I was blessed with a fantastic dad. He was loving and patient (except when it came to teaching me geometry, he left that to a tutor ;). He was an amazing encourager and taught us at an early age about Gods love. I only had him for 19 years before he went home to be with Jesus. It was too soon and my heart was broken for 12 years after.
I went through the stepping stones of life; getting married, graduating college, teaching, and eventually having kiddos. But with each accomplishment, there was a tinge of sadness that surrounded it because my dad was not there to share it. I grew more and more distant from God and had let my earthly father's memory become my guide. And there was no peace in that.
Finally, with gentle love and encouragement from a dear friend, my eyes were opened to what I had done. I had put my earthly father before my Heavenly Father. At that moment, I let go. I let my dad be a sweet memory for me, and embraced my Daddy God as the most important father I would ever have. And with that, I was set free.
Our Daddy God is the most amazing father we will ever have. If we had a horrible earthly father, or a non existent one, or even an amazing dad, God trumps them all. His love is deeper, wider, and more powerful than any one's love.
1 Corinthians 8:6
Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Luke 12:6-7
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
No one will ever value or love us as much as Him. And when we renew our minds to this, we rest in Him. We let Him lavish His love and favor upon us. We bask in His warm embrace. And we carry the knowledge that He will never depart from us. That is something worth celebrating today!
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Friday, June 13, 2014
Compassion
"Just poop already!" I yelled this at our dog Twinkie yesterday morning as we were finishing up our morning run. I am sure to any passerby, I looked like a crazy dog owner without compassion for her nervous pooch who was just trying to find the perfect spot to do his business. And they would be right. I was so over it!
As I muttered under my breath while walking back to the apartment complex, I began to feel so silly. Who does that? Who commands anything to poop? It was such a silly moment but it made me wonder where was my compassion for others, including living creatures that our God made for enjoyment, had disappeared to.
But it was still there. Because the Holy Spirit lives in me, all things from Him are in me as well. I just needed to renew my mind to who I am in Him and all that it entails.
Colossians 3:12-13
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful
Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
We have infinite amounts of compassion in us. We have compassion for our children when they stumble, our family when they falter, and strangers when they offend. Compassion is something we can show ourselves when we are our own worse critic. We have the power of Him in us to show love for all. It is not a burden, it is a gift! And our Heavenly Father renews are mind to it as often as we need to be reminded. Compassion does not come from guilt or from a list of things we must do in order to be the Best Christian Ever. It comes from our Savior and what He accomplished on the cross. And it can flow just as freely from us to others. Amen!
As I muttered under my breath while walking back to the apartment complex, I began to feel so silly. Who does that? Who commands anything to poop? It was such a silly moment but it made me wonder where was my compassion for others, including living creatures that our God made for enjoyment, had disappeared to.
But it was still there. Because the Holy Spirit lives in me, all things from Him are in me as well. I just needed to renew my mind to who I am in Him and all that it entails.
Colossians 3:12-13
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful
Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
We have infinite amounts of compassion in us. We have compassion for our children when they stumble, our family when they falter, and strangers when they offend. Compassion is something we can show ourselves when we are our own worse critic. We have the power of Him in us to show love for all. It is not a burden, it is a gift! And our Heavenly Father renews are mind to it as often as we need to be reminded. Compassion does not come from guilt or from a list of things we must do in order to be the Best Christian Ever. It comes from our Savior and what He accomplished on the cross. And it can flow just as freely from us to others. Amen!
Monday, June 9, 2014
Courage
"Mom! Look at me!" cried M before he jumped into the pool. He then proceeded to swim across to the other side, hoist himself out and began the process all over again. Of course my heart swelled with pride and amazement. There were days when I have thought that he would never learn how to swim.
When M was 2, I made the mistake of letting him watch "Finding Nemo" at the beginning of the summer. What was the big deal? It's Pixar! This led to him being terrified for two summers. He was convinced that if he went in the water, invisible jellyfish would attack him. Never mind that we only swam in chlorinated pools. Never mind that the lifeguard at the pool spent 10 minutes trying to convince him. We were all wrong and he was doomed to be stung.
Last summer, we finally got him to go in the water and we were able to do swim lessons. Progress! This year, he has been an absolute fish. It is neat to watch him come into his own, and to see his courage grow.
Courage comes in many forms. It can be seen in the quiet battle of a cancer patient as she endures chemo every week. It can be seen in the heroic firefighter saving the life of a dozen people from a burning building. But what does courage look like in the bible? David and Goliath? Mary giving birth to Jesus? How do those moments of courage relate to us?
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
I think that being courageous in Christ is not about standing there and trying to psych yourself up in order to accomplish the task before you. The strength of the Lord is already in us. The Holy Spirit lives in us which means we have infinite amounts of courage and strength. I think that the key to tapping into what is already there is to renew our minds and receive His power. Remember what has already been done and stand firm in His promises. If we ask Him for this, He is more than happy to remind us and encourage us. Whether it is through others, through the scriptures, or through His sweet voice whispering in our ear, courage is available all the time. So go ahead and jump in! The water is fine:)
When M was 2, I made the mistake of letting him watch "Finding Nemo" at the beginning of the summer. What was the big deal? It's Pixar! This led to him being terrified for two summers. He was convinced that if he went in the water, invisible jellyfish would attack him. Never mind that we only swam in chlorinated pools. Never mind that the lifeguard at the pool spent 10 minutes trying to convince him. We were all wrong and he was doomed to be stung.
Last summer, we finally got him to go in the water and we were able to do swim lessons. Progress! This year, he has been an absolute fish. It is neat to watch him come into his own, and to see his courage grow.
Courage comes in many forms. It can be seen in the quiet battle of a cancer patient as she endures chemo every week. It can be seen in the heroic firefighter saving the life of a dozen people from a burning building. But what does courage look like in the bible? David and Goliath? Mary giving birth to Jesus? How do those moments of courage relate to us?
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
I think that being courageous in Christ is not about standing there and trying to psych yourself up in order to accomplish the task before you. The strength of the Lord is already in us. The Holy Spirit lives in us which means we have infinite amounts of courage and strength. I think that the key to tapping into what is already there is to renew our minds and receive His power. Remember what has already been done and stand firm in His promises. If we ask Him for this, He is more than happy to remind us and encourage us. Whether it is through others, through the scriptures, or through His sweet voice whispering in our ear, courage is available all the time. So go ahead and jump in! The water is fine:)
Friday, June 6, 2014
Freedom
A few weeks ago I was in the kitchen doing the dishes and I could hear my boys laughing and wrestling on the floor. I snuck a peek and this is what I saw. They had created a game where one of them would pin down the other one and ask a series of questions.
"What's your favorite color?"
"What's your favorite food?"
"What's your favorite animal?"
After the last answer the one on top would proudly announce "okay, you're in the club!" And then the rolls would reverse and they would start all over again.
This got me thinking about what happens when we become a believer. When we are a part of the very best club where all who believe are accepted and cherished, we gain so much. And one of the best things is freedom.
"What's your favorite color?"
"What's your favorite food?"
"What's your favorite animal?"
After the last answer the one on top would proudly announce "okay, you're in the club!" And then the rolls would reverse and they would start all over again.
This got me thinking about what happens when we become a believer. When we are a part of the very best club where all who believe are accepted and cherished, we gain so much. And one of the best things is freedom.
Galatians 5:1
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Romans 6:22
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.
What does it mean to be free? I believe it means that we are made new, and all of the past has been wiped clean. And the future that is set before us is beautiful. We have the Holy Spirit in us which gives us the power to love and proclaim goodness. And those moments when the enemy attempts to seep in and destroy? We stand firm in knowing that he can't, and that we have the power to cast him out.
But how do we do this? How do we embrace our freedom and rebuke the things not from our Heavenly Father? We renew our minds to truth! We declare our righteousness in Him! And we do this over and over until it becomes like breathing. We have been set free from condemnation and are covered by His grace. Some days it can be harder to remember this but I believe that those days are getting fewer and farther between for all of us. Amen!
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Words
"You are not invited to my birthday!"
"Well you can come to mine but you can't have any cake or a treat bag!"
According to my boys, this is the ultimate punishment if one is mad at the other. I have been uninvited to their birthday parties too (by the way they are months away). These comments always make me giggle a bit but I know that the intention behind them is to be angry and hurt the other person. And what prompts this is usually frustration.
I am notorious for snarky comments. Sarcasm is my middle name. It is a defense for me when moments get tough. My words can bite and hurt. And once they are out, it can be so hard to make it right. But it can be made right:) Jesus made it right the moment He gave up His life for us. And with that, we can walk confidently in knowing that our words can be used for good, and not destruction.
Ephesians 4:29
"Well you can come to mine but you can't have any cake or a treat bag!"
According to my boys, this is the ultimate punishment if one is mad at the other. I have been uninvited to their birthday parties too (by the way they are months away). These comments always make me giggle a bit but I know that the intention behind them is to be angry and hurt the other person. And what prompts this is usually frustration.
I am notorious for snarky comments. Sarcasm is my middle name. It is a defense for me when moments get tough. My words can bite and hurt. And once they are out, it can be so hard to make it right. But it can be made right:) Jesus made it right the moment He gave up His life for us. And with that, we can walk confidently in knowing that our words can be used for good, and not destruction.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
In this day and age, our words are not just coming from our mouth. They can fly just as quickly from our fingers on a keyboard. When we belong to The King, we are transformed and have the power to infuse kindness and grace into the world. It is such a gift to be a light in the darkness! So let's encourage one another to be that light. Who knows, maybe everyone will get a treat bag at the birthday party:)
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Repetition and Renew
My kiddos will get fixated on a movie and watch it every day for weeks. Every. Single. Day. They know every song, every joke, every crazy move inside out and upside down. Of course this transfers to me because I am inadvertently listening and soaking it up. And that's when I find myself busting out "everything is awesome!" in the middle of the produce aisle at the grocery store. Sound familiar?
I got to thinking about the value of repetition. That was how I learned my times tables as a kid. The drill and kill method. I still know my prepositions because of the goofy song my third grade teacher taught us. I mean, I am 33 and that thing is stuck in my mind and will never leave:)
The bible repeats the message of the gospel constantly as well as key points about God's love and our identity in Him. We can never hear these things enough. The repetition is a vital part of renewing our minds.
The word love appears 442 times in the bible. The word faith appears 336 times. Peace appears 353 times. We can never hear these words enough!
Renewing our mind in Him is not just a one time deal that happens when you accept Christ as your savior. Our minds need to be renewed constantly throughout the day in order to push through what is set out before us.
2nd Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
I got to thinking about the value of repetition. That was how I learned my times tables as a kid. The drill and kill method. I still know my prepositions because of the goofy song my third grade teacher taught us. I mean, I am 33 and that thing is stuck in my mind and will never leave:)
The bible repeats the message of the gospel constantly as well as key points about God's love and our identity in Him. We can never hear these things enough. The repetition is a vital part of renewing our minds.
The word love appears 442 times in the bible. The word faith appears 336 times. Peace appears 353 times. We can never hear these words enough!
Renewing our mind in Him is not just a one time deal that happens when you accept Christ as your savior. Our minds need to be renewed constantly throughout the day in order to push through what is set out before us.
2nd Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Romans 2:12
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
We have been made new but we need to hear it . And I believe our Heavenly Father finds such joy in sharing this with us every day. It is His love letter to us. So bring on the repetition:)
Monday, June 2, 2014
Burdens
Yesterday my friends and I were talking about things we could not believe that our parents let us do when we were kids. It prompted me to think of how I used to take river rocks and put them in my bathing suit so I would be weighed down enough to sit on the bottom of my pool. My mom would get after me because she was concerned that I would make holes in my swimsuit:) Drowning? Not so much.
But I remember the weight of each rock as I would load up my swim suit. And I remember juggling and balancing and holding them all in, trying to not let them fall out as I struggled into the pool. It was crazy. Why did I want to do that? To see if I could?
Carrying our burdens around seems a lot like juggling those river rocks. They weigh us down. They hurt something awful when they fall and land on your toes. They can prevent you from being free and enjoying life.
But God is very clear that we are not meant to carry these burdens. They were placed on His Son 2,000 years ago and demolished for all eternity.
Matthew 11:28-30
But I remember the weight of each rock as I would load up my swim suit. And I remember juggling and balancing and holding them all in, trying to not let them fall out as I struggled into the pool. It was crazy. Why did I want to do that? To see if I could?
Carrying our burdens around seems a lot like juggling those river rocks. They weigh us down. They hurt something awful when they fall and land on your toes. They can prevent you from being free and enjoying life.
But God is very clear that we are not meant to carry these burdens. They were placed on His Son 2,000 years ago and demolished for all eternity.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
22 Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
We are not designed to struggle when things get heavy. God has made it clear time and time again that He loves us and He wants to take care of us. And isn't it about time that we let Him. So lay down your burdens. Quit filling your swimsuit with rocks. And let Him set you free!
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Joy
Last night was "Family Movie Night" in our household. I love family movie night because it means frozen pizza and let's face it, that is a way easy dinner. But I also love it because the normal for our week goes out the window. We eat at the coffee table while watching the movie. Last night it was casual dress so the boys sported only underwear. And we all just get to take a minute and relax. It is a family tradition that brings so much joy and yet it is so simple.
So it got me thinking. How many times have I planned over the top outings or events in order to make sure that everyone is having the best time ever? And those times have been great but they can induce so much stress for me trying to make everything perfect. The best memories are filled with simplicity and just naturally come together. I don't need to go seeking out joy, it is always right there waiting to be received.
Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 33:21
For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
The real joy in life is Jesus. His presence left here on earth as the Holy Spirit, dwells in us always. Therefore, there is always joy in our hearts. It seems so simple! And even better is knowing that our Heavenly Father desires for us to partake and find joy in the moments he has set out before us. Oh how He loves us!
So it got me thinking. How many times have I planned over the top outings or events in order to make sure that everyone is having the best time ever? And those times have been great but they can induce so much stress for me trying to make everything perfect. The best memories are filled with simplicity and just naturally come together. I don't need to go seeking out joy, it is always right there waiting to be received.
Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 33:21
For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
The real joy in life is Jesus. His presence left here on earth as the Holy Spirit, dwells in us always. Therefore, there is always joy in our hearts. It seems so simple! And even better is knowing that our Heavenly Father desires for us to partake and find joy in the moments he has set out before us. Oh how He loves us!
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Redemption
James 1:17
"17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
I hold fast to this. I must because this scripture helps me to decipher what has be given to our family by Him. God does not give us grief or calamity or destruction. Those are issues created by Satan, by worldliness, due to the fall of man.
But God does use those situations and redeems them for His glory.
When we started the international adoption process two years ago, never in a million years did we think it would take the twists and turns that have lead us to where we are at today. We were referred a brother and sister soon after we started. We were excited and overjoyed! We began the process to bring them home. We started to purchase clothes and toys for them. I even painted a beautiful mermaid on the other wall of my boys room in order to compliment the pirate ship mural that was already there. We dreamed, and planned, and soaked in the brightness of each day as we anticipated our journey to go and bring them home.
That journey was never made. Within a few months of our adoption approval and as we were weeks away from going, both children died from complications of Malaria and Typhoid. The light went out. Trying to share with M who was 4 at the time that his new brother and sister would not be coming home was one of the hardest things my husband and I have ever had to do. M stopped praying out loud for a few months after because he just didn't know what to say. It was heart breaking.
We don't believe that our children dying was a part of God's plan. He is a good God who loves his children. We absolutely believe that the enemy has been on our backs the entire time trying to stop us from completing an adoption. Why? Because he knows these children will come to a home where there is Jesus.
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Satan is that thief. But we have been given the power of the Holy Spirit to cut him down again, and again, and again. He is under our feet always.
Mark 12:36
David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared, “‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.’
So when the storms come and leave a wake of destruction, God takes that destruction and redeems it for His glory.
Psalm 103:1-22
Of David. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
So how has the death of our children been redeemed? We know they walk with Him. Our Heavenly Father even sent me a dream of our daughter a day after she passed where I could see her sitting on the lap of Jesus in heaven, laughing, and healed. She was in a bright red sweatsuit:) She was beautiful!
I still fall into moments of grief in what could have been. But my God is quick to remind me that He has them and that they are in capable hands. That they are excited to meet us one day in heaven. That is a very tender thought.
Eventually, we had another referral. A beautiful little girl only 4 months old. She is now almost 2 and we are continuing to do battle against the enemy and the schemes of man in trying to bring her home. But each day is one day closer. Each day is an opportunity to pray for her. And M and L do so without missing a beat. Faith being restored and hope being given is the best redemption of all. Amen!
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Fear
"Hey M, L, come look at this snake!"
This came from my husband as he was starting to take the dogs out to go potty yesterday evening. Of course my boys scrambled to get out there as fast as they could. Me? Not so much.
So M comes back in and tells me that the snake is 6 ft long. I'm thinking this is a slight exaggeration but I play along. But then my husband confirms that this is an accurate statement. Awesome.
So I go out and stand an appropriate distance away (like on the third floor landing of our apartment building) and watch this creature slowly slink back into the foliage in front of our complex. Again, awesome.
So this morning, this scene comes flooding back to me as I take my dog Blue out for a quick poop and a run. To say that my heart was racing is an understatement. Although I could not see the snake, I knew he was there and I was convinced he was going to jump out and attack me. Never mind that he was a gopher snake and could care less about me. I was convinced that he wanted nothing more than to annihilate me:)
Silly right? Well, it got me thinking about what God's take is on fear.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Did God have snake heebie jeebies in mind when these were written? Perhaps. But the truth is, fear can be crippling and keep us from ever truly walking in all that He has promised us. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of man, etc. It's a wonder we ever leave our homes. But all of these fears are no match for our Heavenly Father. He always has us wrapped up safely. And with this knowledge and understanding, we are able to forge ahead with confidence and build His Kingdom here on earth. Amen!
This came from my husband as he was starting to take the dogs out to go potty yesterday evening. Of course my boys scrambled to get out there as fast as they could. Me? Not so much.
So M comes back in and tells me that the snake is 6 ft long. I'm thinking this is a slight exaggeration but I play along. But then my husband confirms that this is an accurate statement. Awesome.
So I go out and stand an appropriate distance away (like on the third floor landing of our apartment building) and watch this creature slowly slink back into the foliage in front of our complex. Again, awesome.
So this morning, this scene comes flooding back to me as I take my dog Blue out for a quick poop and a run. To say that my heart was racing is an understatement. Although I could not see the snake, I knew he was there and I was convinced he was going to jump out and attack me. Never mind that he was a gopher snake and could care less about me. I was convinced that he wanted nothing more than to annihilate me:)
Silly right? Well, it got me thinking about what God's take is on fear.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Did God have snake heebie jeebies in mind when these were written? Perhaps. But the truth is, fear can be crippling and keep us from ever truly walking in all that He has promised us. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of man, etc. It's a wonder we ever leave our homes. But all of these fears are no match for our Heavenly Father. He always has us wrapped up safely. And with this knowledge and understanding, we are able to forge ahead with confidence and build His Kingdom here on earth. Amen!
Monday, May 26, 2014
Remembering
M has a good memory. Like a crazy photographic one of almost all of his 6 years on earth. It is a gift for sure. Although sometimes it can bite me in the booty when in moments of desperation/distraction I may have promised the sun, the moon, and the stars. And by golly, it will not be forgotten:)
Today is a day of remembering those who have fallen for our freedom. This thought prompted me to think about the many times God asked us to remember. To remember His promises, His past fulfillment of plans, and most importantly, what His Son did on the cross for us. Why does He do that? I think it is to ground us in Him, not in the ways of the world, and give us hope of what is to come.
John 14:26
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
John 2:22
So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.
Isaiah 46:9
"Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me,
God never leaves anyone hanging. He always does what He says He will do. His promises are plenty and they are available to all of us. So during those moments when the storms are raging, we are not left in chaos. We are given peace from Him and the power to overcome. I don't know about you, but it is nice to be reminded of that now and then:)
Today is a day of remembering those who have fallen for our freedom. This thought prompted me to think about the many times God asked us to remember. To remember His promises, His past fulfillment of plans, and most importantly, what His Son did on the cross for us. Why does He do that? I think it is to ground us in Him, not in the ways of the world, and give us hope of what is to come.
John 14:26
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
John 2:22
So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.
Isaiah 46:9
"Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me,
God never leaves anyone hanging. He always does what He says He will do. His promises are plenty and they are available to all of us. So during those moments when the storms are raging, we are not left in chaos. We are given peace from Him and the power to overcome. I don't know about you, but it is nice to be reminded of that now and then:)
Friday, May 23, 2014
Fairness
I am currently ignoring M as he is sulking on the couch. An occasional exasperated sigh keeps escaping him. L is doing just fine, munching away on a waffle while watching Leap Frog Letter Factory for the 40 millionth time. This scenario happens a lot and it is the reverse at times, although L is not quiet in his sulking but rather vocal at the injustice that has been committed.
"IT'S NOT FAIR!!!!!"
In my defense it is. M picked the last toonie (our family code for cartoon) yesterday, therefore it is L's turn this morning to pick one. How do I remember this? I don't know. Especially at 5:45 in the morning as I am fumbling for coffee. But it comes to me eventually by the grace of God:) So here we are.
So this scenario prompted me to investigate what God's take on fairness is. There were a lot of verses on this. The old testament has much to say on fairness in terms of judgement, justice, the law and what not. But the new testament seems to have a more humble approach.
1st Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
James 2:1
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
Matthew 20:16
So the last will be first, and the first last.”
So how do I teach this to my boys and how do I remember this myself when I am having adult "it's not fair" meltdowns? I think the answer is to communicate with my Heavenly Father on it. He is my strength and has sent the Holy Spirit as my helper. Asking for clarity in the situation and believing it will be granted is key. As for the boys, I think reiterating their identity in Him is important.
"Jesus lives in you and because of this, you want your brother to have a turn. You want to put others first because you have love in your heart."
A lot of times this reminder softens them and they are good to go. Other times it does not. That's when my husband and I encourage them to come pray with us when they are having a hard time. I am thankful for the reminder for me as well, and I ask my boys to encourage me when they see that I am struggling. We are in this together and God has equipped us with much. Thank you Jesus!
"IT'S NOT FAIR!!!!!"
In my defense it is. M picked the last toonie (our family code for cartoon) yesterday, therefore it is L's turn this morning to pick one. How do I remember this? I don't know. Especially at 5:45 in the morning as I am fumbling for coffee. But it comes to me eventually by the grace of God:) So here we are.
So this scenario prompted me to investigate what God's take on fairness is. There were a lot of verses on this. The old testament has much to say on fairness in terms of judgement, justice, the law and what not. But the new testament seems to have a more humble approach.
1st Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
James 2:1
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
Matthew 20:16
So the last will be first, and the first last.”
So how do I teach this to my boys and how do I remember this myself when I am having adult "it's not fair" meltdowns? I think the answer is to communicate with my Heavenly Father on it. He is my strength and has sent the Holy Spirit as my helper. Asking for clarity in the situation and believing it will be granted is key. As for the boys, I think reiterating their identity in Him is important.
"Jesus lives in you and because of this, you want your brother to have a turn. You want to put others first because you have love in your heart."
A lot of times this reminder softens them and they are good to go. Other times it does not. That's when my husband and I encourage them to come pray with us when they are having a hard time. I am thankful for the reminder for me as well, and I ask my boys to encourage me when they see that I am struggling. We are in this together and God has equipped us with much. Thank you Jesus!
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Investing
I was walking my dog yesterday and I was praying about what to write and dig deeper in The Word about when this phrase came to mind, "It takes a village to raise a child." Where had I read this? Surely it was in Matthew. Wait, no, I think I saw it in Acts. No, that's not right. Proverbs? And then I realized that it was not a bible verse:) However, it did apply to the day and what was on my heart. Our oldest was graduating from preschool that morning, and as I reflected over the past two years that he had attended school, I realized just how much had been invested in him by his two wonderful teachers. And then I realized how many people were a part of him becoming the gentle, fun, bright, Jesus loving little boy he is today. We have been so blessed by our "village".
Luke 18:15-17
[ Jesus Blesses Little Children ] Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
Jesus cherished the little ones he came upon each day. Although this is only a glimpse into the heart of Jesus for the children, I can imagine him constantly stopping on his journeys to tousle little mops of hair, play a game of "got your nose", or just gaze affectionately at the children around him. He knew their value and that they were the future of His ministry.
So how do we invest in the children in our "village"?
John 3:16
16 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.
Knowing this and receiving God's gift and understanding His love for us will pave the way for demonstrating His love to others. His grace is abundant and when we receive that, loving others is easy.
John 15:12
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
So what does God's love look like?
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[b] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
We have heard this verse at weddings and preached time and time again. Why is that? Because it is so important to the message of the Gospel. But demonstrating this love to our children is huge when investing in and encouraging them to grow in Christ. And we have an opportunity to do this every day. Whether children are an immediate part of our life or not, there are always opportunities to show love to the community around us. What a gift! And we are rewarded ten fold when we get to be a part of the fruit our children are bearing because of it. God is so good!
Luke 18:15-17
[ Jesus Blesses Little Children ] Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
Jesus cherished the little ones he came upon each day. Although this is only a glimpse into the heart of Jesus for the children, I can imagine him constantly stopping on his journeys to tousle little mops of hair, play a game of "got your nose", or just gaze affectionately at the children around him. He knew their value and that they were the future of His ministry.
So how do we invest in the children in our "village"?
John 3:16
16 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.
Knowing this and receiving God's gift and understanding His love for us will pave the way for demonstrating His love to others. His grace is abundant and when we receive that, loving others is easy.
John 15:12
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
So what does God's love look like?
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[b] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
We have heard this verse at weddings and preached time and time again. Why is that? Because it is so important to the message of the Gospel. But demonstrating this love to our children is huge when investing in and encouraging them to grow in Christ. And we have an opportunity to do this every day. Whether children are an immediate part of our life or not, there are always opportunities to show love to the community around us. What a gift! And we are rewarded ten fold when we get to be a part of the fruit our children are bearing because of it. God is so good!
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Answers
"But why, mom?"
"But when, mom?
"But how?"
I hear these questions multiple times a day like most parents. And nine times out of ten my answer is, "because I said so." Such concrete parenting:)
My husband has been putting in for a program that would terminate his commitment to his current job for, oh, 3 years now. And each time it has been denied. My answer to him was simple, "stop being a rock star at your job and they will want to get rid of you." Such a great answer filled with integrity, eh? He is lucky to have me.
But yesterday our request was approved which means we get to start the next chapter of our life. Thank you Jesus! And the timing is quite perfect. God lined things up so well that it was quite shocking for both of us. But why should it be? He is an amazing God who can do anything! And The Word it is filled with proof of this. So let's take a look.
The Answered Prayer
John 14:12-14
12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask[c] anything in My name, I will do it.
Isaiah 41:13
For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’
I believe that God wants good things for us always. His ways are our ways because He lives in us. And when we listen to Him, He will guide us to the answers and enrich the desires of our hearts according to what is good in Him. He redeems all things for His glory. And "because I said so" is not in His vocabulary. He always has answers for us and is patient with us. Amen!
"But when, mom?
"But how?"
I hear these questions multiple times a day like most parents. And nine times out of ten my answer is, "because I said so." Such concrete parenting:)
My husband has been putting in for a program that would terminate his commitment to his current job for, oh, 3 years now. And each time it has been denied. My answer to him was simple, "stop being a rock star at your job and they will want to get rid of you." Such a great answer filled with integrity, eh? He is lucky to have me.
But yesterday our request was approved which means we get to start the next chapter of our life. Thank you Jesus! And the timing is quite perfect. God lined things up so well that it was quite shocking for both of us. But why should it be? He is an amazing God who can do anything! And The Word it is filled with proof of this. So let's take a look.
The Answered Prayer
John 14:12-14
12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask[c] anything in My name, I will do it.
Isaiah 41:13
For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’
Proverbs 8:35
For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord;I believe that God wants good things for us always. His ways are our ways because He lives in us. And when we listen to Him, He will guide us to the answers and enrich the desires of our hearts according to what is good in Him. He redeems all things for His glory. And "because I said so" is not in His vocabulary. He always has answers for us and is patient with us. Amen!
Monday, May 19, 2014
Patience and Perseverance
Ahh... the two P's. Patience and Perseverance. Much has happened in the last few days that has brought the words (sometimes begrudgingly, okay most times if I am honest) to the forefront of our conversations.
My husband had a fantastic outing planned for us all on Saturday night. We were going to go to an old fashioned ice cream parlor and then we were going to the drive in movie theater. We may have made a slight mistake in sharing with our oldest that we were going somewhere that night and it was a surprise. M tried to finagle the surprise out of us all day. All day. Note to self, don't tell them anything until we pull into the parking lot. Good advice for the future.
But on a more serious note, we had two conference calls regarding the future of adoption in Congo. In the natural, it looks bleak. Like the Congolese government may shut down adoptions in Congo and not let our children come home. Let's just say that I cried an ocean of tears last night.
This is not our first time with heart ache during our adoption process. Shortly after we started in the summer of 2012, we had a brother and sister referred to us. We were overjoyed! However, neither one made it into our arms. They both died that fall from complications of Malaria and Typhoid. My heart still aches to hold them both. But I firmly believe that the day will come when we will be together, locked in a group hug with our Heavenly Father.
There is still hope that the suspension will lift and N will come home to us. It may be 6 months to a year before we see that but it could still happen. So in the meantime, what do we do? We have patience and we persevere.
Galatians 6:9 - And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
We are patient because He is patient. And He lives in us. And we know that He desires for N to be here just as much, if not more. He has patience when we have no more. And all we need to do is receive what has already been given.
Romans 8:25
But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
James 5:11
Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
2 Corinthians 12:12
Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.
This is where the battle rages. We are not fighting against an army with guns and tanks. We are fighting against a broken world and an enemy who wants nothing more than to stop another child from coming into a family that shares the love of Jesus relentlessly. So we stay armed with what our God has provided.
The Whole Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-20
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
My husband had a fantastic outing planned for us all on Saturday night. We were going to go to an old fashioned ice cream parlor and then we were going to the drive in movie theater. We may have made a slight mistake in sharing with our oldest that we were going somewhere that night and it was a surprise. M tried to finagle the surprise out of us all day. All day. Note to self, don't tell them anything until we pull into the parking lot. Good advice for the future.
But on a more serious note, we had two conference calls regarding the future of adoption in Congo. In the natural, it looks bleak. Like the Congolese government may shut down adoptions in Congo and not let our children come home. Let's just say that I cried an ocean of tears last night.
This is not our first time with heart ache during our adoption process. Shortly after we started in the summer of 2012, we had a brother and sister referred to us. We were overjoyed! However, neither one made it into our arms. They both died that fall from complications of Malaria and Typhoid. My heart still aches to hold them both. But I firmly believe that the day will come when we will be together, locked in a group hug with our Heavenly Father.
There is still hope that the suspension will lift and N will come home to us. It may be 6 months to a year before we see that but it could still happen. So in the meantime, what do we do? We have patience and we persevere.
Galatians 6:9 - And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
We are patient because He is patient. And He lives in us. And we know that He desires for N to be here just as much, if not more. He has patience when we have no more. And all we need to do is receive what has already been given.
Romans 8:25
But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
James 5:11
Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
2 Corinthians 12:12
Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.
This is where the battle rages. We are not fighting against an army with guns and tanks. We are fighting against a broken world and an enemy who wants nothing more than to stop another child from coming into a family that shares the love of Jesus relentlessly. So we stay armed with what our God has provided.
The Whole Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-20
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
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