Five Minute Friday: Seek Him FIRST

First:

Seeking Him first. When I wake up in the morning, the first thing that I need to do is sit down in whatever quiet space is available with a cup of tea, and open His Word. Fill my mind with Him and His thoughts FIRST. First, before Facebook, before getting immersed into social media, or the cares of my day- my husband, my children, my work, my Netflix list. First.

The Bible tells us that if we will seek Him first, then "all these things shall be added to us." God wants to add to us, but we must FIRST seek Him.

I don't know about anyone else, but I know that when I put Him first, it pays off. I'm still learning various ways to put Him first, I know it goes beyond reading the Bible first thing in the morning. It's in thinking His thoughts first in any given situation. It's in obeying Him FIRST before I question. It's in sharing Him with my children and others before I share anything else with them. Seek. Him. First.

Stop.

This post is a part of Five Minute Friday where writers set their timer for five minutes and WRITE. Click over to see more submissions!

Speaking Good Things Over Our Children

One day after my two older children had left on an outing with their grammy, I was home alone with my three year old son and napping three month old daughter.

I received a phone call from my husband who had been at work all day, and I was eager to talk to him. As we were chatting, my three year old ran into the room, and began to play with the baby's swing. He pushed it roughly, and switched on buttons, and music played, while the swing rocked quickly forward and back without the weight of a baby in it.

"Stop messing with the swing!" I snapped, more interested in getting back to my conversation with my husband.

The three year old switched the buttons off, and then on again in a flash, and ran out of the room.

"Little turkey!" I yelled.

"I not a turkey!" he yelled back.

"Did he just say he's not a turkey?" my husband laughed. "You can have what you say, you know."

That phrase. "You can have what you say." I know it to be true. But how often do I observe outward appearances and call it as I see it? Had the stress of motherhood made me forget to speak good things over my children, rather than just labeling them by the looks of their behavior?

Our culture applauds those who "say what's real", and so we value people when they make seemingly accurate observations. As Christians, though, we're called to go beyond that. To see beyond the see-able. To see what God sees.

In Genesis, we see the universe in chaos. Thankfully, God chose to see past that. He said, "let there be light."

My son came back in the room. "You're a blessing," I said to him.

"OH! Thank you, mom!" he beamed.

Our children need us to remind them how God sees them- not just how their behavior causes them to appear- and certainly not how they make us feel in a moment of tension. God's word is a mirror- to us, and to them.
Let's build up our children to be the awesome men and women God has called them to be!

What phrases can you speak over your children to affirm who they are in Christ?

Linking up with:
Mama Moments Mondays
Teaching What is Good 

My Bible Reading Goals for 2015

Recently I wrote about the Bible being our spiritual mirror.

Have you ever let that reflection get so foggy, you hardly recognize yourself? If so, you are not alone!

I know as moms, we can get so bogged down with every day life that we get away from the most important thing. The reason we do anything at all: God! His Spirit. His Words.

They are life-giving, and every time I read them, I see myself a little more clearly.

Once upon a time, I wasn't yet a wife, I didn't have children, and I pretty much only had myself to think about. Whoo! I was so spiritual! Can you relate to that? I thank God that I had time to myself early on to dive deep into His Word and get to know my way around the Bible, but thankfully, He had more in store for me!

I was soon married and quickly (really quickly!) became a mother, and then became a mother again...and again, and now I'm expecting our fourth blessing. I can be exhausted sometimes. It can be so hard to get up earlier than everyone. It can be a challenge to get to bed at a decent hour, because I spend time catching up on things after everyone else is in bed. In the most recent times that I've gotten up and have been able to spend uninterrupted time in His Word, it has been glaringly obvious to me that I've become distant from Him.

I don't want that to be the case in 2015! So, I'm pressing on. I mentioned a while back that I had found a great Bible reading plan in the YouVersion app on my phone. Guess what? I'm still plugging away at that plan! Project 345 Plus is a 365 day reading plan, most days having four chapters to read. Needless to say, it's taken me much longer than 365 days to read through it! But that's okay. I was pregnant with my third child when I started it, and that plan has seen me through a pregnancy, a postpartum period, a growing infant turned busy toddler, all while homeschooling my two older children, and now another pregnancy.

My plan is to be purposeful about waking up earlier than everyone so I can have that uninterrupted time to read and soak in His Word. I need that time to replenish my spirit! I need it to give me the mental, emotional, and spiritual energy to keep things going smoothly around here (I plan to do a better job at that this year! Only by His grace).

Will you join me? Pick out a Bible reading plan on YouVersion or somewhere else (even the back of your Bible might have one) and just get started. You won't have to waste time hemming and hawing over your Bible in the morning about what you should or shouldn't read. You'll know what's next. And amazingly, so will God. I'm always astounded that whatever I'm reading is exactly what I need for today. He is so good!

What Bible-reading goals do you have this year? Share in a comment!

15 Love-Inspired (Non-Fearful) Reasons to Homeschool

Once while reading a Christian parenting book, I realized how many of my parenting decisions were based on fear. It was kinda crazy to think about, but many choices have been made because I didn't want a certain thing to happen! I was afraid.

The Bible has much to say about fear. One thing I've read said that the Word addresses the issue of fear 365 times! A daily reminder from God to not fear (by the way, I've never counted references to fear in Scripture, so I don't know for sure if that estimate is exact- does anybody want to confirm?)

When we made the decision to homeschool, I'll admit, much of it was due to fear. (Some fears can be healthy, though, so I'm not saying the reasons aren't valid!) Fear about bullies or other negative social influences, fear about (for us) our son getting a hold of some kind of problematic food (he is outgrowing a few minor allergies), fears that his educational needs would not be met and he would grow to dislike school. There are more, I'm sure, if I really think about it.

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18

As homeschooling moms, we need to look to love for our motivation in everything! Here are some of my favorite love-inspired reasons to homeschool. Some of them fun, some of them serious. What reasons can you add to my list?

1. I get to be with my babies all day!
2. I get to learn alongside my children (yay, me!).
3. My children have the opportunity to experience the real world as we move through our day together, rather than only interacting with their peers.
4. No alarm clocks! (Unless we have some place we need to be).
5. Our mornings are calm, and we all (usually) get as much sleep as we need.
6. Education is tailored specifically to my child's needs.
7. If they have mastered certain material, we get to move on- no waiting for others to catch up.
8. If they need (or want) more time with certain concepts, we can "camp out" there for as long as we need (or want) to.
9. My children eat home-cooked and lovingly prepared meals all day.
10. We have a ton of freedom to explore our community resources (parks, museums, libraries, etc.) while they are not busy.
11. I get to read (and re-read) lots of favorite books with my children!
12. We can learn in our pajamas!
13. Nobody has to raise their hand to use the restroom. :-)
14. More time for (godly) character development!
15. Time! Time to be together, time to develop our relationship, time to explore their interests and hobbies, time to be creative!

I'm sure there are many more love-inspired reasons to homeschool! What are your favorites? Share in a comment!

Linking up with these fine blogs:

  

Unburdened: An Introduction

I hinted back a few months ago in another post, about having chosen a word (or rather it choosing ME) for 2014. This is my first time just meditating on a single word for the year, rather than setting a bunch of goals of things I wanted to focus on for the year. Both ways are great! Both ways keep you from drifting through the year, and both things can be used as a filter for decisions to pass through so that you don't waste your time and energy.

At the beginning of this year, though, I think I was feeling overwhelmed, and just needed to find that "laser-focus" and clarity to come out ahead when all is said and done (something that seems to have eluded me in some seasons).

The word that settled in my spirit is "unburdened". I know, six months into it, that this is God's path for me this year. He has been faithful to show me so many ways that He is indeed, unburdening me. And it's awesome. 

"Come to Me, all you 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.” Matthew 11:28-30

Through this process, I'm beginning to see how "heavy laden" I am. Or was. I don't know that it is totally obvious that I have been crouching under the weight of spiritual, physical and soulish burdens- and the fact is, I don't even think I realized it! But God knows. Of course He does. And as He is peeling back those layers, I have been able to breathe easier, stand up a little straighter, and see His vision a little more clearly.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

Some of the unburdening has been simple, little changes. Others, much bigger and more complicated. Some things, a little silly, and "why didn't I think of that sooner?" But all woven together, and totally evident that God is at work in me!

This unburdening is part of the reason I've been able to get back into blogging! I have renewed purpose for this space, and I hope you'll join me here as I continue to share what God has been doing over the coming weeks! 



Did you choose a word for the year? How's it going? Share in a comment!

Linking up with these fine blogs:








  

Changing my Filter

I got a "check" in my spirit the other day. You know how that goes.

I was writing a blog post last week about What I'm Into. Typically, in that kind of post, I (and the many others who write these kinds of posts) will list certain categories and then share things that held my interest or occupied my time. It's all for fun, and to show more of the personal side of the blogger on the other side of the screen.

The "television" category came up. I started to recall what I had watched all month. I typed. I stopped. I read what I wrote. Hmm. Really? I quickly realized that I didn't really want to share that with the world! *

Not that I was afraid of being authentic so much as I realized that sharing what I watched wouldn't be helpful to anyone. I certainly didn't want to encourage anybody to then go and actually watch the programs or movies I had watched (or at least to the extent that I had). A thought popped into my mind: if I don't think I it would be beneficial to share this with my readers, maybe I shouldn't be watching it!

As Christians, we're called to wisdom!

The foolish woman is noisy; she is simple and open to all forms of evil, she [willfully and recklessly] knows nothing whatever [of eternal value]. Proverbs 9:13 (Amplified, emphasis added)

This woman has no filter on what comes in or what goes out!

Adhering to this idea of filtering and discerning what we take in or allow into our airspace kinda goes counter-culture. It's pretty much seen as a virtue to be open to all things. But God wants us to be vigilant, and protective of our minds and hearts!

Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 (Amplified)

Entertaining though it may be, we need to be mindful of what we watch on television. The content as well as the quantity. I don't say this to be legalistic, of course, but we need to be aware that some things can easily drown out the voice of God. It doesn't happen right away. It's gradual. In hindsight, I saw this happening with me.

I don't know about you, but I need to be aware of His presence and actually hear His voice more than I want to be amused. I don't want anything, whether television, movies, music, or whatever, to dull my appetite for Him!

How about you?

*For anyone who simply must know, I watched a couple seasons of House, M.D. and a romantic comedy or two. I realize there are worse things, but with everything, we need to think, "am I helping my spirit?" If the answer is "no", it's time to adjust accordingly!

Linking up with these fine blogs:






  

I Can't Be Quiet

No, not in that "I'm talking and I can't shut-up" kind of way, but stick around, you're bound to come across that here from time to time! ;-) A different kind: 

"To them we did not yield submission even for a moment, that the truth of the Gospel might continue to be [preserved] for you [in its purity]." Galatians 2:5 (Amplified)

Here, Paul is talking about some "false brethren" who had slipped into their midst who were basically trying to oppose the work of the early church.

As my eyes scanned this verse a few mornings ago, I noticed that I had already underlined it previously. I read it again, kept reading, then paused. I thought, "why did I underline this?" I went back over it, and then the meaning was glaringly obvious.

I live in a culture, where every place I turn, someone is contradicting Jesus' life, death, burial and resurrection. Someone is refuting the Word of God. People mock other people who know and follow Jesus. I see it on social media nearly every day. People post things as if to shake their heads and say, "silly Christian!" If you don't know what I'm talking about, just venture onto any kind of mainstream website any time they feature an article about anything to do with faith...then scroll down and read the comments. It doesn't really matter what it's about. As long as it portrays Christianity, Christian people, the Christian church, or Christian ideals in any kind of positive (or even neutral) light, and there are bound to be some troll-ish people hanging around in the comments.

I really shouldn't read them, but I do on occasion. It makes me painfully aware that there are many people who would do away with Christianity altogether if given half the chance.

This is the culture in which we live. The ones who don't reverence God, are the ones who seem to be the most outspoken. When those who do love God speak out, or live their lives in front of others to be a witness, it soon seems like everyone jumps on them to squash their "hate and misguided views." Seeing things like this sometimes makes me want to not share my faith lest I be labeled and judged. I don't want people to think I'm "hateful" or a "bigot" or any other thing that Christians today are accused of.

But...I can't be quiet. I cannot "yield submission" as Paul says. I must let my light shine before men. The Gospel must continue to be preserved for those who haven't yet accepted Christ. To neglect that would mean selfishly hoarding the truth and freedom found in Jesus for myself. I'm so glad that so many others were obedient to preserve the Gospel!

I must speak, and this blog is just one way for me to speak.

I'm well aware of the "numbers" that my blog reaches, but I can't see the people on the other side of the screen. I can't possibly know every single person who happens upon this site. But even in it's own tiny way, this blog perpetuates the Gospel. Like a small pebble in a large body of water, it makes a difference (I'll leave it up to God to make it a bigger difference). Yielding submission would mean fists full of tiny pebbles jammed stubbornly in my pockets...and somebody, somewhere, never reading the words that God might use to change their life. I don't know how God will use me, but I must be available for Him to decide.

What about you? How are you making yourself available to preserve the Gospel?

Linking up here:

The Sower

Last week, I dove back into God's Word for the first time in a while. With babies, homeschooling, chores and all the other things that go along with being a stay at home mom of three children five and under, it's really easy to "justify" not spending time in the Word.

I fought for this time of reconnecting with God through the inspired Words that so many people struggled over centuries to put into print (for me! And you!) It has been a battle since I have not yet mastered the art of waking up long before everyone in my house. (Note to self: make this happen!)

So with the baby napping, and the older two children semi-occupied with toys or a television show, I would sit, pen in hand, ready to underline Words that ministered grace to my soul and spirit.

Then one day, things got hectic, and I didn't get around to my new routine. By early afternoon, there was frustration, raised (angry) voices (okay, just one...mine!), and general chaos. Nothing had gone the way I planned for that day, and I began to wonder, "is God punishing me for not reading my Bible today?!"

"Is God punishing me for not reading my Bible today?!"

The immediate answer I "heard" in my spirit: "NO!"

Right after that, I was reminded of the parable of the sower in Mark 4:

 

3“Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. 5 Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. 7 And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. 8 But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”

9And He said to them, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

What's that got to do with me? (I know you English majors are rejoicing right now! Ha.) Well...read on...

14 The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. 18 Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”

Could it be that my heart is like the wayside? Or the stony ground? Now, I'm not generally one to blame the devil for all the mishaps of life. Sometimes, it's just me. But Satan really doesn't want the Word to take root in my life. Oh, God has got me! No doubt about that. But Satan wants to do everything in his power to make sure that the Word doesn't influence my actions, my relationships, my world (and all the people in it).

If I'm not busy tending the soil of my heart, the birds of the air would like nothing better than to steal away the seeds that have been planted. Distractions come. Children misbehave. Plans unravel. First and foremost, I need to make sure I'm guarding and protecting the precious Words God sows in my heart. Prayer waters them, and acting on the Word (James 1:22-23) tills the soil, until slowly but surely, the soil becomes good ground.

So, no. God does not punish me for neglecting His Word. But I can't bear fruit for Him if I am not diligent to seek after His Words and put them into practice. The enemy sure would like to distract me, sometimes right away, and I need to be aware and know that he likes to sneak in little attacks along the way. But, man! Sometimes it's hard to see through it to the bigger picture.

How about you? Have you been able to work through the stony ground to make it good, fertile ground for God's Word? 

Linking up here:

My Smartphone Keeps Me Connected . . . to God?

I've always been sort of a low tech kinda girl. In the past, when choosing a mobile phone, I just really wanted something I could make phone calls on, send text messages and take a picture or record video on. (Okay, I know that's not low tech to some people). So when my husband and I were in the market for new phones this past December, he was really excited that there were great deals on Smartphones. I was really hesitant to get on board with that idea, and I hoped to stick with something more basic. So I researched all my (surprisingly limited) options online, but ultimately, I chose to get an Android, all the while telling myself that if I didn't like it, I could return it and get something with fewer "bells and whistles".

Flash forward a couple months, and it turns out, I really kind of like it! (Okay, sometimes a little too much!)

Anyway, I recently came across this awesome app on my phone called You Version. It has the Bible in many different versions, as well as several other useful tools.

I had been struggling to stay in the Word for a number of reasons, and looking to find a Bible reading plan that I could realistically stick with. Well, one day I got curious, and started exploring this app, and noticed that there were Bible reading plans. Oh, my goodness! There are probably hundreds of different plans to choose from. Ranging from your basic "read through the Bible in a year" to chronological studies to week long plans for study on a particular topic.

I ended up going with one called Project 345 Plus. It includes readings from the New Testament, Psalms, Proverbs as well as selected readings from the Old Testament.

What I really, really love about this app? The "Catch Me Up" button! Usually, during the week, there are four selections to read, and when you complete all of them, it congratulates you on completing a day (who wouldn't love that?) But when you don't, there's the option to catch up, and when you tap the button, it basically updates your plan so that you don't skip the readings, but you also don't get "swamped" with missed readings. As a mom of two little ones, and one on the way, I really appreciate that!

So, how does that keep me connected to God? Not only can I pretty much do my study time any time, anywhere, but it also keeps me focused. I know that I can open the app any day, and have something specific to read. While I haven't gotten back in the habit of a daily study time, I'm closer than I would be otherwise.

Does reading the Word somewhat regularly or even everyday make me perfect? Absolutely not! But at least I have a better chance to "hide His Word in my heart" (Psalm 119:11) than I would otherwise.

Do you use any "gadgets" to keep you focused spiritually?

One Thing So Far

Wow! So, the first month of the new year is more than half-way over, and I'm still feeling a tad "directionless". Usually, between my birthday in late November and the end of the year, I sit down and pen some goals. Well, I still haven't gotten around to that. I had been sick, and just now am getting back into the swing of things.

Now that I'm done being all chaotic from just trying to manage stuff as it comes, I'm feeling that pull to be introspective and to really pray and examine myself and set my course for the new year. I have plenty to think and pray about; my home needs some TLC, my children need some structure, and of course, I need to prepare for the new little one making his or her debut in June (not necessarily in that order- ha ha).

One thing in particular, though, is glaringly obvious to me. I had fallen back into an attitude of complaining and criticism. It was just easier to have a "Chicken Little" mentality ("the sky is falling!") whenever my husband would do something minor like getting the wrong kind of cereal from the store, or when people wouldn't ask something of me in just the right way. I had been in the habit of blowing up over silly little things. This isn't really a new thing for me. Earlier this year, I began to learn the lesson of giving my husband liberty to do things even when I didn't think it was such a great idea. No complaining, no criticizing, no trying to change his mind. Just...going with the flow.

Most of the time, I think my biggest issue is just simply a need to shut up! That should be easy enough, and most of the time it goes a long way toward keeping the peace, not only outwardly but in my spirit as well. I started reading a book (pretty much unrelated to this topic- but I will likely share about it once I'm finished reading it), but it reminded me of a basic Christian principle: the principle of putting off and putting on.

But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:20-24, NKJV- emphasis mine)

It's good to put off a complaining, critical spirit (Step 1: Shut up! Lol!). But something really should go in it's place. It's funny how since I've caught myself having a negative attitude, Holy Spirit has also prompted me to look at things differently. Instead of feeling bad because of a messy house, for example, He has shown me to be thankful for the reason the house is messy. Instead of being mad about a husband that picks out the wrong cereal, be thankful he's even willing to run to the store for me.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NKJV)

Step 2: Give thanks!

This one thing so far is just one area I need to focus on. Now to get around to examining the other areas of my life!

Have you struggled in this area before? How has being thankful changed your perspective?

Linked to Living Well Wednesdays!

Finding Contentment in Lean Times

The Bible warns us about comparing ourselves to others. It's an unwise thing to do. (2 Corinthians 10:12)

I think the reason for that, at least in part, is that you never know what another person has been through. We may look at another family that seems to be more financially comfortable than we are, for example, and begin to be envious of their situation.

In this instance, however, what we don't know is what's hurting us.

I know many times I've looked at various couples or families and felt jealous of what I perceived their situation to be. But is it always the situation I think it is? Probably not.

Consider these possibilities:

• Maybe they work a whole lot more (or a whole lot harder) than I do.
• Maybe they have some kind of income that isn't obvious, like an annuity or settlement of some kind.
• Maybe they have sacrificed something precious to them in the area of giving, and now God has blessed them (Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38).
• Maybe they're much more diligent in the area of budgeting and saving.
• Maybe, just maybe, they're in debt up to their eyeballs!
  

It's easy for us to look at someone else and think that they simply have it better than we do. Life is easier for them, and we want our lives to be like theirs. We get frustrated with God and feel bad about where we are in life.

Personally, I feel that in our society (and especially my generation), we are much more tempted to be discontent with our lot. Not that we need to stay in the same place forever, and we shouldn't strive to do better, but it's challenging to simply "be" and wait for God to bring us increase.

Our trust gets put in the wrong places and we look to things to make us happy. We strive in our own power to get to that place of being fortunate, happy, "to be envied", when the only way to get there (really!) is to trust in God and find contentment in Him.

I love what the Apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:12 (Amplified):

I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.

"...the secret of facing every situation..." We learn that secret in the next verse, "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me..." God gives us strength for our situation! Not what we think someone else's situation is! Ours.

Have you ever fallen into the trap of comparisons? What Scriptures help you find peace and contentment in your current situation?

No Corrupt Communication

 
Oh, crap!

I don't freakin' know!

How often do we say things like this? I know I've been guilty of more than my fair share of verbal slip-ups...and ones even less tame than that!

One day I was going about my business, when I tripped on a toy or something, and something awful came out of my mouth.

Holy Spirit brought the Scripture to my remembrance from Ephesians 4:29-

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

I was stopped in my tracks. For the first several years of being a Christian, I really didn't have any issues getting over changing my speech patterns. Gone were curse words, I didn't talk about ungodly things like I once did before Christ. Now, years later, when I should know better, I was embracing angry speech, and just letting whatever fell into my brain instantly fall out of my mouth as well.

The root of the word "corrupt" means "broken in pieces." Immediately I think of how this indicates the state of my heart. We all know our words come from the heart, right? Not broken in pieces in the sense of emotional heartbreak or anything like that, but broken in pieces as in unwholesome or lacking integrity. Faulty. Defective.

Wow.

But thanks be to God, there is a way of escape! (1 Corinthians 10:13) And that is through repentance:

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

I repented, and God has cleansed me, and given me the grace to stop myself before I continued down the path of corrupt communication. Before I sowed unwholesome speech into the hearts of my lovely children. He showed me the error of my words, and filled in the cracks in my heart with His love!

I love that when we are humble enough to ask for His help, He freely gives it!

What has helped you avoid corrupt communication?

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Amazing Motherhood in Christ Jesus

Are you an amazing mother? Why, yes! Yes, you are!

Whether you are a stay at home mom or a working mom...

Whether you prepare completely nutritious meals from scratch everyday or...not...

Whether you allow hours of television or none at all...

Whether you are peaceful and serene every moment of the day...or you just really wish to be...

I believe most moms are doing the best they can. And if you really don't think you are, you have immediate access to the throne of God to seek His help for every possible "mommy conundrum" that can come your way. (Hebrews 4:16)

Romans 8:1 states "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."

There's no room for "mommy-guilt" in Christ Jesus! Are you there?

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men..." Colossians 3:23

We all have our vision of what a "perfect" mother is. I have one, you have one. What really matters is not my opinion of what you do (or even yours!), but God!

If you stay connected to the Vine, He will show you what you need to do. He will direct you and cause you to learn what you need to know. He will make situations line up in your favor, and give you creative ways to get it all done (whatever it may be!).

Seek Him. Trust Him. Do what He tells you to do.

The Bible tells us "But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30 (b)

Are you secure in your status in Christ Jesus? I'm praying that each one of you remains confident in your calling as a mother!

Learning to Receive

Before I was married, I read several books on marriage. I learned about communication, covenant, and certain things that were reserved for married folk only (ahem). I learned about Five Love Languages, and His Needs, Her Needs. And I keep on reading. I want to continually grow as a wife, and be the woman that my husband (and God) needs me to be.

Just recently, I came to the realization (with the help of this book) that I'm not doing such a great job receiving from my husband. There have been times when I have FOUGHT to get him to GIVE to me...meet my needs, speak my love language and all that other fun stuff that I learned so much about. It's as if I'm telling him, "you want the key to my heart? Here it is, in five easy steps." All the while, I'm missing out on the blessings that are coming from him.

As a wife, I can't very well receive anything from my husband if I'm telling him in great detail what to give me! Men do not operate that way. It's like going to a restaurant and ordering off the menu...well the waiter isn't bringing me a salad with ranch dressing instead of the bleu cheese just because he's so nice and understands that I don't like chunky things in my salad dressing. He (the waiter) did not acquire that information because he was so intimately acquainted with the desires of my heart. He brought that salad just the way I wanted it because I told him exactly how I wanted it. He was just doing his job.

But that kind of approach doesn't work with my husband. He doesn't want me to tell him what to do! (Wow, there's a big shocker, right?) But he wants to please me, I know this much. (The Word even confirms it: "But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife." 1 Corinthians 7:33) My husband wants to give to me from his heart. Just like when we were courting! Somehow, in the midst of marriage, parenting, and other busy-ness, I began to fail to see this. I wanted to be in control. I wanted my husband to adhere to my top five needs and speak my love language all the time, or else I concluded that he didn't really love me. I thought that something in him had changed!

Are we as wives, looking at the heart of our husbands the way God does? "...For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) How many times have we missed our husband's loving intentions because what he gave us wasn't exactly what we ordered? I really believe now that I could have avoided so much struggle in my marriage if I had "gotten" this truth early on.

It's time for me to stop trying to get my husband to "do everything right" and start receiving the expression of his love that God puts on his heart.

Do you struggle in this area too? It may be time to stop and take note of the things your husband does to please you.

What actions has he taken lately to benefit you in some way? (Big or small). 

Linking up with Come Have a Peace for Marriage Mondays 
and  

Scriptures for Pregnancy and Birth

There's a lot of attention paid to preparing your body for birth. Or getting your birth plan just right or packing your suitcase (if giving birth in a hospital). But what about preparing your spirit? Pregnancy and birth is quite the spiritual event! I found it was helpful to be prepared with some Scriptures ahead of time. They strengthened me and gave me a better perspective on the big changes that were happening.

Before I gave birth to my daughter, I compiled this set of Scriptures on index cards to meditate on while I was in labor. Here are some of my favorites (All Scriptures are taken from the Amplified Bible):

Patience-

Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; Psalm 37:7a

Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God. Psalm 42:5

Faith-

No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised. Romans 4:20-21

Safety-

Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, there shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. Psalm 91:9-11

Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. Psalm 91:14

Endurance-

Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. Romans 5:3

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 1 Corinthians 13:7

I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8

For by You I can run through a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. Psalm 18:29

Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Fear-

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high. Proverbs 29:25

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord. His heart is established and steady, he will not be afraid while he waits to see his desire established upon his adversaries. Psalm 112:7-8 (Just leave off that last little bit if you write this one down on an index card! :P)

Pain-

The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble... Proverbs 18:14a

Strength-

But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently. 1 Corinthians 10:13b

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong. Proverbs 18:10

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired. Isaiah 40:31

Peace-

Mark the blameless man and behold the upright, for there is a happy end for the man of peace. Psalm 37:37

A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones. Proverbs 14:30

Support from God-

But the salvation of the [consistently] righteous is of the Lord; He is their Refuge and secure Stronghold in the time of trouble. Psalm 37:39

Blessed be the Lord, Who bears our burdens and carries us day by day, even the God Who is our salvation! Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 68:19

Those who trust in, lean on, and confidently hope in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides and stands fast forever. Psalm 125:1

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever--forsake not the works of Your own hands. Psalm 138:8

God's Perfect Will-

The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly of the Lord [even the events that seem accidental are really ordered by Him]. Proverbs 16:33

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jeremiah 29:11

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28

[For it is He] Who rescued and saved us from such a perilous death, and He will still rescue and save us; in and on Him we have set our hope (our joyful and confident expectation) that He will again deliver us [from danger and destruction and draw us to Himself], 2 Corinthians 1:10

Concerns for Baby-

For He has strengthened and made hard the bars of your gates, and He has blessed your children within you. Psalm 147:13

Victory-

But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere,

Joy-

He makes the barren woman to be a homemaker and a joyful mother of [spiritual] children. Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) Psalm 113:9

All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]. Proverbs 15:15

Obviously, there are many more Scriptures that can apply to pregnancy and birth, but this should get you started!

What are your favorite Scriptures pertaining to pregnancy and birth? Add them in the comments!

Linking up here:

"FLYing" toward Biblical Hospitality

I so love the book of Romans! Especially chapter 12. Every time I consider purchasing a new Bible, this is the chapter I read to test whether I should buy that particular version. (I have a system, okay?! Ha ha!)

Well, today a particular verse was brought back to my remembrance...verse 13 that says:

"...distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality."

And I know I'm not the first to make this connection, but in order to adhere to the command to be "given to hospitality" you've got to have a relatively clean house, right?

Having been fairly diligent lately to stay on track with my "FLYing," my home has been relatively presentable. That feels so awesome! While I wouldn't jump to host a ladies tea at my place at this point, I can have people over without being totally embarrassed by my lack of diligence in housekeeping. I can even invite people in if they show up unexpectedly. Even my kitchen has been in such a state of semi-readiness that I can offer a snack to people. It feels great to just open the door and say "sure, come on in!" without scrambling to tidy up and throw a bunch of stuff in the bedroom and quickly close the door. (Probably nobody else knows what I'm talking about!)

I know that hospitality extends far beyond moving past talking to visitors on the porch. But chaos (or CHAOS- Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome as the Fly Lady calls it) in our home is something that keeps us from moving toward the Biblical directive to be given to hospitality. And guess what? If you are regularly given to hospitality, your house will by necessity stay clean and orderly. It's a beautiful thing!

The Bible tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39). But in order to love our neighbor, we need to love our self! We need to make our home a place that we love to be, and in turn, other people will love to be there too! And we will love to invite them over!

Where are you on this journey? Are you loving yourself? Are you loving your neighbor and inviting them over? What can you do this week to take a step closer to hospitality?

Linking up Here:

Keys to Overcoming Anger- Staying Connected

 ¹ Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2, New King James Version)

As a wife and mom, there are many things that I have reacted to in anger over the past few years.

Anger because I feel let down. I feel rushed or overwhelmed. I feel like there's not one more interruption I can tolerate. I can't bear to feel one more small round bit of cereal crunching under my feet.

Before I was married, I seldom got angry. I was so spiritual then! As one man of God has said, "everyone is super-spiritual until they get around other people." That truth certainly has played out in my life!

People make mistakes. They stumble. They sin. Sometimes against you!

Keep your eyes on Jesus.

It's such a cliche. And one that I kind of got tired of hearing...until I got it!

When we allow ourselves to respond in anger, we are taking our eyes off of Jesus, and putting our hopes and expectations on our husband, our children, our whatever! 

We must stay connected to Jesus, no matter what! That does not mean that we will never get angry at anything. But those frustrating situations will be less and less in our minds as we are looking to Him to meet our needs, to fulfill our expectations and hopes. He really is everything to us! 

As we learn dependence on Him, we will begin to overcome anger!

 ³³ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, New King James Version)

What helps you to stay connected to Jesus?

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My Little Helper

My little guy helping me out in the kitchen a couple nights ago. Well, he's not really an ox, and he's not exactly treading grain, but he sure enjoyed sampling the spinach I asked him to dry in the salad spinner!

The Cure for the Housetop Husband

The view is nice, but he'd rather be inside! :)

Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman. Proverbs 21:9

And how about this one:

Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman. Proverbs 21:19

After reading about the "whatever you think" principle in the book The Surrendered Wife (an awesome book recommended to me by a good friend), it made me realize that that is what the husband's perspective is. He would rather dwell on the roof or in the wilderness than put up with a wife that is constantly resisting him! That's really sad! We can push our husbands away by being contentious (defined as "tending to argument or strife; quarrelsome"). We may not push them to the roof or the wilderness, but maybe to the television or the garage, where he's technically present, but not really there!

This is something that is so important to a man- to be respected! Otherwise, the Bible would not give wives instructions to respect their husbands. But in our culture, it can be one of the most difficult things for a woman to do! Something that is very unnatural to us. Is that something you can relate to? But as followers of Christ (and women who want our marriages to thrive) we really need to reconsider our actions.

And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude] Ephesians 4:23 (Amplified)

We can be terribly disrespectful to our husbands when we insist on controlling most everything. I'm even talking about little things like "you're going to wear that tie? I really like the blue one with that shirt" or "you shouldn't drink so much soda...it's really bad for you" We may feel like we're trying to help, but that's not the way it's perceived. Like the author says in The Surrendered Wife, "When you squash your husband's ideas you are telling him you don't trust him. Without trust there can be no intimacy. Therefore, one of the keys to relinquishing control is to respect your husband's thinking."

This is where "whatever you think" comes into play.

The next time your husband says something you don't automatically agree with, try it! "Whatever you think." It may be awkward at first, but as you practice it, it will get easier. You will begin to see that every thought of his does not need to be corrected or improved. It's okay if he wants to try to fix the problem with the family vehicle himself. Saying "whatever you think" does not automatically mean that you are gung-ho about him suddenly becoming a mechanic. It does mean that you respect his opinion (and trust that he can reasonably assess his own skill level in the event that it's too difficult.)

...and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly]. Ephesians 5:33 (Amplified, emphasis mine)

Have you ever found yourself in the role of the "contentious woman"? How did you change your behavior? Share in the comments!

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