Needed and Necessary??? Who Me?

When I wrote this post a few weeks ago, it sat in the draft area because I didn’t feel the timing was right to put it up. 

Saturday morning seemed perfect. 

Friday night and all day Saturday, I was one of several speakers sharing at a seminar held at our church.  Part of my speaking time included sharing parts of my testimony.  Let me tell you—that was NOT a comfortable place for me.  Up on the platform of the church sanctuary with microphone in hand was way out of my comfort zone.  I even contemplated not wearing my glasses thinking perhaps it would be easier if all the people’s faces were blurry. J   

Grace came down in buckets and I survived.  I think I was actually understandable in most of what I shared.  Afterwards, I had the privilege to pray with a couple ladies and talked with several others about all things Jesus.  It was a rich weekend!

I came home and read through the notes some of you had sent about what I posted.  After reflecting and smiling a bit I thought, “Only you, Jesus, could ever do anything with the me behind my story!  That in and of itself amazes me!”

Then Sunday came. 

I sat with my girls in Sunday School as we talked through some of their junior high aged questions given to me anonymously the week before.  It was good.  God helps me every Sunday answer questions and respond to statements these sweet, innocent, hurting girls have and I know without a doubt that the Holy Spirit is on the job—because I would fail them every time if I was left on my own.

Here is some of what is coming against my girls and other teens in our church:

* Heavy drinking parents.

* Getting sucked into the “emo” world.

* Eating disorders.
* Pornography. 
* Fears—fear of failure, of man, of rejection, of being the cause of Dad's anger and his leaving.

* In the midst of divorce with the breaking, fighting and crumbling all around.

* Learning to live life not fearing seizures.

* Love-starved=not just boy crazy, but aggressively seeking attention

* Deep-seeded anger that has become rage and bitterness.
* Abuse—emotionally, physically, sexually.
*  Rebellion against authority and contempt—fighting for what they are entitled too.
*  Performing/masquerade/going through the motions.
* Crippled by inadequacy.
* Questioning worthiness.
* Emotional Torments.
* Insecurity.
* Deep father wounds.
* Shame.
* Control.

* The ones we only see occasionally, depending on which parent has them.

* And the quiet ones who concern me because I do not know their story.

Sunday I broke!

We were at the tail end of the Missions potluck {I love potlucks, by-the-way!} and one of my sweetest, quietest girls came over to talk to me.  It wasn’t what she said—or even what she didn’t say.  I can’t explain it, really.  But when she walked away—my heart broke and tears burst.

How can I even begin to love these girls well enough? 

How can I make a difference in their lives?

How can I love away their hurt?

I feel so inadequate!

And you know what . . . all I CAN do is love them. 

I can love them by listening, encouraging, supporting and answering their call for help as best I can by the help and grace of God. 

I can pray for them and trust God to work miracles in their heart, mind, emotions, relationships and day-to-day living.

I can battle for them in the spiritual realm by standing in the gap and rebuking the enemy's attacks against them!

I can be present for them and cheer for each one because they are worthy of being cheered for!!!

I can sacrifice my time, energy, money, focus, talents and ability in the kitchen to assure them they are worth the effort to love on.

I can stop expecting from them 

and fully offer myself to them.

Who needs you today?

What can you do to love some hurting heart well today?

I’d love a few more ideas myself! J

YOU are needed and necessary 

in your sphere of influence! 

YES YOU!!!
and me.

Because You Are Needed and Necessary Today!

Your life is like no other!

Your perspective is like no other.

Your words are like no other.

You can reach those no other can—today!

To plant

To fertilize

To water

To weed

To harvest

Today!

No one can touch the hearts God sends your way to love on.

No one can impart truth specifically the way another needs to hear it.

No one can love a brokenness to the place where healing begins.

Quite the way that you can—today!

You are necessary in your place, with your words, 

sharing your story because your unique perspective of Jesus 

would be profoundly missed if it were missing!

It’s About the Lies

That big fear of mine?  It didn’t just come about as my children came of age!

My fear of failing as a mother grew as they grew.

My fear of failing God in my mothering grew as the evidence stacked against me.

What I have learned of our enemy is that he is not creative—he doesn’t have to be.  He just has to know human nature.  And he does.  He has studied us for years.  He plays off our weaknesses . . . which he’s figured out while watching us be mistreated over the years.  

Sinful people have sinned against us.  

Hurting people have hurt us.

And we've reacted.

He saw this young, naïve, hurting-for-attention girl get duped by a man in spiritual authority over her.  And the spin he fed her thoughts was that she was a failure to God. 

Had he—had anyone—spoken those words to her at the time, she would never have agreed.

“Jesus loves me, this I KNOW!” 

But seeds only grow when they are nurtured.  And there is enough sun, water and fertilizer in this world to give the fields of failure a bumper crop!

And in me—the harvest was bountiful.

“How have I failed Thee . . . let me count the ways!”

At age 13, the field was plowed.

In my 40’s, I discovered the field flourishing.

We can deny we are in a battle all we want.  It does not change the facts.  We are.  In a battle!

The battle is real. 

And it is fierce. 

The costs are high. 

Spoils for either side. 

Souls!

I thought all these insecure thoughts were my own!

Not realizing I had a REAL enemy!  An enemy willing to take advantage of my hurt!

I believe now the lie he fed me then was, “You failed God.”

And as I grew older the lie grew with me to, “You will always fail God!”

Every time I did something wrong, or said something dumb, or didn’t accomplish something expected, or made a disaster of something—that failure got filed in the box labeled with the original lie.

Time goes by.  Years accumulate.  Failures rise.

Babies are born.  Children grow.  Young adults now stand before me.

And I realize my fear has frozen me.

Can there be enough grace to save the children of such a failure like me?

How could I imagine raising godly children for the Kingdom?

How could I ever foster a close-knit, loving home?

How could I hope to ever win my children’s hearts to myself—let alone God???

I am a failure to God!

I will surely fail at the biggest task He could ever ask me to do!

So the lie goes . . . Until . . . 

The darkness collides with Light.  

The lie exposed.  

The access point revealed.  

The repentance of sins and renouncing of untruths.

Not only is the forgiveness sweet, but something big implodes within!

Satan’s control.

His lies are the epicenter of his control within our soul—our minds, wills and emotions!

When Satan's lies are exposed, 

his power over us implodes!

So what lies have you believed?

What version of the truth has our enemy fed you?

What hurt from long ago could have given access to thoughts now tormenting you?

Maybe today is the day to ask, seek and knock!

Maybe today is your day for the chains to fall free!

I Have a Fear—A Deep Fear of Failing as a Mom!

I fear I have or I will fail my children.

I fear I have or I will fail God in raising them.

I fear—

What I do or don’t do . . .

What I say or don’t say . . .

What I allow or don’t allow . . .
I fear—

If the “whatever” is not received well by them that in rejecting me, my advice, my council, or my perspective of what is “best for them” . . . 

I fear they will reject God.

I fear they will reject God and it will be because of my failure to mother them well. 

However “well” looks for each of them as individuals.

This is fresh revelation, but I have seen its evidence.

There are so many things in this life that just. don’t. matter!

Loving my children well is not one of them.

I am crazy gone over my kids!

As much as I’d like to take their choice away, I can’t!

Just as grace drew me to my knees as a 20-something, tired-out, masquerading, Christ-following fake . . . 

so grace must draw each one of them.

How I wish I had control!

But I don’t.

All I can do is— 

love them,

pray for them,

discipline them,

while discipling them

the best I can with— 

what they will receive, 

what they will listen to, 

with only the wisdom & understanding grace has gifted up to today.

No one can go back.

There are no do-over’s in parenting.

Regret threatens to devour my sanity!

As I cling to my Redeemer—

He loves, 

He prays, 

He disciplines, 

and He disciples me 

all the while redeeming— 

my mistakes, 

my sins, 

my poor choices, 

my “woulda-coulda-shoulda’s” 

and “if only’s”.

Nothing escapes Him.

Nothing is unredeemable for Him.

Nothing reaches beyond His touch.

Fear cannot coincide with Christ! 

So I repent and let healing waters of forgiveness rush my soul.

This freedom of forgiveness deepens trust.

Only He can save.

I cannot.

I can release!

I can trust!

I can pray!

I can rebuke!

I can battle!

I can encourage!

I can challenge!

I can correct!

I can question!
I can love!

I can Mother my best and trust God for the rest—cheesy, but truth!

"Thank you, Jesus, that fear is not my destiny—only my chains.  It was for freedom that You came—for me as well as for my children.  In the power and authority of your name and in your blood, please break these chains threatening to overtake my joy, my hope . . . my peace.  You love them so much more than I.  You love perfect.  Thank you for perfect love casting out all fear!  You know my hopes, my dreams, my prayers for them—and I know they are safe within Your care.  Abba, I love you!  Abba, I belong to you!  Abba, I trust you!  Abba, You are enough!  In this.  In everything.  You are enough!  Amen."

Do you have a fear threatening your faith today?




{Continued in this post on how Satan feeds our thoughts lies . . .}

A Remedy for Gluttony

Delve into prayer!

Awareness of the spiritual realm 

lessens the draw of the physical realms trappings!

I am like others—in love with the pretties of this world.

They are pretty!

And God created me to admire and to desire.

But He also created me capable of withholding affection for the things that do not satisfy.

He satisfies all needs.

He satisfies all desires.

If I come to Him—meet with Him—He will fill me up in a way

no thing,

no food,

no vice,

no temptation

 . . . ever could!

First, I must repent my sin of gluttony.

Second, receive the Lord’s gracious forgiveness!

Third, rebuke Satan’s influence to feed my desire for “it”.

Fourth, walk in the opposite spirit.

God wants to fill me up, but I must spend time with Him for that to happen.  And I spend time battling in the spiritual realm in prayer!

Prayer fulfills and satisfies and frees . . .

from the bondage of want, envy, covetousness and discontent.

Why not try Him and see?

Taste and see that the Lord is good!

Fear—At its Center—Is a Loss of Control

Most of us do not realize how deeply fear is rooted in our everyday life.  
We literally live in a culture of fear.

And fear leads to unbelief in the Word,

Character,

And power of God! *

“For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and a sound mind.” 

2 Timothy 1:7

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.”

1 John 4:18

“Fear involves torment.”

Isn’t THAT the truth!

But we, who Believe, have been given a SOUND mind!

The nature of fear is to deceive (mislead by a false appearance or statement; outwit, misrepresent, dupe, misinform, misdirect).   When we are fearful, we are vulnerable to exploitation, manipulation, deception, and control.  The enemy knows this and uses it to his full advantage. *

Fear distracts us, 

making us self-absorbed so we are not effective!

Fear—at its center—is a loss of control!

Did you know that there are 365 references to “do not fear” or “fear not” in the Bible?

So how do we not fear?

Scripture tells us fear is not of God. 

Fear is lack of faith—

the root of fear is the result of not knowing

or understanding

or believing

in God’s character and His word.

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.  Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you.  I will help you.  I will uphold you with My victorious right hand.”  
Is 41:10-13

Want NO FEAR?

Want FAITH, WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING in all things Jesus!

“When you have holy fear, you will fear nothing but God!

When you have unholy fear, you will fear everything but God!

Michael Yousseff

* Living Free; Mike Riches; August 2007; pg 70

Remember Today

Remember today . . .

Whose you are!

Who you are in Christ!

Who God is!

And believe Him, not only IN Him!

Remember today . . .

You belong to God and not this world—

so no envy

no jealousy

no discontent

Remember today . . .

Follow Abba’s guidelines for living—not the world’s

Follow after His heart—not your own

Remember today . . .

To be Holy, as He is holy

To not fear, but trust . . . 

and keep on believing!

Remember today . . .

You are holy, chosen and dearly loved!

{Col. 3:12}

Morning Rituals

Do you start your day in the same way. . . every day?

Most of us do.

Even if our spontaneity kicks in later . . .

Even when our schedule fluctuates . . .

Most of us begin the day with at least somewhat of a morning ritual.

Whether it involves drinking coffee or tea, reading the newspaper, checking the computer, exercise, etc. . . . there’s usually some uniformity to it.

Does your morning ritual protect your mind?

Does your morning ritual guard against the evil one?

Does your morning ritual help you focus on Christ?

Some of us have {or try to have} a regular “quiet time” with the Lord.  Maybe yours is in the morning or perhaps it works better for you to meet with Him later in the day, before bed even.  But what I have learned over time is how crucial it is in the morning to get my mind “stayed on Thee”. 

Because I want the perfect peace promised for the rest of my day!

Because I need it! J

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusts in Thee.”  Is. 26:3

There’s no right or wrong here—but I’ve learned it’s important to do something!

After doing Beth Moore’s study, Stepping Up, I continued what she taught us with starting my morning on the floor—face to the floor—in worship and personal expression of my need for Him in my life.  I then recite this prayer of hers . . .

“Lord, I thank you again this morning that you are still God upon the throne of all creation.  You are holy.  Mighty beyond comprehension.  So worthy of my praise and the outpouring of my life’s energies.  Today I gladly give myself to you.  I am convinced that you are always for me.  Obedience to you will always mean Your very best for me.  I’m so grateful that I can come boldly and without shame before Your throne because I pray all these things in Jesus’ name.”

With my face still to the floor, I spend some time in specific adoration and gratitude for all He is doing in my life.  I affirm promises I need to affirm. 

And I say all of this out loud. 

Satan can feed thoughts into our minds, 

but he cannot read our minds. 

I pray A LOT out loud because I want my enemy to know he is not just messing with me, he is messing with God and me!

I finish my prayer on the ground by taking the power and authority that is mine in Christ Jesus, sealing off my mind to influences of the world, tricks and lies of the enemy and my own thoughts and imaginations. (2 Co. 10:5)

Then I re-affirm the following truths out loud I have written on a 3x5 card.  {Some I need to pause over awhile because of what I am currently dealing with or perhaps some repentance is necessary!}

Remember Today . . .

Whose I am

Who I am in Christ

Who God is and believe Him, not only IN Him

I belong to God and not this world—so no envy, jealousy, discontent

Follow Abba’s guidelines for living, not the world’s

Follow after His heart, not my own

To be Holy, as He is holy

To not fear, but trust and keep on believing!

Some days I immediately jump into my prayer journal—because I am desperate to talk with Him more and ask some specific questions, believing for guidance and direction.  Other days I turn to scripture or a Bible study.  Or  I spend all the rest of the morning just praying—laying my heart, my uglies, my children, my concerns, my church, my family, my “whatever” before Him.  Sometimes . . . that takes the bulk of my time.  But I know that although I may be able to snag some time later in the day to read some scripture—having quiet, undisturbed time just to talk to Him and listen for Him most often is only available in the morning before the rest of the family wakes up.

I encourage you to consider your morning ritual.

Are you leaving yourself vulnerable to the enemy simply because you did not take time in the morning to armor up? (Eph. 6:10-18)

I’ll leave you thinking with this quote of Beth Moore’s . . .

"We can choose whether or not we are warriors, 

but we can not choose whether or not we are in a war."

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!

Be glad, be well, THRIVE!

Choose joy!

The word "rejoice" is related to the Greek word for grace— “charis”

As joy is a direct result of God’s grace

Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men.

Be satisfied with less than your due—no rights, no entitlements

A forbearing spirit is gentle, full of sweet reasonableness

The Lord is near.

Abba is at hand—close by!

He does not reign beyond the clouds, but by your side

Be anxious for nothing.

Worried

Full of care

Panicked

Seeking self interests

But in everything by prayer . . .

Worship

Devotion

. . . and supplication . . .

Seek

Ask

Make specific requests 

. . . with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Give thanks for the pressing He has caused or allowed

Look for His thumbprint!

His perfect intent will always result in His glory and your best good!

And the peace of God which surpass all comprehension . . .

The tranquility of a soul assured of salvation

security

safety

& protection—

thus fearing nothing!

. . .shall guard . . .

Inwardly by the Holy Spirit at the hearts door to keep worry out

. . . your hearts . . .

Affections

Passions

Thoughts

Emotions

Desires

. . . and your minds . . .

Understanding

Judgment

Conscience

. . . in Christ Jesus.

By Whom you were brought into this favor!

Through Whom you are preserved in it!

In Whom you possess!

We Are Blessed! Rejoice and Be Glad!

Multiple scriptures profess the steadfast faithfulness of God to remain near us during our time of difficulty.  I am tired today and have much to do in my world, so I can’t take the time to look them up and post them for you.  But Joshua 1:9 is one that pops to mind quickly in these days . . .

“Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 

Wherever . . . and in whatever!

Four weeks ago today, my life changed in the blink of an eye.

But Abba is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

He is only faithful!

He is truly merciful!

We are greatly blessed!

We are perfectly loved!

But I am also flesh and blood— and I struggle, I hurt and I am sad.

I am so grateful for a Savior who loves me in the midst of my weakness just as much as when I am responding strong!

“This is the day the Lord has made.  

I will rejoice and be glad in it!” 

Ps 118:24

My dryer was not drying, now it is fixed—I rejoice and am glad!

My Littles have been sick, but are now well—I rejoice and am glad!

Co-op begins Friday, I am unprepared...but—I rejoice and am glad!

So many have loved & carried us to Abba—I rejoice and am glad!

I do not understand the silence of others...but—I rejoice and am glad!

The medical bills have begun to hit...but—I rejoice and am glad!

I am weepy & struggle to focus on things...but—I rejoice and am glad!

The Fair is on and the Fair is fun—I rejoice and am glad!

We are surrounded by kindness & generosity—I rejoice and am glad!

I miss the voice I have loved hearing since I was 14...but—

I rejoice and am glad!

Affirming Truth vs. Positive Thinking

“What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will understand later.”  John 13:7

I speak these words today not to convince myself all will work out fine or to look on some “bright” side.  This is not me hugging myself while saying over and over again—

"Jesus loves me."

“I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says the Lord, “thoughts of peace and not evil.”  Jeremiah 29:11

“I love those who love Me; and those who diligently seek Me will find Me.”  Proverbs 8:17

I affirm truth!

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:8-9
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding."  Proverbs 3:5

This is not positive thinking. 

This is truth proclamation! 

“How precious . . . are Your thoughts to me, O God!  How great is the sum of them!  If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You.”  Psalm 139:17-18

“Thou hast taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Thy bottle . . . This I know, that God is for me.”  Psalm 56:8, 9

There is a HUGE difference—

“For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you.  He is a mighty Savior.  He will rejoice over you with great gladness.  With His love, He will calm all your fears.  He will exult over you with singing {shouts of joy}.”  Zephaniah 3:17

Positive thinking only temporarily changes my thought process or perspective until something else happens to stir the pot.

Truth is bound to God’s Covenant! 

“For great is Your love toward me.”  Psalm 86:13

“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, and your thoughts toward us; there is none to compare with You.”  Psalm 40:5

Jesus is always victorious!

Jesus is never defeated!

“Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.”  Isaiah 49:16

I truly am rejoicing in the days to come!

“We have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.”  1 John 4:16

My Blue Bracelet

Okay . . . I am getting a lot of questions about my blue bracelet, so I thought I should explain it a bit better! J

Several years ago I participated in Beth Moore’s Bible study, "Believing God".  For the duration of the study she asks everyone to wear a blue cord of some kind on their wrist.  The group of gals I was with decided to make pretty bracelets by knotting blue hemp cord and adding a bead or two—I continue to make and wear one today.

The study is based off of Isaiah 43:10:

“You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and My servant whom I have chosen, in order that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He.  Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me.”

And the idea behind the blue bracelet is from Numbers 15:37-41:

The Lord also spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the sons of Israel, and tell them that they shall make for themselves tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they shall put on the tassel of each corner a cord of blue.  And it shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you played the harlot, in order that you may remember to do all My commandments, and be holy to your God.  I am the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt to be your God; I am the Lord your God.”

I have never been to Egypt, but I have seen my share of captivity and can testify to the freedom I’ve found in Jesus Christ:

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.  Galatians 5:1

So my blue bracelet is a constant reminder to me . . .

Whose I am.

Who I am in Christ. 

Who God is and to believe Him, not only IN Him.

I belong to God and not this world, so no envy—jealousy—discontent.

To follow His guidelines for living, not the world’s.

To follow after His heart, not my own.

To be holy, as He is holy.

To not fear, but trust and keep believing (Mark 5:36).

Wearing my bracelet reminds me daily that I am in a Covenant relationship with Yahweh!  My words, my actions, my attitude, my thoughts, my purchases, my dreams and my walk should always be reflecting Jesus.

And this girl needs that visual reminder! J

Forbearance

So I'm studying Philippians 4:4-7 pretty indepth right now.  It involves a challenge I'll probably go into more later.  But . . . I thought you would appreciate {and maybe not if you're not so much of a Greek geek like I am! J} this word study I just concluded on the word "forbearance" from verse 5.

"Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men."

FORBEARANCE

• Mildness
• Patience
• Yieldingness
• Gentleness
• Clemency

It is . . .

• to interpret things in the best sense
• unwillingness to litigate or contend
• meekness under provocation
• readiness to forgive injuries
• fair in judging the character and actions of others
• sweetness of disposition
• not rigidly insisting on one's rights
• using the best of words and actions
• treating ALL others with humanity, kindness and respect
• forgiving offences
• not avenging self or giving way to wrath
• no return of ill; by word or deed
• patient suffering for well doing

It does not mean to yield the rights belonging to God in matters of doctrine and worship. 

But . . .

To give way and yield up what is one's right and due, 

for the sake of peace!

Wow!  Gonna need some help on this one, Jesus!

*Information gathered from Clarke's and John Gill's Bible Commentaries*

Linked to Raising Homemakers

Embracing Change

A child presses a bouquet of dandelions and grass into my hands as I watch another drive away—her car filled to capacity with belongings.  She drives up the lane with her Dad quick behind in the truck full of furniture that once filled her Great Grandmother’s home.

My heart is full.  My throat pinched to the point of choking.

I was not prepared when she joined our home. 

I am not prepared as she leaves.

Twenty minutes later I am answering the doorbell pressed by a handsome, brown-haired and brown-eyed little man.  This time I receive a wishing flower (known to most as a seeded dandelion).  I watch my next oldest drive up the lane with a wave of the hand through the open car window.  He is off to take the entrance test for acceptance to the local college education program for High Schoolers.

Excitement, pride, sadness—a tangling of emotions brim and spill.

A conversation I remember having with myself comes to mind.  As a young Mama of 3 little ones who now stand taller than my 5’8” frame, I vowed to mother in such a way that I would never look back with regret.

Today . . . I fight feelings of failure in wrappings of regret. 

Unfortunately, we not only parent in our strengths but out of our weaknesses, hurts, woundings and habitual emotional responses formed over the years to compensate for or deal with those issues that press our buttons of insecurity, rejection, fear, inadequacy and unworthiness.

Can I ask for a do-over?

I know I could do it better—maybe?

—if I could try again with what I know now . . . 

who I am now . . . 

how God has healed me . . . 

now . . .

In walks grace.  How grateful I am for grace.

I have loved & mothered the best I knew with the best & worst of me. 

I have brought them all to Jesus’ lap the only way I knew how.

I have failed to mother perfectly, but I have loved deeply, faithfully

 . . . with a forever-stuck-with-me-cheering-you-on tenacity.

A little bit of the enemy, a little bit of the flesh mingle to stir up a lot of anxiety.  I take authority over my mind and all thoughts contrary to Christ.  

Christ!  

My Savior who saves my failings.  

My Redeemer who redeems my mistakes.

  

The One the grave could not hold, holds me while resurrecting all lack.  He holds my heart, lifts my head, smiles on me wide while washing away all regret with glorious hope!

The season of parenting my older ones fades into the next.  
Will I do well? 

I will pray for them more than I ever have. 

I will fight for them in the spiritual realm. 

I will like them like crazy!

The one who has become my live-in friend and accountability partner returns for the last of her things.  While waiting for her Dad she plays my favorite song on her harp.  I sit on the floor in the dark hallway to listen.  I grieve the end of this time with her.  Nineteen years have gone fast.  Much too fast!

Mixed up thoughts mix with littles calling me to the fire-pit for roasting marshmallows.  The middle-little has a sliver in her foot.  I go to them knowing their years alongside me will also pass quickly for this mother-heart. 

Embrace the dandelions. 

Embrace the change. 

Embrace the vital. 

Embrace the moments that make the lifetime.

“I just know that the longer I parent the more I want to focus on doing a few things really well, and not get too passionate about all the rest. I want to spend time with my kids, teach them the Bible, take them to church, laugh with them, cry with them, discipline them when they disobey, say sorry when I mess up, and pray like crazy. I want them to look back and think, “I’m not sure what my parents were doing or if they even knew what they’re were doing. But I always knew my parents loved me and I knew they loved Jesus.” Maybe it’s not that complicated after all.”    Kevin DeYoung

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Joining Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well, {Titus 2}sDays, We Are That Family and Far Above Rubies

Applied Christianity

God...how do I live this out practically?

I mean, this is what you want—this is what you are looking for in your children.  So help me to understand the walk You desire behind these few words . . .

“He has showed you, O man, what is good.  
And what does the Lord require of you?  

To act justly 
and to love mercy 
and to walk humbly with your God.”  

Micah 6:8

 

Be kind.

Be fair.

Be loving.

Be patient.

Curb your self and self’s desires.

Walk in the fruits of the Spirit. 

Live to please Me, not your self.

Make My priorities yours.

Live your life in such a way that others will see your good works and attribute them to Me. (Matt. 5:16)

Don’t just learn—implement!

“More than conquerors” don’t simply 

receive truth in their minds. 

They work that truth into their thinking 

until it is a natural reflection of their being!

Be changed.

Be renewed.

Be humbled.

Be lost—to self so that you can be found in Me!

Set your heart to seek Me—and when you find Me—don’t walk away unchanged. 

Allow grace and mercy full access to your soul. 

Purpose to change. 

Determine to renew your thinking. 

Then apply the truth to your living. 

This is sanctification.

This is the walking out of your salvation.

This is applied Christianity.

This is living in My power and authority.

This is not only what I require of you—it is what I desire for you!

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Linked up with Works For Me Wednesday, Above Rubies, Women Living Well, A Steady Rain and {Titus 2}sday