Pearls of Hope Reflections for Moms - Homeschool Blogger

Discouragement

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:27:00 -0600

This week has been a rough week, but I know that God has everthing in control and even though, I don't know why things happened, I know that He has a reason and a destination for these momentary troubles. My heart is full with awe in the knowledge that God had his hand in this. There are no cooincidences!!!

Never Be Discouraged

There is really nothing we need know
or even try to understand
If we refuse to be discouraged
and trust God's guiding hand.
So take heart and meet each minute
with faith in God's great love,
Aware that every day of life
is controlled by God above...
And never dread tomorrow
or what the future brings,
Just pray for strength and courage
and trust God in all things.
And never grow discouraged
be patient and just wait
For "God never comes to early
and He never comes too late!"

Helen Steiner Rice

Let's Celebrate!

Fri, 30 May 2008 13:21:00 -0500

"With a grin and a giggle, a hug and whistle, we'd slap our knees and Mama would say: "Bless the world it feels like a tip-tapping song-singing finger-snapping kind of day. Let's celebate!" And so we did"- from My Mama had a Dancing Heart by Libba Moore Gray and Raul Colon

My four-year old daughter is just bursting with joy at the warm weather! She is dancing around in sun dresses begging for anything that has to do with water and spending all her time in the back yard! In this case it is the girl- not the mom saying, "Let's celebrate!" I love the warm weather too, but it means yard work, pulling weeds, planting a garden and household projects! My daughter's attitude is rubbing off on me though! I will celebrate with her ..... and then pull weeds. Yeah!

Watch Yourself!

Sat, 3 May 2008 21:54:00 -0500

Have you ever used the phrase, "Watch your mouth! " ? or "Watch it!" as a warning for your children?

The other day, I was frustrated with my daughter when she got into yet another mess that she knew she was not supposed to get into. As my temper flared, I stopped and "saw" myself as she might see me. I was being a terrible role model and worse- I was not glorifying God in my reaction. I immediately changed my approach but it was not easy! There are so many times in my day that I do have the option of either glorifying God or not. God is really keeping me on my toes! It's hard when we go against our fleshly nature and attempt to follow God! Like Jonah, many times, we want to say, "God, that is just too hard, and I just really don't feel like doing that right now. " When this happens, God is going to continue to attempt to get our attention or let blessings pass us by. I think we underestimate God and His power to do His will through us. Expect Miracles and you will see them!

"It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." Romans 9:16

My prayer today is that God will reveal His will for my life. Not just the large decsions, but EVERY decision, even the little tiny ones such as the words I use and the actions I take minute by minute. One way he reminds me of this is to "show" me how I am acting. I will be more aware of my behavior my being in a contant state of "Watching myself! "

Clean Heart Challenge: Closing Comments

Wed, 9 Apr 2008 08:02:00 -0500

Clean Heart Challenge

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called up by his own glory and goodness."

This is just a recap of the toolbox or as I think of it- "My Cleaning Supplies for Maintaining a Clean Heart"

5 Tools for Maintaining a Clean Heart

Tool	Visual	Action
The Word	Sword	Daily Bible Reading
Prayer	Flower	Daily and Continuous Prayer
Journal	Pen	Daily Journal Writing
Fellowship	Phone	Gather with other Believers
Witnessing	Door	Teach others and Study the Word

Through all this there are two main points that I was suprized to discover.

1. We are already clean! Jesus said in John 15:3 "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you." I just needed to clear out my junk and make room for God to Shine!

2. We have everything we need to lead a godly life. As in today's verse, we don't have to search for the tools and things to make us godly. God has already provided those. We just need to use them!

As with any change, it needs to be formed into a habit. With weight loss, you work hard to lose the weight but unless it is changed into a habit of exersice and healthy eating, it will become a problem again. So I realize that this is a continuous journey. My Clean Heart Challenge is over but my Clean Heart Maintenance is continuous. I may write more about this in future posts but for now, I am ready to add to my focus, organization of my home and family!

Prayer: I am closing with the "Clean Heart Psalm" Psalm 51: 10-15

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.

Save me from the bloodguld, O God, the God who saves me and my toughue will sing of your rightousness.

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

Amen!

Clean Heart Challenge: Day 16: Door

Mon, 7 Apr 2008 16:54:00 -0500

Maintaining a Clean Heart

Tool #5: Door: Go out and be a Witness!

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

This last tool is probably the most important tool in the "toolbox" . It is to be a Witness for God! We can be a witness in many ways:

The way we live our lives.
Praising God in all you do or say
Telling others about Christ
Teaching others (including Children)
Learning through Bible Studies and Prayer Groups

We have a responsibility to teach, live an learn as much as we can, the godly lifestyle! We have the awesome responsibility to teach it to our children, mentor younger women and telling others about the wonderful gift of salvation. We can do these things in many ways. We can not do all of these at the same time in our life, but at least a couple at a time and of course we are a witness just by how we live our lives every minute of every day! We can teach children's Sunday school, midweek or in the nursery. We can lead a women's or small group bible study. We can participate in a prayer group or write devotions for othes. There are many ways we can be a witness. The possibilites are endless.

Reflection: How are you being a witness? Are you witnessing to others outside your home as well as inside?

Prayer: Lord, I will praise you, O Lord, my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is yolur love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave. (Psalm 86:12-13) I will sing of your great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. (Psalm 89:1) Amen

Tomorrow I am going to recap the 5 tools for Maintaining a Clean Heart!

Clean Heart Challenge: Day 15: The Phone

Fri, 4 Apr 2008 08:27:00 -0500

Tools for Maintaining a Clean Heart

# 4 The Phone: Christian Fellowship

I have decided to condense the 10 tools to 5 to make it more simple and because several fall into one of these 5 categories anyway. Today's "tool" contains 3 parts that are equally important but accomplish the same goals.

Scripture: Eccl. 4:10 -11

"If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?"

Todays tool is Christian Fellowship. This includes:

Fellowship with a body of Believers - A church
Fellowship with a small group of believers- A Bible study or Prayer group
Fellowship with individual believers- Friends

Last week, when we had a nice day, I took my kids to the park. My four year old was trying to do the monkey bars across one side to the other and was having problems holding on. When I offered to help, she said, "No, I can do it." But it would have been easier if she would let me hold her up, even just a little. We often need a little holding as well. Fellow Christians in our life are essential in our own spiritual life. They give us that "little holding" to help us along the way. There are three ways that fellowship with other believers strengthen us.

1. Encouragement to keep on!

2. Hold us accountable for our actions and attitudes

3. Support when we need it

Friends are a great way to both give and recieve these but we also need small groups and a church as well. I see it as a balanced approach. We need a larger group such as a church to gather together and pray, worship and learn. With a large group you don't feel alone as a Christian in this world. In a small group you can learn from others and problem-solve solutions to life's problems. With a friend you can share personal thoughts and feelings that you may not share in a group. Each one is unique in how they help and encourage us. If you can build relationships with all three types of believers, you will be blessed! I picture a phone when I think of fellowship because we often use the phone to talk or arrange gatherings.

Reflection: How balanced are you in having the three types of fellowship: Church , Small Group, Friends? Which area is the "weakest"? What can you do about that? Take one action this week to improve that one area.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for the blessings of fellow christians in my life. I pray that I can be an encourager to those around me. There is one area of my fellowship that is lacking and I ask your help and guidance in improving that area. I know that the most important fellowship is with you! I look forward to growing closer each day. In Jesus name- AMEN

Clean Heart Challenge: Day 14 The Pen

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 17:50:00 -0500

10 Tools for Maintaining a Clean Heart

#3 The Pen

Scripture: James 3:17

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."

Wisdom is priceless! Just think if we knew exactly what to do right away in every situation big or small! No wonder Solomon asked for wisdom when God asked him what he wanted (2 Chronicles 1) He knew that wisdom would make life easier and able him to be a great leader. God was so touched by his unselfish act that he granted him wealth, riches and honor as well. On this note of accumulating wisdom, the tool for today is a journal and pen. Whenever you pray, read the bible or even just throughout your day, pray for wisdom and write down those thoughts! I think that you will be amazed at what is revealed to you. Also in James, he says "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it wil be given to him". Pray and ask for wisdom in any situation and it will be given to you. Not by a magic wand or a loud command, but by a small whisper deep inside of you. I have regularly written down thoughts and insights from my daily reading and I love to go back a read them! It also helps me see how God has brought me through those times in my life. Write down prayer requests and praise as well. This also, will be a record of how God has worked in your life. It will increase your faith, strengthen your testimony and solidify your thoughts! All that with one tool- the pen!

Reflection: Do you journal or record your insights when God gives them to you? If not, get a simple notebook or two subject notebook and start recording your prayer requests and praises as well as your bible study thoughts. I know that many of us don't have time to do this every day, but if you do it several times a week, you will be blessed with wisdom!

Prayer: Lord, How great it is to be close to you! My heart is filled with joy and peace when I am in your presence. Please grant me wisdom in my decisions and through the study of your word. Fill my mouth with wisdom in my words to others. Thank you for all of your blessings. Amen

Clean Heart Challenge: Day 13: The Flower

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 10:07:00 -0500

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Imagine a world where your kids are always joyful and thankful for all you do. Imagine them saying "Thanks, Mom" with joy and enthusiasm for every meal, everly load of laundry and every bedtime story! Imagine if your children would come to you regularly and ask, "How can help?" The phrases in the verse above could be taken individually, but I believe that God intented for them to be all part of one "attitude of prayer" (joy and gratitude in ALL circumstances) That is what God wants from us. He does listen to our requests just as he promised but what would please him the most would be our prayers of thanksgiving and offering to be a willing servant to whatever He wants us to do. In order to hear his small voice our prayer time also needs to include some quiet listening time with an open mind and a willing spirit. The more we practice this the easier it gets to hear God's directions. His voice also comes from his word, but sometimes he may reinforce what the scripture is telling us or He may be giving us a name of a person or some other "nudge" to get our actions going! Like scripture, prayer is a very individualized thing. Some people pray by writing things out that come to mind. Some people pray in a certain setting or with a prayer partner. Of course it is best to be in the habit of "praying continuosly" throughout your day. Remember though this is not "praying your requests" throughout the day. This is praying for others, wisdom, peace, and of course just telling God how much you appreciate Him and the blessings you been given.

For this "tool" for maintaining a clean heart, I think of a flower. We often give flowers as gifts for saying thank-you, illness, celebrations, etc. We should also pray in all these situations. Flowers are also some the most beautiful ways God's displays His presence in the world!

Reflection: Do you only pray for requests or for the big blessings in your life? Or do you have the habit of praying thanksgiving, praise and willingness to serve? If you are like me you are probably somewhere in between these two. How can you remind yourself to pray with more joy and gratefulness? Maybe whenever you look a flowers or a picture of a flower, you can be reminded to pray in this way!

Prayer: For prayer today, I am going to use the words from Be Glorified by Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio.

Lord, Your love has captured me. Your grace has set me free. Your life: the air I breathe! Be glorified in me! You set my feet to dancing. You set my heart on fire. In the presence ofa thousand kings, you are my one desire; and I stand before you now, with trembling hands lifted high. Be glorified! Amen

Clean Heart Challenge: Day 12: The Sword

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:54:00 -0500

10 Tools for Maintaining a Clean Heart

#1: The Sword: Word of God

Scripture: Hebrews 4: 11-12

"Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disbodience. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

I love homeschooling because I can easily tailor the curriculum and my teaching style to meet the needs of my kids. Each child is uniquely different and their strenghts, needs and learning styles are often very different if you take the time to explore them. Teaching to their learning style makes the difference between chaos and calm!! God also tailors the word of God to each individual.

When I looked up verses about the word of God, meaning the scriptures, I found a couple of references to a sword. "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God " in Ephesians 6 and in Hebres 4 (above). So for this tool picture a sword. Not only does this " sword" help us defeat the enemy in arming for battle but it also conficts, teaches and corrects us. In the verse above the word of God is a living thing! It "talks" to our innermost being (joints and marrow). The word of God is like train rails keeping us on the right track through conviction and guidance. Spending time daily in the the word is absolutely essential! Once a week at bible study or church is not enough. It is individual thing that "touches" each person differently. This verse for example; many people can read it but each one probably hears something different in their own mind. This is because God designed it to be individualized for each person and at that particular point in their life. I have read several verses many times and it "says" something different to me at different times in my life. So how do we "spend" time in the word? Again, it is different for each person. Sometimes I do an individual bible study from a book, other times I just am focusing on a certain word or concept. For example last year, I spend a month or two just "researching" the word/concept of HOPE. It was amazing! Lately I have been focusing on verses that pertain to this devotional about the attitudes of the heart. I ususally also try to read through the bible as well. I have different versions handy just to see what the other ones say about the concept I am studying. I know that some people think reading the bible is boring, but if done with the right reasons, an open heart, and complete love of God, it is amazing! I have learned more in the last few years by doing my "own" studies than in 10 years of doing bible studies from a book. I have learned more about me and what God has planned for me. Many written bible studies are very good for certain topics like marriage, prayer, etc., but to truly get to know what God has to say to YOU, you have to not place him in a Box and just go with his guidance. You will know if you spend time in prayer- our next tool in our toolbox for maintaining a clean heart!

Word of God + Spirit+ SWORD (Isn't it funny how these two phrases make the word- sword!)

Reflection: How do you usualy use th bible? Do you spend time reading the bible every day? What can you do to open "the lines of communication" for what God has to say to you?

Prayer: Lord, I open my heart and my mind to recieve your word. I pray for wisdom and guidance when reading the word of God. Thank you so much for giving me the Sword of the Spirit, so that I can recieve the messages you have for me each day. I will meditate on your Word all thoughout my day reflecting on your teaching so that I may become more like you. In Jesus name-Amen

Clean Heart Challenge: Day 11: Overflowing

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:56:00 -0500

Scripture: Ephesians 3: 16-19

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strenghten you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

I have been working on teaching my kids obedience. I read that there are a couple different kinds of obedince, but only one is true obedience- willfull obedience. This is the type where obedience is done with gladness. Doing things with bitterness or with complaint is not true obedience. We often do this with God. We do what we know He wants us to do and we act how we know Christians should act but we are not very happy about it. But if we are rooted and established in the love of Christ, this love with overflow into all areas of our life. Luke 6: 49 says "For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." This does not only apply to speach but to our actions, attitudes and relationships. This is why I am focusing on the heart. It is the motivation, center and anchor of everything we do, say or even think!

So how do we be sure we are "filled to the measure of all the fullness of God"? It takes daily maintenance, just like our house, our children or anything else! This week, I am going to be talking about the 10 tools to maintain our hearts. These are as essential as cleaning supplies for a clean house! Of course the most important aspect is to be totally and willingly submitted to God! Please always keep the big picture of you being UNITED with Christ throughout each moment of your day.

Reflection: Is your heart "filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" today? Why? If not, what can you do to change that? If you are, your joy should be overflowing!! I once saw a Beth Moore bible study and she showed a glass of ice filled to rim. She showed how people try to fill their hearts with other things and it just doesn't work!! Then she poured water in the glass with the ice to demonstrate that God is the only thing that can "Fill out hearts" completely! Please reflect on the content of your heart: are you spending time each day being "filled with Christ"? Are you too busy to take time to be sure that the anchor, motivaiton and center of everything you do is maintained?

Prayer: Lord, I long to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of you! I submit to your will and control in my life. I thank you for the work you are doing in me by the power of the Holy Spirit.