"Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division; for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three." Luke 12:51-52
"...And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
"Peace on earth, good will towards men" is our hearts' desire. But Jesus made it clear that this will not occur until after His second coming. We can work together for world peace; we may eliminate aids and cancer, but we can do nothing for the condition of the human heart aside of the full regeneration by the Holy Spirit.
Many non-Christians believe that Christians should be peacemakers and they condemn Christians when their views make them stand in opposition to another. But Jesus made it clear that as Christians we have peace with God and peace within our hearts, but that in this world there will be tribulation. World peace should not be our goal. Peace within with God and encouraging and teaching others about God's peace should be our goals.
Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. This fruit only grows by spending time in the word of God and in the presence of God. If you are a Christian and don't experience God's peace, go to Him, bow before Him, and worship Him. Even in the midst of chaotic circumstances, angry relationships, depressing situations, etc..., you can experience the inner peace of the Spirit.
Romans 12:18 says, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." Check your heart. If your conscience is clear before God and another insists on being at enmity with you, walk in peace knowing that God is in control and responsible for the other person. You can be at peace. Remember to pray for the other and continue to live above reproach.
Hint for the day: Sibling rivalry is tough! Having to be the referee is even harder!! But, as hard as it is, it is very important that the children learn to talk through their differences and issues and come to a resolution. This is important training for success in life. First, talk through the emotions. Encourage the kids to use "I" statements instead of "you" statements. Acknowledge and confirm their rights to those emotions. Secondly, address the issue. Ask them if they can come up with some ways that the issue could have been avoided. How could they have done things differently or reacted differently and Biblically? Lastly, let there be a time of forgiveness and resolution. If punishment needs to be given, now is the time. If you notice that one or the other continues to hold a grudge or not want to play with the other, then it is time to pull that one aside and listen to their heart. Further correction may be needed at this point. (My tendancy, when our boys was young, was to solve it for them, give out consequences, and move on. I have come to realize that this method only allows feelings to fester.)
This works well for older children. If it is a matter of an older child not treating a toddler or infant correctly, then just that child needs to be addressed. If it is two toddlers, then a quick "no", a redirectioning of their interest, or separation may be helpful. And always, an "I'm sorry" is needed.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
True Love
"God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son..." John 3:16
Love, too, is a fruit of the Spirit. Once we have truly experienced the Father's love, then we are free to love one another. Others are no threat to us - we are loved. Other's opinions do not matter - we are loved by God. Our emotions will not rule over us or overtake us - we are loved. Is God's love a reality in your life? Are you choosing to believe His love even when you don't feel lovable?
There was a time in my life when I felt that everyone that should love me did not. My marriage was struggling, my parents and in-laws were not acting in love and I did not love myself. When I cried out to God, He established in my heart His love for me. He loved me so much that He died for me! I am lovable! You are lovable! God loves you. If others choose not to love you, that is their problem, not yours!
After this prayer and understanding of God's love, I was able to feel lovable, and thus I was able to love my husband and my children from the overflow of God's love. I was free! It took me several years to fully be able to embrace God's love for me as I had to go back and release a lot of yuck in my childhood to God. But through it all, I never doubted the fact of God's love.
I was not a planned pregnancy and I always felt the rejection of not being wanted. But when I understood my new birth in Christ, I was able to replace those feelings with great wonder at the fact that I was not an accident! God knew me before He planned the world! He has a plan and a purpose for my life! I was able to visualize myself in the Father's arms as a baby and knew that He had rejoiced over my physical and spiritual births. Then I was able to see myself in a beautiful dress as a 6 year old and dance before my Father in heaven and be cherished for my exuberance and childishness! Finally, I am now able to stand before Him, sit with Him, and walk with Him as an adult who is loved and who loves her Lord.
Love is a fruit of the spirit. It grows naturally when we are planted in God's word and are standing in His presence through prayer and praise. If you are having a hard time feeling loved or loving others, ask God to show you through His word how much He loves you. Then walk in that truth, claiming it as reality. The emotions and feelings will eventually follow after!
Hint for the Day: Love your kids. Tell them that you love them. Show them that you love them. But be careful! Kids pick up on your actions more than your words. If you are always yelling at them, putting them down, or not spending time with them, your words of 'I love you" won't be believed!
Love, too, is a fruit of the Spirit. Once we have truly experienced the Father's love, then we are free to love one another. Others are no threat to us - we are loved. Other's opinions do not matter - we are loved by God. Our emotions will not rule over us or overtake us - we are loved. Is God's love a reality in your life? Are you choosing to believe His love even when you don't feel lovable?
There was a time in my life when I felt that everyone that should love me did not. My marriage was struggling, my parents and in-laws were not acting in love and I did not love myself. When I cried out to God, He established in my heart His love for me. He loved me so much that He died for me! I am lovable! You are lovable! God loves you. If others choose not to love you, that is their problem, not yours!
After this prayer and understanding of God's love, I was able to feel lovable, and thus I was able to love my husband and my children from the overflow of God's love. I was free! It took me several years to fully be able to embrace God's love for me as I had to go back and release a lot of yuck in my childhood to God. But through it all, I never doubted the fact of God's love.
I was not a planned pregnancy and I always felt the rejection of not being wanted. But when I understood my new birth in Christ, I was able to replace those feelings with great wonder at the fact that I was not an accident! God knew me before He planned the world! He has a plan and a purpose for my life! I was able to visualize myself in the Father's arms as a baby and knew that He had rejoiced over my physical and spiritual births. Then I was able to see myself in a beautiful dress as a 6 year old and dance before my Father in heaven and be cherished for my exuberance and childishness! Finally, I am now able to stand before Him, sit with Him, and walk with Him as an adult who is loved and who loves her Lord.
Love is a fruit of the spirit. It grows naturally when we are planted in God's word and are standing in His presence through prayer and praise. If you are having a hard time feeling loved or loving others, ask God to show you through His word how much He loves you. Then walk in that truth, claiming it as reality. The emotions and feelings will eventually follow after!
Hint for the Day: Love your kids. Tell them that you love them. Show them that you love them. But be careful! Kids pick up on your actions more than your words. If you are always yelling at them, putting them down, or not spending time with them, your words of 'I love you" won't be believed!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Joy
"...the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10
"...joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5
Oh to know the joy of the Lord! But joy is born from sorrow. In Nehemiah it was the sorrow of having forgotten their God, of having been in exile from their homeland, and of having to rebuild their city, their country, and their relationship with God. That was a lot of work! In Psalms 30 the first part of the verse talks about anger and weeping. "But a shout of joy comes in the morning!" When we wrestle with our emotions, our circumstances, other people, or God, there is great anger and weeping. But when we humble ourselves and choose to trust God, then there is great joy.
I did an extensive study on the word "joy" in the Bible many years ago. My great "aha" was that it is always linked with being in the presence of the Lord! He is our joy. When you are in God's presence through prayer do you come to Him with a list? Do you speak and forget to listen? Or do you take time to praise Him and just enjoy God? That is being in His presence.
Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit. It is not something that we can manufacture. I have never seen a tree grunt and groan trying to pop out fruit! But when that tree puts its roots deep into the soil and raises its limbs to the sun, fruit grows naturally. We are that tree. Our roots need to be firmly planted by streams of water (the Holy Spirit and the word of God) and we need to lift our hands to the Sun! Joy will be a natural byproduct of being in God's presence.
If joy is not yours today, ask yourself when was the last time I sat in the presence of God and just enjoyed Him? If you are in a time of anger or weeping, choose to trust God and know that joy will come in the morning when you let God be sovereign. Joy can be yours. It is a fruit of your relationship with God. If you are without it, go deeper in with the God who created you, who loves you, who died for you, who is preparing a place in heaven for you. Joy comes when you know deep in your heart that today is just today, but eternity awaits you even now when you sit with Jesus.
Hint of the Day: Have a joyful home. Let your kids see your joy through laughter and song. Let your reactions be Godly. The mom sets the tone of the home. This is true. Try it! Even if you are not feeling joyful, choose to act joyfully. Your emotions will line up and you will find your heart lighter.
"...joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5
Oh to know the joy of the Lord! But joy is born from sorrow. In Nehemiah it was the sorrow of having forgotten their God, of having been in exile from their homeland, and of having to rebuild their city, their country, and their relationship with God. That was a lot of work! In Psalms 30 the first part of the verse talks about anger and weeping. "But a shout of joy comes in the morning!" When we wrestle with our emotions, our circumstances, other people, or God, there is great anger and weeping. But when we humble ourselves and choose to trust God, then there is great joy.
I did an extensive study on the word "joy" in the Bible many years ago. My great "aha" was that it is always linked with being in the presence of the Lord! He is our joy. When you are in God's presence through prayer do you come to Him with a list? Do you speak and forget to listen? Or do you take time to praise Him and just enjoy God? That is being in His presence.
Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit. It is not something that we can manufacture. I have never seen a tree grunt and groan trying to pop out fruit! But when that tree puts its roots deep into the soil and raises its limbs to the sun, fruit grows naturally. We are that tree. Our roots need to be firmly planted by streams of water (the Holy Spirit and the word of God) and we need to lift our hands to the Sun! Joy will be a natural byproduct of being in God's presence.
If joy is not yours today, ask yourself when was the last time I sat in the presence of God and just enjoyed Him? If you are in a time of anger or weeping, choose to trust God and know that joy will come in the morning when you let God be sovereign. Joy can be yours. It is a fruit of your relationship with God. If you are without it, go deeper in with the God who created you, who loves you, who died for you, who is preparing a place in heaven for you. Joy comes when you know deep in your heart that today is just today, but eternity awaits you even now when you sit with Jesus.
Hint of the Day: Have a joyful home. Let your kids see your joy through laughter and song. Let your reactions be Godly. The mom sets the tone of the home. This is true. Try it! Even if you are not feeling joyful, choose to act joyfully. Your emotions will line up and you will find your heart lighter.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Anger and Forgiveness
"Be angry, yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger." Ephesians 4:26
I am stuck on this topic because I know the bondage that anger or hurt can leave you in, and I know the freedom and joy that can be yours when you can forgive and let go!
Let's put this verse in Ephesians in context. Ephesians 4:23-24 says, "...that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth." When you asked Jesus to be in charge of your life and you were born again, you became a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). You were made righteous based not on your actions, but on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. This righteousness and holiness is based in truth. Truth is Jesus and the word of God. To be renewed in the spirit of our minds, we must be about reading God's word, praying and being in God's presence. The Holy Spirit will renew our minds through God's word.
Notice that we are to be about putting on the new self. This is a choice, minute by minute. But we have the power, the option, the choice to do so. The next several verses talk about laying aside the old self of falsehood and anger. Verse 27 says that when we allow falsehood or anger into our lives, we "...give the devil opportunity." Satan will keep you so bound up by your lies or anger that you are so inward focused and outward unproductive and destructive that God can not renew you or use you.
We are to forgive as Jesus forgave. Wow! That's a lot of forgiveness! I can't do this on my own, but the Holy Spirit can give me the power to. It is a choice of the will. Then the emotions will line up. But when we don't forgive we can't grow up or be "sanctified". We are stuck and our hearts are cut off from God's cleansing and renewal.
As I began to walk the path of forgiveness, the Holy Spirit showed me my heart and what I needed to ask forgiveness for. He humbled me before those that I needed to forgive. Then He filled my up with so much joy and release that I wanted to forgive all others. If you are stuck in unforgiveness, read God's word, see how much you were forgiven, see how much it cost the Father and the Son, and see how it is keeping you from being able to move forward in your relationship with Christ and with others.
Hint for the Day: Know the difference between aggressive anger and assertive anger.
who does wrong
Does not care about the Tries to be understanding
other person’s point of
view.
Is stubborn, immovable, Is
flexible and willing to seek
and demanding. alternatives.
Is condemning and judgmental. Recognizes we all have faults.
Cares about what happens to Cares about the welfare of others.
oneself.
3. Be aware of responsiveness of recipient
4. Consider feelings and circumstances of recipient (timing is everything)!
3. Stick to the subject.
4. Be honest about your feelings (I statements).
5. Avoid terms of exaggeration.
6. Refrain from character assassination.
7. Listen to understand
8. Give self a time limit.
9. Don’t ask loaded questions.
10. Keep positive attitude.
11. Be tactful about when and where
12. Remember that winning is not the goal.
These suggestions are taken from Les Carter's book The Anger Workbook.
I am stuck on this topic because I know the bondage that anger or hurt can leave you in, and I know the freedom and joy that can be yours when you can forgive and let go!
Let's put this verse in Ephesians in context. Ephesians 4:23-24 says, "...that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth." When you asked Jesus to be in charge of your life and you were born again, you became a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). You were made righteous based not on your actions, but on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. This righteousness and holiness is based in truth. Truth is Jesus and the word of God. To be renewed in the spirit of our minds, we must be about reading God's word, praying and being in God's presence. The Holy Spirit will renew our minds through God's word.
Notice that we are to be about putting on the new self. This is a choice, minute by minute. But we have the power, the option, the choice to do so. The next several verses talk about laying aside the old self of falsehood and anger. Verse 27 says that when we allow falsehood or anger into our lives, we "...give the devil opportunity." Satan will keep you so bound up by your lies or anger that you are so inward focused and outward unproductive and destructive that God can not renew you or use you.
We are to forgive as Jesus forgave. Wow! That's a lot of forgiveness! I can't do this on my own, but the Holy Spirit can give me the power to. It is a choice of the will. Then the emotions will line up. But when we don't forgive we can't grow up or be "sanctified". We are stuck and our hearts are cut off from God's cleansing and renewal.
As I began to walk the path of forgiveness, the Holy Spirit showed me my heart and what I needed to ask forgiveness for. He humbled me before those that I needed to forgive. Then He filled my up with so much joy and release that I wanted to forgive all others. If you are stuck in unforgiveness, read God's word, see how much you were forgiven, see how much it cost the Father and the Son, and see how it is keeping you from being able to move forward in your relationship with Christ and with others.
Hint for the Day: Know the difference between aggressive anger and assertive anger.
Aggressive Anger Assertive
anger
Seeks to punish
person Seeks to
help person who does wrong
Does not care about the Tries to be understanding
other person’s point of
view.
Has high expectations of Knows
even the finest people
everyone. Sometimes
makes mistakes.Cares about what happens to Cares about the welfare of others.
oneself.
Holds grudges. Knows
the value of forgiving.
Does not notice one’s own Recognizes
that one can always
areas of weaknesses. Improve.
Before you communicate:
1. Do
not attempt to establish your own superiority
2. Make
sure anger is constructive3. Be aware of responsiveness of recipient
4. Consider feelings and circumstances of recipient (timing is everything)!
As you communicate:
1. Discriminate
essential from non-essential problems.
2. Confront
problems as soon as possible.3. Stick to the subject.
4. Be honest about your feelings (I statements).
5. Avoid terms of exaggeration.
6. Refrain from character assassination.
7. Listen to understand
8. Give self a time limit.
9. Don’t ask loaded questions.
10. Keep positive attitude.
11. Be tactful about when and where
12. Remember that winning is not the goal.
These suggestions are taken from Les Carter's book The Anger Workbook.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Heart Attack - Energizing Exercise
"But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
1 Timothy 4:7-8
Discipline. Don't you just cringe when you hear that word? This is not the punishment of acts committed, although sometimes it feels that way! This is the continual practice of good choices that over time changes our bodies, our minds, and our spirits.
Our physical heart is a muscle. When we use it vigorously, it grows stronger, when we don't exercise it, it grows weaker. Our faith is the same way. When we use our faith by trusting in God's word and His relationship then our faith will grow stronger. When we don't use our faith, it will weaken and eventually atrophy. We exercise our faith by believing God's word and acting upon it even when our reality or our emotions tell us something different. In order to do this, we must know the word of God. Romans 12:2 says: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind." We renew our mind by reading the word of God and praying. We have the Holy Spirit within us as believers. The Holy Spirit illuminates God's word giving us understanding and convicting us when we sin. ("All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.)
Let me give you an example. As a child, hopefully you did not have to worry about where you meals would come from. You went about your day and a parent in your life put food on the table - morning, noon, and night. You did not spend time worrying about your next meal. You did not pray that somehow your next meal would be there. It just was. You put your faith in your parent to provide for you. Each time that you sat down at the table you exercised your faith in your parent. Now, if you were not fortunate enough to have a faithful parent, then you did have to spend time worrying about how you would eat. You did not exercise faith by showing up for lunch at noon everyday, because there was nothing there to eat.
Our God is the faithful parent. He knows what is best for us and we can trust Him. Spurgeon once said, "When you can't see God's hand, trust His heart." If you know God's heart - His love for you that drove Jesus to the cross, then you can trust Him, put your faith in Him, and find rest rather than worry.
One way to exercise your spiritual heart is to remember. Remember the times that God was faithful. Then you can move forward knowing that He will be faithful again. Exercise your faith by believing that what God says is true and walk in that truth. Your heart will thank you.
Hint for the Day: Keep your kids moving! Reduce their tv and computer time and require them to spend time outside. They will naturally run, climb trees, chase each other, jump, or play with the dog. This will keep their bodies healthy.
For their spiritual health, read the word to them daily, sing praises together, and challenge them to trust God when they are upset, worried, afraid, or sad. You can have them make a "Trust God Box". Take any small box and have them decorate it. Then have them write down anything that they are afraid or or worried about. Have them pray about the situation and then give it to God by placing it in the box. Let go of the paper and the worry. If they start to worry or fret, they are to take the paper out, pray about the situation again, and give it back to God by putting it back into the box. Even we moms could use a "Trust God Box"!
1 Timothy 4:7-8
Discipline. Don't you just cringe when you hear that word? This is not the punishment of acts committed, although sometimes it feels that way! This is the continual practice of good choices that over time changes our bodies, our minds, and our spirits.
Our physical heart is a muscle. When we use it vigorously, it grows stronger, when we don't exercise it, it grows weaker. Our faith is the same way. When we use our faith by trusting in God's word and His relationship then our faith will grow stronger. When we don't use our faith, it will weaken and eventually atrophy. We exercise our faith by believing God's word and acting upon it even when our reality or our emotions tell us something different. In order to do this, we must know the word of God. Romans 12:2 says: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind." We renew our mind by reading the word of God and praying. We have the Holy Spirit within us as believers. The Holy Spirit illuminates God's word giving us understanding and convicting us when we sin. ("All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.)
Let me give you an example. As a child, hopefully you did not have to worry about where you meals would come from. You went about your day and a parent in your life put food on the table - morning, noon, and night. You did not spend time worrying about your next meal. You did not pray that somehow your next meal would be there. It just was. You put your faith in your parent to provide for you. Each time that you sat down at the table you exercised your faith in your parent. Now, if you were not fortunate enough to have a faithful parent, then you did have to spend time worrying about how you would eat. You did not exercise faith by showing up for lunch at noon everyday, because there was nothing there to eat.
Our God is the faithful parent. He knows what is best for us and we can trust Him. Spurgeon once said, "When you can't see God's hand, trust His heart." If you know God's heart - His love for you that drove Jesus to the cross, then you can trust Him, put your faith in Him, and find rest rather than worry.
One way to exercise your spiritual heart is to remember. Remember the times that God was faithful. Then you can move forward knowing that He will be faithful again. Exercise your faith by believing that what God says is true and walk in that truth. Your heart will thank you.
Hint for the Day: Keep your kids moving! Reduce their tv and computer time and require them to spend time outside. They will naturally run, climb trees, chase each other, jump, or play with the dog. This will keep their bodies healthy.
For their spiritual health, read the word to them daily, sing praises together, and challenge them to trust God when they are upset, worried, afraid, or sad. You can have them make a "Trust God Box". Take any small box and have them decorate it. Then have them write down anything that they are afraid or or worried about. Have them pray about the situation and then give it to God by placing it in the box. Let go of the paper and the worry. If they start to worry or fret, they are to take the paper out, pray about the situation again, and give it back to God by putting it back into the box. Even we moms could use a "Trust God Box"!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Heart Attack - Unclogging Our Arteries
"...lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble..." Hebrews12:15
In yesterday's blog, I spoke about eating right to keep your heart healthy, but if your arteries are already clogged, it may require surgery to clean the impurities, anger, bitterness, and depression from your heart. "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper then any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12. Surgery hurts; it is not fun, but once the pus and infection is removed, real healing can begin. Some of us are carrying hurts and anger from the past. We have accepted Jesus' forgiveness, we understand that we need to forgive others, but we just haven't been able to let some things go.
Unresolved anger (or hurt which is anger turned inwards) can lead to bitterness, then malice, wrath, hatred, revenge, and then to depression, destructive behavior, psychosomatic illness, or even suicidal thoughts.
The steps of surgery follows: 1. Acknowledge the hurt. Accept the fact that you were wronged and that it hurt. 2. Grieve that hurt and loss. The loss might have been a loss of relationship, the loss of a dream, the loss of innocence, or other losses. 3. Give your hurt to God. "'Vengeance is Mine,' thus saith the Lord"! (Deuteronomy 32:35) 4. Choose to forgive the other person or yourself.
Forgiveness is a choice of the will. You may still have some negative emotions about that person or situation, but if you keep asking God to give you peace and claim the forgiveness, then eventually the thought of the circumstance will no longer hold any emotional power over you. One time I chose to forgive a friend But eight months later I would still cry when I heard her name. That was a part of the healing and grieving. Now we are actually back into a good relationship, but with some safe boundaries. Others I chose to forgive, but I have not entered back into a relationship with them because they continue to be abusive. Remember that we are to forgive as our Heavenly Father has forgiven us through Jesus. That's a whole bunch. We can not do this on our own; we need the power of God and His word transforming our lives.
God is the Creator and The Great Physician. Humble yourself and put yourself into His hands to perform surgery that will heal and leave you not without, but with great joy!
Hint for the Day: Teach your children that anger is not wrong, but that we are responsible with what we do with our anger. In our house, the children could cry or talk about their anger, but they were not allowed to scream, hit, kick, or punch. If their reaction to their anger was too much, we would direct them to a physical activity like running, punching a punching bag, or shooting baskets, before trying to sit with them and letting them cry and talk it out. when talking to the child, stay on topic and try to help them communicate the hurt. Then lead them through the steps above.
In yesterday's blog, I spoke about eating right to keep your heart healthy, but if your arteries are already clogged, it may require surgery to clean the impurities, anger, bitterness, and depression from your heart. "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper then any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12. Surgery hurts; it is not fun, but once the pus and infection is removed, real healing can begin. Some of us are carrying hurts and anger from the past. We have accepted Jesus' forgiveness, we understand that we need to forgive others, but we just haven't been able to let some things go.
Unresolved anger (or hurt which is anger turned inwards) can lead to bitterness, then malice, wrath, hatred, revenge, and then to depression, destructive behavior, psychosomatic illness, or even suicidal thoughts.
The steps of surgery follows: 1. Acknowledge the hurt. Accept the fact that you were wronged and that it hurt. 2. Grieve that hurt and loss. The loss might have been a loss of relationship, the loss of a dream, the loss of innocence, or other losses. 3. Give your hurt to God. "'Vengeance is Mine,' thus saith the Lord"! (Deuteronomy 32:35) 4. Choose to forgive the other person or yourself.
Forgiveness is a choice of the will. You may still have some negative emotions about that person or situation, but if you keep asking God to give you peace and claim the forgiveness, then eventually the thought of the circumstance will no longer hold any emotional power over you. One time I chose to forgive a friend But eight months later I would still cry when I heard her name. That was a part of the healing and grieving. Now we are actually back into a good relationship, but with some safe boundaries. Others I chose to forgive, but I have not entered back into a relationship with them because they continue to be abusive. Remember that we are to forgive as our Heavenly Father has forgiven us through Jesus. That's a whole bunch. We can not do this on our own; we need the power of God and His word transforming our lives.
God is the Creator and The Great Physician. Humble yourself and put yourself into His hands to perform surgery that will heal and leave you not without, but with great joy!
Hint for the Day: Teach your children that anger is not wrong, but that we are responsible with what we do with our anger. In our house, the children could cry or talk about their anger, but they were not allowed to scream, hit, kick, or punch. If their reaction to their anger was too much, we would direct them to a physical activity like running, punching a punching bag, or shooting baskets, before trying to sit with them and letting them cry and talk it out. when talking to the child, stay on topic and try to help them communicate the hurt. Then lead them through the steps above.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Heart Attack - It's All About What You Eat
"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spritual songs,singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16
If someone has a heart attack and survives, they know that they must make some drastic changes in the way they eat. They have to cut out more fat, more sugars, and some carbs and eat meat and vegetables with a few fruit and whole grains. To keep our hearts healthy so that we don't have a heart attack, we need to use that same formula.
To keep our spiritual heart healthy we must be about "eating" the right foods as well - God's word. Listen to Paul in Hebrews 5:14-15. He is admonishing them because they are not growing. They are not growing because they are not "eating" daily from God's word and have begun following false doctrine. Here is what he says, "For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, but he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."
Throughout the Bible, God's word is referred to as meat, bread, milk, and water. Input equals output. That is an old principle, but it still holds true. Let's look back at Colossians 3:16 from the first of this blog. The word of Christ (which is truth and the sum of the whole word of God) must dwell within us. It dwells within us when we input it by reading, listening, discussing, practicing, and trusting the words of the Bible. Notice that when it dwells within us we have wisdom. Jesus is wisdom personified. We have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16). James says to ask for wisdom and God will grant it to us. (James 1:5) Wisodm comes from God. When we dwell in the word, we gain understanding and instruction which are the ingredients for wisdom. Colossians goes on to say that by having the word dwelling within us we will have the wisdom to admonish one another. This is not critical judgment of disapproval, but rather loving confrontation of sin that the other might grow in Christ. Then with songs of praise and thankfulness we are to draw near to God. ("Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise." Psalm 100:4)
This is the key to a healthy heart. In the presence of God through His word and in praise and thanksgiving, we will be transformed. (Romans 12:2) And in His presence there is joy and health.
A healthy spiritual heart will also bring physical wellness. Look at Proverbs 3:1 and 8. (My son, do not forget my teaching, But let the your heart keep my commandments; For length of days and years of life, And peace they will add to you...It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.") God heals through His word and through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Eat well. Stay healthy.
Hint for the Day: Moms, trying to change the whole diet of your family at once is never a good idea. Introduce new foods one at at time, eliminating the bad along the way. Our core rule when the boys were young was to have at least 2 "living" foods at every meal. This could be raw vegetables instead of chips, fruit with breakfast, and cooked vegetables with dinner. Snacks can be fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds, or peanut butter on whole grain bread. Raisins are a good pick me up as well.
If someone has a heart attack and survives, they know that they must make some drastic changes in the way they eat. They have to cut out more fat, more sugars, and some carbs and eat meat and vegetables with a few fruit and whole grains. To keep our hearts healthy so that we don't have a heart attack, we need to use that same formula.
To keep our spiritual heart healthy we must be about "eating" the right foods as well - God's word. Listen to Paul in Hebrews 5:14-15. He is admonishing them because they are not growing. They are not growing because they are not "eating" daily from God's word and have begun following false doctrine. Here is what he says, "For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, but he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."
Throughout the Bible, God's word is referred to as meat, bread, milk, and water. Input equals output. That is an old principle, but it still holds true. Let's look back at Colossians 3:16 from the first of this blog. The word of Christ (which is truth and the sum of the whole word of God) must dwell within us. It dwells within us when we input it by reading, listening, discussing, practicing, and trusting the words of the Bible. Notice that when it dwells within us we have wisdom. Jesus is wisdom personified. We have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16). James says to ask for wisdom and God will grant it to us. (James 1:5) Wisodm comes from God. When we dwell in the word, we gain understanding and instruction which are the ingredients for wisdom. Colossians goes on to say that by having the word dwelling within us we will have the wisdom to admonish one another. This is not critical judgment of disapproval, but rather loving confrontation of sin that the other might grow in Christ. Then with songs of praise and thankfulness we are to draw near to God. ("Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise." Psalm 100:4)
This is the key to a healthy heart. In the presence of God through His word and in praise and thanksgiving, we will be transformed. (Romans 12:2) And in His presence there is joy and health.
A healthy spiritual heart will also bring physical wellness. Look at Proverbs 3:1 and 8. (My son, do not forget my teaching, But let the your heart keep my commandments; For length of days and years of life, And peace they will add to you...It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.") God heals through His word and through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Eat well. Stay healthy.
Hint for the Day: Moms, trying to change the whole diet of your family at once is never a good idea. Introduce new foods one at at time, eliminating the bad along the way. Our core rule when the boys were young was to have at least 2 "living" foods at every meal. This could be raw vegetables instead of chips, fruit with breakfast, and cooked vegetables with dinner. Snacks can be fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds, or peanut butter on whole grain bread. Raisins are a good pick me up as well.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Heart Attack - Regular Checkups
The next several blogs will be titled “Heart Attack”
“Watch over your heart with all diligence,
for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23
It is never too late to start healthy habits that will
strengthen your heart. But only God can
give your heart new life and health.
There is no sin too deep that Jesus’ death cannot cover it. There is no emotion too great or action too
bad that God cannot forgive. Examine
your heart. Ask God to reveal to you if
there is pride or anger or bitterness there and then repent and renew by
letting God’s love in. He will heal you
from the inside out!
Hint of the Day:
If you are going through a hard time, remember God’s faithfulness in
times past. He often tells His people in
the Old Testament to “Remember” -
Remember His faithfulness in taking them out of Egypt, in establishing
them in a new land, in defeating their enemies, in providing for their
needs. It does our hearts good to
“Remember.” Try writing down the times
that you have seen God’s hand throughout your life. Then praise Him for those times and commit
your today to Him in trust and faith.
End in praise. Remember that He
is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Jesus is Wisdom
"The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom;
And with all your acquiring, get understanding.
Prize her, and she will exalt you;
She will honor you if you embrace her.
She will place on your head a garland of grace;
She will present you with a crown of beauty."
Proverbs 4:7-9
If you replace "wisdom" with "Jesus" this is how it reads:
"The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire Jesus;
And with all your acquiring, get understanding.
Prize Jesus, and He will exalt you;
Jesus will honor you if you embrace Him.
He will place on your head a garland of grace;
He will present you with a crown of beauty."
Jesus is the answer. Proverbs 8:22-36 is another picture of Jesus. Jesus is the personification of Wisdom. He was with God from the beginning, He was the Master Workman of creation, He delights in the sons of man, He blesses those who listens to Him, and He is life.
One day when I was in the throes of extreme pain due to nerve damage, I questioned God on this. I said, "If Jesus is the answer, then what do I do when He is not enough?" The answer is to go deeper in with Jesus. Think about it for a minute. Jesus took all of the disciples to the Garden of Gethsemene. Then He took Peter, James, and John in with Him a little deeper, then He went deeper still by Himself as He pleaded with God. I went deeper in with Jesus, praying, reading, praising, and being in God's presence during that time of forced bedrest and pain. Jesus was enough!!! My faith grew, my understanding grew, my love for Jesus grew!
Proverbs says that wisdom starts by getting wisdom. Get Jesus, but then hold on and get more and more and more of Him. He will comfort, correct, challenge, and love you through anything this life can throw at you.
He has been enough through anger, depression, pain, surgeries, moves, loneliness, failures, successes, changes of all kinds and He has brought great joy!
Hint for the Day: Teach your children that Jesus is as real as you are. They can talk to Him, walk with Him, complain to Him, and sing to Him. He hears! He cares! He answers prayers!
And with all your acquiring, get understanding.
Prize her, and she will exalt you;
She will honor you if you embrace her.
She will place on your head a garland of grace;
She will present you with a crown of beauty."
Proverbs 4:7-9
If you replace "wisdom" with "Jesus" this is how it reads:
"The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire Jesus;
And with all your acquiring, get understanding.
Prize Jesus, and He will exalt you;
Jesus will honor you if you embrace Him.
He will place on your head a garland of grace;
He will present you with a crown of beauty."
Jesus is the answer. Proverbs 8:22-36 is another picture of Jesus. Jesus is the personification of Wisdom. He was with God from the beginning, He was the Master Workman of creation, He delights in the sons of man, He blesses those who listens to Him, and He is life.
One day when I was in the throes of extreme pain due to nerve damage, I questioned God on this. I said, "If Jesus is the answer, then what do I do when He is not enough?" The answer is to go deeper in with Jesus. Think about it for a minute. Jesus took all of the disciples to the Garden of Gethsemene. Then He took Peter, James, and John in with Him a little deeper, then He went deeper still by Himself as He pleaded with God. I went deeper in with Jesus, praying, reading, praising, and being in God's presence during that time of forced bedrest and pain. Jesus was enough!!! My faith grew, my understanding grew, my love for Jesus grew!
Proverbs says that wisdom starts by getting wisdom. Get Jesus, but then hold on and get more and more and more of Him. He will comfort, correct, challenge, and love you through anything this life can throw at you.
He has been enough through anger, depression, pain, surgeries, moves, loneliness, failures, successes, changes of all kinds and He has brought great joy!
Hint for the Day: Teach your children that Jesus is as real as you are. They can talk to Him, walk with Him, complain to Him, and sing to Him. He hears! He cares! He answers prayers!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Kids of Truth
"I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." 3 John 1:4
Math is important and so is reading, history, and science, but if our children have all of that and are not walking in truth, it will get them nowhere. I am at a homeschool convention in Memphis. There are hundreds of venders. There are thousands of good books, curriculum, cd's, etc... There is some really good stuff out there. I wish more had been available when we started homeschooling back in the late 80's. But the Bible does not change and in it is found truth. Many times at conventions I have asked someone if they have done a good study of Proverbs. It amazes me that anyone, let alone many people, actually reply, "Oh, we don't have time for Bible!" Wow!! That blows my mind. This is the same as saying, "I don't have time for food." Without food your body will die; without reading God's Word, your spirit will die and you will definitely not grow up!
Truth is the sum of God's word. (Psalm 119:160) Wisdom comes from knowing God's Word. Truth and Wisdom are the epitome of Jesus Christ. In other words, Jesus is the personification of truth and wisdom. Don't you want your children to be able to discern the truth of God's word from the falsehoods of this world? They can't learn that from a math book! We always start each day with individual quiet times - reading God's Word and praying. Then we get together and have a short Bible study on whatever Bible book we are reading at the time. Then we do math and English, reading, history, science, etc... We end each day in God's Word as well.
My kids may not be the most famous, the best dressed, or the most popular, but they are the wisest young men that I know. They have God's Word written on their hearts and they amaze me with their wisdom and understanding of God. When I am struggling, it is often one of our boys who say something that directs me to God's wisdom. One day I felt really discouraged because one of the boys had made the soccer team, but then the soccer team didn't happen because there were not enough boys trying out. I went to comfort this son who lookied at me and said, "It's okay Mom, God knows and has something else for me." That's truth! That's faith! That's my son!!! And I am so proud when they discern their world through God's word.
Hint for the Day: Be in the word of God with your kids. Tell stories, act out stories, draw cartoons, ask questions, put on puppet shows, etc... But be in the Word. Younger children can memorize small verses and older children can memorize whole chapters. Expect much in this area. Memorize together as a family. But - do it!!!
Math is important and so is reading, history, and science, but if our children have all of that and are not walking in truth, it will get them nowhere. I am at a homeschool convention in Memphis. There are hundreds of venders. There are thousands of good books, curriculum, cd's, etc... There is some really good stuff out there. I wish more had been available when we started homeschooling back in the late 80's. But the Bible does not change and in it is found truth. Many times at conventions I have asked someone if they have done a good study of Proverbs. It amazes me that anyone, let alone many people, actually reply, "Oh, we don't have time for Bible!" Wow!! That blows my mind. This is the same as saying, "I don't have time for food." Without food your body will die; without reading God's Word, your spirit will die and you will definitely not grow up!
Truth is the sum of God's word. (Psalm 119:160) Wisdom comes from knowing God's Word. Truth and Wisdom are the epitome of Jesus Christ. In other words, Jesus is the personification of truth and wisdom. Don't you want your children to be able to discern the truth of God's word from the falsehoods of this world? They can't learn that from a math book! We always start each day with individual quiet times - reading God's Word and praying. Then we get together and have a short Bible study on whatever Bible book we are reading at the time. Then we do math and English, reading, history, science, etc... We end each day in God's Word as well.
My kids may not be the most famous, the best dressed, or the most popular, but they are the wisest young men that I know. They have God's Word written on their hearts and they amaze me with their wisdom and understanding of God. When I am struggling, it is often one of our boys who say something that directs me to God's wisdom. One day I felt really discouraged because one of the boys had made the soccer team, but then the soccer team didn't happen because there were not enough boys trying out. I went to comfort this son who lookied at me and said, "It's okay Mom, God knows and has something else for me." That's truth! That's faith! That's my son!!! And I am so proud when they discern their world through God's word.
Hint for the Day: Be in the word of God with your kids. Tell stories, act out stories, draw cartoons, ask questions, put on puppet shows, etc... But be in the Word. Younger children can memorize small verses and older children can memorize whole chapters. Expect much in this area. Memorize together as a family. But - do it!!!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Doing It All
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13
This verse has helped all of us get through a tough time or a tough day. Jesus is our strength in all that He desires for us to do. But I used to read this verse all wrong. I emphasized the word all and tried to do it all. Then when I failed, I questioned God. I tried to be the super mom, the super wife, the super daughter, the super friend, the super housekeeper, the super piano teacher, the super Sunday school teacher, the super cook, the super mentor, the super neighbor, and the super witness for Christ - all in the same day! Day after day! Yeah, I burned out big time.
The tears came whenever I would read a woman's magazine or a homeschool magazine. Those women seemed to be able to do it all and to do it all better than me! Their houses looked amazing, they dressed like super models, they cooked gourmet meals, they organized their closets, they found time to read real grown-up books, their children won awards, and their husbands called them blessed! I dimmed in comparison. So I would quote my Philippians 3:13 and try even harder!
Then, one day my husband saw me coming from my room in tears and asked what the matter was. I told him everything and how I fell so short at so much. He laughed. Yep, he's a real sensitive type! He laughed and asked me to look at the bylines of all those articles. As I did, I realized that no woman wrote more than one article. In other words, I was comparing myself to the expertise of a whole panel of woman. The world-class cook did not write an article on organization. The fashion model did not expound on baking her own bread. And the Mom whose kids won all kinds of rewards did not write reviews on the latest books! Hey, maybe I didn't have to do it all!
As I grew in my Christian faith, Bible understanding, and relationship with Christ, I began to accept my own strengths and weaknesses. I could write an article on raising kids, but you would never want to read something that I wrote about cooking a turkey! (That's a story for another day!) I also learned that the "all" of Phil. 4:13 meant all that God asked me to do or to go through. I didn't need to worry about how I would respond in someone else's circumstances. God gives grace to each of us as we need it. I just needed to look to Him for my strength in the matters of my life and laugh and cry with Him along the way.
There is freedom in this! Different stages of life require different skills, different reactions, and different strengths. I will trust God in all that I do because I will be about doing all that He asks me to do. He knows me and has a purpose and plan for my life that is different than the purpose and plan that He has for your life. I will not judge you or myself for what we do, rather I will praise God for the ability to do the things He gives me to do and I will praise Him for giving me the strength to do it!
Hint for the Day: List the things that you enjoy doing. Then list the things that you would like to learn to do. Finally, list the things that you don't ever want to do! (changing a tire would make that last list for me!) Then give your lists to God and ask Him to give you the strength for every day and everything that He allows to come into your life. Then do your best, pray for God's wisdom and guidance, and walk in freedom and joy!
This verse has helped all of us get through a tough time or a tough day. Jesus is our strength in all that He desires for us to do. But I used to read this verse all wrong. I emphasized the word all and tried to do it all. Then when I failed, I questioned God. I tried to be the super mom, the super wife, the super daughter, the super friend, the super housekeeper, the super piano teacher, the super Sunday school teacher, the super cook, the super mentor, the super neighbor, and the super witness for Christ - all in the same day! Day after day! Yeah, I burned out big time.
The tears came whenever I would read a woman's magazine or a homeschool magazine. Those women seemed to be able to do it all and to do it all better than me! Their houses looked amazing, they dressed like super models, they cooked gourmet meals, they organized their closets, they found time to read real grown-up books, their children won awards, and their husbands called them blessed! I dimmed in comparison. So I would quote my Philippians 3:13 and try even harder!
Then, one day my husband saw me coming from my room in tears and asked what the matter was. I told him everything and how I fell so short at so much. He laughed. Yep, he's a real sensitive type! He laughed and asked me to look at the bylines of all those articles. As I did, I realized that no woman wrote more than one article. In other words, I was comparing myself to the expertise of a whole panel of woman. The world-class cook did not write an article on organization. The fashion model did not expound on baking her own bread. And the Mom whose kids won all kinds of rewards did not write reviews on the latest books! Hey, maybe I didn't have to do it all!
As I grew in my Christian faith, Bible understanding, and relationship with Christ, I began to accept my own strengths and weaknesses. I could write an article on raising kids, but you would never want to read something that I wrote about cooking a turkey! (That's a story for another day!) I also learned that the "all" of Phil. 4:13 meant all that God asked me to do or to go through. I didn't need to worry about how I would respond in someone else's circumstances. God gives grace to each of us as we need it. I just needed to look to Him for my strength in the matters of my life and laugh and cry with Him along the way.
There is freedom in this! Different stages of life require different skills, different reactions, and different strengths. I will trust God in all that I do because I will be about doing all that He asks me to do. He knows me and has a purpose and plan for my life that is different than the purpose and plan that He has for your life. I will not judge you or myself for what we do, rather I will praise God for the ability to do the things He gives me to do and I will praise Him for giving me the strength to do it!
Hint for the Day: List the things that you enjoy doing. Then list the things that you would like to learn to do. Finally, list the things that you don't ever want to do! (changing a tire would make that last list for me!) Then give your lists to God and ask Him to give you the strength for every day and everything that He allows to come into your life. Then do your best, pray for God's wisdom and guidance, and walk in freedom and joy!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Abide in Him
"As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. Now, little children, abide in Him so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming." 1 John 2:27-28
This is truly the key to victorious Christian living. We were not born again from our own power or works, neither can we walk according to the Spirit without abiding with Jesus continually. I love the story about Corrie Ten Boom. She survived the holocaust. Though not Jewish, she was confined to a concentration camp for hiding Jews (Great book: The Hiding Place). She was released by mistake just days before she would have been killed. In her older days it was noted of her that she often would be seen talking to herself. When asked about this, she laughed and said that she was not going senile, but that she was talking to her Lord and Savior! Oh, that I might abide so closely that I could just carry on an ongoing conversation with Christ.
Another great story about abiding comes from Brother Lawrence. He tells how to abide in his book, Practicing His Presence. Brother Lawrence was a kitchen monk hundreds of years ago. He sought to worship and commune with God while doing his duties in the kitchen. And there, he found sweet fellowship with His Lord.These are my examples.
Throughout Scripture, we are encouraged to abide, especially in John 15 and in 1, 2, an 3 John. There are moments where I do well. There are other moments where I am calling out for fellowship. And still other moments where I completely forget that God is here and in control. God forgive my unbelief. Help me to abide in You through the Word, through praise, through prayer, through every moment of every day. Oh, that I might grow closer to You!
Hint of the Day: Kids learn by watching you! Be abiding through praise and adoration, through Bible study, Bible memorization, and talking with others about Christ. The kids will pick it up and join in. Something that really helps me to abide is to visualize Jesus walking with me in the garden, or me sitting at His feet, or me dancing before the throne of God.
This is truly the key to victorious Christian living. We were not born again from our own power or works, neither can we walk according to the Spirit without abiding with Jesus continually. I love the story about Corrie Ten Boom. She survived the holocaust. Though not Jewish, she was confined to a concentration camp for hiding Jews (Great book: The Hiding Place). She was released by mistake just days before she would have been killed. In her older days it was noted of her that she often would be seen talking to herself. When asked about this, she laughed and said that she was not going senile, but that she was talking to her Lord and Savior! Oh, that I might abide so closely that I could just carry on an ongoing conversation with Christ.
Another great story about abiding comes from Brother Lawrence. He tells how to abide in his book, Practicing His Presence. Brother Lawrence was a kitchen monk hundreds of years ago. He sought to worship and commune with God while doing his duties in the kitchen. And there, he found sweet fellowship with His Lord.These are my examples.
Throughout Scripture, we are encouraged to abide, especially in John 15 and in 1, 2, an 3 John. There are moments where I do well. There are other moments where I am calling out for fellowship. And still other moments where I completely forget that God is here and in control. God forgive my unbelief. Help me to abide in You through the Word, through praise, through prayer, through every moment of every day. Oh, that I might grow closer to You!
Hint of the Day: Kids learn by watching you! Be abiding through praise and adoration, through Bible study, Bible memorization, and talking with others about Christ. The kids will pick it up and join in. Something that really helps me to abide is to visualize Jesus walking with me in the garden, or me sitting at His feet, or me dancing before the throne of God.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Surprise!
"Praise the Lord!
For it is good to sing praises to our God.
For it is pleasant and praise is becoming."
Psalm 147:1
What a surprise! Eighteen years ago today our twins were born. We did not expect twins, had never really thought about having twins, and didn't know we carried twins until the 7th month. Surprise! And what a joyous surprise it was! That surprise came with a lot of work, a lot of insecurity, and a lot of prayer, but also a lot of rewards!
Not all surprises are joyous at the moment. A flood or tornado, a sickness or death, a move or loss of a friend who moved are never a pleasant surprise. But!!! But God is in control, He loves you, has your best in His heart and mind, and we can trust Him. Charles Spurgeon once wrote: "When you can't see God's hand, trust His heart." Do you know the heart of God? When you get to know Him in the good times, then you can trust Him in the surprises!
Praise God in the good times and praise God in the bad times. That's not easy. Okay, it is really hard! But praise brings us into His presence, reminds us of His omipotence, and comforts our hearts. Try it. When you are down, overwhelmed, confused, depressed, or just so-so, praise God. Before long your spirit will lift and you will be able to lift your heart along with your voice and be able to continue your day.
Hint for the Day: Have your kids make a praise book or poster. They can write or draw things to praise God for. Praise is different than thanksgiving, although you can include both. Thanksgiving is for what God does, praise is for Who God is! One way to enter into praise is to recall the names of God. "God, You are my Rock, my Savior, my Anchor, my Hope..." True praise is aobut God, not about us.
For it is good to sing praises to our God.
For it is pleasant and praise is becoming."
Psalm 147:1
What a surprise! Eighteen years ago today our twins were born. We did not expect twins, had never really thought about having twins, and didn't know we carried twins until the 7th month. Surprise! And what a joyous surprise it was! That surprise came with a lot of work, a lot of insecurity, and a lot of prayer, but also a lot of rewards!
Not all surprises are joyous at the moment. A flood or tornado, a sickness or death, a move or loss of a friend who moved are never a pleasant surprise. But!!! But God is in control, He loves you, has your best in His heart and mind, and we can trust Him. Charles Spurgeon once wrote: "When you can't see God's hand, trust His heart." Do you know the heart of God? When you get to know Him in the good times, then you can trust Him in the surprises!
Praise God in the good times and praise God in the bad times. That's not easy. Okay, it is really hard! But praise brings us into His presence, reminds us of His omipotence, and comforts our hearts. Try it. When you are down, overwhelmed, confused, depressed, or just so-so, praise God. Before long your spirit will lift and you will be able to lift your heart along with your voice and be able to continue your day.
Hint for the Day: Have your kids make a praise book or poster. They can write or draw things to praise God for. Praise is different than thanksgiving, although you can include both. Thanksgiving is for what God does, praise is for Who God is! One way to enter into praise is to recall the names of God. "God, You are my Rock, my Savior, my Anchor, my Hope..." True praise is aobut God, not about us.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Contentment
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth..." Genesis 1:1
What a beautiful land that we live in! From the plains and grasslands of the west to the hills and mountains of South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, and up into the trees of the Midwest, there is beauty all around us. And to think that all of this is after sin entered into the world and the flood came with catastrophic upheaval of the land masses. What beauty God can make from chaos!!!
As I soaked in the green trees and colorful birds and playful squirrels of the mountains of GA and then drove on through gorgeous vistas, I found myself not wanting to return to the desert of West Texas. I fought the complaints and groanings, but I could just picture myself in lush forests. God did allow me a reminder that even in the midst of beauty is the curse. We romped down a forest path and I ended up with poison sumac. Shots, pills, and cream later, it is finally starting to heal.
As we drew nearer and nearer to home and the grass became browner and browner and the trees smaller and smaller, I became discontent with my life. But my sweet husband and dear Lord both continued to remind of the wonderful treasures we had waiting at home - three boys, in-laws, and friends.
When we drove into the driveway after being gone 3 weeks, I was amazed at the transformation. The roses were blooming, the trees were green, the wildflowers are bursting with color. And, of course, there were the hugs, the laughter, and the fun of being with family. I am content. Thank you, God for all of Your blessings and for Your gentle reminders.
Are you facing a move, a change of some kind, recuperation, or a loss? God is there in the midst of the chaos, the discontentment, and the insecurity. He can bring beauty in a desert or in a barren heart. Look to Him, He will sustain and fill you up.
Hint for the Day: Probably the most important thing that you can teach your children besides God love and Jesus' forgiveness is a love for and understanding of the creation. Creation is the foundation of our faith. Spend time in nature with the kids. Point our birds and animals to them. Have them draw in nature journals. Take time to smell the roses and learn about thorns. Let them romp and play and roll in the grass. Computers and tv and games have their place when the kids are older, a rich appreciation and memories of nature when they are young will teach them a grateful heart, to connect with the Creator, and to rest in body and soul.
What a beautiful land that we live in! From the plains and grasslands of the west to the hills and mountains of South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, and up into the trees of the Midwest, there is beauty all around us. And to think that all of this is after sin entered into the world and the flood came with catastrophic upheaval of the land masses. What beauty God can make from chaos!!!
As I soaked in the green trees and colorful birds and playful squirrels of the mountains of GA and then drove on through gorgeous vistas, I found myself not wanting to return to the desert of West Texas. I fought the complaints and groanings, but I could just picture myself in lush forests. God did allow me a reminder that even in the midst of beauty is the curse. We romped down a forest path and I ended up with poison sumac. Shots, pills, and cream later, it is finally starting to heal.
As we drew nearer and nearer to home and the grass became browner and browner and the trees smaller and smaller, I became discontent with my life. But my sweet husband and dear Lord both continued to remind of the wonderful treasures we had waiting at home - three boys, in-laws, and friends.
When we drove into the driveway after being gone 3 weeks, I was amazed at the transformation. The roses were blooming, the trees were green, the wildflowers are bursting with color. And, of course, there were the hugs, the laughter, and the fun of being with family. I am content. Thank you, God for all of Your blessings and for Your gentle reminders.
Are you facing a move, a change of some kind, recuperation, or a loss? God is there in the midst of the chaos, the discontentment, and the insecurity. He can bring beauty in a desert or in a barren heart. Look to Him, He will sustain and fill you up.
Hint for the Day: Probably the most important thing that you can teach your children besides God love and Jesus' forgiveness is a love for and understanding of the creation. Creation is the foundation of our faith. Spend time in nature with the kids. Point our birds and animals to them. Have them draw in nature journals. Take time to smell the roses and learn about thorns. Let them romp and play and roll in the grass. Computers and tv and games have their place when the kids are older, a rich appreciation and memories of nature when they are young will teach them a grateful heart, to connect with the Creator, and to rest in body and soul.
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