Worry
If you are anything like me you worry, especially when it comes to your children. I was reminded of the troubles of Esther and Daniel while listening to our local Christian radio station. Both were children at their time of greatness. Daniel was a small boy who was sold into captivity by his own brothers. While Esther lost her parents and then became the Queen at a young age. Can you imagine how they felt, the emotions they felt and did not understand due to their immaturity? But the beauty of both of these stories is that the troubles they faced were at the hand of our sovereign God. Through these two historical events we see how God can use even children to further His plan along. So this got me to thinking about my own children. I am a worrier when it comes to them and many times don't allow them to do things out of shear fear of disaster. However a work is being done in me that is helping me face these fears head on. The Bible tells in Luke "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?".
We have no control over when, how or why bad things happen. This is such a hard concept to grasp especially when it comes to children.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Leaving a Legacy
It's something I have never really given much thought to but once again have been challenged by my bible study to think about how my decisions will affect the legacy I leave behind.
So how do we go forward with this thought at the for front of our minds? How do we strive to make every decision one that considers how this decision (big or small) will change the lives of those around us and make a lasting impression?
I am not a patient person, once my mind is set on any given task, activity or idea I have to run with it. I tend to make very hasty decisions that sometimes I regret soon afterwards. So my plan is to take each and every decision (again big or small) before the Lord and ask him to reveal to me how this will affect my legacy. How the decision at this time may feel good and right but will that feeling last long after the newness has worn off.
So are you with me...will you walk along side of me as I work towards leaving a Godly Legacy!
So how do we go forward with this thought at the for front of our minds? How do we strive to make every decision one that considers how this decision (big or small) will change the lives of those around us and make a lasting impression?
I am not a patient person, once my mind is set on any given task, activity or idea I have to run with it. I tend to make very hasty decisions that sometimes I regret soon afterwards. So my plan is to take each and every decision (again big or small) before the Lord and ask him to reveal to me how this will affect my legacy. How the decision at this time may feel good and right but will that feeling last long after the newness has worn off.
So are you with me...will you walk along side of me as I work towards leaving a Godly Legacy!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Okay
Okay...
It is such a simple word but so hard to say, especially in those heated moments when we need validation of our feelings or worse yet when we feel the urge to flaunt rightness.
I am guilty of this all to often and simply plan on putting the following verse into action right now..."A soothing tongue is a tree if life, but perversion in it crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4
This simple word can save us all from a multitude of harmful and wounding words or actions.
Holding my tongue is not a strong suit when it comes to my husband. There really is no excuse just plain old needing to be right...so my vow is to work on being more of the okay girl in the relationship...just think the energy we will save ourselves if we just say okay and walk away. Lets work on creating a peaceful home for our families with this simple four letter word!
Application: Try recording the times you do use the word okay and reflect on the difference that this makes in your homes.
Lets strive for wisdom...and sometime wisdom directs us to gently answering with an okay.
"A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath." Proverbs 15:1
(I plan on writing this not only on the tablet of my heart but on my kitchen chalkboard so that it is plain sight to remind me to say OKAY!)
It is such a simple word but so hard to say, especially in those heated moments when we need validation of our feelings or worse yet when we feel the urge to flaunt rightness.
I am guilty of this all to often and simply plan on putting the following verse into action right now..."A soothing tongue is a tree if life, but perversion in it crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4
This simple word can save us all from a multitude of harmful and wounding words or actions.
Holding my tongue is not a strong suit when it comes to my husband. There really is no excuse just plain old needing to be right...so my vow is to work on being more of the okay girl in the relationship...just think the energy we will save ourselves if we just say okay and walk away. Lets work on creating a peaceful home for our families with this simple four letter word!
Application: Try recording the times you do use the word okay and reflect on the difference that this makes in your homes.
Lets strive for wisdom...and sometime wisdom directs us to gently answering with an okay.
"A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath." Proverbs 15:1
(I plan on writing this not only on the tablet of my heart but on my kitchen chalkboard so that it is plain sight to remind me to say OKAY!)
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
So many times we pray to God for the needs of others and the needs of ourselves because that is what we are suppose to do. But the verse above tells us we need to BELIEVE that God will answer our prayers.
It is also important to remember that God will answer our prayers in His time and in His way. This is a hard concept to grasp considering we think we know what is best for us. But God always has something better in store for us. He knows exactly what we need at exactly the right time.
As I go forth I intend to truly believe that God can and will answer each one of my prayers no matter how big or small they may be. And will trust that He knows what is best for me.
Prayer: Thank you God for being a God who listens to and answers each and everyone of our prayers. Help me to remember that as I prayer for the needs of others as well as myself that you are in control of every fiber of our being and know what we need better than we do. I trust in you that you will handle every concern, issue, trial and tribulation. Amen!
So many times we pray to God for the needs of others and the needs of ourselves because that is what we are suppose to do. But the verse above tells us we need to BELIEVE that God will answer our prayers.
It is also important to remember that God will answer our prayers in His time and in His way. This is a hard concept to grasp considering we think we know what is best for us. But God always has something better in store for us. He knows exactly what we need at exactly the right time.
As I go forth I intend to truly believe that God can and will answer each one of my prayers no matter how big or small they may be. And will trust that He knows what is best for me.
Prayer: Thank you God for being a God who listens to and answers each and everyone of our prayers. Help me to remember that as I prayer for the needs of others as well as myself that you are in control of every fiber of our being and know what we need better than we do. I trust in you that you will handle every concern, issue, trial and tribulation. Amen!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
A broken heart
A new approach to missions. I have written about this in several different ways here and there. I have prayed that God would reveal to me where I should serve, cause as Christians we should all long to serve somewhere' right. I have definitely struggled when so many around me are serving in foreign countries or in the lowest part of a huge metropolitan city and I organize interest groups for ladies in my church and community. I have felt that I have fallen short of truly sharing God's Love with those who need it the most. God is working on those insecurities as we speak and helping me accept my calling of ministry to women. And even though I am still struggling with feeling unworthy in my goal to equip women to be women of God, I am learning that we all have our place and that if we are intentional in serving God blessings will come pouring out. So back to the broken heart...a new approach to praying for your mission. Pray that God will break your heart to a situation, any situation, because when our hearts break that's when we tend to act, wether we fly half way across the world or walk across the street and knock on the neighbors door we try to do something to make a change. Through this lesson I plan on stopping being so hard on myself, and focus on each and every situation that comes my way. Truly trying to help those that need me in anyway. I pray that God will break my heart to those situations around me and that I will be intentional to do whatever I can to share God's love through a platter of cookies, a conversation, a prayer, or even just a smile. There is broken ness all around us...we just need to open our eyes and see it. We are the solution to the problem.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
God's Will
As I sit in my second grade classroom counting down the hours til summer I am reflecting on the past two years. The promises that God fulfilled by bringing me here to RCS are almost to good to be true. Two short years ago I relentlessly applied for a second grade position almost kicking and screaming, going back to work was not my plan for several more years. How thankful I am now that I finally submitted to God's will and accepted the position. Now here I am boxes stacked high...I move on to the next chapter of my life...middle school and high school agriculture science teacher, a dream I had all but given up on. Once again I am reminded that God truly does have a plan for all of us...and even though it took me almost 10 years to get here, I am here, and can say with confidence that GOD placed me here. I am so glad that HE was in control and not me...this opportunity is one I could have never orchestrated on my own.
I pray that I will not quickly forget that being obedient to God has once again proven to be the BEST way!!
I pray that you too will submit to God's will in your life even though you may not understand it or it may not be in your plans I hope you will take heart to know that we serve a gracious God, a God that wants good things for us, a God that has a plan for us, a plan to prosper us.
*Thanks Julie for encouraging me to blog again!
I pray that I will not quickly forget that being obedient to God has once again proven to be the BEST way!!
I pray that you too will submit to God's will in your life even though you may not understand it or it may not be in your plans I hope you will take heart to know that we serve a gracious God, a God that wants good things for us, a God that has a plan for us, a plan to prosper us.
*Thanks Julie for encouraging me to blog again!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Forgiveness Part 1
If you are like me you might think that you don't have a problem forgiving others or that you don't need to ask for forgiveness. Some of us may be struggling with carrying loads of past experiences around with us and think it may be easier to just stuff it under everything else, or consume ourselves with life so we don't have time to think about it.
When I type, I type very fast, afraid that if I take my time and make sure everything is correct, what I want to get out will slip out of my mind, so I type as fast as possible which results in a page full of ugly, red squiggly lines. I want to go back and fix them immediately but as I mentioned before I am afraid that I will miss out on something else if I go back and fix the problem, so I just keep plugging forward. However, I just can't seem to really understand my writing until all of the mistakes have been corrected. I have this unfinished felling over me until I go back and fix every last mistake. It is not until every mistake has been corrected do I feel like the true meaning of my writing can shine through. This method of correcting also many time leads me to better writing, it forces me to reread the material several times.
I think forgiveness is a lot like this, just go with me here. We know those past mistakes are there, we know we should go back to fix them, we know that nothing will really be right until we address those ugly red squiggly lines. Yeah, our reader may be able to make out the main idea of our writing but they will not truly enjoy the piece unless all those mistakes have been corrected. When we go back and correct our mistakes we are forced to "reread" our lives, relationships and experiences and through this correcting God reveals so much more to us and helps us to restore those relationships to a new high. So as we go forth today I challenge us to ask God to reveal those ugly red squiggly lines to us and then to give us the strength to go and fix them.
If you are like me you might think that you don't have a problem forgiving others or that you don't need to ask for forgiveness. Some of us may be struggling with carrying loads of past experiences around with us and think it may be easier to just stuff it under everything else, or consume ourselves with life so we don't have time to think about it.
When I type, I type very fast, afraid that if I take my time and make sure everything is correct, what I want to get out will slip out of my mind, so I type as fast as possible which results in a page full of ugly, red squiggly lines. I want to go back and fix them immediately but as I mentioned before I am afraid that I will miss out on something else if I go back and fix the problem, so I just keep plugging forward. However, I just can't seem to really understand my writing until all of the mistakes have been corrected. I have this unfinished felling over me until I go back and fix every last mistake. It is not until every mistake has been corrected do I feel like the true meaning of my writing can shine through. This method of correcting also many time leads me to better writing, it forces me to reread the material several times.
I think forgiveness is a lot like this, just go with me here. We know those past mistakes are there, we know we should go back to fix them, we know that nothing will really be right until we address those ugly red squiggly lines. Yeah, our reader may be able to make out the main idea of our writing but they will not truly enjoy the piece unless all those mistakes have been corrected. When we go back and correct our mistakes we are forced to "reread" our lives, relationships and experiences and through this correcting God reveals so much more to us and helps us to restore those relationships to a new high. So as we go forth today I challenge us to ask God to reveal those ugly red squiggly lines to us and then to give us the strength to go and fix them.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Love vs. Hate
Two words in my opinion that have been watered down and emptied of their true meaning. While reading Micah this morning I was reminded of how much God hates sin. I think in today's society God Himself has been somewhat watered down, we like to think of God as gentle and kind-and the actuality of his hatred for sin is therefore somewhat misconstrued. So...how do we come to understand this God that hates sin so much yet loves us unconditionally. Can God truly hate? I think we should start at the beginning, we are created in the image of God right? If we are able to feel both these emotions (and sometimes at the same time and/or towards the same person or situation) then God too has both the ability to love and hate. Throughout scripture one reoccurring theme stands true, God HATES sin. God is Holy, if He did not hate sin then He would not be Holy. Sometimes we forget that God is so much more than just capable of LOVE, God IS love (John 4:8)! With this it brings on a holy system of judgement.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Familiar scripture, right? God revealed something to me as I read it this morning...God's love for the sinners of the world was revealed before the lost became believers. Another familiar scripture reads “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Here again we see that God's love for us is not a result of our belief in Him but rather a true unconditional love. We can not do anything that would make God stop loving us. That is refreshing to this sinner.
Application: The first step in true confession is admitting the things in your life are truly sin...this for me is difficult. I find myself overlooking the small things, thinking that God wants me to only reveal the really big sin. But sin is sin in God's eyes (anything that takes us away from God). So today as I embark on a new day I plan on admitting my sin before the Lord and then turning away from it.
It is never to late...no matter where you are or what you have done remember that God sent His Son while we were still sinners.
“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
All we have to do is accept the gift of salvation and we become a new creation in Christ.
Two words in my opinion that have been watered down and emptied of their true meaning. While reading Micah this morning I was reminded of how much God hates sin. I think in today's society God Himself has been somewhat watered down, we like to think of God as gentle and kind-and the actuality of his hatred for sin is therefore somewhat misconstrued. So...how do we come to understand this God that hates sin so much yet loves us unconditionally. Can God truly hate? I think we should start at the beginning, we are created in the image of God right? If we are able to feel both these emotions (and sometimes at the same time and/or towards the same person or situation) then God too has both the ability to love and hate. Throughout scripture one reoccurring theme stands true, God HATES sin. God is Holy, if He did not hate sin then He would not be Holy. Sometimes we forget that God is so much more than just capable of LOVE, God IS love (John 4:8)! With this it brings on a holy system of judgement.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Familiar scripture, right? God revealed something to me as I read it this morning...God's love for the sinners of the world was revealed before the lost became believers. Another familiar scripture reads “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Here again we see that God's love for us is not a result of our belief in Him but rather a true unconditional love. We can not do anything that would make God stop loving us. That is refreshing to this sinner.
Application: The first step in true confession is admitting the things in your life are truly sin...this for me is difficult. I find myself overlooking the small things, thinking that God wants me to only reveal the really big sin. But sin is sin in God's eyes (anything that takes us away from God). So today as I embark on a new day I plan on admitting my sin before the Lord and then turning away from it.
It is never to late...no matter where you are or what you have done remember that God sent His Son while we were still sinners.
“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
All we have to do is accept the gift of salvation and we become a new creation in Christ.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Listening
Listening is probably one of my weakest downfalls. I struggle when it comes to listening to other especially those closest to me. My mind constantly struggles with what to say next or asks how can I fix this or worse yet will wonder off to my to do list. During my quiet time this evening God ironically placed to wonderful resources about listening on my heart. One as from the Resolution for Women Book I am reading for small group. Here I found that most of the time others just want us to listen, not respond to them but truly just listen to them. The text continued to say that though our listening we reveal something very important to the talker, that we values what they have to say, it shows them that we are vested int heir life and that we believe what they have to say holds some great importance. The author challenged us to think of a time when someone truly listened to us and what emotions we had when we walked away. She is right...I feel validated, confident and receive a boost of real self worth when I know my listener is pondering each word I say. The second source God led me to was the book of James, I LOVE this book and recommend reading it if you have not already done so. It is a short book, only 5 chapters long but holds some of the greatest life lessons with very practical ways of living a good Godly life. James reminds us in 1:19, to be quick to listen and slow to speak." He then continues in later verses to caution us with our tongues. But that is another post...
Application: I want to listen, truly listen to what other have to say. I want to focus on their words and not feel compelled to always comment or try to fix anything. I want them to walk away validated that I feel what they have to say is important. My first place to start is home...maybe yours is work, school or church. But no matter where I encourage us all to become better listeners now.
Application: I want to listen, truly listen to what other have to say. I want to focus on their words and not feel compelled to always comment or try to fix anything. I want them to walk away validated that I feel what they have to say is important. My first place to start is home...maybe yours is work, school or church. But no matter where I encourage us all to become better listeners now.
Monday, April 16, 2012
My Boxes
Corinthians 10:31 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
This verse has appeared to me so many times in the past few months...I know God is speaking to me through this verse. And I think I know why...my plate is full, I mean full over flowing, all GOOD but not all necessary. See I am the kind of person that can't say no...it's always been a hardship of mine. But lately God has been revealing to me that i just cant do it all. I recently went back to work after being a stay at home mom for several years. I am blessed that I work in a Christian Environment and my kids are right down the hallway from me, but don't let the convenience of it all fool you, it is tough and it has finally set in and I am exhausted. The past few months I have been focusing on what I could let go of, I was not sure because everything seemed to be where God had led me (at one time or another). I was torn (still am) but think I have finally come to a place where I can admit the areas that are no longer necessary. I have been trying for to long to balance ALL the boxes and recently realized that balance does not necessarily mean equally filling all the boxes but rather choosing which boxes will go empty (for now) and which boxes I will fill completely. That leads me back to 1 Corn 10:31, I don't want to spread myself so thin that others can not see God's Glory shining through me. I want to fill those few boxes to the brim, over flowing with joy and purpose. I am still learning that the empty boxes don't have to stay empty forever but for now will remain on the back burner til God is ready to bring them forth again.
Application: I will take each and every decision before the Lord and wait upon Him to reveal to me His plan.
I am ready to step down from something that has been a staple in my faith walk for the past 8 years.
I will say no to things that I can not give 100% to.
I will focus on the boxes that are on the front burner. I will do each task with a joyful and purposeful heart.
I will recognize the boxes that need to be pushed back and NOT feel guilty for not being able to do everything.
This verse has appeared to me so many times in the past few months...I know God is speaking to me through this verse. And I think I know why...my plate is full, I mean full over flowing, all GOOD but not all necessary. See I am the kind of person that can't say no...it's always been a hardship of mine. But lately God has been revealing to me that i just cant do it all. I recently went back to work after being a stay at home mom for several years. I am blessed that I work in a Christian Environment and my kids are right down the hallway from me, but don't let the convenience of it all fool you, it is tough and it has finally set in and I am exhausted. The past few months I have been focusing on what I could let go of, I was not sure because everything seemed to be where God had led me (at one time or another). I was torn (still am) but think I have finally come to a place where I can admit the areas that are no longer necessary. I have been trying for to long to balance ALL the boxes and recently realized that balance does not necessarily mean equally filling all the boxes but rather choosing which boxes will go empty (for now) and which boxes I will fill completely. That leads me back to 1 Corn 10:31, I don't want to spread myself so thin that others can not see God's Glory shining through me. I want to fill those few boxes to the brim, over flowing with joy and purpose. I am still learning that the empty boxes don't have to stay empty forever but for now will remain on the back burner til God is ready to bring them forth again.
Application: I will take each and every decision before the Lord and wait upon Him to reveal to me His plan.
I am ready to step down from something that has been a staple in my faith walk for the past 8 years.
I will say no to things that I can not give 100% to.
I will focus on the boxes that are on the front burner. I will do each task with a joyful and purposeful heart.
I will recognize the boxes that need to be pushed back and NOT feel guilty for not being able to do everything.
How do we know we are right?
My pastor started a new series that will investigate some common questions among Christians. To be honest some of these questions are question I have had but embarrassed to admit. I pray that as we go forth in this series of questions God will open my heart and my mind to the answers that He has in store for me.
Question #1
How do we know what that we are right?
With all the "other" religions and beliefs out there how can we be sure that Christianity is the right way.
Christianity revolves around the gift that was given to us when Jesus sacrificially gave himself for our sins. Jesus paid the price for our sins. If we truly believe that in our hearts then we are going to Heaven. It is as simple as that...it is a gift and all we have to do is accept it. So where do good deeds come in to play? These good deeds will become a symptom of our new found salvation. So back to the question at hand, how do we know we are right? The core of a Christians life should be God. When we focus on God and the gift He gives us through His Son Jesus we naturally become good deed doers. Other belief systems are based on the idea that their good deeds will get them to salvation. But if you will think about this for a moment I am sure God will reveal to you what He has to me...what does their focus become...them. I can honestly say if I knew I had to do so many good deeds to get to Heaven my life would be consumed with questions like...am I doing enough? is this good enough? I am sure I would also be comparing my good works to everyone around me. I know myself I would most definitly take my eyes off of God and become so consumed with what I was doing.
When the pastor revealed the new sermon series my hope was that he would tie each question to a worldly explanation. He mentioned at the beginning of his sermon that when dealing with non-believers, saying because "I believe the Bible as the ultimate truth" is not enough, when someone does not believe the same as you. I wanted a worldly view to bring to the table and he was able to deliver.
He mentioned Occam's razor...a principal that states...
"when you have two competing theories that make exactly the same predictions (here this would be how to arrive at salvation), the simpler one is the better." Just ponder on this for a little bit and let God reveal to you something amazing through it. Please comment on this and let me know what your thoughts are. It fit here but could fit in so many different aspects of religion, politics and general day to day life.
As a Christian I truly believe that the Bible is the Only Truth that we are given. Therefore I truly believe that the only way to salvation is thought Jesus, John 14:6,Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Question #1
How do we know what that we are right?
With all the "other" religions and beliefs out there how can we be sure that Christianity is the right way.
Christianity revolves around the gift that was given to us when Jesus sacrificially gave himself for our sins. Jesus paid the price for our sins. If we truly believe that in our hearts then we are going to Heaven. It is as simple as that...it is a gift and all we have to do is accept it. So where do good deeds come in to play? These good deeds will become a symptom of our new found salvation. So back to the question at hand, how do we know we are right? The core of a Christians life should be God. When we focus on God and the gift He gives us through His Son Jesus we naturally become good deed doers. Other belief systems are based on the idea that their good deeds will get them to salvation. But if you will think about this for a moment I am sure God will reveal to you what He has to me...what does their focus become...them. I can honestly say if I knew I had to do so many good deeds to get to Heaven my life would be consumed with questions like...am I doing enough? is this good enough? I am sure I would also be comparing my good works to everyone around me. I know myself I would most definitly take my eyes off of God and become so consumed with what I was doing.
When the pastor revealed the new sermon series my hope was that he would tie each question to a worldly explanation. He mentioned at the beginning of his sermon that when dealing with non-believers, saying because "I believe the Bible as the ultimate truth" is not enough, when someone does not believe the same as you. I wanted a worldly view to bring to the table and he was able to deliver.
He mentioned Occam's razor...a principal that states...
"when you have two competing theories that make exactly the same predictions (here this would be how to arrive at salvation), the simpler one is the better." Just ponder on this for a little bit and let God reveal to you something amazing through it. Please comment on this and let me know what your thoughts are. It fit here but could fit in so many different aspects of religion, politics and general day to day life.
As a Christian I truly believe that the Bible is the Only Truth that we are given. Therefore I truly believe that the only way to salvation is thought Jesus, John 14:6,Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Friday, April 6, 2012
Faith vs faithfulness
One of the biggest lesson I have learned in my journey is that as a Christian those around me are watching every move I make. We are called to make disciples of all nations by Jesus Himself. Sometimes our actions or reactions speak of our faithfulness. There are many people in my life who constantly question my faith, I am learning that my words will not suffice. No matter how much scripture I recite or how many times we get into a heated discussion about God my words are not going to do the trick. But my actions and reactions to situations can make a difference. Through my faithfulness in ALL things I can show others that my trust resides in the Lord even when things don't go my way.
Application: I will make a conscious effort to respond in a Christ like manner in all the things that come my way. I will remember that all things are used to draw me nearer to God.
One of the biggest lesson I have learned in my journey is that as a Christian those around me are watching every move I make. We are called to make disciples of all nations by Jesus Himself. Sometimes our actions or reactions speak of our faithfulness. There are many people in my life who constantly question my faith, I am learning that my words will not suffice. No matter how much scripture I recite or how many times we get into a heated discussion about God my words are not going to do the trick. But my actions and reactions to situations can make a difference. Through my faithfulness in ALL things I can show others that my trust resides in the Lord even when things don't go my way.
Application: I will make a conscious effort to respond in a Christ like manner in all the things that come my way. I will remember that all things are used to draw me nearer to God.
Big vs Small
For many years I thought that all things in God had to be BIG. Big service, Big events. Big Miracles, Big Moments. I was always seeking those BIG things in my life that would mean something. I always thought the small things I did or experienced would not amount to much in God's eyes. I spent much of the first part of my journey thinking that I was not truly experiencing God because the things in my life were miniscule compared to what was going on in the life of the person next to me. Over the past several years God has revealed to me that it's in the everyday small things that much of His glory and Majesty can be revealed. Through the small things I can be joyful in His wonderous creation. Through the small things I can marvel in the joys of being a mother, wife and teacher. Through those small things I am able to handle the big things that come my way. If I can be joyous in the small things day after day I can most definitely be joyous in the big things. I have learned that ALL things comes from above, big and small!
Application: Today I vow to take in every moment as a moment given to me as a gift from above and will choose to be joyous even in the small things.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" Rom 8:28
For many years I thought that all things in God had to be BIG. Big service, Big events. Big Miracles, Big Moments. I was always seeking those BIG things in my life that would mean something. I always thought the small things I did or experienced would not amount to much in God's eyes. I spent much of the first part of my journey thinking that I was not truly experiencing God because the things in my life were miniscule compared to what was going on in the life of the person next to me. Over the past several years God has revealed to me that it's in the everyday small things that much of His glory and Majesty can be revealed. Through the small things I can be joyful in His wonderous creation. Through the small things I can marvel in the joys of being a mother, wife and teacher. Through those small things I am able to handle the big things that come my way. If I can be joyous in the small things day after day I can most definitely be joyous in the big things. I have learned that ALL things comes from above, big and small!
Application: Today I vow to take in every moment as a moment given to me as a gift from above and will choose to be joyous even in the small things.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" Rom 8:28
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
I resolve to love being me just the way God made me.
God has definitely done some work here...have you ever looked around and wished you were someone else??? Looked like someone else, acted like someone else? As women I think we park here for sometime and dwell in who we wish God would have created us to be. How many times have you tried to transform yourself? Made resolutions to be a different person? I can't count how many times I lost sight of who I was while trying to be someone I was not. God created us to be EXACTLY (yes flaws and all) who HE wants us to be. He can take even the worst (or at least what we think is the worst) part of us and use it to bless those around us. I am walking proof of this my friends. I have always struggled with who I was (am). I wondered how one person could have so many flaws. How one girl could be so awkward, physically, socially and emotionally? I jumped from one thing to the next searching for a place to land, a place where I would not feel so out of place. Unfortunately, it was not not until my early thirties did I find this place. Looking back I realize now that God was preparing me for exactly what I am doing now. He knew all along what He was doing. My past is rocky, believe me, filled with so much I am not proud of, but God is finding a way to use each and every terrible things to bless those around me and through this I am finding healing and for the first time am not dictated by the mistakes of my past. As I move forward a more complete person comfortable with who I am I resolve to never again question the way God created me.
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Application: Ask yourself how you could use the ugliness of your past to help those around you.
Let's choose to accept ourselves exactly as God made us.
Prayer: Dear father, throughout scripture you remind us that we were created just as you planned. Help each of us to accept ourselves just this way, flaws and all. I pray for any women reading this, that she may find peace in who she is. Amen
God has definitely done some work here...have you ever looked around and wished you were someone else??? Looked like someone else, acted like someone else? As women I think we park here for sometime and dwell in who we wish God would have created us to be. How many times have you tried to transform yourself? Made resolutions to be a different person? I can't count how many times I lost sight of who I was while trying to be someone I was not. God created us to be EXACTLY (yes flaws and all) who HE wants us to be. He can take even the worst (or at least what we think is the worst) part of us and use it to bless those around us. I am walking proof of this my friends. I have always struggled with who I was (am). I wondered how one person could have so many flaws. How one girl could be so awkward, physically, socially and emotionally? I jumped from one thing to the next searching for a place to land, a place where I would not feel so out of place. Unfortunately, it was not not until my early thirties did I find this place. Looking back I realize now that God was preparing me for exactly what I am doing now. He knew all along what He was doing. My past is rocky, believe me, filled with so much I am not proud of, but God is finding a way to use each and every terrible things to bless those around me and through this I am finding healing and for the first time am not dictated by the mistakes of my past. As I move forward a more complete person comfortable with who I am I resolve to never again question the way God created me.
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Application: Ask yourself how you could use the ugliness of your past to help those around you.
Let's choose to accept ourselves exactly as God made us.
Prayer: Dear father, throughout scripture you remind us that we were created just as you planned. Help each of us to accept ourselves just this way, flaws and all. I pray for any women reading this, that she may find peace in who she is. Amen
Busyness
Why do we as women fill the need to fill every moment of our day with busyness? Why do we fill compelled to sign our kids up for every activity under the sun? Why do we (me in particular) offer to help with every event, committee and program under the sun? The busyness in my life is beginning to take a toll, all the stuff we do seems to take away from the things that are really important. I try to fill fill every free moment with a planned activity. I need to focus on the why...why do I feel that every moment should be consumed? I pray that God will lead me to that answer.
This morning I went to The Word looking for scriptures on rest, and here is what I found.
Psalm 62:1a " My soul finds rest in God alone". The things of this world create caosis, but those things that truly come from the Lord have a peace about them. God wants our service to other to be a joyful experience.
Application: I plan on examining the activities that no longer bring me joy and reevaluate the reasons why I am doing them.
Jeremiah 6: 16 "...ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls..."
A good friend encouraged me this week to reevaluate my service, she encouraged me to let somethings go. That it is okay that I can't do it all. She also reminded me of the importance of family time (quality time not quantity).
Matthew 11:29-30
Why do we as women fill the need to fill every moment of our day with busyness? Why do we fill compelled to sign our kids up for every activity under the sun? Why do we (me in particular) offer to help with every event, committee and program under the sun? The busyness in my life is beginning to take a toll, all the stuff we do seems to take away from the things that are really important. I try to fill fill every free moment with a planned activity. I need to focus on the why...why do I feel that every moment should be consumed? I pray that God will lead me to that answer.
This morning I went to The Word looking for scriptures on rest, and here is what I found.
Psalm 62:1a " My soul finds rest in God alone". The things of this world create caosis, but those things that truly come from the Lord have a peace about them. God wants our service to other to be a joyful experience.
Application: I plan on examining the activities that no longer bring me joy and reevaluate the reasons why I am doing them.
Jeremiah 6: 16 "...ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls..."
A good friend encouraged me this week to reevaluate my service, she encouraged me to let somethings go. That it is okay that I can't do it all. She also reminded me of the importance of family time (quality time not quantity).
Matthew 11:29-30
"Accept
my work and learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you
will find rest for your souls. Yes, the work that I ask you to accept is
easy. The burden I give you to carry is not heavy."
Application: I plan to spend sometime in prayer, knowing that God will reveal to me where my time and energies are suppose to be directed.
Prayer: Dear Father, I come before you with a heart that is grateful of the sacrifice you made to save us. Lord I come before you tired and weary, Matthew 11:28 tells me..."Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest...". I am here Lord asking for rest, praying you will help me let go of all that has landed on my plate. I pray that your will be done in my life, that the things that come from you will be revealed to me so that I may know in my heart that they are a service to You and to those around me. Help me focus on the why of each of my duties and reveal any reasons to me other than your will. Help me find rest Father. In Your Sons precious name I pray, AMEN!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Submission
I have been putting off this particular post because I am not exactly sure how the thoughts in my head will transcend from the craziness in my head to my computer screen.
The Lord has definitely done some work on me when it comes to submission. If you would have told me I was suppose to submit to my husband 4 years ago I would have puffed up and laughed that I was in control of this family. Through many difficult situations I have found that my husband is so much more rational that I am. As a women I tend to link every emotion, experience (good or bad) to the task or decision at hand. Everything is linked together with a fine piece of string and if one snaps they all snap. Submission is respecting your husband enough to involve him in the day to day decisions. Trusting that he will lead your family in a Godly way. The past year or so I have tried (and I will express tried) my best to take each and every decision big and small to him. We discuss it together and more times than not the decision that is made is the right one, the one God has lead us to.
Submission does NOT mean that you must become a back seat driver to your family. As women God has handed us the great duty of managing our homes. We are called to organize our homes in a way that it is a safe haven for our families. This takes a great deal of planning and decision making. I challenge us today to trust in our husbands to lead our families and to take each decision to him and work through it together. I will say I needed this reminder. My husband has been working a lot lately and I see myself slipping back into old habits of deciding for us all since he is not here. I need to pray for patience so that I can take whatever arises to him first instead of answering for us all because he is unavailable.
I have been putting off this particular post because I am not exactly sure how the thoughts in my head will transcend from the craziness in my head to my computer screen.
The Lord has definitely done some work on me when it comes to submission. If you would have told me I was suppose to submit to my husband 4 years ago I would have puffed up and laughed that I was in control of this family. Through many difficult situations I have found that my husband is so much more rational that I am. As a women I tend to link every emotion, experience (good or bad) to the task or decision at hand. Everything is linked together with a fine piece of string and if one snaps they all snap. Submission is respecting your husband enough to involve him in the day to day decisions. Trusting that he will lead your family in a Godly way. The past year or so I have tried (and I will express tried) my best to take each and every decision big and small to him. We discuss it together and more times than not the decision that is made is the right one, the one God has lead us to.
Submission does NOT mean that you must become a back seat driver to your family. As women God has handed us the great duty of managing our homes. We are called to organize our homes in a way that it is a safe haven for our families. This takes a great deal of planning and decision making. I challenge us today to trust in our husbands to lead our families and to take each decision to him and work through it together. I will say I needed this reminder. My husband has been working a lot lately and I see myself slipping back into old habits of deciding for us all since he is not here. I need to pray for patience so that I can take whatever arises to him first instead of answering for us all because he is unavailable.
God makes all things good in His time!
I came across a saying this weekend that I have seen many times before but for some reason this time it is sticking. "God make ALL things beautiful in His time." Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." I can't help but park it on the word ALL.God has taught me so much the past few years in regards to trails and tribulations. James 1:2 "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy." When I first read this verse I really thought I was suppose to be happy when bad things happen. The more I explored the words and had the opportunity to study this verse along side a seasoned preacher, God revealed to me that trails and tribulations come our way as a means to draw nearer to Him. It's an opportunity to grow in character and perseverance. Non-Believers are watching to see our reactions in these difficult times. It is easy to portray the fruits of the spirit when things go our way, but what about when they don't?
Application: I resolve today to be careful of my reaction in difficult situations. I will remember Romans 8:28, that God makes ALL things good in His time.
I came across a saying this weekend that I have seen many times before but for some reason this time it is sticking. "God make ALL things beautiful in His time." Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." I can't help but park it on the word ALL.God has taught me so much the past few years in regards to trails and tribulations. James 1:2 "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy." When I first read this verse I really thought I was suppose to be happy when bad things happen. The more I explored the words and had the opportunity to study this verse along side a seasoned preacher, God revealed to me that trails and tribulations come our way as a means to draw nearer to Him. It's an opportunity to grow in character and perseverance. Non-Believers are watching to see our reactions in these difficult times. It is easy to portray the fruits of the spirit when things go our way, but what about when they don't?
Application: I resolve today to be careful of my reaction in difficult situations. I will remember Romans 8:28, that God makes ALL things good in His time.
Monday, March 26, 2012
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6
Sure wish I had pulled this out before I nearly had a nervous break down over crafts and camping.
I have more anxiety over miniscule things than any other person I know, why is it that I have to have every detail planned down to a tee?? Ill let you know my answer once I figure it out.
Sure wish I had pulled this out before I nearly had a nervous break down over crafts and camping.
I have more anxiety over miniscule things than any other person I know, why is it that I have to have every detail planned down to a tee?? Ill let you know my answer once I figure it out.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Being a Busy Women...
The role that has been placed upon us is an important one...one given directly from Our Creator and it is one I don't take lightly. God calls us to play so many roles as women (some more daunting than others) all of great importance. And the more I think about each of the roles the more I have come to learn that it is really more about our attitude in completing them than about how the "chore" gets done. I struggle with my attitude. An eight hour work day that leads to an evening of lunches, dinner, baths, stories and a half hour of quality family time usually leads this full time working mom to a place of down right grouchiness. I want to change that, I want this circle of people around me to see that I take each and every task the Lord has placed before me as an opportunity to serve my family, friends, church and community. Someone once told me that you should do the dishes (any task) as if Jesus was standing right next to you...I assure you that I would not be slamming doors and dishes around :). I resolve to change my attitude. Colossians 3:23 says "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." Now back to the laundry!
Application: I intend to find some element of fun or purpose in each task I complete today.
The role that has been placed upon us is an important one...one given directly from Our Creator and it is one I don't take lightly. God calls us to play so many roles as women (some more daunting than others) all of great importance. And the more I think about each of the roles the more I have come to learn that it is really more about our attitude in completing them than about how the "chore" gets done. I struggle with my attitude. An eight hour work day that leads to an evening of lunches, dinner, baths, stories and a half hour of quality family time usually leads this full time working mom to a place of down right grouchiness. I want to change that, I want this circle of people around me to see that I take each and every task the Lord has placed before me as an opportunity to serve my family, friends, church and community. Someone once told me that you should do the dishes (any task) as if Jesus was standing right next to you...I assure you that I would not be slamming doors and dishes around :). I resolve to change my attitude. Colossians 3:23 says "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." Now back to the laundry!
Application: I intend to find some element of fun or purpose in each task I complete today.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Contentment Continued...
I will admit that I have struggled for years with being content in who I am, where I lived, what I had and how I looked. It was not until recently that God brought me to a place where I have found a sense of contentment. Trust me I still have those moments of want and desire to move on from any particular moment but I will say that those moments are being fewer and fewer. On the flip side I have also experienced a sense that we are not suppose to enjoy the things of this world nor are we suppose to have hopes and dreams. I found myself drawing away from relationships and being stagnant in the daily routines of being a stay at home mom for two small children. Fun and enjoyment were no longer a part of my vocabulary and when I did experience them I found myself feeling guilty for it. God did some work on me and now I am happy to say I feel that I have found a balance between contentment and those uncontrolled desires that so many times sent me spinning out of control. AS I mentioned before I still struggle with being content in what I have, right now I really want some new TOMS!!!
My resolve to be more content...
I resolve to be content in the good (and the bad) that the Lord brings my way and trust that each blessing, gift or material object that comes my way was given to me ultimately to serve those around me. I resolve that I will pray-fully consider each and every hope and dream that enters my heart and mind. I resolve to live in each and every moment that God has given me and remember to give Him thanks.
God's Word says this about contement...
Job 36:11 "If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment"
This coming from a man who had lost EVERYTHING.
Phillipians 4:11" Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content."
Phillipians 4:12 "I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."
(Paul was in prison when he wrote Phillipians.)
1 Timothy 6:8 "But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content."
1 Timothy 6:6" But godliness with contentment is great gain."
Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Application: Make a list of the things God provisions on your life and meditate on them.
God's provisions on my life...
A healthy family
A heart that seeks the knowledge of God's Truth
A family that is always there
A church family that continues to deepen and grow
A group of friends that are always there to lend an ear
The opportunity to teach younger generations all that God is and has in store for them
A husband who supports me even on my worst days
A Christian environment where my children and I can deepen our faith
Opportunities to serve the women of my community
A hope of eternity through Jesus Christ
I plan to add on to my list each and everyday.
I will admit that I have struggled for years with being content in who I am, where I lived, what I had and how I looked. It was not until recently that God brought me to a place where I have found a sense of contentment. Trust me I still have those moments of want and desire to move on from any particular moment but I will say that those moments are being fewer and fewer. On the flip side I have also experienced a sense that we are not suppose to enjoy the things of this world nor are we suppose to have hopes and dreams. I found myself drawing away from relationships and being stagnant in the daily routines of being a stay at home mom for two small children. Fun and enjoyment were no longer a part of my vocabulary and when I did experience them I found myself feeling guilty for it. God did some work on me and now I am happy to say I feel that I have found a balance between contentment and those uncontrolled desires that so many times sent me spinning out of control. AS I mentioned before I still struggle with being content in what I have, right now I really want some new TOMS!!!
My resolve to be more content...
I resolve to be content in the good (and the bad) that the Lord brings my way and trust that each blessing, gift or material object that comes my way was given to me ultimately to serve those around me. I resolve that I will pray-fully consider each and every hope and dream that enters my heart and mind. I resolve to live in each and every moment that God has given me and remember to give Him thanks.
God's Word says this about contement...
Job 36:11 "If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment"
This coming from a man who had lost EVERYTHING.
Phillipians 4:11" Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content."
Phillipians 4:12 "I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."
(Paul was in prison when he wrote Phillipians.)
1 Timothy 6:8 "But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content."
1 Timothy 6:6" But godliness with contentment is great gain."
Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Application: Make a list of the things God provisions on your life and meditate on them.
God's provisions on my life...
A healthy family
A heart that seeks the knowledge of God's Truth
A family that is always there
A church family that continues to deepen and grow
A group of friends that are always there to lend an ear
The opportunity to teach younger generations all that God is and has in store for them
A husband who supports me even on my worst days
A Christian environment where my children and I can deepen our faith
Opportunities to serve the women of my community
A hope of eternity through Jesus Christ
I plan to add on to my list each and everyday.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Contentment
I need to ponder on this...what might god be trying to grow in my character or cement in my relationship with him by keeping me separated from some of the things that I have wanted and don't yet have?
Contentment
Contentment is something I have always struggled with. I vow to make it a point to live in each and every moment given to me by our gracious God. Hebrews 13:5 "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never desert you, nor will I forsake you. "
Practical Application: Have you ever cleaned out your closet to find things with the tags still attached? I have more times than I can count. Shopping in any capacity (yes even the grocery store) is one of my favorite things to do. Back to the closet, I LOVE to clean out my closet and organize my clothes into sections (yes I LOVE to organize), my point here is when I do this my closet seems to transform itself. I encourage you today to go shopping in your closet. I promise you won't be disappointed. I find using Polyvore and Pinterest can also help me give an old outfit a new look by simply adding accessories or pairing it with a cute pair of shoes. Have fun and take some risk with your closet.
Practical Application #2" As I mentioned above shopping tends to be one of my favorite things to do but with two kids in private school I don't always have the extra funds to run out and buy something new. So instead I rearrange what I already have...try moving a picture or vase to another room or rearranging your furniture. One of my favorite projects is to give a piece of furniture a new coat of paint! For instance I have a small stand that has been painted numerous times and has become one of my favorite pieces in my house. Redecorating with you already have can be fun and inexpensive if your willing to let your creative juice flow. I promise you will be happy with your end product and have a sense of accomplishment afterwards.
I vow to take what the Lord has blessed me with and make it new.
Practical Application: Have you ever cleaned out your closet to find things with the tags still attached? I have more times than I can count. Shopping in any capacity (yes even the grocery store) is one of my favorite things to do. Back to the closet, I LOVE to clean out my closet and organize my clothes into sections (yes I LOVE to organize), my point here is when I do this my closet seems to transform itself. I encourage you today to go shopping in your closet. I promise you won't be disappointed. I find using Polyvore and Pinterest can also help me give an old outfit a new look by simply adding accessories or pairing it with a cute pair of shoes. Have fun and take some risk with your closet.
Practical Application #2" As I mentioned above shopping tends to be one of my favorite things to do but with two kids in private school I don't always have the extra funds to run out and buy something new. So instead I rearrange what I already have...try moving a picture or vase to another room or rearranging your furniture. One of my favorite projects is to give a piece of furniture a new coat of paint! For instance I have a small stand that has been painted numerous times and has become one of my favorite pieces in my house. Redecorating with you already have can be fun and inexpensive if your willing to let your creative juice flow. I promise you will be happy with your end product and have a sense of accomplishment afterwards.
I vow to take what the Lord has blessed me with and make it new.
A New Journey
Day One...Well I finally did it, after much thought and prayer I have decided to start a spiritual blog with all the wonderful and amazing things that God is teaching me in my life. At this point I am sure that the only eyes that will see these thoughts, words and prayers are me and occasionally my husband but I am submitting to God's will and pray that this will become what he wants it to be.
I must admit that I have struggled in my quiet time with the Lord for sometime now. I believe that is what has lead me here. Although I feel that I have been obedient in my time that I spend with the Lord, especially in my intentions, I walk away more times that not with a feeling that I have not truly processed what God had in store for me. Many times the thoughts of my to do list and my anxieties draw me away from the Lord and I find myself off in right field. So here I am, determined to make a commitment to journal through this blog and hopefully reveal what is the Lord is asking of me.
I am so blessed to be a part of a school that focuses it students to the power of God's Truth. This morning at chapel a courageous leader at our school stood before us and revealed some important truths for everyday living using everyday objects. I walked away feeling that if only we could remember these few simple truths, our everyday lives would be much different. I was reminded that I don't only need to speak but rather hold my tongue. James 1:19 says, "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" ESV. What trouble I could save myself if only I could produce this verse every time I want to open my big mouth. This lesson is the one that I want to park on a think about for a while and I am sure my husband and my family will appreciate it as well. As I think back to the times when anxieties or hardships really hit hard have been started by a single word or phrase. I teach my students graders that your tongue can do great things (cooking, warmth and light). They can also do really bad things (burn down houses, hurt people and destroy lives). I want to choose to bring warmth and light with my words and I aim to start right now. James 3:5-6 "So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell." I find it interesting that this is the first thing God set out for me to write about considering it's my tongue that sets forth this new journey of mine, blogging.
Dear Lord, I humbly come before you to submit this blog and my whole life to you. I pray that you will use this journey of words to draw nearer to you and process all the wonderful truths that you provide me through your word, others and my teaching. I thank you for the sacrifice of your Son Jesus Christ, through which I draw my strength and my hopes. In His Name I pray, AMEN!
I must admit that I have struggled in my quiet time with the Lord for sometime now. I believe that is what has lead me here. Although I feel that I have been obedient in my time that I spend with the Lord, especially in my intentions, I walk away more times that not with a feeling that I have not truly processed what God had in store for me. Many times the thoughts of my to do list and my anxieties draw me away from the Lord and I find myself off in right field. So here I am, determined to make a commitment to journal through this blog and hopefully reveal what is the Lord is asking of me.
I am so blessed to be a part of a school that focuses it students to the power of God's Truth. This morning at chapel a courageous leader at our school stood before us and revealed some important truths for everyday living using everyday objects. I walked away feeling that if only we could remember these few simple truths, our everyday lives would be much different. I was reminded that I don't only need to speak but rather hold my tongue. James 1:19 says, "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" ESV. What trouble I could save myself if only I could produce this verse every time I want to open my big mouth. This lesson is the one that I want to park on a think about for a while and I am sure my husband and my family will appreciate it as well. As I think back to the times when anxieties or hardships really hit hard have been started by a single word or phrase. I teach my students graders that your tongue can do great things (cooking, warmth and light). They can also do really bad things (burn down houses, hurt people and destroy lives). I want to choose to bring warmth and light with my words and I aim to start right now. James 3:5-6 "So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell." I find it interesting that this is the first thing God set out for me to write about considering it's my tongue that sets forth this new journey of mine, blogging.
Dear Lord, I humbly come before you to submit this blog and my whole life to you. I pray that you will use this journey of words to draw nearer to you and process all the wonderful truths that you provide me through your word, others and my teaching. I thank you for the sacrifice of your Son Jesus Christ, through which I draw my strength and my hopes. In His Name I pray, AMEN!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)