I've used the word enough at least a few times today.
We didn't get up early enough.
The kids are not getting enough school work done.
I've had enough.
There's not enough time, or money.
I wonder if we have enough cereal.
Are the children eating enough fruit and vegetables?
Is there enough? Do we have enough? Am I doing enough?
The Lord Jesus is enough. His payment on my behalf is final. He is more than enough for me.
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
In our world there will be trouble -but there is peace {in Him}, and He gives courage. He overcame the world. No need to fear, or to fret. He has given us all we need to do our best. He gave us Himself.
He is more than enough!
If your Monday is off to a bad start, spend a few minutes pouring out your heart to Him and begin again. Look at Him, then your to-do list. Ask Him to remind you how HE sees you. Trust in Him today and know He will be enough.
The Lord Jesus is more than enough for me.
Showing posts with label JESUS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JESUS. Show all posts
Monday, September 8, 2014
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Perfect Peace
This has been our summer of stuff.
I was trying to figure out the other day exactly when it all started. It seemed the further I thought back, the further I went.
We were pretty boring people not that long ago. Then stuff started happening and then more stuff happened (and some things really got the best of me).
We are a family where almost no one has ever had surgery and yet in the last eight months there have been three. We do almost anything to stay out of the emergency room and yet we've made several trips recently.
There was a cyst on my ovary, and a long struggle with shingles. One of our sons had knee surgery and months of physical therapy. There was hernia surgery and leg surgery and a scary run-in with lightning.
If you've only known me for a year or so, we seem to be that family who always has a problem of some sort. If you've known me a bit longer you have a different perspective. Whatever the case, we've been through a lot in the last year.
Not all of our stuff has been medical. There have also been relational/emotional issues. There have been situations that have broken our hearts and people who have let us down.
I call it our season of stuff simply because there's nothing great to call it..."that summer when Nic got hit with lightning and Dad had two surgeries, and Mom cried a lot". Yeah, that one.
There are some verses I have come to love. I've found myself clinging to them let's just say.
Isaiah 26:3-4
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
I want to be kept in perfect peace, don't you? This verse says He (the Lord God) will give that to us. We trust Him, He gives us peace. Oh how I've prayed that God would cause my heart and mind to stay focused on Him.
Perfect peace when a friend crushes us?
When we're scared to death?
Perfect peace in the storm? When money runs out? When depression sneaks in?
Perfect peace in cancer? Infertility?
Perfect peace.
He will keep us in perfect peace.
I love the sound of that. I want that.
There will always be stuff. This isn't just the summer of stuff. Let's face it, as long as we are here on this earth we will have trouble. We are not perfect, nor are our family members, friends, or circumstances, but we can have perfect peace.
Ahhh... Thank you, Lord!
I was trying to figure out the other day exactly when it all started. It seemed the further I thought back, the further I went.
We were pretty boring people not that long ago. Then stuff started happening and then more stuff happened (and some things really got the best of me).
We are a family where almost no one has ever had surgery and yet in the last eight months there have been three. We do almost anything to stay out of the emergency room and yet we've made several trips recently.
There was a cyst on my ovary, and a long struggle with shingles. One of our sons had knee surgery and months of physical therapy. There was hernia surgery and leg surgery and a scary run-in with lightning.
If you've only known me for a year or so, we seem to be that family who always has a problem of some sort. If you've known me a bit longer you have a different perspective. Whatever the case, we've been through a lot in the last year.
Not all of our stuff has been medical. There have also been relational/emotional issues. There have been situations that have broken our hearts and people who have let us down.
I call it our season of stuff simply because there's nothing great to call it..."that summer when Nic got hit with lightning and Dad had two surgeries, and Mom cried a lot". Yeah, that one.
There are some verses I have come to love. I've found myself clinging to them let's just say.
Isaiah 26:3-4
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
I want to be kept in perfect peace, don't you? This verse says He (the Lord God) will give that to us. We trust Him, He gives us peace. Oh how I've prayed that God would cause my heart and mind to stay focused on Him.
Perfect peace when a friend crushes us?
When we're scared to death?
Perfect peace in the storm? When money runs out? When depression sneaks in?
Perfect peace in cancer? Infertility?
Perfect peace.
He will keep us in perfect peace.
I love the sound of that. I want that.
There will always be stuff. This isn't just the summer of stuff. Let's face it, as long as we are here on this earth we will have trouble. We are not perfect, nor are our family members, friends, or circumstances, but we can have perfect peace.
Ahhh... Thank you, Lord!
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Letting Go of What I Call Mine
What was I thinking that I could do cleaning projects during VBS week? I'm falling major behind on the daily project list. Major. As in, I haven't been able to do anything on the list this week. Sigh.
I've mentioned that my life is a little crazy right now. It just keeps getting crazier (and right now, harder) and I think the Lord is helping me learn to let go of some of my plans. This is so not me.
Yesterday two doctors scheduled my husband for two surgeries. One in June, one in July. I'm very concerned about him. I feel waves of fear roll over me every few minutes. There is so much pressing down on us. It doesn't help that we haven't finished up paying for the surgery our son had in November, or his 12 weeks of physical therapy. I'm just now finally over shingles, we're waiting to see a neurologist with Nic, and we have a little gal who needs work done on her mouth. Hello.
I'm going to ask God to help my heart focus on the positive. Nic is getting better. He has made so much progress in the last week. He still has a headache but it's not as bad as it once was. His appetite is back and he seems more like himself. He is trying to read a little bit now and that seems to be slowly getting better too. It has been scary at times but I am so very thankful that he is improving.
While I'm focusing on the positive, let me get back to VBS. It's been so much fun. I've had a blast planning and teaching and experiencing all of the joy that is Bible School...snow cones and play dough and finger paint and Bible stories. The kids are delightful, and the other teachers are too. We're making such special memories while we are learning about Jesus.
I've snapped just a few pictures of my room. There is little (no) time for picture taking when you have a crowd of three year olds. :) Our church is using LifeWay curriculum - Agency D3. It's a really cute spy theme.
The man of many laptops (my honey) helped me set up this little agent workspace. The kids love it for doing their very important investigative work.
I had this phrase I was saying for a while and I think it's time to bring it back - "focus on the blessings, not the bummers". Not to sound trite, but sometimes that's what we have to do. I could fret, but God has told me not to do that. I could be sad or mad or sit around in what's hurting me-bothering me-scaring me. However, I think I'm going to ask God to help my heart. He can make me strong. He can give me peace. And He is daily showing me all the blessings He has poured into my life. My honey, my kiddos, and this wonderful time of VBS are just a few of the blessings He has given to me.
So, I might not get my cleaning done the way I want it done. I might fall behind on my agenda and my to-do list, but I can deal. I want to trust Him more and follow the steps He lays out for my life. Step one is probably letting go of what I call mine.
I've mentioned that my life is a little crazy right now. It just keeps getting crazier (and right now, harder) and I think the Lord is helping me learn to let go of some of my plans. This is so not me.
Yesterday two doctors scheduled my husband for two surgeries. One in June, one in July. I'm very concerned about him. I feel waves of fear roll over me every few minutes. There is so much pressing down on us. It doesn't help that we haven't finished up paying for the surgery our son had in November, or his 12 weeks of physical therapy. I'm just now finally over shingles, we're waiting to see a neurologist with Nic, and we have a little gal who needs work done on her mouth. Hello.
I'm going to ask God to help my heart focus on the positive. Nic is getting better. He has made so much progress in the last week. He still has a headache but it's not as bad as it once was. His appetite is back and he seems more like himself. He is trying to read a little bit now and that seems to be slowly getting better too. It has been scary at times but I am so very thankful that he is improving.
While I'm focusing on the positive, let me get back to VBS. It's been so much fun. I've had a blast planning and teaching and experiencing all of the joy that is Bible School...snow cones and play dough and finger paint and Bible stories. The kids are delightful, and the other teachers are too. We're making such special memories while we are learning about Jesus.
I've snapped just a few pictures of my room. There is little (no) time for picture taking when you have a crowd of three year olds. :) Our church is using LifeWay curriculum - Agency D3. It's a really cute spy theme.
The man of many laptops (my honey) helped me set up this little agent workspace. The kids love it for doing their very important investigative work.
Our VBS classes are divided into the CIA and JTF. There are two 3 year old classes and our class is part of the "Jesus Task Force".
Here's a little shot of two of my amazing family members. Everyone has worked this whole VBS thing as a team. I couldn't have done any of this without them and I'm so thankful for their help and enthusiasm.
The kids think it's pretty cool that they have to scan their hand to enter the room.
Footprints (compliments of my husband and boys) for our spy theme.
And lastly, a few props to help with Bible Story Time. (Jesus is not like anyone else! Feeding the crowd of people with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread and collecting 12 baskets of leftovers.)
I had this phrase I was saying for a while and I think it's time to bring it back - "focus on the blessings, not the bummers". Not to sound trite, but sometimes that's what we have to do. I could fret, but God has told me not to do that. I could be sad or mad or sit around in what's hurting me-bothering me-scaring me. However, I think I'm going to ask God to help my heart. He can make me strong. He can give me peace. And He is daily showing me all the blessings He has poured into my life. My honey, my kiddos, and this wonderful time of VBS are just a few of the blessings He has given to me.
So, I might not get my cleaning done the way I want it done. I might fall behind on my agenda and my to-do list, but I can deal. I want to trust Him more and follow the steps He lays out for my life. Step one is probably letting go of what I call mine.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
The Hardest Thing You Have to Do Today
What's the hardest thing you have to do today? Is it mop your sticky floors or clean the toilets? Do you have a million errands to run or a stack of papers to grade? Perhaps you have to climb Mount Washmore and spend all day as a laundry goddess.
Somehow I doubt the things I've mentioned are your hardest tasks for the day. I'm willing to bet the hardest thing you have to do today has more to do with your heart.
Despite the condition of your house the more important thing is the condition of your heart - your mama heart. So, let's talk for a minute. Maybe the hardest thing you have to do today is to be patient and kind to your children. Or maybe it's to forgive someone who has really hurt you. Perhaps the hardest thing in front of you is just doing anything at all. (That buried overwhelmed feeling can take down even the most determined mama.)
When your heart's not right, nothing else will be, no matter how hard you try.
You can actually be joyful in the middle of a mess when your heart is right. You can smile at your super long to-do list when your heart's in good shape. That child trying your patience? You can handle him when your heart is healthy.
But if it's not...
How impossible it is to be loving and kind and patient with your children when your heart is out of whack. How miserable are we when we set our minds to cleaning up the disaster we once called "kitchen" while we're hurting and sad. Have you ever tried to do your household chores when you are carrying around a rock for a heart? I'm speaking from experience when I say, it just won't work. When things are askew in your heart you can't be sweet to the kids, or loving to your husband. You won't be able to extend warm hospitality, or at best you will be faking it. You *might* end up yelling at your babies or snapping at your husband or crying. You might.
So, what to do then if your heart needs a transplant? I know a really good heart doctor - the Lord Jesus! He can heal your hurting heart. He can fill up that big hole in the center of your heart. His sweet grace can ease the pain of that gaping wound. Pray to Him and ask Him to help your heart and you will be astonished at what He will do.
I don't know the specifics of your situation. I do know that marriage issues are hard and financial issues are hard and raising children is hard. I know how things from your past can cause intense pain and disruption to your present. I know how a family member or a friend can stab right through your heart. Pain has a way of creeping up on mamas while they are busy trying to do their job. If you are having trouble doing your work, check your heart. Training your children, cleaning your house, meeting your husband's needs with a hurting heart really does give that cart before the horse feeling.
Luke 6:45 (Jesus speaking) The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.
I could suggest some tips today for getting your home organized. I could write an entire post on cleaning. We could talk rearranging furniture, summer wreaths for the front door, and a whole lot of other stuff. But for today, I just want to examine my heart and encourage you to take a look at yours. If the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart then I want to know what is filling my heart. Pain? Hate? Anger? Fear? Sadness? What then will I be speaking to my family? Or is my heart filled with joy, gratitude, peace, faith and love? Only the Lord Jesus can empty your heart of the things that weigh you down and fill it up with His grace.
My advice on the hardest thing(s) you have to do today? Pray to Him. He will answer you. Read His word. He will speak to you. Trust Him. He will take care of you.
Somehow I doubt the things I've mentioned are your hardest tasks for the day. I'm willing to bet the hardest thing you have to do today has more to do with your heart.
Despite the condition of your house the more important thing is the condition of your heart - your mama heart. So, let's talk for a minute. Maybe the hardest thing you have to do today is to be patient and kind to your children. Or maybe it's to forgive someone who has really hurt you. Perhaps the hardest thing in front of you is just doing anything at all. (That buried overwhelmed feeling can take down even the most determined mama.)
When your heart's not right, nothing else will be, no matter how hard you try.
You can actually be joyful in the middle of a mess when your heart is right. You can smile at your super long to-do list when your heart's in good shape. That child trying your patience? You can handle him when your heart is healthy.
But if it's not...
How impossible it is to be loving and kind and patient with your children when your heart is out of whack. How miserable are we when we set our minds to cleaning up the disaster we once called "kitchen" while we're hurting and sad. Have you ever tried to do your household chores when you are carrying around a rock for a heart? I'm speaking from experience when I say, it just won't work. When things are askew in your heart you can't be sweet to the kids, or loving to your husband. You won't be able to extend warm hospitality, or at best you will be faking it. You *might* end up yelling at your babies or snapping at your husband or crying. You might.
So, what to do then if your heart needs a transplant? I know a really good heart doctor - the Lord Jesus! He can heal your hurting heart. He can fill up that big hole in the center of your heart. His sweet grace can ease the pain of that gaping wound. Pray to Him and ask Him to help your heart and you will be astonished at what He will do.
I don't know the specifics of your situation. I do know that marriage issues are hard and financial issues are hard and raising children is hard. I know how things from your past can cause intense pain and disruption to your present. I know how a family member or a friend can stab right through your heart. Pain has a way of creeping up on mamas while they are busy trying to do their job. If you are having trouble doing your work, check your heart. Training your children, cleaning your house, meeting your husband's needs with a hurting heart really does give that cart before the horse feeling.
Luke 6:45 (Jesus speaking) The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.
I could suggest some tips today for getting your home organized. I could write an entire post on cleaning. We could talk rearranging furniture, summer wreaths for the front door, and a whole lot of other stuff. But for today, I just want to examine my heart and encourage you to take a look at yours. If the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart then I want to know what is filling my heart. Pain? Hate? Anger? Fear? Sadness? What then will I be speaking to my family? Or is my heart filled with joy, gratitude, peace, faith and love? Only the Lord Jesus can empty your heart of the things that weigh you down and fill it up with His grace.
My advice on the hardest thing(s) you have to do today? Pray to Him. He will answer you. Read His word. He will speak to you. Trust Him. He will take care of you.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
My Heart Sings
Hello, friends!
I'm a little late in saying this but I hope you had a happy Easter! We did. It was a beautiful day, perfect for celebrating our Risen Lord!
Last Monday I wrote about all the things I needed to get done. I told you I wasn't going to get bent out of shape over my to-do list but I was going to find a way to accomplish everything. I couldn't have dreamed how my week would go! We had a very scary experience with one of our children almost getting hit by a car. It was unbelievable and still when I see it over and over again in my mind I feel tremendous fear. But with that fear I also feel great thankfulness. I am thankful to God for sparing her life. The car stopped right up against her. She could touch the hood. It was a horrific event that left us all shaken. I'm so thankful to God that in His providential will He chose to keep that car from harming her. Obviously, after that our day changed dramatically. The list of items I needed to buy no longer mattered to me. The cleaning I wanted to do just disappeared from my mind and all I wanted to do was hold my sweet babes. If there was a way to put a half dozen kids in my lap, some of them grown, I would have done it.
Our week carried on with some things being added, others re-scheduled and canceled. We ended up with a raging case of pink eye in one of our kids which meant a trip to the doctor and the pharmacy. In a big family you just never know what might happen. There are a lot of variables!
We made it to church on Sunday and it was such a blessing! How easy it is for a mom to get caught up in the work of a holiday and miss the celebration. Oh, for me anyway. I cooked and baked more food in two days than I have in my lifetime. (Okay, sorry for that exaggeration but honestly it felt like it.) I put together fun little baskets of goodies for the super six. I cleaned the house, helped seven people find clothes, shoes, belts and socks to wear,and somehow managed to get clothes on myself. We read books, colored eggs, made multiple trips to the store - three trips to Walmart in one day (Saturday) is a little ridiculous don't you think? I tried to make everything pretty, and special, and delicious. It's a lot of work. But during all this week's work (that I really do enjoy) we were doing a lot of talking and reading about Jesus, the cross, the GRACE of God, and it was sinking into my heart! I was reminded afresh and anew who I am and Who He is. I am so selfish and He was so selfless. The Son of God gave His life for a selfish sinner like me? Who can comprehend? He the selfless Savior, me the selfish sinner. What an exchange! He became sin so I could become righteousness! The grace of God makes my heart sing!
Here are a few pictures I snapped Sunday.
I'm a little late in saying this but I hope you had a happy Easter! We did. It was a beautiful day, perfect for celebrating our Risen Lord!
Last Monday I wrote about all the things I needed to get done. I told you I wasn't going to get bent out of shape over my to-do list but I was going to find a way to accomplish everything. I couldn't have dreamed how my week would go! We had a very scary experience with one of our children almost getting hit by a car. It was unbelievable and still when I see it over and over again in my mind I feel tremendous fear. But with that fear I also feel great thankfulness. I am thankful to God for sparing her life. The car stopped right up against her. She could touch the hood. It was a horrific event that left us all shaken. I'm so thankful to God that in His providential will He chose to keep that car from harming her. Obviously, after that our day changed dramatically. The list of items I needed to buy no longer mattered to me. The cleaning I wanted to do just disappeared from my mind and all I wanted to do was hold my sweet babes. If there was a way to put a half dozen kids in my lap, some of them grown, I would have done it.
Our week carried on with some things being added, others re-scheduled and canceled. We ended up with a raging case of pink eye in one of our kids which meant a trip to the doctor and the pharmacy. In a big family you just never know what might happen. There are a lot of variables!
We made it to church on Sunday and it was such a blessing! How easy it is for a mom to get caught up in the work of a holiday and miss the celebration. Oh, for me anyway. I cooked and baked more food in two days than I have in my lifetime. (Okay, sorry for that exaggeration but honestly it felt like it.) I put together fun little baskets of goodies for the super six. I cleaned the house, helped seven people find clothes, shoes, belts and socks to wear,and somehow managed to get clothes on myself. We read books, colored eggs, made multiple trips to the store - three trips to Walmart in one day (Saturday) is a little ridiculous don't you think? I tried to make everything pretty, and special, and delicious. It's a lot of work. But during all this week's work (that I really do enjoy) we were doing a lot of talking and reading about Jesus, the cross, the GRACE of God, and it was sinking into my heart! I was reminded afresh and anew who I am and Who He is. I am so selfish and He was so selfless. The Son of God gave His life for a selfish sinner like me? Who can comprehend? He the selfless Savior, me the selfish sinner. What an exchange! He became sin so I could become righteousness! The grace of God makes my heart sing!
Here are a few pictures I snapped Sunday.
 |
| Special friends. |
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| Our dear Pastor with our smallest gal |
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| An annual springtime tradition - the bunny cake |
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| The end of a perfect day |
Monday, March 3, 2014
Rehearsing Truth
Hello and Happy Monday, friends!
How was your weekend? Ours was pretty eventful. Here are my top 10 words for the weekend -
It is critically important that we be regularly rehearsing truth.
God's word = TRUTH
We must be regularly rehearsing (reading, memorizing) God's word. As regularly as Satan seeks to take us down.
See, I've heard so much talk lately. Talk about everything from child-rearing to same-sex marriage. Some of this talk even sounded pretty good. I mean, it made sense and sounded logical, until I compared it to the scriptures. So much of what our world is speaking these days Christians are going along with, without ever batting an eye toward their Bibles, without ever stopping to consider what God says. How will we know how to live if we do not consider the words of the Giver of life?
On Christ the solid rock we stand. ALL OTHER ground is sinking sand.
I've been in some quick sand lately. Have you ever been there? It will take you down faster than you think. My failures, my wrong thinking, my misplaced priorities can all be traced back to lies. I don't want to be a believer of lies and I know you don't either. Rehearsing the truth is the only way to stop believing the lies.
Rehearse truth this week, friends!
The sum of Thy word is truth, and every one of Thy righteous ordinances is everlasting. Psalm 119:160
How was your weekend? Ours was pretty eventful. Here are my top 10 words for the weekend -
- food
- soccer
- church
- friends
- concussion
- basketball
- tears
- baby showers
- friendship bread
- encouragement
What ten words would sum up your weekend?
I cannot believe it is Monday afternoon already. Time has been running away from me since I woke up this morning and I've been trying to chase it down. Things are usually quiet at our house around 2 p.m. Everyone rests at this time of day. Little ones nap and older ones read. Right now I can hear the hum of my washer and my dryer and my dishwasher, but not much else. Ahhh...
I've been trying to figure out how I want to say this. There's something on my heart that I want to communicate to you. It is this -
It is critically important that we be regularly rehearsing truth.
God's word = TRUTH
We must be regularly rehearsing (reading, memorizing) God's word. As regularly as Satan seeks to take us down.
See, I've heard so much talk lately. Talk about everything from child-rearing to same-sex marriage. Some of this talk even sounded pretty good. I mean, it made sense and sounded logical, until I compared it to the scriptures. So much of what our world is speaking these days Christians are going along with, without ever batting an eye toward their Bibles, without ever stopping to consider what God says. How will we know how to live if we do not consider the words of the Giver of life?
On Christ the solid rock we stand. ALL OTHER ground is sinking sand.
I've been in some quick sand lately. Have you ever been there? It will take you down faster than you think. My failures, my wrong thinking, my misplaced priorities can all be traced back to lies. I don't want to be a believer of lies and I know you don't either. Rehearsing the truth is the only way to stop believing the lies.
Rehearse truth this week, friends!
The sum of Thy word is truth, and every one of Thy righteous ordinances is everlasting. Psalm 119:160
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Everything and So Much More
I was reminded last week just how hard the job of parenting really is. We had some bumpy days that left me feeling like I had no idea how to be a mom. There was an incidence of he said/he said that was just no fun. It took way too long to get resolved and I'm certain I did not handle all of the particulars right. Sometimes it is difficult to figure out the right way to do things.
In all of our bumping around I thought again about how thankful I am to have God's written word and how applicable it is to every circumstance in our lives. I pray we would never take that for granted!
If you are feeling discouraged (perhaps I should say when) remember that God loves you so much. He has given you everything you need to get this parenting job done. You can trust Him. Oh for grace to trust Him more!
He is the answer when questions mount.
He is peace when your world feels crazy.
He is joy when you want to cry.
He is restoration when you break.
He is forgiveness when you mess up.
He is healing when you hurt.
He is hope when you want to quit.
He is redemption when you blow it.
He is strength when you are weak.
He is a refuge when you fear.
He is your provision when you can see none.
He is shelter when storms come.
He is a smooth path when your way seems rocky.
He is light when you grope in darkness.
He is fullness when you feel empty.
He is help when you are in trouble.
He is everything and so much more.
In all of our bumping around I thought again about how thankful I am to have God's written word and how applicable it is to every circumstance in our lives. I pray we would never take that for granted!
If you are feeling discouraged (perhaps I should say when) remember that God loves you so much. He has given you everything you need to get this parenting job done. You can trust Him. Oh for grace to trust Him more!
He is the answer when questions mount.
He is peace when your world feels crazy.
He is joy when you want to cry.
He is restoration when you break.
He is forgiveness when you mess up.
He is healing when you hurt.
He is hope when you want to quit.
He is redemption when you blow it.
He is strength when you are weak.
He is a refuge when you fear.
He is your provision when you can see none.
He is shelter when storms come.
He is a smooth path when your way seems rocky.
He is light when you grope in darkness.
He is fullness when you feel empty.
He is help when you are in trouble.
He is everything and so much more.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Be More, Do Less
You have to admit it's not every day you read at the top of a list of goals, "Do less". It is sort of funny when you stop to think about it.
No matter how funny, that's my goal. I plan on doing less in 2014. This would not be such a great goal to have if you are a couch potato and you watch hours and hours of TV every single day, or you sleep a lot. But for me, this shall be my goal.
It was actually my husband's suggestion late one night recently as we crawled into bed, feelings crushed and hearts broken.
And so the discussion began...
Why do we do the things we do?
What are our priorities?
Have you ever found yourself in this place?
For me, sometimes it's that Mary/Martha thing. Shall I work, or shall I sit (rest) at Jesus' feet? Yes, I know people do have to eat, and clothes certainly do have to be washed, but I do not have to fill up every minute of the day and miss opportunities to spend time with Him. We don't have to find the answers to all of life's difficulties, we just have to find our way to Him.
So for me, a little less doing is in order. My kids are growing up in a fantastic hurry and I fear I've already wasted too many days working on things so temporary. My heart (and maybe yours) needs healing. This 2014 I will seek to be more and do less.
No matter how funny, that's my goal. I plan on doing less in 2014. This would not be such a great goal to have if you are a couch potato and you watch hours and hours of TV every single day, or you sleep a lot. But for me, this shall be my goal.
It was actually my husband's suggestion late one night recently as we crawled into bed, feelings crushed and hearts broken.
And so the discussion began...
Why do we do the things we do?
What are our priorities?
Have you ever found yourself in this place?
For me, sometimes it's that Mary/Martha thing. Shall I work, or shall I sit (rest) at Jesus' feet? Yes, I know people do have to eat, and clothes certainly do have to be washed, but I do not have to fill up every minute of the day and miss opportunities to spend time with Him. We don't have to find the answers to all of life's difficulties, we just have to find our way to Him.
So for me, a little less doing is in order. My kids are growing up in a fantastic hurry and I fear I've already wasted too many days working on things so temporary. My heart (and maybe yours) needs healing. This 2014 I will seek to be more and do less.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
A Whole Lot More
The last few weeks have been so busy. It was nice to have a little downtime today to catch my breath. Sunday is my favorite day of the week and I find I enjoy Sunday the most when I don't enter into it all worn out from Saturday. Today has been a peaceful work day. I've done some laundry, of course, and made a trip to the store. (Okay, two trips actually. I never can get it all in one.) I also found a few minutes to sit in my favorite comfy chair and think. I consider it a peaceful day if I get even 10 minutes to sit and think, and especially peaceful if the house is quiet enough for me to hear what I'm thinking.
I've got everyone's clothes ready for church tomorrow and that puts me way ahead of Satan. Satan? You're wondering. Yes, Satan. He super sizes his attacks on me on Sunday mornings. If he can catch me with the right PMS-lack of sleep-unorganized combination, he has a good shot at keeping me out of church altogether. Not today, Satan! Eight outfits are ready to go for tomorrow morning. I feel good. I've even got accessories and hair bows laying out. This is real good. I won't even need to get out the ironing board tomorrow. Clothes. are. ready. YAY!
Tomorrow is going to be a good day. I've got two 9x13 casserole dishes ready to pop in the oven tomorrow for our lunch. I did the work this afternoon so all I will need to do at lunchtime is hit the little preheat button on the oven and maybe make some tea. I plan on taking a teensy little nap tomorrow afternoon since VBS starts tomorrow night (woo-hoo!) and we will be out until way past 9 p.m. We are always trying to hammer home the REST part of the Sabbath to our kids. The neighborhood kids are banging on our front door wanting to play and we're like, nooooooo. God wants us to rest. :) Does this happen at your house? I mean if you can't rest for a few minutes on Sunday afternoons, when can you rest?
I was just thinking tonight about peace and quiet and rest. Lately my insides have been restless. My honey and I have BIG decisions to make. Not the "what do you want for dinner" kind of decisions or the "where do you want to go on vacation" kind. No. The biggies...the gut wrenchers...the pray like there's no tomorrow kind. It's no secret either that we've been on a roller coaster of emotional pain for the last couple of years. If you've been hanging with me reading here for that long you have probably felt like you were on a roller coaster with me. The Lord has been teaching me how to have peace in less than peaceful circumstances and how to find rest in HIM. Peace and quiet rest are found in forgiveness - the forgiveness that Christ offers us and the forgiveness we give to others. Peace is also found in obedience to God as we submit to His will for our lives. And peace is found in reading His word. My insides get knotted up thinking about how unfair a situation is, or thinking about how badly we've been hurt, or thinking about the parts of our future that are unknown, but then I open up my bible and start reading and a peaceful feeling inhabits my soul. Feelings of fear, pain, anger, regret, guilt, anxiety, subside when you read the living word of God. It's my belief that we should all read more of it. See, there ARE parts of our future that are unknown to us, but there is nothing unknown to God. No matter what another human does to us the Lord Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. HIS love and HIS grace make it possible for us to forgive others. If we aren't reading the word daily we just might forget all of that.
So, I'm thinking we need to cut out some TV time, or computer time, and read our bibles more. I'm thinking our kids need to see us studying the word every single day. I'm thinking we need to talk less about our troubles and study the scriptures and pray more. You in? Let's read the bible a whole lot more than we do anything else and see what happens - perhaps a whole lot more peace and quiet and rest.
I've got everyone's clothes ready for church tomorrow and that puts me way ahead of Satan. Satan? You're wondering. Yes, Satan. He super sizes his attacks on me on Sunday mornings. If he can catch me with the right PMS-lack of sleep-unorganized combination, he has a good shot at keeping me out of church altogether. Not today, Satan! Eight outfits are ready to go for tomorrow morning. I feel good. I've even got accessories and hair bows laying out. This is real good. I won't even need to get out the ironing board tomorrow. Clothes. are. ready. YAY!
Tomorrow is going to be a good day. I've got two 9x13 casserole dishes ready to pop in the oven tomorrow for our lunch. I did the work this afternoon so all I will need to do at lunchtime is hit the little preheat button on the oven and maybe make some tea. I plan on taking a teensy little nap tomorrow afternoon since VBS starts tomorrow night (woo-hoo!) and we will be out until way past 9 p.m. We are always trying to hammer home the REST part of the Sabbath to our kids. The neighborhood kids are banging on our front door wanting to play and we're like, nooooooo. God wants us to rest. :) Does this happen at your house? I mean if you can't rest for a few minutes on Sunday afternoons, when can you rest?
I was just thinking tonight about peace and quiet and rest. Lately my insides have been restless. My honey and I have BIG decisions to make. Not the "what do you want for dinner" kind of decisions or the "where do you want to go on vacation" kind. No. The biggies...the gut wrenchers...the pray like there's no tomorrow kind. It's no secret either that we've been on a roller coaster of emotional pain for the last couple of years. If you've been hanging with me reading here for that long you have probably felt like you were on a roller coaster with me. The Lord has been teaching me how to have peace in less than peaceful circumstances and how to find rest in HIM. Peace and quiet rest are found in forgiveness - the forgiveness that Christ offers us and the forgiveness we give to others. Peace is also found in obedience to God as we submit to His will for our lives. And peace is found in reading His word. My insides get knotted up thinking about how unfair a situation is, or thinking about how badly we've been hurt, or thinking about the parts of our future that are unknown, but then I open up my bible and start reading and a peaceful feeling inhabits my soul. Feelings of fear, pain, anger, regret, guilt, anxiety, subside when you read the living word of God. It's my belief that we should all read more of it. See, there ARE parts of our future that are unknown to us, but there is nothing unknown to God. No matter what another human does to us the Lord Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. HIS love and HIS grace make it possible for us to forgive others. If we aren't reading the word daily we just might forget all of that.
So, I'm thinking we need to cut out some TV time, or computer time, and read our bibles more. I'm thinking our kids need to see us studying the word every single day. I'm thinking we need to talk less about our troubles and study the scriptures and pray more. You in? Let's read the bible a whole lot more than we do anything else and see what happens - perhaps a whole lot more peace and quiet and rest.
Friday, May 31, 2013
My God Shall Supply All Your Needs
Depend on Christ alone for salvation and sanctification and depend on His word for the strength and wisdom required for marriage and motherhood.
I wish I could remember where I read or heard these words. It could be a number of places and I honestly don't remember. What I do know is that I've had them written on a little (now crumpled) piece of paper that I have carried around for some time.
As I've been doing this dance with depression I have returned to these words on crumpled paper over and over.
Christ. His word.
{And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:10}
I wish I could remember where I read or heard these words. It could be a number of places and I honestly don't remember. What I do know is that I've had them written on a little (now crumpled) piece of paper that I have carried around for some time.
As I've been doing this dance with depression I have returned to these words on crumpled paper over and over.
Christ. His word.
{And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:10}
Monday, April 15, 2013
Victory in Jesus
Yesterday I heard a fantastic sermon from the book of Joshua. The pastor asked the question, "Are you walking in victory?" and it hit me like a rock between the eyes. My heart sank as I admitted it to myself -
I'm not waking in victory. I'm walking in my circumstances. So, why? The bible says that Jesus came so that we might have life...an abundant life! So why am I walking in defeat? I decided right then and there I was going to pay careful attention. I wanted to know how to walk in victory.
Here's what I learned...
God's word must be daily bread. We must be in the word every day as individuals and as families.
We must act on God's voice. In other words, listen up! Is too much noise in your life preventing you from hearing God's voice? Maybe you (like me) need to turn down all the other noise and get to a place of quiet so that the Lord's voice can be heard.
We must be strong and courageous. The enemy is going to try to derail us at every turn. We must not be afraid. The battle is won.
Obedience is required. No explanation is needed here. We can obey God or we can do our own thing. The choice is ours, and so are the consequences.
We must hunger and thirst for righteousness. Do we pursue holiness? Do we hate sin?
The world tells us that victory goes to the strong, but the bible teaches something entirely different - victory goes to the weak. I walk in victory when I realize how weak I am and how much I need Jesus. I am powerless but God is powerful! It is because of Him that I am able to walk in victory even in a storm or trial. When we abide in Jesus we experience God's presence and are able to exercise His power! That's awesome!
Lately I have felt hopeless to overcome sin and circumstances in my life. Yesterday I was reminded that because of Jesus I am more than a conqueror! What a blessing to be reminded.
Every mom has their struggle, I suppose, and I certainly have mine. I've shared with you before how I struggle with anger. In particular, anger with my teenagers and raising my voice. Usually after I have lost my temper and screamed at my boys I feel sick with regret and I make up my mind that I have to do better. I try really hard, and that works for a while, then sin creeps back in and I'm yelling again. What an eye-opener to realize walking in victory is not about me working harder or me doing better. It's not about me at all, it's about Jesus! When I abide in Him, feeding (daily) on His word, listening to and obeying His voice, praying always (Ephesians 6:18), through Him I will have victory. Praise Jesus!!
Joshua 1:7-9
Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
I'm not waking in victory. I'm walking in my circumstances. So, why? The bible says that Jesus came so that we might have life...an abundant life! So why am I walking in defeat? I decided right then and there I was going to pay careful attention. I wanted to know how to walk in victory.
Here's what I learned...
God's word must be daily bread. We must be in the word every day as individuals and as families.
We must act on God's voice. In other words, listen up! Is too much noise in your life preventing you from hearing God's voice? Maybe you (like me) need to turn down all the other noise and get to a place of quiet so that the Lord's voice can be heard.
We must be strong and courageous. The enemy is going to try to derail us at every turn. We must not be afraid. The battle is won.
Obedience is required. No explanation is needed here. We can obey God or we can do our own thing. The choice is ours, and so are the consequences.
We must hunger and thirst for righteousness. Do we pursue holiness? Do we hate sin?
The world tells us that victory goes to the strong, but the bible teaches something entirely different - victory goes to the weak. I walk in victory when I realize how weak I am and how much I need Jesus. I am powerless but God is powerful! It is because of Him that I am able to walk in victory even in a storm or trial. When we abide in Jesus we experience God's presence and are able to exercise His power! That's awesome!
Lately I have felt hopeless to overcome sin and circumstances in my life. Yesterday I was reminded that because of Jesus I am more than a conqueror! What a blessing to be reminded.
Every mom has their struggle, I suppose, and I certainly have mine. I've shared with you before how I struggle with anger. In particular, anger with my teenagers and raising my voice. Usually after I have lost my temper and screamed at my boys I feel sick with regret and I make up my mind that I have to do better. I try really hard, and that works for a while, then sin creeps back in and I'm yelling again. What an eye-opener to realize walking in victory is not about me working harder or me doing better. It's not about me at all, it's about Jesus! When I abide in Him, feeding (daily) on His word, listening to and obeying His voice, praying always (Ephesians 6:18), through Him I will have victory. Praise Jesus!!
Joshua 1:7-9
Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Grace Covers Me
There are some days as the CHO (chief household officer) I feel like Satan is chomping at my heels. Fear, anger, disappointment, confusion, and hurt gang up on me and always when I'm too weary to fight back. Satan is quick to remind me of my failures and shortcomings. He brings my sins to mind and convinces me I will never get this wife and mother thing right.
But, GRACE covers me.
It's true, I won't ever be good enough, smart enough, or strong enough. I need Jesus. I can't figure out, get over, get it right, or even stand, without Him. When I'm down for the count I must remember - grace covers me. Grace, grace, MARVELOUS grace. Grace greater than all my sin.
Dear Sweet Moms, where do you go when you've had enough? What are you hanging on to? Are you tired? Overwhelmed? Angry? Do you have hard decisions to make? Too much to do? Something under your skin? Regrets? Fears?
If it all depended on us getting everything right we would be without hope. But our hope is not in ourselves. Our hope is in the One who conquered the grave! We became His sin and He became our righteousness! Grace covers us! Praise be to God!
We are not alone.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you.
We do not have to fear.
John 5:24
"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgement, but has passed out of death into life."
God has a plan.
Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
We can do this!
Galatians 6:9
And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.
But, GRACE covers me.
It's true, I won't ever be good enough, smart enough, or strong enough. I need Jesus. I can't figure out, get over, get it right, or even stand, without Him. When I'm down for the count I must remember - grace covers me. Grace, grace, MARVELOUS grace. Grace greater than all my sin.
Dear Sweet Moms, where do you go when you've had enough? What are you hanging on to? Are you tired? Overwhelmed? Angry? Do you have hard decisions to make? Too much to do? Something under your skin? Regrets? Fears?
If it all depended on us getting everything right we would be without hope. But our hope is not in ourselves. Our hope is in the One who conquered the grave! We became His sin and He became our righteousness! Grace covers us! Praise be to God!
We are not alone.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you.
We do not have to fear.
John 5:24
"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgement, but has passed out of death into life."
God has a plan.
Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
We can do this!
Galatians 6:9
And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.
Monday, November 26, 2012
God's Got Your Baggage
Sometimes it can feel like the bottom of the bag is getting really thin and everything is going to fall out. It's good to know when that happens that God is carrying the bag.
Is the bottom of your bag feeling thin? What's inside?
How do you handle hurt?
Get down on your knees. Fighting back won't work, even when everything in you wants to fight. Rest is found in truth. Prayer is the only path to truth. I've been known to get up off my knees, only to return minutes later.
Forgive. It hurts but I will forgive much because I have been forgiven much.
Soak up the Word. I've slept with my bible in my arms reading it's pages until I fall asleep, waking up after one long blink and reading more. Sometimes there is just no putting the words away, except to tuck them away in my heart.
Keep your eyes on Jesus. He knows. He was betrayed, falsely accused, mistreated, yet, He loved. He gave. Cling to Him.
Do the right thing. The wrong thing seems right. The wrong thing feels better. God gives grace to do the right thing. Vengeance is the Lord's. Wasted words, wasted anger, wasted time only split the bag straight in half.
Let it go. Give it to God. He wants to carry it.
*Update* - Last night at dinner my husband suggested we pray and thank God for our troubles. He said we should be thankful for everything, even that which hurts us because of what God does in and through it. If I were writing this post today I would include that in the list. Thank God for the difficulties and pain of life because He works in every situation for our good. I am especially thankful today for a husband that loves our Lord. God has done a mighty work in both of us. To Him Be The Glory!
Is the bottom of your bag feeling thin? What's inside?
How do you handle hurt?
Get down on your knees. Fighting back won't work, even when everything in you wants to fight. Rest is found in truth. Prayer is the only path to truth. I've been known to get up off my knees, only to return minutes later.
Forgive. It hurts but I will forgive much because I have been forgiven much.
Soak up the Word. I've slept with my bible in my arms reading it's pages until I fall asleep, waking up after one long blink and reading more. Sometimes there is just no putting the words away, except to tuck them away in my heart.
Keep your eyes on Jesus. He knows. He was betrayed, falsely accused, mistreated, yet, He loved. He gave. Cling to Him.
Do the right thing. The wrong thing seems right. The wrong thing feels better. God gives grace to do the right thing. Vengeance is the Lord's. Wasted words, wasted anger, wasted time only split the bag straight in half.
Let it go. Give it to God. He wants to carry it.
*Update* - Last night at dinner my husband suggested we pray and thank God for our troubles. He said we should be thankful for everything, even that which hurts us because of what God does in and through it. If I were writing this post today I would include that in the list. Thank God for the difficulties and pain of life because He works in every situation for our good. I am especially thankful today for a husband that loves our Lord. God has done a mighty work in both of us. To Him Be The Glory!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Me and Jesus
I am a liar. HE IS TRUTH. I am flawed. HE IS PERFECT. I am lost. HE SAVES. I am unworthy. HE IS WORTHY! I am broken. HE HEALS. I am hungry. HE IS THE BREAD OF LIFE. I am a sinner. HE IS SINLESS. I am unholy. HE IS RIGHTEOUS. I am sentenced to death. HE IS ALIVE AND WELL. I am selfish. HE IS SELFLESS. I am confused. HE IS MY COUNSELOR. I am hurt. HE IS LOVE. I struggle. HE IS PEACE. I am tired. HE GIVES REST. I am a wanderer. HE IS MY SHEPHERD. I am in danger. HE IS A STRONG TOWER. I am afraid. HE REBUKES STORMS. I am condemned. HE IS MY REDEEMER. I am alone. HE IS MY FRIEND. I am weak. HE IS STRONG. I search. HE IS THE WAY. My path leads to death. HE IS LIFE. I am a thief. HE GIVES. I hate. HE FORGIVES. I cling to my life. HE GAVE UP HIS LIFE. I want to be first. HE CHOSE TO BE LAST. I seek to satisfy. HE ALONE CAN SATISFY. I am scarlet. HE IS WHITE AS SNOW. I cry. HE HEARS. I stumble. HE STANDS. I am quick tempered. HE IS GENTLE. I am in need. HE SUPPLIES. I am sick. HE HEALS ALL MY DISEASES. I am timid. HE IS BOLD. I despair. HE IS HOPE. I am a prisoner. HE IS FREEDOM. I did not choose Him. HE CHOSE ME!
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Lord Directs Our Steps
Proverbs 16:9 The mind of man plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.
I feel like I need to start this post with that verse. I've really been thinking about Proverbs 16:9. We make our plans. We have our schedules. But the Lord directs our steps.
Last week I thought our family was moving into our new home. I had a HUGE to do list in front of me at the beginning of the week. There was nothing on my to-do list having to do with tornadoes. However, my week turned out entirely differently than I had planned and I am reminded once again that our God is a great and mighty God!
Terrible storms have ripped through our area and I am immensely grateful for the ways in which God has protected our family. Our days spent without electricity (and television, and Internet, and email, and blogging, and even at times our cell phones) brought our family closer. My husband actually said he was a tiny bit sad when our power came back on. Crazy? Yes! But he said he enjoyed reading to the kids by candlelight each night and how he and I would sit up late talking not distracted by anything. It was somewhat discouraging for me to throw away all of the food I had to throw out and it was frustrating when my cell phone went dead. It was disappointing that we weren't able to move into our new home and difficult finding ice for our cooler we were eating out of. It did get bad when everyone was running out of underclothes since I couldn't do the washing for 4 days (that NEVER happens here). BUT...all that added together and multiplied 100 times pales in comparison to what so many in our area are dealing with. We have friends still without electricity today. We've heard of a family that lost their dad and a woman who lost her 17 year old son and her mother. We've seen the destruction of property as we have driven around our city and nearby areas. We are keenly aware that things could be so much worse for us.
We are praising God for His mercy and His protection over us. I'm glad that He directs our steps. Our children learned great lessons over the last week. We all did. We were brought closer to God and closer as a family. Without His direction of our steps this might not be so. I planned a move. God planned differently. I am thankful to my God. No matter what, I trust Him.
I WILL PUT MY TRUST IN HIM. HEBREWS 2:13
But the Lord directs his steps.
I feel like I need to start this post with that verse. I've really been thinking about Proverbs 16:9. We make our plans. We have our schedules. But the Lord directs our steps.
Last week I thought our family was moving into our new home. I had a HUGE to do list in front of me at the beginning of the week. There was nothing on my to-do list having to do with tornadoes. However, my week turned out entirely differently than I had planned and I am reminded once again that our God is a great and mighty God!
Terrible storms have ripped through our area and I am immensely grateful for the ways in which God has protected our family. Our days spent without electricity (and television, and Internet, and email, and blogging, and even at times our cell phones) brought our family closer. My husband actually said he was a tiny bit sad when our power came back on. Crazy? Yes! But he said he enjoyed reading to the kids by candlelight each night and how he and I would sit up late talking not distracted by anything. It was somewhat discouraging for me to throw away all of the food I had to throw out and it was frustrating when my cell phone went dead. It was disappointing that we weren't able to move into our new home and difficult finding ice for our cooler we were eating out of. It did get bad when everyone was running out of underclothes since I couldn't do the washing for 4 days (that NEVER happens here). BUT...all that added together and multiplied 100 times pales in comparison to what so many in our area are dealing with. We have friends still without electricity today. We've heard of a family that lost their dad and a woman who lost her 17 year old son and her mother. We've seen the destruction of property as we have driven around our city and nearby areas. We are keenly aware that things could be so much worse for us.
We are praising God for His mercy and His protection over us. I'm glad that He directs our steps. Our children learned great lessons over the last week. We all did. We were brought closer to God and closer as a family. Without His direction of our steps this might not be so. I planned a move. God planned differently. I am thankful to my God. No matter what, I trust Him.
I WILL PUT MY TRUST IN HIM. HEBREWS 2:13
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Looking Unto Jesus
He is so faithful and merciful and loving. He is my Heavenly Father. He knows. He sees. He understands.
Psalm 113
Praise the Lord!
Praise, O Servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord!
Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!
The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!
Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people. He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!
Doesn't it hurt to be hurt? Oh sweet moms, does anything destroy your focus like emotional pain? I want to focus on the work I have to do, my work at home. My desire is to focus on my relationship with God, and loving my husband, and caring for my children. But painful blows can send that plan into chaos. I'm learning and I'm growing and I'm thankful that God is teaching me. We just can't let anything remove our focus from the purpose we have been called to as workers at home.
Here's what I'm learning -
You can't make someone love. You can't make any person do anything.
Refusing to forgive will hurt you and possibly your family. Forgive. Move forward from there.
Moving on may really mean moving on. It seems so difficult but it may be the best decision for you.
Pray, pray, pray, pray. (I should have put this first) Pray that God will help the hurt. Pray that you will not sin. Pray that God will help you to not say the wrong thing. PRAY!
The Holy Spirit led me to these verses and I thought I would share them.
James 3:17-18 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Today it is my duty to make peace. Real peace is found only in Jesus so I must look to Him. I will look to Jesus, keeping my mind steadfast on Him. (And as the Psalmist said, I will rejoice in being the mother of children!)
We must make sure our focus stays on the Lord and that we are found faithful as workers at home. We all have those hard times, we all deal with difficult people, but we must not allow our families to suffer neglect or our spirits to be pulled down. Look up when life pulls you down and allow the peace of God to fill your heart and your home. The work we do at home is the most important work on earth.
Psalm 113
Praise the Lord!
Praise, O Servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord!
Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!
The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!
Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people. He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!
Doesn't it hurt to be hurt? Oh sweet moms, does anything destroy your focus like emotional pain? I want to focus on the work I have to do, my work at home. My desire is to focus on my relationship with God, and loving my husband, and caring for my children. But painful blows can send that plan into chaos. I'm learning and I'm growing and I'm thankful that God is teaching me. We just can't let anything remove our focus from the purpose we have been called to as workers at home.
Here's what I'm learning -
You can't make someone love. You can't make any person do anything.
Refusing to forgive will hurt you and possibly your family. Forgive. Move forward from there.
Moving on may really mean moving on. It seems so difficult but it may be the best decision for you.
Pray, pray, pray, pray. (I should have put this first) Pray that God will help the hurt. Pray that you will not sin. Pray that God will help you to not say the wrong thing. PRAY!
The Holy Spirit led me to these verses and I thought I would share them.
James 3:17-18 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Today it is my duty to make peace. Real peace is found only in Jesus so I must look to Him. I will look to Jesus, keeping my mind steadfast on Him. (And as the Psalmist said, I will rejoice in being the mother of children!)
We must make sure our focus stays on the Lord and that we are found faithful as workers at home. We all have those hard times, we all deal with difficult people, but we must not allow our families to suffer neglect or our spirits to be pulled down. Look up when life pulls you down and allow the peace of God to fill your heart and your home. The work we do at home is the most important work on earth.
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