done that is right in the eyes of God that is not my problem and God will take care of it in His way and time. I also glean this tidbit of wisdom from this verse...not only am I supposed to share what I know from God's word with others, I need to be studying God's Word and in Bible studies and involved in church so I can truly grasp what God's Word is telling me so in turn I will be able to answer people when they ask me why I believe what I believe. It's very important to know the reason you believe what you believe. It can't be because your parents or a teacher or a pastor or your spouse told you this was the right way to live and the right thing to believe. Searching the Bible and growing in your relationship with Christ is the only way to be able to understand God's truths and become unwavering and steadfast in your faith. Learning about who God is helps you stop worrying so much about what other people think about you and makes you long to please God and care about what He thinks about you.
I have also found that the more I let go of my fear of pleasing others and focus on pleasing the Lord, He has truly blessed me with some of the greatest Christian friends a woman can have. Friends with whom I can share my heart and soul and share each other burdens. For these amazing friends I am truly grateful. Becoming the person God meant for you to be is the greatest blessing, next to salvation, that you'll ever experience on this earth! Let those people pleasing fears go and start living a life pleasing to God!
I have come to realize, sadly, that I am fearful person. I fear way too many things, one of these being fear of what others say and think about me. I want to be liked, plain and simple. Sometimes this fear of what others think has gotten in the way of me sharing the gospel or saying something that God has laid on my heart. I've been a Christian for twenty years now and I've become very aware of the nudging of the Holy Spirit. There have been times when I have felt like I should say something to someone or share a passage of Scripture but my fear of looking stupid or stumbling over my words clamps my mouth shut. This passage from 1 Peter has really shown me when I do what I know is right, share the Bible with others and truly live out my Christian life from day to day I will be rewarded. There is nothing to fear in doing what is right because God is so much more powerful than any and all of my fears combined. If someone laughs at me or makes fun of me for something I have done that is right in the eyes of God that is not my problem and God will take care of it in His way and time. I also glean this tidbit of wisdom from this verse...not only am I supposed to share what I know from God's word with others, I need to be studying God's Word and in Bible studies and involved in church so I can truly grasp what God's Word is telling me so in turn I will be able to answer people when they ask me why I believe what I believe. It's very important to know the reason you believe what you believe. It can't be because your parents or a teacher or a pastor or your spouse told you this was the right way to live and the right thing to believe. Searching the Bible and growing in your relationship with Christ is the only way to be able to understand God's truths and become unwavering and steadfast in your faith. Learning about who God is helps you stop worrying so much about what other people think about you and makes you long to please God and care about what He thinks about you.
I have also found that the more I let go of my fear of pleasing others and focus on pleasing the Lord, He has truly blessed me with some of the greatest Christian friends a woman can have. Friends with whom I can share my heart and soul and share each other burdens. For these amazing friends I am truly grateful. Becoming the person God meant for you to be is the greatest blessing, next to salvation, that you'll ever experience on this earth! Let those people pleasing fears go and start living a life pleasing to God!
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