I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  We left Wednesday for our annual trip to Knotts Berry Farm.  We had a wonderful time.  Before I left, I visited my nephew in the hospital.  He was doing much better.  Thursday morning, I received a voicemail from my mom telling me that my nephew had been discharged and was going home. 

Wonderful praise and much to be thankful for.

My children, though a handful of hard work, are much to be thankful for.  They are healthy, active and wonderfully fun. 

Much to be thankful for.

My husband works hard and I don't like his hours; however, it is God's provision for our family and I'm able to stay home with my children.

Much to be thankful for.

I have a family that loves me and friends who are true.

Much to be thankful for.

I have a God who has saved me and fellowships with me and walks with me through all I go through...

So very much to be thankful for. 

I hope you found much to be thankful for this year...

Blessings,

~LISA

Sometimes we all just need a little bit of encouragment.  Sometimes even people who seem to "have it all together" need encouragement.  I am pretty good, I think, of going through the motions, getting things done with a pleasant enough attitude so that no one around me really knows the discouragement in my heart that I am hiding. 

I started this blog with such ideas.  I have always loved writing and God has always put a burden on my heart to encourage other women as wives and mothers.  I used to do that through leading a women's group and we would alternate studying those two subjects throughout the year.  However, our family life has changed due to my husband's work hours and us being at a newer church, and God has made it clear to me that I need to keep my focus on my home and not commit to anything outside the home right now.  This blog seemed like such a great place to do what I know God has laid on my heart... encourage other women through writing.

So, I'm hesistant to make any promises.  My home life is full and busy and I know I won't be able to be on here as much as I'd like to, but I do want to try to write something on here once a week. 

I'll be honest.  Busyness is one big reason why I haven't been on here; however, there is another reason.  I've just felt depleted lately.  I've just felt that I have nothing of worth to share.  I've been struggling in many personal areas lately... motherhood, my faith walk, my health, my weight... and I just didn't want to come on here and vent it all.  I want to be a positive encouragement for those who come here and read what I share.

This morning, however, God used someone to encourage me.  This person doesn't even know me.  She had no idea that I needed some encouragement.  Even so, she took the time to contact me and do just that.  (Thank you, Dori!)  As I contemplated what she wrote and read through some of my old writings, I realized that I do not have to be "upbeat" and "perfect."  I just need to be transparent and honest... and then God will do the rest.

I know we serve an awesome God... a faithful God.. a trustworthy God.  I'm so thankful for that.  For even when I waiver and struggle and want to give up, He never does.  His mercy endures forever.  How grateful I am.

So, who has God placed on your heart today?  Maybe that person just needs a little encouragement.

Many blessings,

~LISA

Wow... I cannot believe what I just saw on my local news.  A woman, whose name I have no desire to remember, wrote and recently published a book titled, Get to Work.  I was stunned by what I heard.  This woman believes that women who choose to stay home with their children are "wasting their lives" and are basically harming society. 

Wow.  That's sad.

It's not really her thoughts that stunned me.  I've always known that there are those out there who think a woman being home with her children is a wrong choice.  What stunned me was the mean spirit in which she shares her opinion.  Of course, she states it as if it is a fact, when it really is her own opinion. 

I feel so sad for this woman.  I wonder what happened to her to cause her to have such disdain for family life.  I wonder what happened to cause her to be so judgmental and mean-spirited towards another human being.   Does she really think that attacking someone will bring about the change she thinks is so desperately needed?

My curious mind wanted to try to understand a little more.  I thought maybe I was misinterpreting what I was hearing.  No.  Not so.  I logged onto Amazon.com and read reviews of this book.  She says "by any measure, a life of housework and child care does not meet the standards of a good human life."

A good human life is only possible in life outside the home?  Is that what she thinks?  She thinks that being a stay-home mom only entails a life of housework and child care?  Wow.  She has not walked a day in my shoes!  In all honesty, it grieves my spirit that she chooses to look at the choices other people make and make such judgment calls.  I may believe that it is in a child's best interest to have the mother home when possible; however, I am not going to make mean-spirited comments about another woman who works or judge her intellect or motives. 

Maybe this struck such a chord with me because there are some days where I wonder what on earth I am doing... I wonder what good am I doing?  Shouldn't I be doing more with my life? 

But then I remember what I know to be true from God's word.

First of all, I know that I will reap what I sow.  I also know that the fruit of my labor does not always show immediately.  It takes time.  It takes patience.  It takes perseverence.  Being home with my children now will produce much fruit in their lives in the future.

Secondly, the things that are of lasting value are eternal.  What brings fulfillment isn't a job or some worldly, highly esteemed occupation... what has always been most important to God are relationships - relationship with Him and relationships with others.  Touching others for eternity is what matters.  That is what brings fulfillment. 

I'll admit I do not find great satisfaction in sitting down to fold yet another load of laundry.  I do, however, find immense satisfaction in seeing my son make the choice to sit down and kindly help me.  That shows me that I have taught him to be kind and to serve others.  

I may not find satisfaction in sitting down and figuring out what to eat for dinner this week; however, it is satisfying to see my son make a wise choice in how he handles a situation because of my efforts in training and teaching him. 

I do not find satisfaction in washing the dishes, cleaning up messes, or any other mundane household duties.  I do find satisfaction in knowing that my child learned to read because I took the time to read to him, and then I took the time to sit and teach him how to read.  I find incredible satisfaction seeing my children learn to use their gifts and talents that God has given them and I've been there to nuture.  My heart bursts with joy when I watch them succeed in something they've put much effort into.  My heart melts when I see my seven-year-old son look up into the bleachers when he's on the basketball court and search for me, because he wants to know that I'm there cheering him on.  And then he will quickly show me the "I love you" sign in sign language.  To miss that!?!  No way!

I find immeasurable satisfaction in having the time to sit and listen to my children, to be there for them, to draw out their heart, so that not only I can help shape and mold it, but so that they can know that they are loved.  Being home for my children mean stability.  They know I'm here when they need me.  They have a safe place to come when they are scared or need help. 

Oh, I know I won't always be there.  I know someday they will be out in this big world all on their own.  But, they will still always know that there is someone who is cheering them on, supporting them, encouraging them, praying for them, and loving them.  They will still have that stability. 

This woman who wrote this book acts as if a woman staying home with her children is a life-sentence to be dreaded.  In reality, being home with my children is zooming by.  This time will end all too soon.  When my children are grown and out of the house, I will have all the time in the world to work or whatever it is the Lord calls me to do to "contribute to society."  So to answer this woman's call to "get to work," I AM WORKING!  I am on call 24/7!  I manage five people and their comings and goings, including myself!  I'm a Home Manager!! 

Being able to stay home with my children is a blessing.  I have friends who must work and wish they could be home more with their children.  It is a blessing and not something to look down upon.  These women are not taking away from society by being home.  They are contributing to society by pouring their lives into little people who will someday become grown people living in this world!!  How is that a wasted life??  

Jesus said, "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."   Matthew 16:25

God bless you... each and every mom who reads this! 

~LISA

Freedom ~ I word I think many of us, myself included, tend to take for granted.  We are so unbelievably fortunate and blessed to have a free country. 

When I was younger, I never thought much of patriotic holidays; however, as I have gotten older, I get misty-eyed when I think of how so many have laid down their lives as a sacrifice so that we can be free.

On the same note, it makes me think of Christ and His sacrifice so that I could be free... free from the bondage of sin in my life.  Not that I have obtained perfection and never succumb to tempation... but rather that I am forgiven and can walk with a heart turned to Him...

"I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me."  Galatians 2:20

As the day of our nation's independence is upon us, it makes me reflect again on God's work in my life and how He has transformed me and freed me.  Yet, in that freedom I still have a choice - a daily choice to use that freedom to indulge my flesh and my own desires or to honor and glorify Him. 

I pray that by each choice I make that I will have used my freedom wisely to honor and glorify my Lord who has sacrificed everything so that I may know Him.

Happy 4th!

 ~LISA

Earlier this week, I sent an email to a friend of mine.  Not just any friend, but a friend I have had for the past 17 years.  She was my maid of honor; then I was her matron of honor.  We've had our ups and downs and changes in certain aspects of our friendship, but at the end, by God's amazing grace and blessing, we are still wonderful friends.  We don't get to see one another or talk with one another as much as I would like to, but I know life is busy and that's just how it is. 

So, anyway... I sent her an email earlier this week asking for specific prayer.  She emailed me the next day asking if we could get together tonight (Friday).  Our visits are few and far between, so I always treasure them; however, this evening was different.  We sat outside on my back porch for three hours talking and sharing.  Well, I think I did most of the sharing, but she sure blessed me by listening... and then we sat and spent some time in prayer... and not just a short little prayer... but real prayer... unrushed prayer.... blessed and heartfelt prayer... my eyes were full of tears when we finished... tears of emotion and gratitude. 

I am just so thankful for this friend who took the time to reach out to me, to come over, to sit and listen, and to pray with me... the tears are welling up in my eyes again.  What a blessing... what a blessed friendship, and I thank You, Lord, for this gift. 

Is there someone you know who could use a listening ear and some time in prayer?  It might be hard for them to ask for it... reach out to them.... you will both be blessed by the time spent. 

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips witih shouts of joy."  Job 8:21

Have a wonderful weekend,

~LISA

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of motherhood.

Thank You for the "Art from the Heart" that my children made me all week long leading up to Mother's Day.

Though many times I feel tired, weary, and overwhelmed,

Many more times my heart is full - overflowing with gladness.

Thank You, Lord, for Your continual presence and patience.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me strength when I feel like giving up.

Thank You, Lord, for the blessing of homeschooling.

Thank You, Lord, for the sweet gifts my children made during Sunday School yesterday.

Thank You, Lord, for a husband who truly appreciates me staying home with our children and for the wonderful dinner he prepared for everyone yesterday.

Thank You, Lord, for my blessed mother who has become my best girlfriend and is an amazing, wonderful Grandma to my children.

Thank You, Lord, for my Grandma who visits every Monday so she can spend time with us.

Thank You, Lord, for my mother-in-law who raised such a great guy!

Thank You, Lord, for my precious children.

Help me to mold them and train them up to love and serve You.

Thank You, Lord, for Your Love...

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day.  I look forward to visiting your blogs this week and reading all about it!

Blessings,

~LISA

No, I'm not tired and, no, I do not want my teeth brightened!! 

Going to the dentist is not my favorite thing to do.  In fact, I used to have what would be thought of as maybe an abnormal fear of the dentist.  However, God has helped me to not be as bad anymore; however, I still don't LIKE to go.  (Does anyone?)

I walk in and the first thing they need to do is take 18 x-rays!!  Yes, I said EIGHTEEN.  You know... where they poke those horrid plastic things into your gums and then tell you to bite on them so they can take their picture.  I have the smallest mouth (I'm always told) and it is REALLY difficult for them to get those things in place.  The gal who did this today was/is fairly new, and she was not gentle.  :(

So, then I am sitting in my seat and the dentist comes in.  She's very nice (and gentle), and I do like her, but the first thing she says is, "You look tired today."  WHY do people say that?  It's not a compliment, ya know!  The fact is... if I do not wear eyeliner, then people tell me I look tired.  I should know better than to leave my house without eyeliner on. 

As she is checking my teeth, she then asks me if I would like to brighten my smile by having one of those bleaching treatments.  Uh... well... do I look THAT bad?!  I'm tired and I have dull-looking teeth.  I'm just feeling really old and ugly now!  So, I tell her no thank you to the bleaching - can't they mark that on my chart so that they don't ask me each and every time I come in?

Okay... so then she is looking at my x-rays and she asks me "how's the flossing going?"  I feel like a dog who just got caught doing something wrong and has his head hanging low with his tail between his legs.  I give her my honest answer - "I do floss, just not everyday."  And then I sit and listen to the lecture - uh, I mean reminder about how important it is to floss.

So, as the cleaning commences, I'm lying there with my eyes closed and singing a worship song in my mind to keep me from focusing on the pain that the cold water causes on many of my teeth.  As I'm doing this, it's like the Lord is speaking to me about my spiritual life and using my trip to the dentist as an analogy.

Before I left for the dentist, I brushed my teeth super good and flossed.  Do you do that?  Why do we do that?  They are just going to clean and floss our teeth when we get there!!  Yet, we want to get our teeth as clean as WE can before the "specialist" sees them. 

Do we do the same with God?  I know that I often have... "Uh... let me get this part of my life cleaned up and figured out and then I will go to God and praise Him for the work He's done in my life."  That isn't what He wants!  He says, "Come to me you who are weary and heavy laden..."  When we have built-up plaque on our hearts, He desires for us to come to Him and allow Him to cleanse us.  Just like I can't get the plaque that has built up off my teeth, I can't get the plaque that has built up in my heart off on my own either.  I need The Specialist - The Master Cleanser.

And yet.... why do I allow that plaque to build up?  Just as I need to brush (and floss) my teeth daily to keep my teeth clean and healthy, I need to spend time tending to my spiritual life.  If I do this daily - meet with God in His Word and in prayer daily, keep short accounts with people, ask forgiveness when I've offended, and offer forgiveness when I've been offended, then that plaque of sin doesn't build up in my heart.

So often, I tend to neglect my spiritual life - just as I sometimes neglect to floss my teeth - and that allows the plaque, the sin in my life, to build up.  And the only thing that can cleanse me and make me new again is the Lord.

Instead of neglecting my spiritual life and allowing the busyness of life to crowd out the needed thing - time first spent with my Lord - I need to remain in His presence and continually seek Him and His ways, to remain a cleansed vessel so that He may use me to honor and glorify Him.

"But if we are living in the light of God's presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from every sin.  If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth.  But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  1 John 1:7-9

Thank You, Lord, that we can come into Your presence anytime because of what Jesus has done on the cross for us.  Help us to stay true to You and to not let the busyness of life crowd You out.  May we remain in You, allowing You to keep us a cleansed vessel fit for Your use.  Amen.

Who knew a trip to the dentist could be such a blessing!

Blessings,

~LISA

Copyright May 2006 ~ Lisa Ball

I started reading in Hebrews this morning.  In the first chapter, we are told that Jesus is exalted above the angels.  He is above ALL.  And yet, He humbled Himself to become like us. 

"Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted (or tested), He is able to aid those who are tempted."  Hebrews 2:17-18

I read that passage over and over with awe and with the desire to truly understand and grasp its words and meaning.

Jesus - the King above all kings - was made to be like man.  He did this so that He could be merciful and faithful towards us.  It was so we could know that He has "been there, done that."  This Scripture says that He has suffered and been tempted or tested; therefore, because He knows how we feel, He is able to help us when we also are tempted and tested.

I've really been on my knees a lot lately regarding being a mom and my desire to parent my children wisely, with love, and in a way that is honoring to God and points them to Him.  I've confessed my many wrong ways of thinking... ways of following the world... ways of just giving into my own flesh (yelling, for example, which I am ashamed to admit).  I've really started to "get serious" about being consistent with the training, correction, and discipline of my children... and I feel like I'm being tested.  It's almost like my children are responding in the complete opposite way that they *should* and it's like the Lord is testing me to see if I'm going to hang in there and keep at it.  Or maybe it is the enemy attacking us trying to undermine my efforts.  Either way, it is incredibly difficult and frustrating to me, because I'm doing what I know the Lord desires me to do, and yet it SEEMS to be backfiring. 

So, this is when I have to choose to give into these frustrations and challenges and just give up.  Or I choose to trust in the Lord and His ways and trust that His word will not return void, but rather will bear fruit... godly fruit.

As I reflected on those passages in Hebrews, I wondered then... Jesus was perfect and never sinned... so did He FEEL frustrations?  Did He ever FEEL impatient?  Is it different to FEEL impatient than to BE impatient?  I am thinking that it really depends on how I RESPOND to those feelings.  That it isn't necessarily a sin to FEEL impatient or frustrated, but if I ACT on those feelings and BECOME impatient in how I respond to my children, then it is sin. 

"He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be merciful..."

"For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is ABLE to aid those who are tempted."

Every single time I feel frustrated and impatient, I can turn to Jesus and cry out for His mercy.  I can know that He completely understands how I am feeling.... whether it be that I feel I'm being spread too thin, whether I'm feeling overwhelmed at all the tasks I have to do in one day, whether I'm tired of repeating myself, or whether I'm just plain tired... He understands.  He has had the same temptations, and because of that, He is ABLE to help me when I am tempted. 

When I am tempted to raise my voice, He is able to calm me and help me to speak kindly.

When I am tempted to quit in frustration and despair, He is able to strengthen me.

Whatever the tempation, He is able and willing to be my aid.  I just have to die to myself and turn to Him.  I'm so thankful!

"I will declare Your name to My brethren;

In the midst of the assembly

I will sing praise to You."

And again:

"I will put My trust in Him."

Hebrews 2:12-13a

What an incredible blessing we have in a Savior who loves us so much!  May He be your ever-present help whatever your circumstance may be.

Blessings,

~LISA

Copyright @April 2006 Lisa Ball

I was in the Word this morning reading in Luke, chapter eight.  I left my quiet time with a few questions and also a little insight.  I came upon the story in verses 26-39 that tells us about a demon-possessed man whom Jesus healed.  Jesus actually had mercy on the legion of demons... they begged Jesus to allow them to enter a herd of pigs, and Jesus did just that.  That really struck me.  Why did He show mercy to a legion of demons?  Hmmmmm....  That was my first question.

I then read verse 37 that says,

"Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear.  And He got into the boat and returned."

Now, here is Jesus... He has performed an incredible miracle.  He has healed a demon-possessed man... a man who had was possessed by so many demons that the man said his name was "legion" (verse 30).  This man had been demon possessed for a long time (verse 27).  He wore no clothes and lived in a cemetary (verse 27).  He once was shacked and bound with chains and was still able to break free by the power of the demons and be driven out into the wilderness (verse 29).  This poor man.  The bondage.  And, Jesus finds him and sets him free from his bondage.  With mere words, Jesus permitted the demons to leave the man and enter a herd of pigs.  And yet, in verse 37, it says that the whole multitude asked Him to leave, because they were seized with great fear. 

What were they afraid of?  Jesus had done something good.  He had healed a tormented man.  Why would they ask Him to leave?  You would think they would also want to be healed of their own various afflictions.  Were they simply afraid of His great power?  So, that was my second question.

And, then upon reading the passage again, I focused on the second half of verse 37:  "And He got into the boat and returned."   That's it.  The people didn't want Him there, and so He left.  I'm thinking about how man, in our sinful state would have reacted.  I'm sure pride would have entered in:  "What?  You want me to leave? Didn't you just see what I did?  Didn't you see the great miracle I did?  Don't you see the power I have?"  But, Jesus didn't do that.  He did not force them to come to Him.  He did not force them to believe in His miracle and power.  For whatever reason, they wanted no part of Him, and so He departed from them.

I sat there in my chair contemplating that and how it applies to my life.  Everyday, I have three miracles before me.  My own children.  Just their creation alone shows God's amazing power and intricate design.  And, yet... is that not enough to drive me to His feet daily? 

Everyday, there is the miracle of life all around me... I have many examples of how Jesus has answered prayers in my life... how He has shown Himself to be true and real... and yet, I sometimes still hold back from Him.  What am I afraid of?  Having to let go of complete control over my life?  Hmmm... something I need to truly contemplate.

Whatever it is, am I going to allow that fear to keep me from Jesus?  From seeking His ways and His path for me? 

You see, Jesus woos us... we can only love Him because He first loved us.  He has already initiated that relationship with us.  But, He will not force Himself on us.  He will not demand that we follow Him.  Yes, there is are consequences if we do not follow in His ways, and we will reap what we sow.  But, He will not coerce us into following Him.  It is a choice I must make daily....

Luke 9:23"Then He said to them all, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me."

It is a daily choice I must make to deny myself... deny my fleshly desires... deny to make sinful choices... and to take up my cross... die to myself... and follow the footprints of Jesus.

Lord, let nothing I fear keep me from always pursuing You, from sitting at Your feet, from turning to You... help me to set aside my own desires, my fears, and give up control of everything unto You.  Amen

Blessings,

~LISA

Copyright @ March 2006 Lisa Ball

I am amazed at how God will use what seems to be a small and simple book to truly touch my heart.  It's been a while since that has occurred in my life... until this week.

I read the book The Invisible Woman by Nicole Johnson this week.  WOW! 

Do you ever feel as if you are invisible to those around you?  Have you ever felt that much of what you do goes unnoticed? 

As homeschooling moms, we pour so much into our families and often what we do is not recognized or seen by others.  If you are like me, this has been a source of discouragement and weariness.  I mean... why bother doing what you're doing when no one seems to care, right?

In this little book, the author shares her struggle with invisibility and how God showed her that being invisible is truly a blessing to behold. 

I don't want to spoil the book for you!  I want to encourage you to get this book and read it for yourself!  I highlighted so many passages in this little book.  And on my way home from church today, the Lord laid it on my heart to give it to a dear friend of mine.  So, I did.  I drove by her house after church today and gave it to her. 

I just checked on CBD.com and there is a great deal on this book right now!  It is normally $14.99; however, they are selling it for $4.99!!!  That is a steal! 

You can get to the link above or on my sidebar.  I pray that it blesses you and touches your heart and soul as it did mine.  I'm so thankful for how the Lord spoke to me through this author, and I just know that my perspective on things will forever be changed.

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of being invisible... may I use this gift to honor and glorify and serve You and to trust that, even though others may not always see, You see all things... may my invisibility be used to lift up and build my family and leave a legacy far beyond what I can ever imagine.

Blessings,
~LISA

I'd love for you to share what you do in your home to make Easter meaningful and memorable for your children.  I don't want this to be just another holiday - I desire for it to be a HOLY DAY.  

I have a few resources that I am reading on this subject, and when I decide what we will do, I will share with you.

In the meantime, I'd love your comments sharing with me what you have done with your family for Easter.

Blessings,

~LISA

I was reading through Proverbs 23 this morning.  The first through third verses really stuck out at me:

"When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you; And put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite.  Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food."

Now, okay, I realize that the point of this proverb has to do with not allowing yourself to be bribed by someone who is influential... but let me share how the Lord spoke to me about it this morning.

I've been trying to get down to my goal weight of 135 lb, well, for years.  I got serious about it last September when my weight was at its highest of 164 lb.  That's when I joined WW.  I lost 11 pounds in the first ten weeks.  I was on a focused mission.  Then, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years came along, and I practically maintained, gaining and losing the same three pounds during that time.  Since the beginning of the year, I've only lost an additional two to three pounds - depending on my week.  It IS good that I am at least maintaining and not gaining my weight back again; however, this verse really spoke to me.

First of all, I need to "consider carefully what is before me."  Basically, I need to think before I eat!  Am I really hungry?  Am I just bored?  Am I emotional?  Do I have a reasonable portion in front of me?  Will I regret eating what is before me?  Will I be honoring the Lord with what I am putting into my body?

Second, "put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite."  Okay, now don't worry!  I'm not going to really put a knife to my throat, but for me the message is this:  Have I removed the temptation from my home?  I need to cut off the temptation before me.  I know my weak areas.  I cannot deny myself chocolate.  I cannot eat just one chip.  I am the one who does the grocery shopping in my house!  I have control over what is brought into the house (the majority of the time; sometimes my husband does bring home treats).  And yet, time and again, I purchase items from the store that I have no business buying!  This needs to stop! 

Thirdly, "do not desire his delicacies..."  Now, this verse is hard for me.  It says "do not desire."  My bible dictionary defines desire as "to have a longing for."  UGH!  Isn't it just terrible that there are times that I do have a longing for a chocolate chip cookie?  Oh, how my focus is OFF when that is the case.

Psalm 19:7-10

"The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;

The testimony of the Lord is sure, making the wise the simple;

The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;

The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;

The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

MORE TO BE DESIRED ARE THEY THAN GOLD,

Yea, than much fine gold;

Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb."

My desire is to be FOR THE LORD... and His word is "sweeter than honey."  When I am desiring for something sweet, instead of finding something to eat, I need to open the Word.

Lastly, "do not desire his delacicies, for they are deceptive food."  Those sweet things that I desire to eat... they are deceptive foods!  They LOOK like they will satisfy; however, they really don't.  Often times lately, I will not even particularly enjoy what I'm eating, but I'm eating it anyway.  If I'm emotional, my mind immediately will think of eating something to make me feel better.  What an empty promise!  That is a lie from the enemy!  The only thing that will fill my heart and give me peace is the Lord!  And when I turn to food instead of to the Lord, even though I am trying to fill myself up, I will remain empty.  Yes, these foods I desire are deceptive foods. 

If only I can keep these lessons before me always.  I haven't been "really bad" this week as far as eating; however, when I go to my weigh-in tonight, I'm pretty sure I will have maintained again.  I think the Lord is wanting my attention.  He is wanting me to look to Him, and Him alone, for victory in this area.  He is wanting me to be ultimately satisfied in Him above all else.

And, just to clarify, I'm not advocating legalism here either.  I'm not saying that we can never enjoy a cookie or whatever "delicacy" you enjoy.  It's all in moderation and in examining our hearts before the Lord. 

The bottom line is:

1 Corinthians 10:31 "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

If that is our standard, then our focus will be the right one.

Blessings on your day today!

~LISA

@copyright March 2006

I did not know Missy personally; however, I did visit her blog often.  Her title of "HeartSchooling" really tugged at me, because I had  named our school "Heartfelt Homeschool" over a year ago for the same reason... I wanted the focus of all we do to be on the heart, because that is what the Lord looks at.

I was blessed by her blog and the links she provided.  Reading other people's comments makes me wish I had known her more.  My heart grieves for her family... her children and her husband... and I simply cannot put into words anything worthy.

I do know that this has been a huge wake-up call to me to not take a day... a moment ... for granted.  I can get so distressed and frustrated over the littlest things some days.  Lord, forgive me!  I want my loved ones to know of my love for them.  I want them to know of my love for the Lord and how it is always my deepest desire to please HIM above all, though I fail miserably much too often. 

Amy over at DandelionSeeds has a wonderful entry on her blog to celebrate Missy.  Please be sure to stop and read it.  I cannot add anything more eloquent than what Amy has already written.  Make sure to spend time having fun and loving up on your children!  Don't get so caught up in the day to day details of life that you miss out on what's most important. 

I know that what is so hard for us, God can still use for good and for His glory. 

Blessings,

~LISA

Okay... so, I thought I'd start by listing all of the many things that I have fighting for attention in my mind.... I find when I do this (usually on paper), it helps to clear my mind.   So, here it is.. in no particular order:

1. Clean off this desk
2. Declutter - one room at a time
3. Get back to using Flylady's routines (morning & evening)
4. Get back to actually applying chore routines I created (I've been ignoring these for months)
5. Take pictures of items no longer needing or using so I can...
6. List items on eBay
7. Go through my daughter's clothes - she is growing way too fast!
8. Pick one book and finish IT before picking up another book
9. Look over history and science lesson plans - where am I?  Are we on schedule?  Ahead or behind? 
10. Read through new spelling curriculum I just got for my oldest, so we can start this.
11. Add some writing time into our school schedule
12. Menu and meal plans - life is so much easier when I do this!
13. Get back to counting POINTS and sticking to an exercise schedule
14. Read magazines that are piling up - and then throw them out!
15. Read more to my children
16. Work on scrapbooks
17. Plan treats for Valentine's Day
18. Get books from library on gardening and attempt with children (if you have tips for me, please go to Heart 'N Home and leave a comment for me!)
19. Have ideas for this blog that I'd like to work on... devotionals, homeschooling, etc.
20. Is this enough?  I'm sure there are more... these are what just came to mind right this minute.

So, do YOU have a list?

Blessings,

~LISA

"A Hard Question.... Mothers would you like to have you as a teacher every day?  Would you be motivated or inspired by you for a mother?  I still have days so filled with my own negative spirit that I wonder how anyone can stand me!  The Lord has allowed me to see the damage caused by my critical spirit and has challenged me to examine and improve my attitude.  With this came the sobering revelation that we can crush a child's spirit by our negative attitudes and excessive expectations.

Proverbs 14:1 says, "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."  In my case, my "hands" are my critical spirit.  All people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, even in the height of disagreement.  We don't have to make them feel bad to make them act good...."

OUCH   The above two paragraphs are taken directly out of a book I am reading, Homeschooling the Challenging Child.  (See link on sidebar for more info on this book).

And it hit me hard.  Have you ever stopped to ask yourself those first two questions?  My goodness... I have allowed a critical spirit to rise up in me... I am easily provoked to frustration... and I find myself most days just wanting to "get it all done" and have lost focus of the blessing and joy in our homeschool. 

I am being very vunerable and transparent sharing this here on my blog for you all to read... I really felt the Lord prompting me to share.  Maybe I am not alone?  Maybe you have walked in my same shoes... or are in them right now along with me? 

So... now what?  What do I do?  Well, I need to back up and take a look at the bigger picture... the reason why I homeschool... I wrote down my reasons once upon a time.  I think it's time I re-visit those reasons.

I think it's time to be more diligent to sit at Jesus' feet.  It is only by His strength that I can accomplish this huge task of homeschooling.  I obviously have tried to run this road in my own strength without really even realizing.  I see it now, though.  Somehow, I've chosen to focus on just getting through the day, instead of the many blessings the Lord has given me.  Forgive me, Lord.  Forgive me for my critical and harsh spirit lately.  If I need to set school aside for a few days and focus on my children's hearts and having fun with them again, then help me to do that and trust You for the results. 

I really need to stop focusing so much on MY expectations and instead put my hope - my expectations - in the Lord.  If you were also convicted while reading through those paragraphs, let me know.  I will pray for you as I pray for myself.  I know the enemy wants us to feel defeated and tired and grumpy.  But, the LORD desires for us to have abundant life... to have joy in all things... and to LOVE my children while I train them up for His righteousness.  Only by His grace can I do this.  Lord, help me.

***

On a different note... and not to excuse my sinful attitudes lately... my ear has still been bothering.  To make a long story short, I've been to three doctors since January 1st with fluid in my ears, and infection in my right ear, etc.  Well, I went back to the doctor today for the 4th time.  This time, he says my ear is completely clear and looks great.  However, I am still in pain in the ear area.  I also have been having many headaches on that side of my head.  After an exam, he came to the conclusion that I "obviously" have TMJ.  So, he has prescribed me a muscle relaxant and a strong anti-inflammatory medication to hopefully help.  I've not slept well for months, so hopefully this will change that.  He told me that if I am still having pain in two weeks to call back and he will refer me to a specialist in the head and neck department.  Sigh...

I'm just tired of feeling lousy.  I'm sure my kids are, too. 

Lord, I pray that You will give me creativity and joy in teaching my children... that I will see them through Your eyes, as the blessings and heritage and gift that they are... and treasure every moment with them... EVEN if I am not feeling well physically... may You be my strength and my joy.  In Jesus' Holy name... Amen!

~LISA

Good grief.... it's only the beginning of the week?  My hubby has two weeks' vacation in March, and I think I have short-timer's attitude.  I'm wanting my time off NOW!   Okay, okay... I'm stop throwing a tantrum!  hee hee

Ever just feel overwhelmed by it all?  Do you ever get tired of repeating yourself to your children?  Do you ever wonder if anything you say sinks in?  Do you ever wonder what on earth you are doing?  That's me right now.  I need to find a nice quiet place to sit uninterrupted with my LORD... I think I will have to get up with the sun tomorrow to make that possible.  Pray for me, K?

I hope you are having a much better Tuesday than me!

Blessings,

~LISA

Our pastor is going through Ephesians right now.  I love it when we go through the Scriptures.  As I can, I will share how the Lord spoke to me through these messages.

Scripture reference:  Ephesians 1:1-8

V1 - "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God..."  Paul was not representing himself; he was representing Jesus.  He was also preaching by God's authority, by God's will and not his own.  Lesson for me:  When I go out into the world, am I worried about what people think of me?  Am I representing myself?  Or am I representing Christ?  Jesus has given me all authority to speak His truth - am I using that authority?  Or hiding it under a bushel?

V3 - We are blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.  All I need is given me IN Christ.  The phrase "heavenly places" does not just mean that I have to wait for heaven to receive blessings, but rather pertaining to here and now in the supernatural world.  What are my spiritual blessings that God has blessed me with?  I intend to delve into that study more this week... I will share as I learn.

Our pastor spoke about how the things we *really* want in life are spiritual things:  Peace, joy, love, etc.  It's not a bigger home or a better car, but things that are spiritual in nature.   And this Scripture tells us that God has blessed us with all of these IN Christ.

These blessings are not based on us, upon how "good* we are, but rather they are based on whether or not we are IN Christ... the blessings are dependent on Christ. 

V4 - We have been chosen IN Christ before the foundation of the world!  People get caught up in "doing good" and feeling that they have earned God's love.  Or maybe you feel that you need to do more to earn God's approval.  However, this verse says that before the foundation of the world, He chose us!  What had you and I done before the foundation of the world?  What amazing good deed did we do before the foundation of the world?  NOTHING!  And yet, God still chose us.  That was a wonderful thing for me to meditate on this week.

V5 - We were predestined to adoption as sons.  God determined beforehand.  God didn't just make us free - He made us FAMILY. 

Read Galatians 3:26, Galatians 4:4-7, and Romans 5:8

Think about this.  Our pastor gave a wonderful analogy:  Do you expect your children to come to you and ask to sit at the dinner table with you?  Do you expect your children to go to the front door and knock before being allowed in the house?  Of course not!  Why?  Because they are FAMILY.  It is the same with God.  When He saves us, we become a part of His family through Jesus Christ because of what He has done for us!  If you are feeling distanced from God, meditate on this... if you know Jesus, you are in God's family.  You are accepted and welcomed... you don't have to earn His approval, because through the work of Christ on the cross, we are forgiven.  We can come to the Father and sit at His table with Him... I just love this picture.

V7 - We have been redeemed by Christ's blood.  God has "purchased" us by Christ's blood.  Because of what Christ has done on the cross, we are forgiven of sins and set free.  The debt of our sin no longer belongs to us - it has been canceled and we are free according to the riches of His grace. 

So the question is... are you IN Christ?

If you read through the first 14 verses in chapter one, you will see that this is key.  It starts in verse 3:

"who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places IN CHRIST, just as He chose us IN HIM before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons BY Jesus Christ TO Himself, according to the good pleasure of HIS will, to the praise of the glory of HIS grace, by which HE made us accepted IN THE BELOVED.  IN HIM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace which HE made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to HIS good pleasure which HE purposed IN Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things IN CHRIST, both which are in heaven and which are on earth - IN HIM.  IN HIM also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counself of His will, that we who first trusted Christ should be to the praise of HIS glory.  IN HIM you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of HIS glory."

Do you see it?  It's not about us.  The blessings we receive are all from Him to be used for His purposes and for His glory.  Lord, help me to understand this more fully and to live my life accordingly.

Blessings,

~LISA

Every week I intend to share on here how the Lord has spoken to me through Sunday's message at my church, and yet I haven't done that yet. 

I will try to do that more... maybe even catch up a bit this week in sharing each day from more than one Sunday.   So, without further ado....

We first read Colossians 4:2-6  "Continue earnestly in prayer, being viligent in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.  Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.  Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

Key Points: 

God has called ALL of us as Christians to share our faith.  When we walk out of church each week, we should be mindful that we are "entering the mission field."

How do we share our faith?  From the above verses we learn:

(verse 2):  we must first pray!  No man comes to God on his own; it is God who draws man to Himself.  We are in a spiritual battle - Satan tries to defeat us in sharing our faith.  Notice some of the key phrases in verse two:

"continue earnestly" - engage, devote ourselves to

"being vigilant" - to be alert to and watchful for opportunities

"with thanksgiving" - God is the One who does the work, and He chooses to use us as His tool; we are to be grateful for this!

What do we pray for?

(verse 3):  "open doors"  We pray that GOD would open doors of opportunity to share His word, His truth, and that God would use His word.  Jesus did just then when he taught - He used the Scriptures, the very Word of God.

Know that there will be a cost - a sacrifice:

- Persecution / Rejection / Fear

And yet, 2 Timothy 3:12 says, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus WILL suffer persecution."

It will cost us Time: 

-  It takes time to build a relationship with unbelievers so they know that we truly care about them and aren't trying to just "win another one over."

- It takes time to study God's Word so that we are prepared to share

- It takes time to memorize Scripture so that we are prepared to share

(verse 4):  Clearly communicate the gospel!

- know that each person is different

- explain terms that an unbeliever might not understand or know

- listen carefully with intent to understand / pay attention to emotions

- use illustrations that relate to their experience

Jesus did just that!  When speaking to a fisherman, he told him he was to become a "fisher of men." 

(verse 5):  We must live a godly example, so unbelievers may SEE that we are different.  Look at these phrases in this verse:

"are on the outside"  - this is speaking of unbelievers

"wisdom"  - attributes of righteousness and godly living; wise conduct; discernment

"redeeming the time"  - seize the moment!  When God opens a door of opportunity to share His word, don't delay! 

(verse 6):  Be loving

"with grace"  - our speech is to be with kindness and grace

Bottom line:  We need to ask God to give us the Love we need for other people... to give us HIS compassion for the lost.. HIS heart for the hurting.  When we seek God and He answers us, then people will know that we care about them and they will listen.  It makes all the difference between an unbeliever knowing we love and care about them or if we are just doing our religious duty.  When we see unbelievers as God sees them... as He loves them, then sharing our faith and telling them about Jesus will not be something to fear or something that is to be a burden, but instead will be our joyfull calling.

I liked the picture that I picked for my blog to start out the new year.  I like the picture of the path going up to heaven and it makes me ponder... the choices I make on a daily basis determine which path I take:  My own or the Lord's.  I'd like to think that my ways are always pleasing to the Lord, but as I read His word tonight, it caused me to stop and consider which path I often walk on. 

I was reading today through 1 Samuel 8 and 9.  My main thought as I read through 1 Samuel 8 was how God gave the people what they wanted, even though it wasn't His will.  

"Samuel was very upset with their request and went to the Lord for advice.  'Do as they say,' the Lord replied, 'for it is Me they are rejecting, not you.  They don't want Me to be their king any longer.  Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually forsaken Me and followed other gods.  And now they are giving you the same treatment.  Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about how a king will treat them.'"

He wanted to be the people's king.  He was patient with them.  However, they refused Him and wanted to do things their own way.  How often have I done that? 

And even when Samuel gave the people warnings about what the negative consequences would be, they still wanted their own way - thinking that they knew better!?!  It really made me look at all I do and think upon if I am doing it because it is how *I* want it done... or is it because the Lord is my King and I am submitting to His will?

Which path will you take this new year?  The path of self-knowledge and fleshly desires?  Or the path that may not be so easy.. the path of righteousness... the one that leads us to the King, our Lord?

I sure thought this was cute... I liked the list, too!

I hear others talk about their New Year's Resolutions.   Not to be a rebel, but I like to instead think of it as New Year's Goals.  I'm not perfect, and so I can't resolve to change overnight just because it's a new year.  Instead, with God's help and provision, I can look ahead and set some goals.

So, here are a few that come to mind... the neat thing about having this blog is that I can look back every month or so and see how I'm doing... :)

1. Memorize more Scripture.  Now, that's too general to be a goal, huh?  I'd really like to be memorizing more Scripture with my children.  So, I'm going to work on memorizing something new each week, and with my children we will work on memorizing longer passages of Scripture each month.
2. Continue to seek ways to love and know my husband better.  Goal:  Finish reading Romancing Your Husband by the end of March and apply what the Lord wants me to in our marriage.  Read at least one more book next year regarding being a wife/marriage.
3. Journal more and pray for my husband, children, and extended family.  Journaling these prayers will show that I am keeping this goal.
4. Continue making healthy choices.  Again... too general, right?  Well, to be more specific, I'd like to be at my goal weight of 135 lb by May 1st, and then to maintain that weight (plus or minus two pounds or so) throughout the rest of the year.  This will become a reality as I continue to seek God first and to eat in a disciplined manner, making wise choices, and continuing with regular exercise.
5. In our homeschool, I'd like to make it a goal to really stick to our schedule/routine more.  I'd hope that Ryan would be almost done with his next math book by the end of this school year.  For Nathan, that he would be reading really well.  For Sarah, that I would make sure I'm making time for her during our busy school day and nuturing her love for learning.
6. Lastly, I want to follow the nudging I've had in my heart this past year and ignored... the desire to write... devotionals or something along that line.  I'd love for God to open doors and show me His path for me in this area.

Well, I think six is enough, right?  I've touched many areas in my life:  God's Word, my marriage, my children, my health, our homeschool, and an area of learning for myself.  I wonder what connections I will make in our church this next year.  I wonder how God will lead us to be involved.  I wonder what trials and triumphs the Lord will bring into our lives this next year.  I'm glad to know I can trust Him for everything.

I thank Him for the many blessings of 2005.