My Prayer Daily

Lord,
I give you this entire day.

I ask that you lead me in all areas of my life.

Give me patience, wisdom and understanding.

Remind me to be sweet to my family.

Teach us all that you would, Lord.

I pray that my life would be a sweet aroma sacrificed to you today, bringing you Glory—

Amen

Get blog updates to your inbox or news reader by clicking here...

The Steps to Victory

I want a life of consistently walking in victory.  No edging into defeat or occasional weary weaknesses.  Is this even possible?  Walking a life that is consistently victorious in the midst of disappointment?

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Co. 15:57

Yes—

when I rely on God for everything; 

when I trust in God for everything.  

Including outcomes!

I see defeat in little things.  God sees the little things as a little step on the path to great victory.  If I try to measure the success of each little step—I will surely be disappointed.  But when I trust Him from beginning to end of each of those steps taken, I will see just how victorious I am walking.

At times I get discouraged when little is shown for all the time and effort spent on some area of ministry or with a person.  This is why God wants us to release all outcomes to His care.  I am to learn from my time with Him and then again in what He shows me within the act of walking obediently the lesson He taught.  I am reminded that it is about me and God—our relationship.

Anything that comes as a result of my obedience is His 

and up to Him.

Results are not my life—Jesus is!  

“Christ who is your life” (Col. 3:4).

Victory is mine as I trust Him to initiate . . .
follow through . . . 
and complete each step according to His will.  


Victory is in letting go of the process as well as the outcome.

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; 

and this is the victory that has overcome the world

—our faith.”  

1 John 5:4

I need only ask Him, 

follow Him, 

trust Him 

and then let Him.

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.”   1 Ch. 29:11










Get blog updates to your inbox or news reader by clicking here...


Linked up with What Works For Me Wednesdays, Raising Homemakers, A Steady Rain and Living Well Wednesdays

God Alone Sanctifies

Today I am restless.

I shake the branches looking for fruit.

In the quiet of our time together, I hear Him ask...

“Do you trust Me?  

Really trust Me?”

I think I do.  I believe I do.  I want to!

“Then feed My sheep!  What you know.  What you understand.  In what you have to offer—feed My sheep.”

So many mother better than I.

So many homeschool better than I.
So many homemake better than I.

So many disciple better than I.

So many “train up” better than I.

So many write better than I.

It is difficult to lie down and rest at His feet when my heart is frantic.

Shortcomings shout over His still small voice.

“In and out of your home feed others with blessings, love, encouragement and acceptance for where they are right now.  Feed words of life.  Feed them in prayer.  Make much of Me.  Whatever is good that you have to offer...feed them!  Then let me do the rest in hearts and minds”

You equip me, Lord.  Perfectly!  Where I fall short in my eyes is where You have chosen to not equip me more.

Not all consequences are my responsibility. 

Not all things are contingent upon human hands involvement.

Some things are meant for God alone 

and sanctification of the heart.

So I pray!  I pray for those I love.  I pray great things be done—for great things He hath done!

Much more is accomplished in my prayers than I could possibly know.

Thank you, Father!


What are you feeling restless about today?  What shortcomings are you concerned about?  You have been fully equipped for all He has called you to do!  Are you believing that today?  Are there hearts that concern you that you need to release to God's care and prayer?






Get blog updates to your inbox or news reader by clicking here...


Linked up with Far Above Rubies ,  Women Living Well, We Are That Family, A Steady Rain, Raising Homemakers ... 
and

The Words Of My Mouth & Meditation Of My Heart

Weaving through my day from beginning to end, intermixed with laundry and lessons...meals and mayhem.  This thought comes at the end of prayer in the quiet and dark room no family member cares to share with me as morning light replaces dark night.

“Let the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart be acceptable and pleasing to Me.”

Light replaces the darkness in me during praise, prayer, and journaling as I am surrounded by a Presence as snug as a passionate embrace.  Familiar words breathed ages ago by the One who shares this quiet room with me.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

Without thought or prompting, these words keep returning as the day carries on.  I visit the entire Psalm, asking what in particular He wants me to hear.  Looking up the original words I find nothing startling, but something new that makes me smile over the word “meditation”.  Not only does it mean pondering, musing, deep reflection...but is also translated “resounding music” in Psalm 92. 

To say that I enjoy music would be inadequate.  I love and adore...take great delight in music and words of praise and worship put to melody.

Over and over the words returned.  The entire day.  Unaided and unforced...they resound upon my soul.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.”

“Are the words I speak pleasing to you, Father?”

“What about my body language and expression?”

“Does my mouth speak with assurance words I believe—words I write?”

“Is my heart aligned with Yours, Lord?”

“Are my reflections, ponderings acceptable?”

“Do my thoughts reflect trust, faith and joy...or fear, worry and despair?”

The words repeat pleasantly...but I wonder if I am missing their point specifically for this specific time.

Towards evening, thoughts of scripture memorization impress my heart.  Soon conviction follows...followed by repentance, forgiveness and restoration.

I remember the words of this brother that encouraged me long ago...

I remember the words of this dear sister that encouraged me just the day before...

I take down my own neglected tool box the Carpenter uses to mold and remake this once stone heart now made flesh. 

And I want what they know and what Truth beholds...

I want my thoughts to meditate on His so that my words, my own light shines brightly and powerfully in this dark, evil, hateful place.  His words are light and life.  I want to be a lightbearer and lifegiver in every place my presence touches and words whisper.

How is a mind renewed and thoughts taken captive without truth to counter lies?

He cannot be my Rock if I meditate only on what’s seen of this world and my feelings in response.  When His word, His truth, His promises flood my mind—fears are ravaged.  All anxiety loosens its grip on my heart and I am freed to say with certainty, “I trust you, Jesus.  I know I will be fine!”

Sources that you may find helpful...

Scripture Memory System that we use in our home.  The three younger ones memorize together, the olders each have their own box as they choose weekly what verses they want to put to memory and I have one as well.  They write out their cards each week as handwriting copywork.

Some of us also use this wonderful resource which helps convert a section of scripture to the prompting of the first letter only of each word.  I have always struggled with memory work and this has been very helpful to me and one of my sons.

Ann’s post is full of more wonderful resources.  I read this article and now consider memorizing a full book.


  

I Am A Mess

I don’t love well.  I don’t default to kindness.  I don’t mother great.  I don’t complete my man.  I don’t live in joy.  I don’t serve selflessly.  I don’t believe without doubt.  I don’t pray enough.  I don’t trust enough.  I don’t smile enough.

I. Am. A. Mess!

My kitchen floor is sticky.  My dog needs a bath.  My weeds are taller than my plants.  My desk is in disarray.  My bench is covered in coats.  My floor is littered with shoes.  My dining room table is covered in “stuff”.  My coupons need to be filed to be found.

My. House. Is. A. Mess!

I should have paid my bills on Friday.  I waited until Sunday morning to finish planning my Sunday School lesson.  I have yet to watch that DVD on the next writing assignment for the boys.  I have a 7 year old who should be reading better.  I have a little boy who yells too much.  I am always late most every where, every time. 

My. Responsibilities. Are. A. Mess!

I don’t  take every thought captive.  I hear from God but don’t always do what He asks.  I can be too easily bothered.  I am more selfish than selfless.  I react more often than respond.  I talk more than listen.

I write here the Truth I believe is true—I wish I always lived Truth.

I yield to the flesh.  I enjoy this world.  I allow Satan space.

The truth is...I am a mess!

I am in need of a Savior!

I am at the mercy of grace!

Verses to Educate By...

Now...that being said...there are so many and better "verses to educate by" than what I am going to list below, but these are the ones that I need, for me, for right now:

"Seek first the Kingdom of God..." 
"Live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern..."
Matthew 6:33

"This is what God requires; to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."
Micah 6:8

"Teach children about God and His word, 'when lying down, sitting, walking along the road and when you are rising.'"
Deuteronomy 11:19

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek His will in all you do and He will direct your paths."
Proverbs 3:5, 6
(The Home Education path for our family--unique for our children!)

"Cease striving and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10



And my prayer is that my children would love learning as well as fall deeply in love with the Author and Creator of all that there is to learn.  I can think of nothing more successful in life than a heart completely yielded to Christ!

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
3 John 4


If you are a fellow home educator, I pray God's blessing over your adventures this year.  May God infuse every teachable moment with glimpses of Him...Amen!

Priorities Prioritized

If Satan can’t keep us active and attentive in the activities that bring death, then he often seeks to keep us inactive and inattentive to those things that bring forth life.

So. Not. Easy. For. Me!!! J  To turn from what seems pressingly important or wonderfully exciting!  My greatest struggle is with the tyranny of the urgent overshadowing all else.  I miss out on so much when that happens.  All that He planned for me to experience—especially the joy, the moments of enjoyment—while growing where He’s planted me.  I'm so tired of that!

What are my priorities?  What should they be?  Am I seeking to align my heart as well as my energy to those things which have eternal value?

“Only one life, twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last!”

God calls us to align our priorities, our callings, our giftings according to His direction.  I am so blessed—and will continue to be blessed—knowing God’s desires when making decisions in how I spend my time, my focus and my energy.

Many Believers just never ask Him.  Perhaps they don’t really desire to know God’s feelings on the matter.  For me, I didn’t realize that I could assuredly hear and be led by Him—so I simply never asked.  I just went with what seemed right in my own eyes (Judges 21:25).

What I do with my day matters to Him!  It’s important!  And I don’t want to waste my life on the unimportant!

I’ve spent time recently with God discovering His priorities for my life in this season.  Aside from spending time with Him J...He gave me 8 other “do’s before anything else gets done”.  And you know what...some of it was surprising!

Something that I had felt sure He was going to release me from...He didn’t!  Another area in which I was hoping He’d let me be more involved, He said “no—not now.” 

There are so many areas of importance.  But I need to keep what God has placed before me as most important for His plan for my life right now!  The temptation is always there to take on more—to add some of the things that look good or that I “think” I would enjoy.  But I’ll run out of steam, fruitful purpose and I will fall short in other vital areas if I take on more. 

Sometimes I envision much more responsibility in an area than God plans for me.  Some involvement, some helping may be fine.  But I struggle with bringing things from the background into the forefront and thereby leaving leftovers of myself to those who should receive firstfruits!

I am learning to take every thought; every activity; every duty/chore/responsibility; every calling; every hearts desire...captive—to Christ!  Is what I am dong and focused on aligned with Christ?  Are they aligned with my God-given priorities?  If they are not, I need to ask God what He wants me to do with them to make them fit or make them go. 

God is good!  He has such goodness in store for me—for you!  But we will never get to His good if we stay stuck in what “appears” good in our own eyes.  In yielding the desires for our life we not only find peace and rest and joy...we will find the ripe fruit of contentment—fruit unattainable by any means of striving.  Only resting under His personal yoke for our own life and our own work for the Kingdom will result in this one-of-a-kind fruit borne from and out of obedience. 

He desires obedience over sacrifice (1 Sam. 15:22).  I don’t want to sacrifice my time, my day, this season of my life to any thing not aligned with the calling of my life.  I will only bear bitter regret and remorse when my eyes fall off of His and when priorities fall short of those divinely set for me.

It’s time for different, it’s time for better...it’s time for His best!  

It’s time to stay focused on the path set before ME—for JUST me!

The day just wouldn't be complete

without losing to these two in a game!

Chess anyone????

Turn, Turn, Turn

To every thing—turn, turn, turn...

There is a season—turn, turn, turn...

And with the turning of the tassel—one side to the other—my 10 year commitment to home educate this child comes to an end.  

The end of one season for Brianne...and the beginning of another...

Thus begins another season for us as mother and daughter...as a family...

The ceremony consisted of prayers, sharing of life verses, musical performances and the commencement address...

Followed by tributes from the grad to parents and from the parents to their grad...










Finally, the presentation of diplomas...

God...I thank you for this special day!  I thank you for the honor and privilege it has been to learn alongside this special daughter of Yours! Thank you for Your grace and its covering over my shortcomings!  Thank you, Father, for your unfailing faithfulness!  Your goodness towards me is overwhelming!  Thank you for the blessing of this season!  As we turn into another, we walk confidently knowing you are already waiting to meet us there.  Thank you for your love and the assurance that your face is always turned toward us...wherever we are, whatever the season...Amen!

His Will Power

Sometimes I get stuck in a rut of “maintaining” and then look and realize how much of my day is lost or wasted with nothing—or very little—to show for it.  No one can afford to lose any precious time from any precious day.  So I’m asking God to boost within me His form of will power to want to actively go after those things in line with His will—which is also mine!

I look at the new Habit List I’ve made—to work on those things that are important to me, but consistently get put on the back burner around here.  And when something is moved to the back burner it usually gets burnt and forgotten, wasted and fruitless!

I need will power to stop doing what I should stop; will power to do what I should do.  Desire and focus, strength and ability to do our joint wills—God’s and mine!  I eventually run out of motivation, that’s why I’m after His will power.  It is the most powerful and most sustained!

What do I want?  I have to go after what I want! 

If I want faithful, Christ following children... I have to go after that by prayer and discipleship and saying “no” when it’s hard to say, but right for the situation.

If I want a better relationship with my husband... I have to go after that with decisive actions, choice words and prayer over his life.

If I want to get healthier... I have to stop eating wrong foods, eat the right ones, be active and make other healthy wise choices.

If I want to be on top of my home educating... I have to pay attention to where we’re at, where we’re going, checking in with everyone and checking on work while seeking God for making decisions over the choices available.

If I want more substance in my day with my family... I have to move past desiring and make it reality—whether that be family meal times, prayer, time spent in the word, playing together, outings, conversations, read-a-louds—whatever!

I cannot be content with mediocrity!  Instead, I must want what I want bad enough and then go actively in pursuit of making those wants a reality.  Not in pushing and striving!  But no more passivity with my day, my activity and my family.  I don’t have time to waste.  I need to get angry with wasted time and useless activity.  Each day is precious and unrepeatable! 

To have God’s will power is to go after each day purposefully, passionately and joyfully!  In all my callings; in all areas of my life!

Form To Help Form New Habits

We’ve all heard that it takes 28 days to form a new habit, right!  But how do you go about forming a new, good habit when you have a lot that you want formed now—like right now!?  And how does one keep on top of those new ones to see how well one’s doing with it?  How does one keep track of the days making sure laziness or old, bad habits don’t pop back up again?

Isn’t there some form somewhere out there to help us in forming a new habit???

Well, hallelujah—because I’ve found one!  Actually, I found it several months ago and decided it was time to share it with all of you. 

So here ya go....

Looks simple, right?  :)

This form really is helpful and I’ve used it a couple of times.  In an attempt to get more on top of the things I should really be good at being on top of already, I’ve started a brand new list.

The information you need in making this work can be found right here.  This is also the site where you can sign up to receive this page in pdf form and get it working for you—TODAY!

There’s no time like the present, right!  And no time better than the present for getting on top of those important things in life like—reading regularly to the kiddos, drinking 8 glasses of water daily, organizing one messy spot daily, spending 20 minutes on a project, doing something honoring for your spouse daily, writing a letter to love on someone once a week.....

I hope you find this helpful!  May God richly bless your efforts to keep in step with your callings as well as your delightings!

Robin :)

Fun Family Easter Activities to Help Us Focus

There are several ways we can spend Passion Week reflecting on Jesus, the cross and the tomb that could not hold Him!

Here are just a few hands-on activities that our family has either done in the past or will be doing this year.

Resurrection Buns -- Cinnamon bun-like that is hollow in the center, like the tomb.

Resurrection Cookies -- Cookies that are left in the oven overnight and are also found to be hollow inside when they are broken into Easter morning. Differenct scriptures are read as each ingredient is added.

Resurrection Eggs -- Various items are chosen to fill 12 plastic, colored eggs that have to do with different aspects of the Holy Week--from when Jesus entered Jerusalem until He rose from the dead.

Resurrection Eggs for an Egg Hunt or for a Sunday School Class Discussion -- Same type of idea as above except there are 22 eggs with items and a verse description also included. Eggs are marked and hidden either outside or in a room. The children gather the eggs and take turns opening them up and sharing what's inside.

Create an Easter Garden -- A beautfiul, reflective touch of creation.

Make an Easter Tree -- Lovely artwork from creation through Jesus' appearance before His disciples. These are printed out and hung on a "tree" made from branches with the corresponding scripture reads and reflective thoughts also offered.

Above Rubies

My eldest daughter and I attended an Above Rubies retreat with Nancy Campbell this past weekend.  If you are unfamiliar with Nancy and her ministry, here is a link to her webpage.

She ministers to the heart of women--encouraging them in their high calling as wives, mothers and homemakers.

This was the 8^th retreat I have been so fortunate to attend.  Each time I return home refreshed (albeit tired :), built up and encouraged in the Lord.  Because of what Nancy shares, yes, but even more so from the fellowship and conversation that I have with others over the days we spend together.  Although I only meet with most of these ladies this one time a year, I count them as some of my dearest friends. 

Their faces follow me throughout my year as I am busy in my home and busy with my Jesus!

The Above Rubies magazine has been published for over 30 years now.  It is free!  The writings are authored by both Nancy and her readers.  In its pages you will find the same refreshing fellowship and Godly encouragement that would meet you at a retreat—minus the late night chatting, laughing and snacking, of course! :)

Several of you visit this place of mine from across the world—a bit of a distance from the retreat camp!  Fortunately, the Above Rubies magazine is delivered to over 100 different countries so don’t let that keep you from checking it out.

"A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman, who is he who can find her?  She is far more precious  than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls."  Proverbs 31:10

40 Minute Blink In My Day

Kari Jobe is singing over the stereo speakers. Actually, she is yelling as the volume is set a little loud from when the 15 y.o. was playing one of his CD’s earlier. I hear the words from one of my favorite songs of hers—“He is here for the broken and life to the one who is undone. Be still, my soul, be still...”

I’m singing along when...

3 y.o. boy comes in the front door crying because he fell in the rocks. I check and kiss all the owies and send him back out.

15 y.o. son asks if I read over the information on the next writing assignment on Summarizing References. “No—sorry...I forgot. Give me a minute.”

13 y.o. boy comes down. “Mom, are you done on the computer? I need to do my math.”  Well, yes—I guess I am now.

Head to the homeschool desk to find the writing curriculum.

Remind myself to go up to do the laundry first. Find 18 y.o. on my bed watching a Francis Schaffer DVD. Wish I could sit down and watch, but off I go with dirty clothes in hand.

Rotate laundry and head downstairs trying to remember what I was doing before coming upstairs.

Trip over vacuum cleaner hose that had been left out. Wind it up and put in closet.

Remember to go find writing on the homeschool desk. Desk is about 8 inches deep in books and papers. The recovering perfectionist in me cringes. I mentally make note to plan some time this week to work on this mess.

6 y.o. girl comes through the door and I hear her whiney voice before seeing her pretty face. She states that it is too cold outside to play. I tell her that it is the warmest January in years around here--she's not impressed--and “Go play!”

Find the writing curriculum notebook binders and head to chair.

3 y.o. boy is screaming outside so I ask 13 y.o. to stick his head out the window and ask him what’s wrong.

Sit down with cup of tea and writing binders.

4 y.o. girl comes in soaking wet and states that she fell in a puddle. Get her wet clothes off and usher her upstairs to put on clean clothes.

Sit down with writing material.

6 y.o. comes in asking where 4 y.o. is. “Do we get to come back in now?” “NO! Go outside and have fun!!!”

Get report from 13 y.o. on 3 y.o. yelling. Some unhappiness concerning the sharing of a Frisbee.

Walk by my kitchen desk and tidy it up quickly. Recovering perfectionist smiles and takes a deep sigh of satisfaction at the accomplishment.

6 y.o. comes in with a drawing that she completed while outside and asks can they pleeeease come in.

3 y.o. tracks mud in with his shoes. Get him changed into his boots. Send them both back outside.

Hang coats laying on hall bench up in closet and let the cat scratching at the back door in.

Sit down with writing curriculum. Tea is cold!

Hear 3 y.o. yelling outside at one of his sisters.

13 y.o. walks in the room and asks what’s for lunch? I tell him I have no idea!

6 y.o. comes back in saying she needs to help the 3 y.o. “Honey, he’s outside.” “No, he’s stuck in the garage.” Oh—that’s why he was yelling. He couldn’t get the garage door opened.

Both the 6 y.o. and 3 y.o. come up out of the garage. 6 y.o. asks once more to stay inside. 3 y.o. yells at her to go ride bikes with him. With forced smile on my face—I send them both back out the door.

I look at the clock. 40 minutes have gone by since I walked by singing along with Kari.

I sit down with a tablet of paper and take a sip of cold tea. I begin to write down all that has transpired over the past several minutes. I want proof that I actually did do something during this time.

4 y.o. comes in and asks if its lunch time yet. I can hear 3 y.o. crying.

6 y.o. comes complaining to me that 4 y.o. gave her part of a broken necklace and then took it back. I tell 4 y.o. to give it back and not be an Indian giver—explaining what that means. Wonder out loud with 13 y.o. where that phrase “Indian giver” originated and he goes off to Google it.

Kari is still singing—well, yelling. I chuckle at the timing of her words. “You sweep me away—sweep me away in your love...where nothing else matters!” No joke! :)

6 y.o. is eyeing me mournfully from the back deck.

I guess it’s time to let them inside and figure out what’s for lunch. We’ll tackle writing tomorrow. I have a muddy floor to clean up before the 15 y.o. who mopped it this morning comes down.

How To Do The Job You Don't Really Want To Do

by Elisabeth Elliot

Certain aspects of the job the Lord has given me to do are very easy to postpone. I make excuses, find other things that take precedence, and, when I finally get down to business to do it, it is not always with much grace. A new perspective has helped me recently:

The job has been given to me to do.
Therefore it is a gift.
Therefore it is a privilege.
Therefore it is an offering I may make to God.
Therefore it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him.
Therefore it is the route to sanctity.

Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God's way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness. The discipline of this job is, in fact, the chisel God has chosen to shape me with--into the image of Christ.

Thank you, Lord, for the work You have assigned me. I take it as your gift; I offer it back to you. With your help I will do it gladly, faithfully, and I will trust You to make me holy.

I apologize for such infrequent posting. Life has been quite "ecclectic" and wrapping up most of my time, mind and emotions.

Currently...my thoughts, prayers, conversations with God, self and anyone else who will listen :) are centered around our home education. I am so grateful that God IS good ALL the time or I would be feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility!

May your days be blessed and your walk with our Lord sweet in the coming days! Sit quietly before Him and listen expectantly. He just may have some lovely things to share with you!

God bless,

Robin :)

The Christians Birthright

I am a child of God, born again, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, filled with the Holy Spirit, and seek to live by every Word that comes out of the mouth of God.
John 1:12; 3:3, 7; Ephesians 5:18; Revelation 5:9; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Deuteronomy 8:3

I will not be conformed to this world, but I will be transformed by the renewing of my mind so I can prove the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2

I will overcome Satan and his kingdom minions by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of my testimony, and by not loving my life even unto death, and by fully exercising the authority of Christ that is mine in being seated with Him in the heavenlies far above all rulers and authorities.
Revelation 12:11; Ephesians 1:19-23; 2:5-6

**********************************************************************************

I am the light of the world, and the darkness cannot suppress it.
Matthew 5:14

I am living in Christ’s authority which gives me power over all of the enemy.
Luke 10:17-20

I am part of the true vine, a channel of Christ’s life and energy.
John 15:1, 5

I am not condemned, but declared fully forgiven and righteous in Christ.
Romans 8:1

I am secure in Christ’s love for me.
Romans 8:35-39

I am an overwhelming conqueror in Christ against all that would come against me.
Romans 8:37-39

I am a temple—a dwelling place—of God. His spirit and His life dwell in me.
1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19

I am united to the Lord and am one spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:17

I am a member of Christ’s body.
1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 5:30

I am a new creation in Christ, old things are passing away.
2 Corinthians 5:17

I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation for God to others.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

I am righteous with God’s righteousness.
2 Corinthians 5:21

I am a child of God and one in Christ.
Galatians 3:26, 28

I am a child of God, my personal heavenly Father, who intimately and infinitely loves me.
Galatians 4:6

I am an heir of God since I am a child of God.
Galatians 4:6-7

I am a saint.
Ephesians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2

I am seated in the heavenly realm, with Christ, in all His authority over Satan’s kingdom.
Ephesians 1:19-23; 2:5-6

I am God’s workmanship, His handiwork, born anew in Christ to do His work.
Ephesians 2:10

I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God’s family.
Ephesians 2:19

I am the light of God and expose the darkness by Christ’s life in me.
Ephesians 2:19

I am a warrior against Satan and fully outfitted to stand triumphant in Christ.
Ephesians 6:10-20

I am hidden with Christ in God, so Satan must go through Christ to get to me.
Colossians 3:3

I am an expression of the life of Christ because He is my life.
Colossians 3:4

I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved, and therefore jealously protected.
Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4

I am a holy partaker of a heavenly calling.
Hebrews 3:1

I am a partaker of Christ; I share in His life.
Hebrews 3:14

I am one of God’s living stones, being built up in Christ as a spiritual house.
1 Peter 2:5

I am a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of God’s own choosing.
Peter 2:9-10

I am an alien and a stranger in this world in which I temporarily live.
1 Peter 2:11

I am an enemy of the devil.
1 Peter 5:8

I am a child of God and I will resemble Christ when He returns.
1 John 3:1-2

I am born of God, and the evil one—the devil—must go through God to touch me.
1 John 5:18


The Christians Birthright Card is produced by Destiny City Church of Tacoma, WA

Visiting Aslan

Visiting the Lion by way of the wardrobe...

I may try visiting our closets today in hopes of a surprise......
Actually, I probably will find plenty of surprises in the closets around here! :)


~Brianne taking the Littles on an adventure with Aslan~

1 Corinthians 15:58

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Let's look up some of those words in the original Greek language, shall we...

steadfast: (hedraios) to be seated or settled..."present imperative" verb which means one is commanded to be seated and settled and to continue to be so.

immovable: (ametakinetos) firm, unmoveable

always: (pantote) always, ever, evermore, derived from the root word meaning "all"... "present participle" verb which means to continually repeat.

abounding: (perisseuo ) exceed in excess, more abundant, enough and to spare, root word means "sense of beyond--to go beyond what is necessary in quantity and quality"

toil: (kopos) not so much the exertion in work, but the weariness which one experiences from that exertion.

vain: (kenos) empty, hollow, aimless

God has given me a great work to do! How am I to do it?

I am to firmly seat and settle myself within my work; as a firm, immoveable force. I am continually exceeding in my work; going above and beyond. The work may be tiring, but it is not empty and aimless. My work is done in, of and for the Lord!

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily (from the soul), as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Colossians 3:23-24

Daily Bathed in Psalms

Earlier, I shared the daily study of the book of Proverbs. This can be just as easily, systematically done with the book of Psalms.

Each day you will visit 5 Psalms. If you combine this study with the daily Proverb, you will be covering 6 chapters in the Old Testament daily. A couple shared with your children over breakfast, lunch and dinner would not only be a way to keep your heart focused on God throughout the day, but the hearts of your family as well.

All you do is read the Psalm that corresponds with the day of the month that it is. Then read each 30th Psalm after that for a total of 5 for the day. For example, today is September 8. I would then read Psalms 8, 38, 68, 98, and 128. On the 31st of the month, spend your day pouring over the long and beautifully rich 119th Psalm.

May I suggest you slow down as you read over these short chapters. Ask the “5 W’s and an H” questions of the text. Who is speaking? What is being said? What do the words mean? Why is this important? Why is the writer sharing this? What was going on at the time? When am I to do “this and that”? How do I now apply this teaching to my life? What do you want me to learn from this word from You today, Lord?

If you do not already have a Bible study, start with this and see how God takes you fuller and deeper into His word. Look up cross-references listed in the margin of your Bible. See how wonderfully God interweaves His teaching, His truths, His character throughout the entire Book.

Even if you are already engaged in a study, add this time in the Psalms and Proverbs somewhere throughout your day.

Set up several Bibles throughout your home so that this can be more easily accomplished. Set a small Bible by the toilet in the bathroom. Prop a Bible up by the kitchen sink or near the baby’s changing table. Set one up in your laundry room. Perhaps you take an afternoon nap while little ones are napping, soak up a Psalm or two before you close your eyes to rest.

Make a recording of you, or your children, reading through the Psalms for the day. Then the following month all you need do is play back that section of Psalms already in their “every 30th” order. Not only will the children love hearing their own voices, but a different way of learning is engaged.

We are to be in the world but not of it (John 17:15, 16). What better way to do this than daily, hourly keeping ours heart aligned with Him by constant bathing in the Word.