As I was going through my prayer journal this morning, lifting up family, friends and others in prayer, I noticed something. Many of the people on my list are in a time of financial difficulty. There's been layoffs, jobs eliminated, companies bought out with massive firings, illegal practices making for an unreasonable work environment, unexpected events that drained their accounts, there's so much going on in this area right now.
I turned over all money-related stress and worry to God around 2002. The paycheck is what it is, and it will be enough. If it isn't, then we'll do the best we can til it's better. The hard part is that a budget just isn't possible with a husband on straight commission and it varies HUGELY from week to week...but we're thankful for what we have: a job to go to, freedom for me to stay home and teach and raise our children, a small but affordable place to live, a neighborhood that isn't great, but it's safer than so many others, we have groceries in the house (at least til the two boys go through the kitchen), and a strong marriage based on honesty and trust.
With rising mortgages, rising taxes, foreclosures, bankruptcies, and all the signs of a coming nationwide depression in the near future, it's time to pray for what we need, work for what we can, and be thankful for all we don't have going on in our lives.
Don't forget to pray for your loved ones too! Our consumerism and materialism is about to be attacked until we're humbled as a nation. When the world is in a pit of despair, know that the way out of the pit is by focusing upward on God and His principles for success.
May God keep you safe in His arms.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Ladies, you need to try this!
Last night I had an unexpected call from a friend asking if we could do something together. I was in the mood for something girly, something I love to do, and I'd been looking for a gift for her that week anyway...know what we did?
We went to have "full English tea" at my favorite tea house, I had the kiwi pear green tea, she had the berry mint iced tea. We had a 3-tier tray with tea sandwiches, ginger apricot scones, and assorted dainty desserts. Oh My Gosh!!! What an amazing experience it is. The place is full of pink lacy things, shiny silver danglies, and teas in every flavor you can imagine - even a pineapple guava white tea!
I don't do much for myself very often - and most women don't. We plan little gifts and surprises for our friends and family, but what do we do for ourselves? What do you do? I'm not a bubble bath person, I don't enjoy shopping for new clothes, I'm not a shoe or purse person, I have dozens of perfume that I never wear (almost all were gifts), I don't do much jewelry, I can't do special desserts from a bakery with 3 kids playing Food Police, "what do you have? can we have some?" So what else is there?
Imagine this, a quiet, tasteful, healthy, small-portioned but delicious lunch, accompanied by a ceramic tea pot of exquisite tea picked out by you, on a table with REAL tablecloths, napkins encircled in ribbon, lace doilies, real china plates, a floral centerpiece, gentle lighting, pink, white and soft green walls, girly sale items surround you, and next to you - a dear friend to share it all with. No cell phones - no loud beer drinkers - no take out containers - no lame music overhead. Just wonderful women with good manners all there for a 1 to 2 hour break from the hectic pace of reality.
Is that what heaven will be like? I hope so.
We went to have "full English tea" at my favorite tea house, I had the kiwi pear green tea, she had the berry mint iced tea. We had a 3-tier tray with tea sandwiches, ginger apricot scones, and assorted dainty desserts. Oh My Gosh!!! What an amazing experience it is. The place is full of pink lacy things, shiny silver danglies, and teas in every flavor you can imagine - even a pineapple guava white tea!
I don't do much for myself very often - and most women don't. We plan little gifts and surprises for our friends and family, but what do we do for ourselves? What do you do? I'm not a bubble bath person, I don't enjoy shopping for new clothes, I'm not a shoe or purse person, I have dozens of perfume that I never wear (almost all were gifts), I don't do much jewelry, I can't do special desserts from a bakery with 3 kids playing Food Police, "what do you have? can we have some?" So what else is there?
Imagine this, a quiet, tasteful, healthy, small-portioned but delicious lunch, accompanied by a ceramic tea pot of exquisite tea picked out by you, on a table with REAL tablecloths, napkins encircled in ribbon, lace doilies, real china plates, a floral centerpiece, gentle lighting, pink, white and soft green walls, girly sale items surround you, and next to you - a dear friend to share it all with. No cell phones - no loud beer drinkers - no take out containers - no lame music overhead. Just wonderful women with good manners all there for a 1 to 2 hour break from the hectic pace of reality.
Is that what heaven will be like? I hope so.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Today was a very good day!
It doesn't take much to make it a good day for me, my needs are simple...I'm very task oriented, so if everything gets done on time, and my kids follow my plan for the day, it's a very good day, but today felt different...
I woke up with a God-worshipping song. I don't know the song, just a few lines, but they repeated over and over in my head and I felt like I was gaining strength with each repetition. Then I got to my bible study without hitting any traffic on the 101 at 8:45! I got there and was greeted by my pastor's wife's big smile. She never seemed to know who I was for 4 years, yet all of a sudden, she says HI to me by name. She asked how study was going and without thinking, I couldn't say enough. The women there are so special, and we just feel and know God's presence is among us and our conversations there. It's a close knit group, even with the many new faces joining us this summer. On the drive home, I felt such a calm peace - in spite of the fact that I schedule myself to be IN study til 11am in N. Scottsdale and IN Chandler teaching Spanish at 11:45am. When I stopped at home to pickup the kids, they had done all their chores and completed the writing assignment I gave them yesterday - and it's not even due til tomorrow! I had a fun Spanish class, window-shopped for a friend (didn't find what I wanted to get her) and drove home from my son's drama class without traffic. My husband gets out of work at 3pm instead of 8 tonight, we didn't expect that but he says he's out early every other Tues. at this new job. We're going to take full advantage of this and go see Pirates of the Carribean 3: At World's End, it's playing down the street at the discount theater - all seats just $2.
After sharing such a dark cloud last time, I just had to share this wonderful day with anyone who's willing to read this blog.
Now it's time to settle down, give God thanks and praise for today, and buckle down to prayer for my friends and family so they get a bright spot like I had today too!
I woke up with a God-worshipping song. I don't know the song, just a few lines, but they repeated over and over in my head and I felt like I was gaining strength with each repetition. Then I got to my bible study without hitting any traffic on the 101 at 8:45! I got there and was greeted by my pastor's wife's big smile. She never seemed to know who I was for 4 years, yet all of a sudden, she says HI to me by name. She asked how study was going and without thinking, I couldn't say enough. The women there are so special, and we just feel and know God's presence is among us and our conversations there. It's a close knit group, even with the many new faces joining us this summer. On the drive home, I felt such a calm peace - in spite of the fact that I schedule myself to be IN study til 11am in N. Scottsdale and IN Chandler teaching Spanish at 11:45am. When I stopped at home to pickup the kids, they had done all their chores and completed the writing assignment I gave them yesterday - and it's not even due til tomorrow! I had a fun Spanish class, window-shopped for a friend (didn't find what I wanted to get her) and drove home from my son's drama class without traffic. My husband gets out of work at 3pm instead of 8 tonight, we didn't expect that but he says he's out early every other Tues. at this new job. We're going to take full advantage of this and go see Pirates of the Carribean 3: At World's End, it's playing down the street at the discount theater - all seats just $2.
After sharing such a dark cloud last time, I just had to share this wonderful day with anyone who's willing to read this blog.
Now it's time to settle down, give God thanks and praise for today, and buckle down to prayer for my friends and family so they get a bright spot like I had today too!
Friday, August 24, 2007
A month of spiritual battles all around us...
It feels like we've had a month of spiritual battles all around us. Not so much in our home, but we see it in our friends, family and acquaintances. Something's brewing and I feel a strong need to prepare for battle on their behalf.
I have seasons of my life where I am a strong prayer warrior for others, and other seasons where I feel I have to just throw my hands up and cry out to God, "the problem's too big! I'm emotionally spent!" Ever feel like that?
In the last month, our circle has seen breast cancer, husbands losing jobs, and therefore causing over-stressed, scared wives without answers, we've seen health issues, addictions choking the life out of a marriage, aging relatives stuggling with deteriorating bodies but their minds are still strong, the enemy coming between spouses with anger and hurt, the media infiltrating our homes and taking over the minds of children and adults everywhere, heartless people rejecting a baby because it's born with defects, gossiping and rumours destroying good people's reputation, greed growing stronger in the business world, selfishness to the detriment of children, spouses and family, the list is never ending...
It's time to put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10 - 18) and become warriors for Christ, defending our brothers and sisters when they become fatigued in the battle. I can't do this alone, but if we all band together, we can take this ground in the name of Christ, break through all of the enemy's strongholds and unravel his schemes and plans for destruction! All it takes is time in prayer for those we love.
Will you stand with me for our loved ones?
I have seasons of my life where I am a strong prayer warrior for others, and other seasons where I feel I have to just throw my hands up and cry out to God, "the problem's too big! I'm emotionally spent!" Ever feel like that?
In the last month, our circle has seen breast cancer, husbands losing jobs, and therefore causing over-stressed, scared wives without answers, we've seen health issues, addictions choking the life out of a marriage, aging relatives stuggling with deteriorating bodies but their minds are still strong, the enemy coming between spouses with anger and hurt, the media infiltrating our homes and taking over the minds of children and adults everywhere, heartless people rejecting a baby because it's born with defects, gossiping and rumours destroying good people's reputation, greed growing stronger in the business world, selfishness to the detriment of children, spouses and family, the list is never ending...
It's time to put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10 - 18) and become warriors for Christ, defending our brothers and sisters when they become fatigued in the battle. I can't do this alone, but if we all band together, we can take this ground in the name of Christ, break through all of the enemy's strongholds and unravel his schemes and plans for destruction! All it takes is time in prayer for those we love.
Will you stand with me for our loved ones?
Friday, August 17, 2007
I love my friends!
The best gift we're given in this world, besides salvation, are the friends that are brought into our lives. It's been an amazing 4 years since we've moved 3000 miles away from everyone and everything we've ever known to come here. We've been through so much: losing our life's savings during the drive out here from people's lack of integrity and the stock market, jobs where honesty and character are signs of weakness, having the spawn of satan and her 4 bullying kids move in with the guy next door to us, having our kids beat up regularly for a year out of the jealousy and anger of others', bosses using extortion to rob from their employees (my husband), companies we depend on casting off generations of values for their own greed, not to mention trying to be a positive influence while working 40 hours a week or more as my kids' mother AND teacher, dealing with a husband's depression and self-pity, getting through each day with an auto-immune disease that has no cause and no cure, just lots of symptoms and a name, dealing with an alcoholic husband, finding out my husband's secrets threatened to tear my family apart, have I left anything out?
All that to say this, I love my friends. Practically since we got here, God's surrounded me with the warmest, kindest, most caring and loving friends I could've ever imagined. They have listened when I needed to unload, sat quiet with me when I needed to be still, been supportive when I felt like giving up, cheered me up when I felt lonely, prayed over me when I cried, and have said more with their eyes than I feel I deserve. I feel the spirit of Christ in each and every one of them.
Just last night, we had friends here and you know my favorite part? The time during a game when no one was speaking - and it wasn't awkward, it was comfortable. I had a moment of total joy in the middle of what (to the untrained eye) would've seemed like a regular, everyday occurance to anyone else. I'm so blessed. And I will praise God forever for the friends he's given me.
All that to say this, I love my friends. Practically since we got here, God's surrounded me with the warmest, kindest, most caring and loving friends I could've ever imagined. They have listened when I needed to unload, sat quiet with me when I needed to be still, been supportive when I felt like giving up, cheered me up when I felt lonely, prayed over me when I cried, and have said more with their eyes than I feel I deserve. I feel the spirit of Christ in each and every one of them.
Just last night, we had friends here and you know my favorite part? The time during a game when no one was speaking - and it wasn't awkward, it was comfortable. I had a moment of total joy in the middle of what (to the untrained eye) would've seemed like a regular, everyday occurance to anyone else. I'm so blessed. And I will praise God forever for the friends he's given me.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
I'll find our "groove" eventually...
Ok, so here I am, just 4 days into the new schoolyear with my 3 kids and not one day has been like the next! The first day, some classes needed more than the anticipated time I'd planned, some were shorter than expected, some will need to be rearranged so we don't have one kid finished, one almost done, and one needs another half hour. It's very frustrating orchestrating this. And we haven't even added dance class or sports practices yet.
I know if I handle this with just my organization skills, I can find a schedule that works okay, but the joy will be gone, everyone will feel stressed out, and we'll lose the beauty and freedom of homeschooling. So what else can I do?
I'm going to do a few things:
1. First, I'm going to take a deep breath and remember what I learned from reading John Ortberg's book, The Life You've Always Wanted; slow down, don't live a life of "rushing" because it'll put me in the opposite direction from what I really want, which is peace and time to just be with God in little moments throughout my day. To NOT trade best for just good.
2. Second, I'm going to pray. God can organize and orchestrate the entire planet from the beginning of time through the end of time, so He probably could offer me some good advice. I've looked for mentors in my life, and they're hard to come by - so I lean on the advice I get from the Bible, and from God in my quiet time (such that it is).
3. Third, I'm going to ask my kids for their opinions. I want them to have the time they need to put forth their best effort, and not feel bored by time wasted through my imperfect scheduling.
4. Fourth and last, I'm going to take my time on Saturday to really figure out what's important, and remember what I really want each child to gain from each class. I'll arrange things so that a character trait or important lesson or moment of inspiration won't be lost. I'm going to remember that we don't have to have a set schedule. It can be flexible. And if I figure out how to co-ordinate what class to run at the same time as two others so that their ending times are pretty close, we'll find our "groove".
I know if I handle this with just my organization skills, I can find a schedule that works okay, but the joy will be gone, everyone will feel stressed out, and we'll lose the beauty and freedom of homeschooling. So what else can I do?
I'm going to do a few things:
1. First, I'm going to take a deep breath and remember what I learned from reading John Ortberg's book, The Life You've Always Wanted; slow down, don't live a life of "rushing" because it'll put me in the opposite direction from what I really want, which is peace and time to just be with God in little moments throughout my day. To NOT trade best for just good.
2. Second, I'm going to pray. God can organize and orchestrate the entire planet from the beginning of time through the end of time, so He probably could offer me some good advice. I've looked for mentors in my life, and they're hard to come by - so I lean on the advice I get from the Bible, and from God in my quiet time (such that it is).
3. Third, I'm going to ask my kids for their opinions. I want them to have the time they need to put forth their best effort, and not feel bored by time wasted through my imperfect scheduling.
4. Fourth and last, I'm going to take my time on Saturday to really figure out what's important, and remember what I really want each child to gain from each class. I'll arrange things so that a character trait or important lesson or moment of inspiration won't be lost. I'm going to remember that we don't have to have a set schedule. It can be flexible. And if I figure out how to co-ordinate what class to run at the same time as two others so that their ending times are pretty close, we'll find our "groove".
Monday, August 06, 2007
We're about to begin a new school year...
This time of year is exciting for me. We'll be starting school soon. I love using new books, new supplies, a fresh start and hope for a great year. This year I'm teaching 8th, 6th and 4th, with very few classes where the kids can do work together. 10 class periods, with 3 classes going on per period, or 30 classes a day! (Okay, really it's 28, but still!)
I hope this year is a good year for Adam where he feels he's really pulled ahead of Logan. After years of having classes together, he got frustrated thinking either he was 2 grades behind, or his little brother was as smart as he was. This year, he's got some serious classes that Logan won't tackle for at least another 2 years.
My hope for Logan is that he settles down and begins to mature. He's got a Critical Thinking class this year, like a logic class, that I hope will help him learn to think before he speaks - or at least stop saying dumb things that get his father frustrated.
Jordan will have the hardest year of all, I think. She's been pretty lazy the last few years - expecting me to do her work for her, but this year, it's all up to her and she'll have to really try to pass. The tests are standardized and not from me so I can't be objective at all. That'll be a big help. She's smarter than she knows. Maybe this year she'll find that out?
Tim's in the middle of a new job change, in fact he's at an interview right now. We have no idea what the pay will be like, what hours or days he'll work, or any of the many factors we'll have to consider. We just pray for God to guide us to the best choice.
As for me, I can't wait to get started. I feel less rushed this year, yet somehow, a part of me is ready to panic because I'm not rushed, feeling like I must be forgetting something. I think I'm still trying to get back into the swing of things after an almost 10 day vacation.
Here's where I turn it all over to God and pray for wisdom and discernment to make the best choices for all of us. If I do, I know it'll all work out for the best.
Enjoy your day.
I hope this year is a good year for Adam where he feels he's really pulled ahead of Logan. After years of having classes together, he got frustrated thinking either he was 2 grades behind, or his little brother was as smart as he was. This year, he's got some serious classes that Logan won't tackle for at least another 2 years.
My hope for Logan is that he settles down and begins to mature. He's got a Critical Thinking class this year, like a logic class, that I hope will help him learn to think before he speaks - or at least stop saying dumb things that get his father frustrated.
Jordan will have the hardest year of all, I think. She's been pretty lazy the last few years - expecting me to do her work for her, but this year, it's all up to her and she'll have to really try to pass. The tests are standardized and not from me so I can't be objective at all. That'll be a big help. She's smarter than she knows. Maybe this year she'll find that out?
Tim's in the middle of a new job change, in fact he's at an interview right now. We have no idea what the pay will be like, what hours or days he'll work, or any of the many factors we'll have to consider. We just pray for God to guide us to the best choice.
As for me, I can't wait to get started. I feel less rushed this year, yet somehow, a part of me is ready to panic because I'm not rushed, feeling like I must be forgetting something. I think I'm still trying to get back into the swing of things after an almost 10 day vacation.
Here's where I turn it all over to God and pray for wisdom and discernment to make the best choices for all of us. If I do, I know it'll all work out for the best.
Enjoy your day.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Family
Well, we're all back from vacation. We had a great time in Utah, then spent a few days visiting with my husband's family before coming home. We spent time with his parents, grandparents, 2 uncles, an aunt, his cousin and her husband, their 2 kids, their nephew, and another of Tim's cousins. I've known them for years, so it was very comfortable for me, and my kids enjoyed spending time with kids from 2 - 18 that they never get to see. Three of them they met for the first time - all from CA.
I love listening to the stories, the heritage, the ancestors' lives, and seeing who looks like or acts like who else in the family. It made me really miss my own family. My family are in MA, FL, GA, AK, and TX. Next year, one of my sisters is getting married so we'll be together then. I'm looking forward to my kids meeting their cousins (my cousins and their kids).
Now to relate this to my faith...
Just as we get lonely for family, I imagine God too misses us when we aren't "close to Him". I know he's always there, always with us, always watching, but would it be any fun for us if our relatives were there but invisible and silent? It's the conversations together that keep us close, and I'm sure God enjoys that one-on-one time with us too. Today I'm going to try really hard to talk with Him throughout the day - I miss my Father and it's time I planned a visit with Him.
I love listening to the stories, the heritage, the ancestors' lives, and seeing who looks like or acts like who else in the family. It made me really miss my own family. My family are in MA, FL, GA, AK, and TX. Next year, one of my sisters is getting married so we'll be together then. I'm looking forward to my kids meeting their cousins (my cousins and their kids).
Now to relate this to my faith...
Just as we get lonely for family, I imagine God too misses us when we aren't "close to Him". I know he's always there, always with us, always watching, but would it be any fun for us if our relatives were there but invisible and silent? It's the conversations together that keep us close, and I'm sure God enjoys that one-on-one time with us too. Today I'm going to try really hard to talk with Him throughout the day - I miss my Father and it's time I planned a visit with Him.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Pre-Vacation Hopes:
Next week we go on our family vacation, although it's more of a business trip for us. We have to be in a weekend long convention Fri night through Sun. afternoon in St. George, Utah, so we're adding a few days before and after, bringing the kids and trying to make it somewhat fun for them. It's been a tough year in sales, especially as a single-income family, so there's no extra money for a real relaxing vacation - so we make due with what we have instead of charging what we can't afford.
We plan on leaving Wednesday to spend a night with Tim's parents and grandparents up in the mountains. We'll leave the next morning for Utah but we're taking the longer route to drive the kids through Zion National Park. (Hope #1: The kids will appreciate our efforts and wonder at what God built, the beauty of something natural, with breathtaking views.)
Once in St. George on Thursday night, we'll relax, enjoy breakfast at the hotel, swim a little, maybe sightsee, and if we're lucky, my daughter and I will get our hair done (it's a birthday gift to her and I need it for the evening's event). (Hope #2: The kids will realize we spent the day with them so they aren't feeling neglected when we're in an all-day seminar on Saturday.) and while we're on the subject, (Hope #3: The kids won't fight or be noisy in the hotel room while we're in the seminar 3 miles down the road Saturday).
Saturday we'll get a break so we can bring the kids some food and check in on them. They've done this before (well, mostly just the boys) so I think they'll be fine. Our oldest is a great sitter.
Sunday morning we'll have breakfast with them and bring them to the worship service at our convention. They always provide one so we don't have to miss a week. The kids know some people there so I think they'll enjoy it.
Sunday afternoon, we'll be back at the hotel by 4:30 and we're spending the night, so we can hang out with the kids by the pool to get them out of the room and into some fresh air. Maybe dinner will be at some nearby cute little place.
Monday morning after breakfast, we don't have to be home until Friday around noontime, so we'll either spend it back at their grandparents' house, or come back home early and do fun stuff in town with them.
(Hope #4: My last and final hope is that we all come back feeling a bit closer and more relaxed.)
We plan on leaving Wednesday to spend a night with Tim's parents and grandparents up in the mountains. We'll leave the next morning for Utah but we're taking the longer route to drive the kids through Zion National Park. (Hope #1: The kids will appreciate our efforts and wonder at what God built, the beauty of something natural, with breathtaking views.)
Once in St. George on Thursday night, we'll relax, enjoy breakfast at the hotel, swim a little, maybe sightsee, and if we're lucky, my daughter and I will get our hair done (it's a birthday gift to her and I need it for the evening's event). (Hope #2: The kids will realize we spent the day with them so they aren't feeling neglected when we're in an all-day seminar on Saturday.) and while we're on the subject, (Hope #3: The kids won't fight or be noisy in the hotel room while we're in the seminar 3 miles down the road Saturday).
Saturday we'll get a break so we can bring the kids some food and check in on them. They've done this before (well, mostly just the boys) so I think they'll be fine. Our oldest is a great sitter.
Sunday morning we'll have breakfast with them and bring them to the worship service at our convention. They always provide one so we don't have to miss a week. The kids know some people there so I think they'll enjoy it.
Sunday afternoon, we'll be back at the hotel by 4:30 and we're spending the night, so we can hang out with the kids by the pool to get them out of the room and into some fresh air. Maybe dinner will be at some nearby cute little place.
Monday morning after breakfast, we don't have to be home until Friday around noontime, so we'll either spend it back at their grandparents' house, or come back home early and do fun stuff in town with them.
(Hope #4: My last and final hope is that we all come back feeling a bit closer and more relaxed.)
Saturday, July 14, 2007
I bet God has days like these...
I have such a hard time with my "middle child". He's been a different kid for about the last 6 months. He used to be so loving, so eager to please, so warm and friendly, but lately he's just ANGRY !
I tell him not to do something and he deliberately disobeys - and even preceeds his statements with, "I already know I'm grounded, but it's worth it..." Since when is punishment a choice instead of a consequence of disobedience? Honoring his mother and father has gone out the window these days and I don't really know how to fix it.
Then it hits me - I bet God has days like these. He tells us the family rules and we choose to disobey just about every day. We know we should love others unconditionally, speak only words that build others up, don't touch forbidden things, be a good steward of what we've been given, and not complain about what we don't have. Yet, every day we also break our Father's rules, don't we? At least, I know I do.
As exasperated as I feel after a verbal bout with Middle Child, I bet God also gets frustrated with us. I'm sure He asks Himself why we can't just obey and be thankful for what we DO have.
I think maybe that's why we're given children, to understand our relationship with God in a real way.
So, if it helps me relate to my Father, and understand what He goes through with me, then I guess the learning experience is worth the struggles on the journey.
I tell him not to do something and he deliberately disobeys - and even preceeds his statements with, "I already know I'm grounded, but it's worth it..." Since when is punishment a choice instead of a consequence of disobedience? Honoring his mother and father has gone out the window these days and I don't really know how to fix it.
Then it hits me - I bet God has days like these. He tells us the family rules and we choose to disobey just about every day. We know we should love others unconditionally, speak only words that build others up, don't touch forbidden things, be a good steward of what we've been given, and not complain about what we don't have. Yet, every day we also break our Father's rules, don't we? At least, I know I do.
As exasperated as I feel after a verbal bout with Middle Child, I bet God also gets frustrated with us. I'm sure He asks Himself why we can't just obey and be thankful for what we DO have.
I think maybe that's why we're given children, to understand our relationship with God in a real way.
So, if it helps me relate to my Father, and understand what He goes through with me, then I guess the learning experience is worth the struggles on the journey.
Friday, July 13, 2007
An Unhurried Life: The Practice of Slowing
I'm currently studying John Ortberg's book The Life You've Always Wanted. Chapter 5 really caught my attention. Just think, to have an Unhurried Life! In 2007 there's so much guilt associated with not hurrying, like if we don't, we're wasting our life and the time we have left. John asked his friend what he needed to do to be spiritually healthy and the answer was one of my favorite quotes, "You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life."
When I read that I looked up from the book to see if he was somewhere watching me! We become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we don't make time for God, or prayer, or giving thanks, or especially reading His Word. When I'm hurried and distracted, I know the very first thing to go is my time with God, yet if you asked me, I'd tell you it's what's MOST important to me. I think many of us are like that, so what can we do about it?
The answer is to just slow down. Rushing isn't the answer - that just leads to forgetting things, doing a sloppy job, being short-tempered, and sometimes...speeding tickets. With the way we're always rushing, you'd think we'd end up with hours of spare time left over, but do we? No, we never do, so now we're just as busy, still out of time, and we're further from God than we know we should be. So how do we discipline ourselves not to rush?
Like any discipline, it takes practice until it becomes a habit. Step 1 is to practice slowing, we could put ourselves in a position throughout the day that makes us wait - in the longer grocery line, not zigzagging in and out of traffic to pass everyone and be first, to take time to do a job right instead of just fast.
Step 2 is to practice solitude. If it's not part of my day normally, then I'll start with 5 minutes a day. First or Last thing of the day works best. Just take 5 minutes to be still (not easy for my dominating, task-oriented personality). Close your eyes, take a deep breath or two, say hello to God, review your day with Him. Ask for forgiveness where you failed, ask Him to help with your struggles, thank Him for the blessings He's given you, and ask for guidance to do what you should be doing - and to forget about the rest of unnecessary things that aren't in our control anyway.
Try it for a week and see if it makes a difference. I'm going to. I'll let you know how it went.
When I read that I looked up from the book to see if he was somewhere watching me! We become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we don't make time for God, or prayer, or giving thanks, or especially reading His Word. When I'm hurried and distracted, I know the very first thing to go is my time with God, yet if you asked me, I'd tell you it's what's MOST important to me. I think many of us are like that, so what can we do about it?
The answer is to just slow down. Rushing isn't the answer - that just leads to forgetting things, doing a sloppy job, being short-tempered, and sometimes...speeding tickets. With the way we're always rushing, you'd think we'd end up with hours of spare time left over, but do we? No, we never do, so now we're just as busy, still out of time, and we're further from God than we know we should be. So how do we discipline ourselves not to rush?
Like any discipline, it takes practice until it becomes a habit. Step 1 is to practice slowing, we could put ourselves in a position throughout the day that makes us wait - in the longer grocery line, not zigzagging in and out of traffic to pass everyone and be first, to take time to do a job right instead of just fast.
Step 2 is to practice solitude. If it's not part of my day normally, then I'll start with 5 minutes a day. First or Last thing of the day works best. Just take 5 minutes to be still (not easy for my dominating, task-oriented personality). Close your eyes, take a deep breath or two, say hello to God, review your day with Him. Ask for forgiveness where you failed, ask Him to help with your struggles, thank Him for the blessings He's given you, and ask for guidance to do what you should be doing - and to forget about the rest of unnecessary things that aren't in our control anyway.
Try it for a week and see if it makes a difference. I'm going to. I'll let you know how it went.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
I love to read.
This summer I've had a very rare blessing - I had 3 weeks with no kids! I filled that time with reading voraciously. I love to read but never get the chance because I usually only have time to read what the kids are reading for school, since I'm the teacher.
I read business how-to books, Sidney Poitier's biography "The Measure of a Man", the latest Francine Rivers book "The Scribe" about the life of Silas, and although the kids are back, I'm trying to devote time every day to continue reading for me - at least until school starts back up in 6 or 7 weeks.
I don't normally like fiction because I hate "romance" stories, I'm just not wired that way, but I absolutely love Scottish fiction stories and will even put up with the romance junk to be able to read about life in Scotland in the late 1700s to late 1800s, especially concerning it's leadership in regards to England.
I'm currently half way through "Kilgannon" by Kathleen Givens. I found her books advertised in a magazine I picked up for the first time called Scottish Life. The library had it, so I got that and the second one in the series "The Wild Rose of Kilgannon". The odd thing is that reading the way the main character, and falls in love with the Scot is opening up a new mindset for me in my faith.
I always hear song lyrics and speakers talking about falling in love with Jesus and I have to tell you, that seems strange and almost irreverent to me. Like it should be a respect for authority thing and not a heart thing. But as I read this book, I see how she's attracted to his thinking, the things he says, the equality he gives her with other men, how his heart longs to please her, always promising that her life will always be as she wishes, (in other words, if there's any major changes it's because SHE wished it, not him making her decisions for her), and especially how he cares for and protects those he loves, as well as those he cares for as chieftan of his MacGannon clan.
As I read this, I begin to wonder if I've been reading the New Testament all wrong. I read non-fiction in most cases, all head - no heart. The same way I probably read about Jesus. Now I wonder how different Jesus would seem if I paid attention to the way he spoke, the things he said, read about his story as if I was picturing myself there like in a fiction novel, noting when he spoke, when he retreated, when he prayed, how he taught, but really focused on how he loved. Granted there wasn't a lot of touching and caressing like in most fiction stories, but isn't a gentle touch on the head while producing healing just as impactful? Wasn't it human-like to need to get away from it all to be alone with his Father? What about the love he still showed for humanity as he was in agony on the cross, hoping death would come soon, yet still asking for their forgiveness with his last breaths? That's dramatic! That's touching! That's captivating! He knew ahead of time what he'd have to endure but he CHOSE to trade his life for our sake, would you do the same? I don't think I could when you really get down to it. I think for the first time I really see what those lyrics and scriptures mean when they call Jesus their "lover" and us his "bride". I think I have some more reading to do.......
I read business how-to books, Sidney Poitier's biography "The Measure of a Man", the latest Francine Rivers book "The Scribe" about the life of Silas, and although the kids are back, I'm trying to devote time every day to continue reading for me - at least until school starts back up in 6 or 7 weeks.
I don't normally like fiction because I hate "romance" stories, I'm just not wired that way, but I absolutely love Scottish fiction stories and will even put up with the romance junk to be able to read about life in Scotland in the late 1700s to late 1800s, especially concerning it's leadership in regards to England.
I'm currently half way through "Kilgannon" by Kathleen Givens. I found her books advertised in a magazine I picked up for the first time called Scottish Life. The library had it, so I got that and the second one in the series "The Wild Rose of Kilgannon". The odd thing is that reading the way the main character, and falls in love with the Scot is opening up a new mindset for me in my faith.
I always hear song lyrics and speakers talking about falling in love with Jesus and I have to tell you, that seems strange and almost irreverent to me. Like it should be a respect for authority thing and not a heart thing. But as I read this book, I see how she's attracted to his thinking, the things he says, the equality he gives her with other men, how his heart longs to please her, always promising that her life will always be as she wishes, (in other words, if there's any major changes it's because SHE wished it, not him making her decisions for her), and especially how he cares for and protects those he loves, as well as those he cares for as chieftan of his MacGannon clan.
As I read this, I begin to wonder if I've been reading the New Testament all wrong. I read non-fiction in most cases, all head - no heart. The same way I probably read about Jesus. Now I wonder how different Jesus would seem if I paid attention to the way he spoke, the things he said, read about his story as if I was picturing myself there like in a fiction novel, noting when he spoke, when he retreated, when he prayed, how he taught, but really focused on how he loved. Granted there wasn't a lot of touching and caressing like in most fiction stories, but isn't a gentle touch on the head while producing healing just as impactful? Wasn't it human-like to need to get away from it all to be alone with his Father? What about the love he still showed for humanity as he was in agony on the cross, hoping death would come soon, yet still asking for their forgiveness with his last breaths? That's dramatic! That's touching! That's captivating! He knew ahead of time what he'd have to endure but he CHOSE to trade his life for our sake, would you do the same? I don't think I could when you really get down to it. I think for the first time I really see what those lyrics and scriptures mean when they call Jesus their "lover" and us his "bride". I think I have some more reading to do.......
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
A day in the life of me...
I'm enjoying taking the summer off from activities - but I'm already dreading my schedule once the new school year starts. I'm homeschooling an 8th, 6th and 4th grader this year - all at the same time. We'll be working Mon & Wed. - Fri. from 9am til about 2pm. That's 10 classes each, times 3 kids, or 30 classes a day! Why don't we work on Tuesdays? Because that's my weekly Ladies' Bible Study morning, I'm teaching a Co-Op 30 miles away right after that, then my oldest has his drama lessons. The other two will be busy with flag football, ballet and soccer, but on Tuesday afternoons, we'll spend time at the parks and stores near drama class. It'll be that way until Christmas.
I have a friend who's just starting to homeschool this year, her daughter's the same age as mine so we'll add a third girl their age from church and do a monthly writing co-op. I wonder if I take on too much sometimes, and I have my days where my auto-immune disease makes me VERY tired, but it's times like that I have to stop and ask myself what's really important? As busy as I often make my weeks, I also have a goal to change the world. I thought it was only by raising up Godly leaders in my three children, but lately I think it's more likely that I'll expand by one family or one household at a time.
Tim's business he's growing on the internet just may be the forum I (or we) need to help re-educate America. The last 4 years living here have brought us through so many struggles and so many challenges, but we've learned from these experiences and I believe we really can make a difference in helping other people get through what we've gone through. Tim and I shared our deepest secrets and hurts not too long ago with our very closest friends and the first response we got was "someday you're going to share that story in front of a large audience". When I heard our friends say that to us, it's like a light in my heart went on for the first (and last) time - I really want to be able to help others. We just need the opportunity to do that outside of our usual circumstances. I'll just work on preparing my heart, mind and faith in the meantime so that when God brings the opportunity to share, I'll be ready to serve Him.
I have a friend who's just starting to homeschool this year, her daughter's the same age as mine so we'll add a third girl their age from church and do a monthly writing co-op. I wonder if I take on too much sometimes, and I have my days where my auto-immune disease makes me VERY tired, but it's times like that I have to stop and ask myself what's really important? As busy as I often make my weeks, I also have a goal to change the world. I thought it was only by raising up Godly leaders in my three children, but lately I think it's more likely that I'll expand by one family or one household at a time.
Tim's business he's growing on the internet just may be the forum I (or we) need to help re-educate America. The last 4 years living here have brought us through so many struggles and so many challenges, but we've learned from these experiences and I believe we really can make a difference in helping other people get through what we've gone through. Tim and I shared our deepest secrets and hurts not too long ago with our very closest friends and the first response we got was "someday you're going to share that story in front of a large audience". When I heard our friends say that to us, it's like a light in my heart went on for the first (and last) time - I really want to be able to help others. We just need the opportunity to do that outside of our usual circumstances. I'll just work on preparing my heart, mind and faith in the meantime so that when God brings the opportunity to share, I'll be ready to serve Him.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
I thought the well was dry...
I haven't been inspired to write a new devotional in over a year, so I figured the well dried up and figured I'd gotten too far away from God somehow to hear Him. Now He has a new season of life for me. I homeschool my 3 kids and I'm inspired to write a Genesis curriculum for them. Sure I could buy one, but this makes ME dig deeper into it, to get all the excitement out of His Word. When I'm done, I'm going to create an adult version - my Ladies' Bible Study at church has agreed they want to play "guinea pig" when I'm done to test it out, find the errors, and the spots I should expound upon. I'm so excited whenever I get the priviledge of writing ANYTHING that I know is God-inspired. The strange part is that I have absolutely NO desire to work on it without inspiration. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Through the Looking Glass
Have you ever felt like Alice through the looking glass? You know what I mean...you wake up one day and wonder, "where am I? why am I here? this isn't where I was headed so how'd I end up here?" That happens to all of us at one time or another. Sometimes it's a stack of bills that gets your attention. Other times, it might be a rut at work that brings those questions to mind. Sometimes it's a frustrating day when you feel like you're giving up 40 hours a week of free time by keeping your kids home and they don't appreciate it one bit.
The Looking Glass is a world where, if you look where you started out, it wouldn't make any sense at all. I grew up outside of Boston, working in advertising. In just 15 short years, I found myself a stay-at-home homeschooling mother of 3, living in NH, on a fixed income that seemed to be fixed just below what was needed. Like Alice, I wondered how that had happened. I had plans of living in a brownstone on Copley Square, hanging out at the real "Cheers" down the street, driving a sports car and maybe, just maybe, I'd find an adventurous outdoorsy type of husband who would whisk me off to an adventure on the weekends. But God had other plans...(truth be told, I did get the outdoorsy man of my dreams).
Once upon a time there was a man who had it all. He grew up 2nd in line to the throne of a huge nation. He had the best of everything, until one day, he realized he'd been adopted. Suddenly, everything he thought he knew was wrong. He was a poor son, to a poor family, that belonged to the lowest class of people in this same nation. Now he didn't fit in either class. In a short time, he found himself wandering in the backside of the desert tending unruly sheep. His name was Moses. And I would guess that he also fell through The Looking Glass wondering what had happened? why was he born? what greatness could he possibly contribute to the world being a shepherd? what real difference did his life as a shepherd make in the grand scheme of things? But again, God had other plans...
You too have a story. You began with hopes and dreams. Maybe you were one of the fortunate to hear God's calling early and you've followed the path He's led you down all along. But maybe, just maybe, you too are in The Looking Glass. If not, I would bet someone you know and love is.
My message is just a reminder that what seems like the wrong path may really be God preparing you for something great, you just don't know it yet. I've seen God do amazing things through people who never felt they could do it. The very thing you may be fighting or dealing with now might be the strengthening and refining of the Master's fire. Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (NIV)
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Sometimes this life is frustrating. We feel like we're running around in circles and accomplishing nothing. We wonder what happened to the exciting life we thought we were working towards. We pray now that you'd help us take a step back and remember that no matter whatever journey we're on, You're the one in control of it. We trust You to guide us,
and to light the right path for us, even if it's different from what our worldly nature seeks. Our most important goal is to run the race YOU'VE prepared for us. We seek only to do Your will, and we pray that You'll walk beside us to the finish line.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
The Looking Glass is a world where, if you look where you started out, it wouldn't make any sense at all. I grew up outside of Boston, working in advertising. In just 15 short years, I found myself a stay-at-home homeschooling mother of 3, living in NH, on a fixed income that seemed to be fixed just below what was needed. Like Alice, I wondered how that had happened. I had plans of living in a brownstone on Copley Square, hanging out at the real "Cheers" down the street, driving a sports car and maybe, just maybe, I'd find an adventurous outdoorsy type of husband who would whisk me off to an adventure on the weekends. But God had other plans...(truth be told, I did get the outdoorsy man of my dreams).
Once upon a time there was a man who had it all. He grew up 2nd in line to the throne of a huge nation. He had the best of everything, until one day, he realized he'd been adopted. Suddenly, everything he thought he knew was wrong. He was a poor son, to a poor family, that belonged to the lowest class of people in this same nation. Now he didn't fit in either class. In a short time, he found himself wandering in the backside of the desert tending unruly sheep. His name was Moses. And I would guess that he also fell through The Looking Glass wondering what had happened? why was he born? what greatness could he possibly contribute to the world being a shepherd? what real difference did his life as a shepherd make in the grand scheme of things? But again, God had other plans...
You too have a story. You began with hopes and dreams. Maybe you were one of the fortunate to hear God's calling early and you've followed the path He's led you down all along. But maybe, just maybe, you too are in The Looking Glass. If not, I would bet someone you know and love is.
My message is just a reminder that what seems like the wrong path may really be God preparing you for something great, you just don't know it yet. I've seen God do amazing things through people who never felt they could do it. The very thing you may be fighting or dealing with now might be the strengthening and refining of the Master's fire. Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (NIV)
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Sometimes this life is frustrating. We feel like we're running around in circles and accomplishing nothing. We wonder what happened to the exciting life we thought we were working towards. We pray now that you'd help us take a step back and remember that no matter whatever journey we're on, You're the one in control of it. We trust You to guide us,
and to light the right path for us, even if it's different from what our worldly nature seeks. Our most important goal is to run the race YOU'VE prepared for us. We seek only to do Your will, and we pray that You'll walk beside us to the finish line.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Friday, November 10, 2006
Would You Do That If Your Father Was Here?
I often find myself asking that question to my children when they argue in the grocery store, make excuses for their behavior, or when they say something selfish or disrespectful. Don't get me wrong, their very well-behaved children, but they are still children. There are things they say and do in the familiarity of my presence that they just don't happen in front of their father, grandfather, Sunday School teacher, sports coach, drama director, dance instructor or karate sensei. The last time I asked this question, something hit me like a ton of bricks...I too am a child (of God) and I too misbehave (sin) in front of my Father (in Heaven). And like a child, I probably wouldn't behave that way if I remembered He's standing right there seeing and hearing what I'm doing. What a tough realization that was! Can you imagine?
Have you ever not treated someone the way Jesus would treat them? Luke 6:31 says "treat others the same way you want them to treat you". That's what our Father expects of His children.
Have you ever been angry or stressed and snapped at someone who really didn't deserve it? Matthew 5: 23 - 24 says "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." Our Heavenly Father expects us not to fight with others, and also to forgive.
Have you ever been anxious and worried over a situation instead of trusting it to God and letting go of it? Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." When we worry instead of trust, it's like telling our Father we're not sure we can trust Him to take care of us. (Don't our kids ask us, "are you sure?" when we tell them everything will work out fine?)
By the way, I've been found guilty as charged on all these counts and even a few more. How about you? Not once did I stop myself and think I had better not do that with my Father standing right there. If you forgot too, welcome back to childhood.
My husband always asks our kids, "Why did you do that if you know it's against the rules?" They have yet to find a good answer that saves them from being disciplined. What if God asked you that very question the next time you found yourself sinning? I know I'd probably have an answer similar to my kids, "I don't know...I guess I didn't think."
As a parent, we get frustrated, disappointed and sad when our children misbehave, and we don't like having to discipline them but we know we must to keep them on the correct path that leads to righteousness. But more importantly, we never stop loving them.
Our Father in Heaven was so smart to give us the opportunity to become parents so we can understand things from His perspective. I mess up just like the kids occasionally do, and when I realize I just did that in front of my Father, I need to be sorry. I need to decide to make better choices and strengthen my character. Knowing He still loves me is worth it all and He loves you without ceasing as well.
So the next time you get caught misbehaving in front of your (Heavenly) Father, do as we were instructed in Acts 3:19 "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;" Then you can be sure that you are forgiven, and loved unconditionally.
Dear Father,
We think we're so grown up, yet in your presence, we see we're still your children, regardless of age. We often go through life reacting to things and to other people without thinking. We want to show you our best and make you proud. What child doesn't want to impress their Father? We come to you now to apologize for the way we've been acting and the attitudes we've displayed that were not pleasing to you. We thank you and praise you for forgiving us through the sacrifice of your own son, Jesus, and for your Word that teaches us that you forget our sins once confessed, and always love us, even when we misbehave. We love you, too, and we'll try harder to be good next time.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Have you ever not treated someone the way Jesus would treat them? Luke 6:31 says "treat others the same way you want them to treat you". That's what our Father expects of His children.
Have you ever been angry or stressed and snapped at someone who really didn't deserve it? Matthew 5: 23 - 24 says "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." Our Heavenly Father expects us not to fight with others, and also to forgive.
Have you ever been anxious and worried over a situation instead of trusting it to God and letting go of it? Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." When we worry instead of trust, it's like telling our Father we're not sure we can trust Him to take care of us. (Don't our kids ask us, "are you sure?" when we tell them everything will work out fine?)
By the way, I've been found guilty as charged on all these counts and even a few more. How about you? Not once did I stop myself and think I had better not do that with my Father standing right there. If you forgot too, welcome back to childhood.
My husband always asks our kids, "Why did you do that if you know it's against the rules?" They have yet to find a good answer that saves them from being disciplined. What if God asked you that very question the next time you found yourself sinning? I know I'd probably have an answer similar to my kids, "I don't know...I guess I didn't think."
As a parent, we get frustrated, disappointed and sad when our children misbehave, and we don't like having to discipline them but we know we must to keep them on the correct path that leads to righteousness. But more importantly, we never stop loving them.
Our Father in Heaven was so smart to give us the opportunity to become parents so we can understand things from His perspective. I mess up just like the kids occasionally do, and when I realize I just did that in front of my Father, I need to be sorry. I need to decide to make better choices and strengthen my character. Knowing He still loves me is worth it all and He loves you without ceasing as well.
So the next time you get caught misbehaving in front of your (Heavenly) Father, do as we were instructed in Acts 3:19 "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;" Then you can be sure that you are forgiven, and loved unconditionally.
Dear Father,
We think we're so grown up, yet in your presence, we see we're still your children, regardless of age. We often go through life reacting to things and to other people without thinking. We want to show you our best and make you proud. What child doesn't want to impress their Father? We come to you now to apologize for the way we've been acting and the attitudes we've displayed that were not pleasing to you. We thank you and praise you for forgiving us through the sacrifice of your own son, Jesus, and for your Word that teaches us that you forget our sins once confessed, and always love us, even when we misbehave. We love you, too, and we'll try harder to be good next time.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Are You Playing Tennis with Satan?
The last few weeks have been spent thinking about temptation and thankfulness. We're all tempted by the things of this world, more money, bigger home, nicer car, sexual sin, gossip, keeping up appearances, even over-indulging (especially in this country). Have you ever wondered how we can feel so humble before God during worship and prayer, yet still fall prey to Satan's temptations? We have so much to be thankful for: shelter, food for our family, a little money in the bank, our health, a job, family, even air conditioning (remember, people lived in Phoenix before it was invented). So what more could we need?
Like a game of tennis, we stand on one side, often alone, trying to win under our own power. Satan stands on the other side, knowing the secret desires and fears we try to hide. He starts a conversation while he hits the tennis ball over to your side...
"wow, look at that______! ( expensive car/big house/good-looking co-worker/internet garbage)
"yeah, it's nice, I guess" (we easily hit the first tennis ball back)
"wouldn't it be nice to have that?" (he hits it a bit harder)
"well, I guess it could be fun to have, but I don't need it" (feeling pretty proud to have hit the ball back into his court?)
"but you deserve it, after all, you work hard, you're always doing things for everyone but yourself, and you have such a thankless job, no one appreciates you" (now the ball really picks up speed and you didn't even notice)
"yeah, I guess I do kind of deserve it, don't I?" (did you just have to run to the other side of the court for that?)
"of course you do! I mean, after all, so-and-so has one and you're better than him/her" (notice the speed! you aren't even paying attention to what's really happening in the game!)
"I know, after all, I never do/say the things that person does, I'm pretty good compared to them" (now you're scrambling all over the court just to stay in the game)
"you shouldn't feel guilty, everyone does it/has it" (ooh, he made that shot seem easy to build your confidence and keep you in the game)
"yeah, so-and-so is a good person and they have one/do that" (feeling pretty proud? bet you didn't even realize he made it easy to hit so you'd keep playing)
"so go get it - someone's got to treat you right, look out for number one, right?" (Here comes the one right at the line...WILL YOU CROSS IT?)
You're so invested in your own power and feelings now you forgot WHO you were playing tennis with!
You have two choices...
1) Give in to temptation - sure, it feels good for a little while, but then guilt sets in...
"I didn't really need that"
"I told myself I was going to do better at temptations like this"
"why did I do that?"
"now I feel guilty and worse than before I had/did it"
OR:
2) Call out to God. Tell him your frustration. Call to Him to pull you up from this losing battle. Ask Him to fight for you. Believe He wants to help you and free you from bondage to this cycle of behavior.
Prayer: "Lord, what am I thinking? I have so much already. In our human nature, we admire more and more but all we really NEED is you! Remove these thoughts that are tempting me. I know they aren't coming from you. I'd rather spend an eternity with you knowing I did all I could to please you, than to spend my life guilty over continued sin and failures. Nothing is too difficult for you, so I lay this in your Mighty Right Hand. Deliver me from what I was contemplating - send the right thoughts and feelings that I might be focused on you, not things, not greed, not ungrateful- ness. You gladly give me all I truly need. For all you're already given me, I take a moment to say thank you."
Remember that Satan is so tricky and sly that often we've given into temptation before we realize what we've done, but we can strive to do better. Every single day, every hour, every minute is a new opportunity to choose God's way over Satan's way. If we do this, we'll find ourselves back on the true path to righteousness.
Good luck on your journey,
and God Bless
Like a game of tennis, we stand on one side, often alone, trying to win under our own power. Satan stands on the other side, knowing the secret desires and fears we try to hide. He starts a conversation while he hits the tennis ball over to your side...
"wow, look at that______! ( expensive car/big house/good-looking co-worker/internet garbage)
"yeah, it's nice, I guess" (we easily hit the first tennis ball back)
"wouldn't it be nice to have that?" (he hits it a bit harder)
"well, I guess it could be fun to have, but I don't need it" (feeling pretty proud to have hit the ball back into his court?)
"but you deserve it, after all, you work hard, you're always doing things for everyone but yourself, and you have such a thankless job, no one appreciates you" (now the ball really picks up speed and you didn't even notice)
"yeah, I guess I do kind of deserve it, don't I?" (did you just have to run to the other side of the court for that?)
"of course you do! I mean, after all, so-and-so has one and you're better than him/her" (notice the speed! you aren't even paying attention to what's really happening in the game!)
"I know, after all, I never do/say the things that person does, I'm pretty good compared to them" (now you're scrambling all over the court just to stay in the game)
"you shouldn't feel guilty, everyone does it/has it" (ooh, he made that shot seem easy to build your confidence and keep you in the game)
"yeah, so-and-so is a good person and they have one/do that" (feeling pretty proud? bet you didn't even realize he made it easy to hit so you'd keep playing)
"so go get it - someone's got to treat you right, look out for number one, right?" (Here comes the one right at the line...WILL YOU CROSS IT?)
You're so invested in your own power and feelings now you forgot WHO you were playing tennis with!
You have two choices...
1) Give in to temptation - sure, it feels good for a little while, but then guilt sets in...
"I didn't really need that"
"I told myself I was going to do better at temptations like this"
"why did I do that?"
"now I feel guilty and worse than before I had/did it"
OR:
2) Call out to God. Tell him your frustration. Call to Him to pull you up from this losing battle. Ask Him to fight for you. Believe He wants to help you and free you from bondage to this cycle of behavior.
Prayer: "Lord, what am I thinking? I have so much already. In our human nature, we admire more and more but all we really NEED is you! Remove these thoughts that are tempting me. I know they aren't coming from you. I'd rather spend an eternity with you knowing I did all I could to please you, than to spend my life guilty over continued sin and failures. Nothing is too difficult for you, so I lay this in your Mighty Right Hand. Deliver me from what I was contemplating - send the right thoughts and feelings that I might be focused on you, not things, not greed, not ungrateful- ness. You gladly give me all I truly need. For all you're already given me, I take a moment to say thank you."
Remember that Satan is so tricky and sly that often we've given into temptation before we realize what we've done, but we can strive to do better. Every single day, every hour, every minute is a new opportunity to choose God's way over Satan's way. If we do this, we'll find ourselves back on the true path to righteousness.
Good luck on your journey,
and God Bless
Monday, September 18, 2006
Beauty from Ashes
We recently drove home from up North by way of the forest. As I gazed out the window, I was half-listening to a Christian music CD, it hit me ...
The Rodeo-Chedesky fire wiped out every living thing for so many acres, how could it ever be something other than a field of black soot and ash? I was saddened by the stark remains of burned trees stretching up to the sky for as far as the eye could see. Then God gave me an epiphany, my eyes fell to the ground where new green life was again forming a forest, beautiful and hand-planted by the Creator Himself.
My first understanding was the similarities between the forest and our lives. Many of us had to go through an ordeal by fire to find the true nature of God. We had to burn away the "dead wood" so he could prune us back for an amazing time of growth in our future. We left behind some family members, some old friends, some bad habits that made up our comfort zones, and in return, God gave us His light, and living water, so we could grow better and stronger than before. A changed being.
My next phase of understanding brought me to realize that now we're that new life but yet, we still live among the dying or dead spirits. The sadness I felt for the empty, naked trees reminded me of the deeply hurting people we see all around us every day who don't know how to regain strength and life. Only when we, the new creations in Christ, join together can we help the forest to become green again. Only if we allow God to use us to touch others can we stand among the living.
Dear Heavenly Father,
It always amazes us how you use the simplest, everyday things in our life to
teach us new lessons. We don't want to be just the few greens on the forest floor. We
know you love everyone as your own, even if they don't know or understand that. They
need you just as we did and still do. Help us to allow you to prune us back, so we can
grow and bring new life to a barren world.
Amen
The Rodeo-Chedesky fire wiped out every living thing for so many acres, how could it ever be something other than a field of black soot and ash? I was saddened by the stark remains of burned trees stretching up to the sky for as far as the eye could see. Then God gave me an epiphany, my eyes fell to the ground where new green life was again forming a forest, beautiful and hand-planted by the Creator Himself.
My first understanding was the similarities between the forest and our lives. Many of us had to go through an ordeal by fire to find the true nature of God. We had to burn away the "dead wood" so he could prune us back for an amazing time of growth in our future. We left behind some family members, some old friends, some bad habits that made up our comfort zones, and in return, God gave us His light, and living water, so we could grow better and stronger than before. A changed being.
My next phase of understanding brought me to realize that now we're that new life but yet, we still live among the dying or dead spirits. The sadness I felt for the empty, naked trees reminded me of the deeply hurting people we see all around us every day who don't know how to regain strength and life. Only when we, the new creations in Christ, join together can we help the forest to become green again. Only if we allow God to use us to touch others can we stand among the living.
Dear Heavenly Father,
It always amazes us how you use the simplest, everyday things in our life to
teach us new lessons. We don't want to be just the few greens on the forest floor. We
know you love everyone as your own, even if they don't know or understand that. They
need you just as we did and still do. Help us to allow you to prune us back, so we can
grow and bring new life to a barren world.
Amen
Saturday, September 16, 2006
The Nature of a Servant
Matthew 25: 21 "His Master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been
faithful in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"
While reading my Bible recently, I came across the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. I've read it before and I've heard the sermons on how this is about Spiritual Gifts, not just money God gives you, but that's not what struck me. What really seemed to speak to me was the word "servant".
Jesus didn't say "well done good and faithful worker, church-goer, parent, spouse, leader, friend, or even follower". Jesus chose the word servant on purpose. He showed us how to serve others when he washed the feet of his disciples. This made me dig a little deeper into what else Jesus said regarding being a servant.
What God kept bringing to my attention, and maybe to yours, is the nature of the servant. This doesn't mean the way he or she acts during church, or when others are watching, or when there's some-thing to gain. Someone's nature is who they are when no one's watching. It's a part of who they are, internally, that governs their actions. The good news is, taking on the nature of a servant is like playing a musical instrument, it can be learned. It's not something you must be born with or else you'll never have it. So let's figure out what traits to develop on this journey of following Christ and becoming a servant.
A servant:
humbles himself - willing to fill the needs of others, regardless of credit, praise, or status
submits - willing to give up control to God, and those in authority over him or her
is obedient - does what is asked of him because it is the right thing to do according to God
helps - finds needs of others and fills them joyfully, doesn't complain about own needs that
aren't being met by other people. Instead expects God to meet his own needs.
has joy from within - not resentful of the duties being performed, enjoys the gift of helping
respectful - refuses to quarrel with those around him, instead, seeks solutions to problems
rather than assigning blame, complaining or gossiping.
loves God - by serving Jesus' flock, a servant feels God's presence and love.
So how can we as His followers decide to be better servants? Sometimes the best way is to just jump in with faith and trust and fill the needs God presents to you. Pray about it. Ask the Lord for guidance (through His Word and the Holy Spirit) which areas He desires to see you serve. God doesn't ask for a few to try to please the crowds with false humility, or with busyness. He only asks that as Christ's body, we should serve one another.
The best example is the first church, mentioned in the book of Acts. It says in Acts 4 that all the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed material possessions as their own, they shared all they had. There were no needy among them. Imagine if we all took on that servant nature! What kind of church would we have? What kind of group of people could we become? How would that impact those outside looking in? Let's all pray and ask how we can serve each other during this season of our lives. Let's take the focus off what we wish someone would do, or teach. Instead, let's focus on what God-given abilities and gifts we've been blessed with, and how we can bless our members with them.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending us such a perfect example of servant hood in your son, Jesus. We want to become better servants ourselves, but taking the first step in sometimes the hardest of all. We ask that you'd speak to our hearts and minds. Show us the needs in our church and community, and inspire us to trust you to teach us how to fill it, how to be a good servant, for your glory, and to further your kingdom here on earth. May we one day hear those wonderful
words spoken to us from your lips, "well done, good and faithful servant."
faithful in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"
While reading my Bible recently, I came across the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. I've read it before and I've heard the sermons on how this is about Spiritual Gifts, not just money God gives you, but that's not what struck me. What really seemed to speak to me was the word "servant".
Jesus didn't say "well done good and faithful worker, church-goer, parent, spouse, leader, friend, or even follower". Jesus chose the word servant on purpose. He showed us how to serve others when he washed the feet of his disciples. This made me dig a little deeper into what else Jesus said regarding being a servant.
What God kept bringing to my attention, and maybe to yours, is the nature of the servant. This doesn't mean the way he or she acts during church, or when others are watching, or when there's some-thing to gain. Someone's nature is who they are when no one's watching. It's a part of who they are, internally, that governs their actions. The good news is, taking on the nature of a servant is like playing a musical instrument, it can be learned. It's not something you must be born with or else you'll never have it. So let's figure out what traits to develop on this journey of following Christ and becoming a servant.
A servant:
humbles himself - willing to fill the needs of others, regardless of credit, praise, or status
submits - willing to give up control to God, and those in authority over him or her
is obedient - does what is asked of him because it is the right thing to do according to God
helps - finds needs of others and fills them joyfully, doesn't complain about own needs that
aren't being met by other people. Instead expects God to meet his own needs.
has joy from within - not resentful of the duties being performed, enjoys the gift of helping
respectful - refuses to quarrel with those around him, instead, seeks solutions to problems
rather than assigning blame, complaining or gossiping.
loves God - by serving Jesus' flock, a servant feels God's presence and love.
So how can we as His followers decide to be better servants? Sometimes the best way is to just jump in with faith and trust and fill the needs God presents to you. Pray about it. Ask the Lord for guidance (through His Word and the Holy Spirit) which areas He desires to see you serve. God doesn't ask for a few to try to please the crowds with false humility, or with busyness. He only asks that as Christ's body, we should serve one another.
The best example is the first church, mentioned in the book of Acts. It says in Acts 4 that all the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed material possessions as their own, they shared all they had. There were no needy among them. Imagine if we all took on that servant nature! What kind of church would we have? What kind of group of people could we become? How would that impact those outside looking in? Let's all pray and ask how we can serve each other during this season of our lives. Let's take the focus off what we wish someone would do, or teach. Instead, let's focus on what God-given abilities and gifts we've been blessed with, and how we can bless our members with them.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending us such a perfect example of servant hood in your son, Jesus. We want to become better servants ourselves, but taking the first step in sometimes the hardest of all. We ask that you'd speak to our hearts and minds. Show us the needs in our church and community, and inspire us to trust you to teach us how to fill it, how to be a good servant, for your glory, and to further your kingdom here on earth. May we one day hear those wonderful
words spoken to us from your lips, "well done, good and faithful servant."
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Life is a Game
Remember back when you were a child. What did you do with your spare time? Especially on rainy days? Did you play any games? Ever play Monopoly? Remember the thrill of playing? You'd go around the board too many times to count, take risks and chances, hoping for a good roll of the dice and a good dose of luck. You spent money like it was nothing knowing you'd eventually pass go and collect $200. Either that, or you'd tell yourself "it's only a game". When you were winning, it was thrilling. When you were losing, it was suddenly "boring" and no fun.
You collected your deeds, built your empire, strategized how to make more money and lose less. Remember the first time you ever won against an adult? Remember that feeling of total victory? Then what happened...the saddest realization...it really WAS just a game and now you needed to pick it all up, put it all back in the box, place it in the closet, and it was over. Once it was over, it didn't matter anymore if you won or lost, what you gained, what you lost, only that you played your best and got a feeling of satisfaction from being honest and fair.
Now fast forward to your adult life. You go "around the board" week after week, month after month, year after year, telling yourself things will be better next time around because "sooner or later you'll pass GO and collect your $200", your paycheck. You decide to take more chances, yet minimize your risks. When you're winning, you celebrate. When you're losing, life's no fun anymore. You spend your days trying to build what you have, your "stuff" collection, desiring more and more every year. You enjoy the thrill of beating out the next guy for that position, the best deal, the corner office, a bigger house, a more expensive car, but then what happens?
You realize you've spent your life going around the board, it's almost over, and soon it'll be time to pack it all away - game over. What will matter then? The material things? I don't think so. The job title? I doubt it. What you owned? No one will care.
The only thing that will matter is who we helped, how we loved others, and what a difference we made in the lives of those who knew us. So let's live our lives to make them really matter. Not going around the board, but making a real connection - to God, to our family, to our friends, neighbors, and strangers in need.
After all, the other stuff won't matter once our box is put away. Remember, life is just a game.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Your Word says that faith without works is dead. We want to live a life pleasing to You, so help soften our hearts and open our eyes. Help us to see the world through Your eyes - full of compassion and with a strong desire to tell others about you, whether it be with our words or through our caring actions. Guide us to the path You would desire us to follow, lead us to the people You would will us to care for. We ask this to bring You the glory and honor, and so others can have the relationship with You and Jesus that we already get to treasure so dearly in our own lives. We ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.
You collected your deeds, built your empire, strategized how to make more money and lose less. Remember the first time you ever won against an adult? Remember that feeling of total victory? Then what happened...the saddest realization...it really WAS just a game and now you needed to pick it all up, put it all back in the box, place it in the closet, and it was over. Once it was over, it didn't matter anymore if you won or lost, what you gained, what you lost, only that you played your best and got a feeling of satisfaction from being honest and fair.
Now fast forward to your adult life. You go "around the board" week after week, month after month, year after year, telling yourself things will be better next time around because "sooner or later you'll pass GO and collect your $200", your paycheck. You decide to take more chances, yet minimize your risks. When you're winning, you celebrate. When you're losing, life's no fun anymore. You spend your days trying to build what you have, your "stuff" collection, desiring more and more every year. You enjoy the thrill of beating out the next guy for that position, the best deal, the corner office, a bigger house, a more expensive car, but then what happens?
You realize you've spent your life going around the board, it's almost over, and soon it'll be time to pack it all away - game over. What will matter then? The material things? I don't think so. The job title? I doubt it. What you owned? No one will care.
The only thing that will matter is who we helped, how we loved others, and what a difference we made in the lives of those who knew us. So let's live our lives to make them really matter. Not going around the board, but making a real connection - to God, to our family, to our friends, neighbors, and strangers in need.
After all, the other stuff won't matter once our box is put away. Remember, life is just a game.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Your Word says that faith without works is dead. We want to live a life pleasing to You, so help soften our hearts and open our eyes. Help us to see the world through Your eyes - full of compassion and with a strong desire to tell others about you, whether it be with our words or through our caring actions. Guide us to the path You would desire us to follow, lead us to the people You would will us to care for. We ask this to bring You the glory and honor, and so others can have the relationship with You and Jesus that we already get to treasure so dearly in our own lives. We ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.
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