"feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation"
Am I content?
Of course I am! The Bible tells us that we should be content in our circumstances, no matter what they are... Take Paul, the apostle, for example, in Philippians stating that he is content whatever the circumstances - and he had lots of "circumstances" to deal with!
Philippians 4:11-12 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Have you seen the rain outside? Why is it raining again? We've got so much rain already, we certainly don't need more.... and on and on and on....
ooops..... did we complain?
how about...
It's SO hot, I just hate the heat! Can't wait until it cools down! This heat makes me so miserable.... and on and on and on....
another complaint?
(don't worry, when it cools down, we'll complain about that, too)
What else do we complain about?
- kids
- job
- housework
- vehicle
- extended family
- other people's kids
- church
- those in authority over us
- our house/clothes/food/etc.
and so much more
As we tear down those around us, and complain about the things that God has provided for us, we teach our children to complain, too. How shocked we are to hear them whine and complain about the things we do for them, or the wonderful things they have! But they are simply outputting what they are hearing from us as we not-so-subtly express our frustrations and disappointments.
Do we want our children to strive for Godliness?
1 Timothy 6:6-8
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
If we want our children to strive for Godliness we much teach them to be content with what God has given them - this does not mean that they should not try to better themselves through hard work and discipline, but instead that they should be content WHILE they are striving to reach their goals.
Our best method of teaching? EXAMPLE
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."[a
While we are teaching our children to be greatful and thankful, lets not neglect to teach them to be CONTENT and SATISFIED with the place that God has put them and the gifts that he has given.
My *almost 7-year-old* has shown me his heart tonight -- his great, big loving caring heart.
It was "store night" at Olympians (mid week program) this evening. The children earn "points" throughout the year that they can trade in for stuff on spacific nights. He earned what he could, as he brought his Bible and said his memory verses. When it came time to go to the store he realized that two of the children in his group had only one point each. What did he do? He gifted them each with some of his so they could get something for themselves. When it came time to pick out his own goodies, he first picked out something for his sister, and something for his brother -- then got a couple small items for himself. He thought of them FIRST.
It seems like I am constantly learning from my children -- lessons that I feel I should be teaching them!
I was asked to speak to our Ladies Bible Study group, and after much prayer, I agreed. The ladies range from young married and moms of young children all the way up to senior ladies. I felt so inadequate to stand before them this morning, but was burdened by the message God gave me to bring - it wasn't at all what I was preparing, but as I prayed about it, God changed my focus. The main message was about mentoring (discipling) and the importance of it. So often I think that we allow other believers to just "be" in the church, without the accountability or encouragment that mentoring provides. Paul implores Titus to encourage the older women to teach the younger women - not just about the Faith (though that is part of it) but also about being good mothers, wives, and keepers of the home. I am so blessed to have had a mentor growing up to encourage me to walk in Godliness, and I am even more blessed to have a mentor today who is not afraid to challenge me and ask the tough questions. Older women, teach the younger women. Younger women, teach the teens and pre-teens. Don't assume they will just "become" Godly Christian women. Help them get there!
My littlest one is 16 months and we've been working on teaching him TABLE MANNERS. (ask for food nicely, put your bowl on the table when you're done eating, don't throw your food on the floor -- basic stuff). Tonight at supper he gobbled down his food in his usual cave man style, not leaving a bite uneaten. Then, as I watched proudly, he lifted his bowl up the way we've taught him to show that he is done.... but to my horror (and the other children's amusement) he then pulled the bowl to his face and licked it out! When he was finished he plopped it on the table with a grin.
I sat shocked (and amused) that he had done that, wondering where he could have learned it. My husband was quick to answer my unspoken question "Look, Sweetie, he's copying you!"
I had to admit that the day before I'd done exactly the same thing when I thought no one was looking..... OOPS!
Even at this young, tender age they are taking in more then I realize!
My daughter loves to sing. She can sing for hours, making up songs as she goes along, linkinging songs together, or putting poems to music.
As we drove down the highway today it was no surprise to hear her singing at the top of her lungs. Her song of choice today was "God is so good".
She conquered the words to the first verse with ease "God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, He's so good to me!" On into the second verse she went "He answers prayer...."
but then she continued on with verses I've never heard before. "God keeps me safe, God keeps me safe, God keeps me safe, He's so good to me!". This was followed by "He sends the rain, He's so good to me" as she watched the rain drops chase eachother down her window.
A round of "God made my seatbelt" flowed from the backseat, then came the verse "God sends the traffic, God sends the traffic, God sends the traffic, He's so good to me!". How often do I stop and THANK God for the traffic we so often seem to be stuck in? Hummmmm...... you know, I don't remember EVER thanking Him for the traffic -- or my seatbelt, for that matter!
She continued on in her sweet, high voice "God made my Mommy, He's so good to me!"
My heart melted as she came to the end of her song, but I was reminded.... it takes a little child to teach us that we are to be thankful to God for everything -- even the traffic. He IS Good to me!
I take so many "cute" pictures of my children, but more often then not, I disregard the "sad" expressions - yet those are important memories, too!
As a Mommy, I feel like it is my job to "kiss away the hurts". It pains me to know that my child is hurting and I can't fix the problem. It seems that as they get older there are more and more hurts that I can't fix. My eldest is still, after a year of living here, struggling with missing his friends. We were scheaduled to visit this week, and were unable because he and his sister were sick - so Daddy went alone. My son cried (something very unusual for him). It was a hurt I couldn't fix. I couldn't kiss it better. I couldn't make it go away -- especially since I felt like crying, too. This time continues to be a good transition time for us. We are learning how to lean on eachother as a family, but more importantly, how to take our hurts to the ONE who CAN help with them. There will be many more times in the near future when we ache to visit with a special friend or a family member and are unable. I praise God for allowing us the time to learn how to handle these emotions before we are an ocean apart from those we hold dear. God is GOOD.
This week we discussed BLESSINGS in our ladies Bible study.
I know all about BLESSINGS. I have three of them - my children! I know the song "Count your many Blessings". I say "God bless you" after someone sneezes.....
But, as it always seems, I really know so little.
Do I BLESS my children?
Do I tell my children about the blessing they are to me by acknowledging their unique talents and abilities? Do I discuss with them how they can use the gifts they have to serve God? Do I tell them that I appreciate them? Do I encourage them and build them up every day? Do I tell them that I love them? Do I bless them by showing physical affection when they need to feel it?
As a homeschooling Mom I find that I am often the "corrector". "Please correct this problem" is often a phrase that comes out of my mouth. As I listened to the study, I have been struck by my need to bless and encourage my children more by delighting in what they did correctly - not always focusing on what they did incorrectly. I need to show God's love to them by uplifting them more often.
But it's not just our children we should be blessing.
Did you know that we should be blessing our husbands? We should be telling them about all the things that they are doing RIGHT. Wow! It is EASY to point out the things they do wrong, but how much more encouraging and supportive we could be if we cheered them on, noticing the little things that they do for us and our children? We BLESS our husbands by verbally uplifting them both in their prescence and out of it. It might be that we are the only ones lifting them up.
Do you BLESS your parents? Do you thank them for the GOOD THINGS they've done? In todays society it seems that if we have a "problem" in our lives its easy to look back and criticize the way we were raised - after all, our parents are only human, so EVERY parent has made mistakes! But what a BLESSING we could be to our parents to express our appreciation to them for the things that they did RIGHT! It might be that you are the only one that uplifts them.... what a blessing we can be!
And so.... our lesson on BLESSING continues next week, and I am excited about it. I am going to start with my husband and BLESS him every day (several times?) this week for the gift that he IS to me and our children. Then I am going to move on to my children and BLESS them for being who they are. My parent s need to be blessed, too. I'm not sure that my Mother ever received much blessing and uplifting from her own Mother - I can't undo that, but I can encourage her NOW.
Who can you BLESS today? Let me be the one to challenge you to genuinely BLESS 3 people today with very intentional uplifiting words. Let God's love shine through you.
In our ladies Bible study this week we discussed FORGIVENESS. We talked about anger, malice and bitterness. We discussed how bitterness can eat at your soul and destroy you. We were encouraged to ask God to search our hearts and reveal any anger or bitterness in us, and to FORGIVE those who have wronged or offended us. I can appreciate the value of not retaining anger - not becoming bitter, but it struck me today, as it never has before, why it is so important to FORGIVE - and not just say the words, but to truely FORGIVE, no longer holding any hatred or malice in my heart against ANY other person.
Matthew 6:14-15 states:
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Wow! Did I read that correctly? Does it really say that if I do not forgive others then God will not forgive me? Lets take another look...
Matthew 18 talks about a servent who was forgiven by his master of a major debt - only to inprison a fellow servent who could not repay him a minor debt.
Verses 34-35 say of the master in regards to the unforgiving servent:
And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.
“So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
Well, that's pretty clear - if I do not, FROM THE HEART forgive I will be delivered to the torturers by God.
Mark 11:26 states it again:
" But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
I'm not seeing many any alternatives here....
Christ, himself, models this for us. We are not encouraged or urged to forgive those who offend us or hurt us - we are COMMANDED to forgive. How many times should we forgive for the same offence? (Peter is always bold enough to ask the questions for us!) Jesus states clearly in Matthew 18:21-22
" Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. "
70 times 7 ... ok, who has a calculator here? Yup, you're right - that's 490 times we are COMMANDED to forgive for the same offence. Do you think Jesus is really expecting us to keep track? What he is saying is simply "keep on forgiving and forgiving and forgiving and forgiving and forgiving..... " If we want to go to Heaven with our sins (transgressions) forgiven then WE MUST KEEP ON FORGIVING.
Wow.
This struck me really hard this week. I certainly don't keep a list on my fridge for each of my children, making tally marks for them each time they repeat an offence "ok kids, you've got 4 more times not making your beds when you're told and then I don't have to forgive you any more"... As a Mom, it seems that my children often (daily?) do things that require forgiveness - either from myself or from another child. is my "forgiveness bank" big enough? If God can forgive ALL my sins - EVERYTHING for ETERNITY, how then can I hold on to anger towards another person for an offence they've made against me?
FORGIVE
FORGIVE
FORGIVE
FORGIVE that you might also be FORGIVEN by the Father.
Lord,
Search me and know my heart. See if there be any unforgiveness in me. Please show me my errors and help me to know how to release any bitterness or malice that may have build up in my heart. Help me to teach my children to forgive, by Your Word and by my own example to them. Thank you for forgiving me no matter how much I mess up or repeat my errors. Thank you for loving me. Amen.
As you may know, Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20).
This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.
Found out a couple of things you might be interested in! Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is pretty rare.
Here's the interesting info. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier!
Here are the facts:
The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now).
The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).
The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now).
The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!
Often the ways we think to show love and encouragment are based on the ways we FEEL loved. There is a fantastic book, by Gary Chapman, titled "The 5 Love Languages" that delves into the ways we express love and feel love -- and the ways that others around us may do it differently. Sometimes we don't recognize when someone is showing us how much they care because we don't accept love in the same way they express it. It's been a wonderful tool for me and helped me not only notice the way people express love and appreciate to me, but also helped me show love to others in their "love style". I'd encourage you to read this book! It can improve your relationships, and help you be more of a blessing to those around you -- especially your spouse, your children and your parents.
He is thoughtful. He is caring. He makes me laugh when I'm having a rough day. He is supportive of me. He is spontaneous - I never know what he's going to do or say. He stops at scrapbooking stores for me (alone) looking for creamy vellum, He encourages me. He is gentle. He loves God with all his heart and soul. He is a wonderful Father. He is creative. He is determined. He has goals and vision. He is full of energy. He is loyal. He is dependable. He is handsome. He is the one God chose for me. He is good to my parents. He stands up for me. He loves to explore and try new things. He challenges me to be better then I am. I love him for all that he is, and all that he is not.
Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with such a man!
I Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
Lies Women Believe - and the TRUTH that sets them Free
I attend (when I am able to) a Ladies Bible Study. We've been working through a video series by Nancy DeMoss titled "Lies Women Believe and the TRUTH that Sets them Free".
I have found it very challenging! I have found that I relate to many of the things she talks about, and am having to reasses not only what I do but WHY I do what I do... or why I THINK the way I do. One of the main points she mentions is that often in our intellectual minds we KNOW that a statement is a lie, but we still LIVE like it is the truth.
Just a few of the lies that she addresses are...
Lies about themselves: I should not have to live with unfulfilled longings.
Lies about sin: I cannot walk in consistent victory over sin.
Lies about their marriage: If I submit to my husband, I will be miserable.
Lies about their emotions: I can't control my emotions.
Lies about their circumstances: I just can't take any more.
But the one I'm learning the most about is: “God is not really enough.”
“When it comes down to it, we don’t believe God’s Word is sufficient to deal with our problems…. Sure I need God. But I need Him plus close friends, I need Him plus good health; I need Him plus a husband, I need Him plus children, I need Him plus a job that pays enough; I need Him plus a house with a microwave, a washer/dryer, a garage, and a fresh paint job…”
I see this lie happening in my own life. I know in my head that God is faithful and will provide for me, but my heart doesn’t quite believe it, so my hands get busy trying to solve the problem or come up with a way to get what I need.
Realizing this behavior is a based on a terrible lie really convicted me about my sin of unbelief. I am not fully giving over my burdens to the Lord, and sometimes I just don’t want to find the answers in His Word because I know it is not what I want to hear. I need God plus a perfectly clean house, plus a vehicle with a 3rd row seat, plus perfectly behaved children.... and the list goes on.
DeMoss says, “Do we truly believe God is enough, or are we looking to others things and people to fill the empty places of our hearts- food, shopping, friends, hobbies, vacations, our job, or our family?”
God’s truth is:
Psalm 73:25- 26 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
God’s Word is truth and reminds me of how incapable I am of anything without Him. It reassures me that I don’t have to do it without Him, and that he is ALL I need.
Our Pastor has been working through a series regarding "Taking Your Spiritual Pulse".
I was really struck by part of his message today on PRAYER.
There are 7 types of prayer:
-- PRAISE AND ADORATION
-- THANKSGIVING
-- CONFESSION
-- DEDICATION TO SERVICE (for a missionary or such person)
-- GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION (for self or others)
-- INTERCESSION
-- SUPPLICATION (asking for stuff)
I realized, looking at the list, that as I teach my children to pray that I focus mainly on the THANKSGIVING and the SUPPLICATION and INTERCESSION parts of prayer. I believe that I've missed teaching them the other areas and aspects of this necessary communication with their Heavenly Father - probably because these are the areas that I, myself, focus on. As my husband and I talked, we've decided to make a more specific effort to encourage our children to pray in all these areas, and to openly model them, also. I feel I am learning so much from this series - not necessarily "new" things, but things that I should already know but am not actively putting into practice.
I received a phone call from my Mom. Despite the fact that she lives about 10 minutes down the road, we still connect very regularly on the phone - I LOVE the relationship I have with my Mom. She is like a best friend to me. But I digress...
She asked me how homeschooling went this week. I told her, happily, how much better things have gone this week - I am excited about some of the changes we have made, and they are working, and so are the children. She expressed appropriate pleasure and went on to inquire about how my courses were coming.With being snowbound much of this week, they are going very well!There has been nothing else to distract me.
My wonderful Mom then stated that she’d been praying this week expressly for those two things this week…I think the Lord answered her prayer by sending the snow to keep us (and everyone else around here) stuck at home!So, I’m sorry to all of you were inconvenienced by the snow storms, but I am grateful for the time we had to focus this week because of it (and spend some extra family time together)
As I sit here, eating fresh baked oatmeal bread with homemade strawberry jam, I'm feeling a little.... lonely.
Today was a SNOW DAY for many in our area! What fun to wake up to piles of snow on the ground, fresh and perfect for jumping in! It was a great incentive to get through a bit of school this morning! The children had a fine time breaking in the snow. Unfortunatly, it made it unsafe to drive to church this evening.
School has gone very well. I've pulled back on the scheadule A LOT and taken a more laid back approach - and thrown in a lot more breaks. This seems to be working well so far - maybe it's just the fact that there has been a change at all makes a big difference, too. It seems that we're accomplishing more and having more fun at it, which pleases me! We've been studying the 10 commandments lately. Today was #7. They have been bringing up some very interesting discussions in our home, and once again remind me what a deep thinker my son can be. He really ponders over the things he learns before coming back and asking very thoughtful questions. Since he loves to read his Bible, he really enjoys getting taken back to read for himself the answers.
I have had some time to scrapbook this weekend, thanks to an on-line crop. It was nice to sit down and enjoy the memories that our photos bring. I am going to a "big crop" at the end of them month, and I am quite excited about it - but it will be the first significant time I've spent away from the baby, so I have to admit I'm a bit anxious about it, too. I'm sure he's ready.... I'm sure I'm ready... but it's still a big step.
A knitting friend recently introduced me to Ravelry It is, amoung other things, a fantastic way to keep track of pattern book, needles, future projects, yarn in stash and more! I have been having fun getting ORGANIZED and setting it up. I think it will be a very useful way to stay on top of things as I'm stashing away gift ideas for Christmas and completing projects. I'm always a fan of things that help me be more organized!
Well, off I go. I'm still working on my course "Grasping God's Word" and I'd like to get another chapter read tonight. It's freezing rain outside right now, with more snow predicted for tonight. I'm so greatful for central heating and for warm blankets on a night like tonight!
I'm not much into making RESOLUTIONS for the new year, but I prefer the term "GOALS".
I have been making a list of some GOALS that I would like to stive towards in the coming year.
If I put them down, hopefully it will be more motivating to stick to them and keep them 'in my mind'.
Spiritual Goals: -Memorize more scripture verses with my children (they do much better then I do at this!)
-Make a BIG EFFORT to get to the weekly Bible study offered at our church
- pray more often with my children, and help them recognize ANSWERS to prayer as we see them
Scrapbooking Goals: - Catch up to the beginning of 2007
- Complete honemoon pages
- Type out poems I've written to put into a personal album
Personal Goals: - I'm working on some school courses (and I loosely use the phrase "working on") I need to buckle down and get them done
- Spend time with each of my children individually, Daily, listening to them and enjoying them, and with hubby, too!
- Planning ahead: plan gifts for birthdays and Christmas well enough ahead that I have time to complete them before the day they are needed.
- Be more organized with school for the children each day - the younger is the hardest because she needs more one-on-one time
- Weight: I lost about 20 pounds from august till december, but over Christmas I have put back on about 8, I'm so discouraged! I've never dieted before, so this is all new to me.... I was away from the gym and eating holiday-style... I know it caught up to me! So, I guess my goal would be to loose that 8 pounds, then an extra 20, so a total of 28 pounds to get back to a healthier weight.
Christmas is only 6 days away. I really do love Christmas, it's my favourite time of year, but this Christmas will be a little more challenging. My sister-in-law and brother broke their marriage vows and decided to split up last year, just after Christmas, and continue to be at odds with eachother. As my parents feel the pull of being with both sides - and especially with the children, I implore you to pray for them. We have a small family - just my brother and I, so when one is missing it is painfully evident. Please pray for the family this Christmas as we feel our way through the holiday, and for the children (My neices and nephew) as their traditions and expectations will be drastically changed this year. They will be blessed with many, many gifts and presents this year, but it's the feeling of "togetherness" that they will struggle with this season. It is love, joy and peace in their home that will be missing - and no amount of gifting can make up for that.
I haven't written much about this, during the past year. Part of the reason for this is that it is difficult to be made to "choose sides", and I fear that anything I say or write could be the cause of offence. I love my brother dearly and I love my sister-in-law, and I especially love their dear children. I am so sad as I consider the joy that has been lost in their lives.
It's nearly one year later and I still don't know how to feel about it all. I think I am mainly just sad. I am saddened that vows can be set aside. I am saddened that people are hurting. I am saddened by the way some people have reacted. I am saddened that when things such as this happen that the children don't usually get FIRST consideration. I am forced to think "Could it happen to my family?"
And, so, I ask for your prayers. Pray for this family - pray for the children, and pray for the Grandparents as they strive to sort out their own role in all of this. May God be lifted up and glorified despite the circumstances.
At ladies Bible study this morning we discussed "service". We serve our families every day, but do we teach our children to serve - or to notice needs?
In general, North American kids have a "What are you going to do for me" attitude. They are used to being catered to, having people do things for them, and having the world "revolve around them". As Christian parents it is our challenge to teach our children to serve others, not just to be served.
Everywhere Jesus went, He served others, helped others, and cared about the needs of others both physically and spiritually. Being only self-aware, or self-focused is natural and easy. Being Christ-like takes effort and persistance.
Service always costs something. Time, energy, material, possessions, reputation or effort - there is always a cost. We make excuses when we see needs or when we hear about them "I don't have the time" or "I don't have the resources", or "it costs too much".... Our children pick up our excuses, and mimic what they hear. What kind of examples have we set for our own children?
We were challenged to help our children find a ways for each child to serve others over the Christmas season. We were challenged to help THEM see a need, and learn how they could help fill it. From making cards and pictures for those alone this holiday, to helping at the food bank, baking, opening doors for people, shovelling snow, or cleaning up the pews after a church service.... with a little creativity there are many things that little hands can do!
I am looking forward to sitting with my children tomorrow and discussing this. I look forward to hearing what ideas they come up with!
In Canada, November 11th is Rememberance Day - a special day where we remember those who have fought and do fight and support our military. I took my children, today, to a Rememberance Service so that they could understand better the sacrifices of the soldiers and their families. Thank you to those who have served. Thank you to those who have been willing to give their lives for our country. Thank you to those who have allowed their loved ones to serve.
Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
We all know how important it is to encourage our children. Children often thrive on our genuine comments of "Good job!" and "You are so creative!"
But I was challenged this past week to encourage my children, not just to help them "feel good" about what they have done, but to help them recoognize that God, their Father and Creator, has given them talents and abilities to glorify Himself.
This concept has really made me reasses how I speak to my children this week. My daughter, who loves to sing, is always making up new songs. In the past I have said to her "You have a lovely voice" or "You are very creative in the way you make new songs", but this week I have taken it just one step farther and said to her "I look forward to seeing how you will serve the Lord with your lovely voice or creative songs".
We have been created to glorify God and to bring about God's kingdom. Our children need to learn, even as young as they are, that they have purpose!
My pastor is doing a Sunday school series on a new George Barna book. It sounded very interesting to me, but I was unable to commit to attending Sunday School every week due to other responsibilities, so I purchased the book myself. I am completely enjoying it, and would recommend it! It is an easy-read book, although some of the principals and suggestions in it are not as easy to impliment as they are to read about. It is called REVOLUTIONARY PARENTING and focus on not simply raising "good kids", but raising God-focused Kids.
I put the baby in an oatmeal bath this evening before bed, as he seems to have acquired a rash that I can't defeat. My six year old came up to get ready for his own bath, and came into the bathroom to smile at the baby.
"Mommy", he commented, "It smells like breakfast in here!"
I explained that it was an oatmeal bath, and what it was for. He seemed satisfied with my answer, but peered curiously into the water for a good length of time. I inquired as to what he was looking at.
I have nothing to offer.
I have no formal training.
I cannot quote the entire Bible.
I am not a great public speaker.
I do not deal with change easily.
I make mistakes.
I do not know another language.
I am not a wonderful soloist.
I do not play the piano well.
I do not have a lot of experience.
I do not make close friends (new friends) easily.
I am not a teacher, a nurse, a seamstress or a counselor.
I have no skills.
I am not a very patient person.
I am not beautiful.
I am not knowledgeable.
I am not a great prayer warrior.
I do not write books or songs or sermons.
I do not know how to cook with foreign ingredients.
I am not perfect or sinless.
I have no extra energy.
I do not have enough self control.
I am not in physically good condition.
I am not super spiritual.
I cannot make a month of meals on $20.00.
Lord, I don't understand why you've chosen me. I feel so incompetent, unprepared, and unworthy to have the privilege of taking the treasure of Your LOVE to the world. Surely there are many others much more qualified. Why me?
response:
My child, I have created you. I know what you can and cannot do. I will provide what you need, just give me your "cannot"s and be willing to OBEY.
I was struck tonight, again, with the awesome plan of God. There are many times when I wish I could change things, but looking back God's ways are clearer.
When I arrived at the church we had just left I was smarting. I craved good friendship, but was afraid to trust again. I was also beginning the process of considering homeschooling for my children. God surrounded me with young moms - paticient, kind, friendly and Godly examples, and many of which were homeschoolers. God provided me with the friendships that I needed at that time - people who cared, and people with experiences that I could draw from and learn from.
Saying "goodbye" to them has been an emotional ride for me - and continues to be. I know that I can keep in contact with many of them through phone, letters and e-mails, but that's just not the same as sitting down over a cup of tea and just being with them. I've been feeling sorry for myself.
But God, in His wisdom and grace, has brought another couple to my husband and I. This couple comes as we prepare for the missions field. They have been on the field - on the field we are planning to go to, even, and are raising their support to return (to a different country). As we think about where we are in our lives and our current preperations for what is, God willing, to come, this couple has BEEN THERE and IS there again and was such an encouragment and an example to us as they sat around our dinner table tonight.
So, at a time when I felt that I was leaving behind my supportive friends and my encouragers, God has provided another friend to step in - not to replace the friends I have left, but to encourage in this new area in our lives. I pray that we can encourage them also.
God is SO good - who else could plan out and orchastrate such a thing as friendship and timing?
As for the pavlova - it was delicious, topped with those freshly picked strawberries.
Thank you notes are a staple around our home - Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, moving help, and more - we like to express our appreciation. (the kids prefer to just draw pictures at this point)
But do we stop and thank the "everyday" people who come into our lives?
I took my son into the nursery yesterday at church. I feel that the nursery is such an important ministry! When the nursery is functioning properly young parents who are visiting feel much more comfortable leaving their children so that they can be ministered to. Moms can have a break from that cholic-y infant and sit, undisturbed, to worship and pray. What a wonderful blessing nursery workers can be! I am from a church with a nursery that is well kept, up to date, and very clean and organized. It is very warm and welcoming and bright. Our nursery organizer is prompt and cheery, giving you a warm, comfortable feeling about leaving your children with her. (and she's fantastic with the children, too, they just love her and her husband who often helps out also). What a blessing. Often we don't realize what we have until we no longer have it. It has made me realize that I have not said "Thank you" enough.
How often do you thank your children's Sunday School teachers or nursery workers for the effort they put into caring for your children? I don't just mean saying "Thanks" and waving at the door as you drop off or pick up your child, but really thanking them for the things they have done well. "Thank you for always having a smile when we arrive", "thank you for being so prepared for class every week", "Thank you for putting up fresh artwork or posters regularly", etc. We need to be spacific in our Thank you's to encourage those who are in the tasks. Let them know that their efforts are appreciated. Let them know that you notice what they do. Let them know that it wouldn't be the same without their care and input.
I challenge you this week to stop long enough to give meaningful thanks to someone who ministers to you and your family. Say it with your words, write it in a note - or even send an e-mail. Be an encouragement to those who minister to you by showing your appreciation.
I have wanted to blog for some time about a topic that really bothers me -- WASTEFULLNESS.
In our society today we are such wasters of resources and time!
A parent who consistantly piles their child's plate with food then throws away half of it because the child doesn't finish it. Wasteful of food. Throwing out leftovers instead of taking the time to re-heat them and eat them another day. Spending hours watching television or playing video games - Wasteful of time, Spending hours chatting on the phone about nothing particular, discarding things instead of cleaning them up or fixing them (I'm completely shocked at some the things people will just throw away!), on and on it goes. I'm sure you've encountered other forms of wastefullness, too. Even such simple things as turning off the water and electrical items when they are not in use.
I think, as Christians, that we should be ashamed. God has provided us with a beautiful world that protects us and nurishes us. We show Him such disrespect when we are wasteful of the things He has given to us, and when we teach our children not to be respectful of resources, food, time and energy also!
This morning we visited at a nearby church, planted by one of our supporting churches. They meet in a public school. The atmosphere was much more relaxed then we were used to -- even serving coffee and muffins partway during the service! What a neat touch! They were so friendly and welcomed us with open arms. As we were leaving my eldest asked if we could come back again. "Mom, I've never been allowed to play hockey at church before! I like this church!" He exclaimed. Sure enough as the chairs were being put away in the gymnasium, the children got out floor hockey sticks and balls. What fun! We were blessed in worship and also in fellowship.
I spoke to a young Christian mom while we were at the church plant. She spoke of being saved through a young mom's Bible study that her neighbour had invited her out to. What an encouragement to hear her story! She also spoke with me about the importance of teaching our children about prayer. She stressed that she teaches her children to pray and expect answers to their prayers -- to look for them, observe them and share them! She also teaches them that THEY CAN BE answers to peoples prayers -- God works through PEOPLE to answer other's needs, and that they can, even at a young age, be the people that God works through. I think I learned more from her today then listening to the sermon.
In the evening we attended the church that I grew up in. It will become our "home church" now that we are back in the area. The pastor spoke on the roles in a husband-wife relationship, and the headship of the home. He talked to women, reminding us that we are to be submissive to our husbands. We are to give them headshop and leadership in our homes, even if they are not strong leaders or strong Christians. As wives it is our duty to encourage them to take the role that God ordained for them to have. Men are instructed to love their wives. They are not given any "exceptions" to this statement, but are expected to CHOOSE TO LOVE no matter how difficult things may seem. In today's society when marriages are so disposable and men and women claim to "fall in and out of love" with eachother I think this is just a fantastic reminder to all of us. Love is a CHOICE, not a feeling.
My husband spoke a message recently and used the following illustration in his sermon. I found that it really connected to me, as I tend to get very picky about the little things. I hope you can appreciate it as I did.
A couple married for 15 years began having more than usual disagreements. They wanted to make their marriage work and agreed on an idea the wife had. For one month they planned to drop a slip in a "Fault" box. The boxes would provide a place to let the other know about daily irritations. The wife was diligent in her efforts and approach: "leaving the jelly top off the jar," "wet towels on the shower floor," "dirty socks not in hamper," on and on until the end of the month. After dinner, at the end of the month, they exchanged boxes. The husband reflected on what he had done wrong. Then the wife opened her box and began reading. They were all the same, the message on each slip was, "I love you!"
We attended a Marriage seminar this weekend. It is a "Walk through the Bible Ministries" presentation called "Understanding the Love of your Life". It focused on the DISC test (a personality profile) and discussed how different personalities can best relate. We looked at our strengths and our weeknesses, and focused on how to understand and appreciate the strengths and weeknesses of our spouse.
Two things really struck me this weekend. Good reminders for all.
The first, is that we need to have the wisdom to change ourselves instead of expecting our spouse to change. They may (or may not!) change, seeing the change in us, but we must be willing to change first in order to improve our marriages.
The second is that God has designed us all differently -- some to be task-oriented, some to be people-oriented. Some to be loud and attention-seeking, and some to be quiet and attention-resistant. But, no matter how we are designed, we are all put together by the same Perfect Maker - and He has a plan for each of us that will perfectly suit the personality He has given us. Embrace the differences, love the uniqueness, and allow others to shine and be used in the area's He has given them talents for.
Go kiss your spouse and tell them how much you appreciate the unique personality that God has given them!
I just wanted to share a couple of answers to prayer this week.
We have been praying for individual supporters to join our team. On Tuesday evening during dinner my husband and son prayed that God would provide one new individual supporter this week.
By Wednesday evening we had THREE new individual supporters. Not only does God provide - he blesses beyond our imaginations.
Our home is up for sale. This morning our director and staff prayed for it's quick sale - and at the right price. This afternoon a prayer group from my home church prayed about it's sale. This evening we received an offer on the house -- the price is what we wanted but more then we really hoped for. It's a conditional sale, and the timing isn't quite what we were looking for, but God's timing is better then ours so there must be a reason for it!
There have been other answers to prayer this week:
-- after almost a week of being "down" my eldest is finally feeling better
-- my youngest slept through the night last night, and I appreciated a good night's sleep!
-- today was a good day care day
-- safe travelling in all the driving that we do -- my husband alone, and also as a family
-- an encouraging speaking engagement for myself on Tuesday evening
and so much more....!
This weekend (Thursday - Sunday) we had the blessing of being a part of a Missions conference. We were able to present our future ministry and really visit with some friends who we haven't met up with for a while. On Saturday afternoon I had the privilage of speaking at a Ladies Tea. I was given some questions to answer during my speaking time, which I'll post at a later date, because I thought they were very thought provoking questions and good to be shared. I was the last speaker of 5 during the tea, and I must admit I was very intimidated to go up. I followed three older (mature) much more experienced women and was just encouraged by them about what God has been doing. As I took my spot I had a completely overwhelming feeling of being "green" and inadequate. As a married woman I have been a pastors wife for 8 years, but I have so much more to learn about people, about ministry, but most of all, about my Lord and Saviour. My prayer is that I will always be open, willing and wanting to learn, desiring to know more and gain more wisdom, and that I will learn the lessons that God sends to me. My prayer for my husband is the same.
to memorize or not to memorize... that is the question!
My son attends AWANA, a mid-week Bible based program for kids. I work as a leader in the same program. One of the main focuses of AWANA is Bible Memorization. Bible memorization has always come to me with difficulty. Growing up in a Christian school, and attending Sunday school weekly I had lots of verses and passages to memorize! As I got older (into my teens) I began to "cheat". I would cram the verse into my brain so that it would stick just long enough to say it for reward, then forget it completely 5 minutes later. While this was a somewhat effective way to get through the tests and win points in Sunday school, the truth is I hadn't actually LEARNED and UNDERSTOOD the verses. Now, as an adult, I wish I had actually memorized all of those verses!
My children are of the age to memorize. They memorize poems, spelling words, addition and subtraction facts, lists and names of people and places, their address and phone number, and so much more, but the most important thing that they memorize is Scripture.
Proverbs 9:10 says
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
What is the best way to learn and understand? Repitition, explanation and memorization.
I think we really do our children a spiritual diservice when we don't encourage memorization, when we don't help with memorization, and when we don't MODEL memorization. The last is the most difficult for me, but more and more I realize that everything I do speaks more clearly and is more of a testimony to my children then what I say to them.
With this understanding I am taking a challenge with my son. We are learning together the "Take it to Heart" passage (Romans 6:1-13) from Awana this year. He has made it a challenge to memorize it faster then me... and, although I go over it more often then he does, he is definatly winning!
This summer we will begin to work on the A B C ABeka verses. (each letter of the alphabet has a verse to go with it) These are verses that I still remember from memorizing as a child, and some of the first that come to mind even now when I search for comfort, encouragement, reminders for my children or worship. I am so greatful for the strong Biblical foundation that God allowed me, and my hope for my children is that they, too, hide God's Word in their hearts so that the Holy Spirit can use those precious words to minster to them.
So... are you challenging yourself to continue in Bible Memorization? What are you and your family memorizing currently? What is your most effective method of memorization?
PSALM 119:9-16
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
We've got ourselves a visitor this week! The flu bug has come a-callin'! The baby and I have both been down with the bug for a couple of days - oh, I hate it when babies are sick! They don't understand why they feel so rotten, poor things :( He's cried more in the last two days then I think he's cried in his entire two months of life. (ok, that might be a small exageration) Thankfully, we both seem to be on the mend this evening - fevers have broken and appetites are beginning to return, I'm just rather tired still... hopefully we'll both be back in full action tomorrow -- and hopefully our unwanted guest leaves before the rest of the family is affected!
Despite the sickies and the household distruption, our new routines have held strong. My son has completed his work both yesterday and today, the household chores have been maintained (thanks to a clear list and a hubby who is willing to help out!), and even dinner was easy to put together thanks to some pre-planning (and pre-preping) that was done on the weekend. It has reminded me of the importance of disciplining myself to not only planning but also PREPING meals ahead of time so that things are smooth and ON TIME during the week... so I guess that means I need to be about finding some meal ideas that will allow me to do that. Any suggestions?
1 Timothy 6:8
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content
Why is it that the first question a new mom always gets asked is "So, is baby sleeping through the night yet?"
Do I say "Well, no, he's up about every hour on the hour most nights" or do I make them feel better about it by saying "He's sleeping pretty well!" (even if it's been a very awake night) , or do I given them some variation in the middle? If I tell the truth I get a sad, pitied "oh, that's too bad" as the asker quickly slips away... The reality is, they really don't want to know, do they??
The truth is, MOST babies do NOT sleep through the night for at least the first couple of months. Granted there ARE some exceptions, but generally newborns do not sleep through the night!
All right, I'm done my rant now! So, for any of you who are interested, NO, the little one is NOT sleeping through the night yet - although he sleeps very well during the day! hehehehe
It seems that lately all I've posted on my blog are announcements. That's really not why I decided to keep a blog - I was hoping to make it more of a daily journal of our happenings. It has been a hard month (January) and an especially hard week. Physically I've been drained and exhausted, emotionally I've been a wreck and mentally I feel like I can't focus on the simplest of tasks. February can only get better, right? So far, it's started the right way. Last night I was up late into the wee hours. God was working on my heart and he had some things for me to learn about it all. We had a speaker on Thursday at our ladies meeting who really touched my heart. She talked about forgiveness - she reminded us that we, to be Christ-like, need to forgive others, even if they haven't repented of their sin or asked for forgiveness. When He was on the cross, Jesus said, in reference to those who had crucified him and lied, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do". He didn't ask God the Father to forgive them if they repented. We need to do likewise - forgive those who wrong us even if they don't ask for it - harbouring anger and resentment in our hearts will only cause us to become bitter people, unable to be used of God to our full potential.
And so, on we go... feeling renewed, reminded and ready to make this week a better one then last. Oh, and I REALLY need to work on that focus thing...
I'm just wondering how you celebrate ADVENT in your home throughout December. Do you do something daily? weekly? or not even really acknowledge it? I'm just looking for some ideas - we'd like to start some new traditions in our home while the children are still young :)
Did you know that if you go to the KRAFT website you can subscribe to a FREE cooking magazine called "What's Cooking"? (USA and Canada only, sorry) If you haven't done it already, I encourage you to sign up, it's fun and full of delicious recipies each month! This month was many holiday recipies, including a yummy looking TOBLERONE CHEESECAKE. Since we are having a Christmas party tomorrow (yes, I know it's early) my hubby not-so-gently suggested that perhaps this would be good to take.
Well... it looks FANTASTIC! I'm SO pleased with how it's turned out so far! Now, just to make sure that I'm up before him in the morning... I'm afraid he'll try to eat it for breakfast!
Do you ever open the refrigerator or the cupboard and just feel BORED with your food? I have a rotating menu, but it's beginning to feel like "the same old thing"... I'd love some ideas to spice things up a bit. Do you have any "frugal" recipies you could share with me, or favourite websites? We're not big on lentils (we'll eat them in something, just not as the main part of the meal) but otherwise we're not very picky eaters! Any suggestions or favourites you could share with me?
One of the requirements from the mission before we go to the field is that I be mentored or Discipled. I was very excited, yet nervous about this idea. I definatly wanted the discipling, having never gone through it before and knowing that I would need to be able to do such on the field. I was excited because I had been praying for some time now for God to bring such a woman into my life who would be able to teach me from her own experiences and help me become a better mother, a better wife and a closer disciple of Christ. At the same time, though, the idea of opening up to someone and being completely transparent and honest with them just terrified me. I've been "burned" a few times by people I though were trustworthy, and I was nervous to step out in trust again.
I prayed about who would be the right person. I had to give the mission the names of my preferences and I found that very difficult. A friend of mine who was also intereted in the idea solidified a name in my mind - confirmed for me that I was on the right track, so I approached a woman I don't know very well. She is a long-time homeschooling mom, a wise woman with Godly charecter. She prayerfully agreed to meet with me and work with me - and my friend also.
So, coming to the point of my post... . (takes me a while to get to the point, doesn't it?) Last evening was our first "session". She gave us some homework to do before we arrived. We were greeted at the door with tea and cookies (and a very friendly cat). As we sat and talked I felt so blessed, so greatful that the Lord brought me to her, so refreshed and encouraged! What a wonderful experience it was! We stayed late as it was, and I would have loved to have stayed later. I'm excited to continue on and learn more from this amazing woman whom God has hand-picked to for me.
Too often, I think, we don't credit enough the significance of what older women can teach us as young moms. Their experience and wisdom is invaluable. May we always be willing to listen and learn from them.
