Our family is preparing to go on an adventure! As a family, we enjoy camping in the outdoors with campfires, starry nights, and much laughter. The only requirement that this momma has is that we have air conditioning for nights of good sleep. So, we have a pop-up trailer that comes with air conditioning! It is just a glorified tent, but I do have a small refrigerator and plenty of bed space for our family.
It has been a long time since we went on an adventure of this kind as the Texas heat has been so extreme the past two summers, and yesterday as we began preparing for travels, we made a very unwelcome discovery.... wasps! Apparently, a large group of wasps decided that our small tent trailer was a wonderful home for them. However, I refuse to share my quarters with wasps this weekend- I want to experience nature, but I don't want in joining me in my bed!
So, bravely my husband sprayed the nest and we all ran for the house all the while imagining that a swarm was following us as we retreated to safety. An hour later, Reagan braved the trailer and knocked down the nest. This morning it was my task to clean up all the mess. I set about my tasks when my son recognized that we had a few remaining "house guests" and again the scrambling to the house commenced. I put on my brave belt and with much prayer went out and sprayed, again, the wasps. I have since cleaned, organized, began packing and feeling very productive when one more wasp flew in to check out the accommodations. Can you believe that? I once again- sprayed and ran for the hills (or house anyway).
I sit, now, waiting- hoping for the death to come quickly to the poor wasp so that I might complete my task. It has been funny to me just how frightened I am by the poor, small creatures. I might have broken a speed record this last time as I fled to safety. The thought hit me..... why can't I flee from sin that way? The sin that so easily entangles if far more dangerous that the wasps in my portable home. Furthermore, when the wasps were in my place of residence, I risked life and limb to get them OUT! Yet, too often we turn our head when sin enters our spiritual home. Why is that? Why is it so easy to flee from some things, but certain sins we just choose to live with?
Remember Joseph? Genesis 39 describes how he chose to be trustworthy despite the advances of his master's wife. When sin was literally grasping at his cloak trying to cling to him- he threw off the cloak and ran from it! Oh, that I might have that kind of sensitivity and discernment to lose a cloak, but guard the door to my heart, my eyes, my ears, and my mind. My friend, once sin has taken residence with you; the evil one will try to destroy you from within and the battle is much harder to fight. Be on guard. Be diligent. Stand ready and on alert.
"My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ears to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:20-27 NLT
My friend, is there a sin taking residence in you? No matter how small- just like the wasp- we must flee for safety into the open arms of the Father.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
He Lives!
This morning I was asking my sons to be in prayer for a family who had lost someone dear to them. My oldest son sat quietly, and then almost whispered, "Did he know Jesus?".
You see, when all of life is over, when the last grains of sand have fallen through the hourglass, that is what matters.... that 's it. Did you know Jesus Christ and have a relationship with Him which began the moment you yielded your all of your dreams, goals, plans, longings, and sinful nature to Him? Did you ask Him to pay the debt of sin that you could never meet?
If so, then you know that our Redeemer is alive, well and active in our life each day. If so, you know that He works all trials, mistakes and hardships for our ultimate good and His glory. If so, you know that God brings peace when the world would offer none. He offers joy beyond all circumstances and enables you to do more than your abilities or talents. He is life beyond yourself.
If not, why? There are no second chances when your last breath has been exhaled.
"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!" Job 19:25-27 NLT
You see, when all of life is over, when the last grains of sand have fallen through the hourglass, that is what matters.... that 's it. Did you know Jesus Christ and have a relationship with Him which began the moment you yielded your all of your dreams, goals, plans, longings, and sinful nature to Him? Did you ask Him to pay the debt of sin that you could never meet?
If so, then you know that our Redeemer is alive, well and active in our life each day. If so, you know that He works all trials, mistakes and hardships for our ultimate good and His glory. If so, you know that God brings peace when the world would offer none. He offers joy beyond all circumstances and enables you to do more than your abilities or talents. He is life beyond yourself.
If not, why? There are no second chances when your last breath has been exhaled.
"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!" Job 19:25-27 NLT
Yes, my redeemer lives! I KNOW my redeemer lives!!! Do you? If you do, rejoice! Again I say, REJOICE!!! Let us never grow tired, weary or apathetic about praising our Blessed Savior. He has given all that we might have all.... all peace, love, joy, comfort and wisdom.
If He isn't your Redeemer, again I ask, Why not?
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
"I See Him?"
Kendall, our youngest son, is quite a night person. He tends to be a little grumpy in the morning, but about seven in the evening he just starts bubbling over with joy and fun. Tonight he walked around the house with a baseball glove on and kept shouting "Homerun!". He also tried to "hide" in the shower curtain and wanted me to find him which was easy because he was so tickled with himself that laughter just bubbled forth.
Nights like this when he is so joyful, it can be difficult to put him to bed because I just love seeing him so happy. Plus, he has a hard time calming down as he just wants to play. I have learned to sing quietly to him that often he will calm down and go to sleep much quicker. Tonight, I sang Jesus Loves Me to him several times and each time he would say, "Again!". Finally after three or four times through the song, I tucked him in and started to walk out of the room when I heard him say something, He said, "I see him?" I quickly realized he was asking about seeing Jesus. I asked him, "Oh, do you want to see Jesus?" He smiled and said, "Yeah!".
As I left his room, my heart flooded with emotion. My precious two year old wants to see Jesus- the Jesus he knows loves him. The Jesus we teach him about. The Jesus that we sing about all through the day. The Jesus we honor and praise with our words and, hopefully, our actions. The thought that hit me that I want him to see Jesus in me! I want my actions, words and lifestyle to reflect my Christ so much that others can't help but see my Savior in me. It won't happen by accident- I am learning that I must draw from the life-giving scriptures each day as well as uninhibited prayer times. I have to seek after His face daily because in my own strength I will fail terribly.
Friend, I don't know where you live or what you might be going through, but I do know that you have influence on those around you. You never know how God might use you to share His love with others, but we must be prepared- we must go and seek after Jesus each day. I, like Kendall, want to see Jesus....today, tomorrow and every day.
Nights like this when he is so joyful, it can be difficult to put him to bed because I just love seeing him so happy. Plus, he has a hard time calming down as he just wants to play. I have learned to sing quietly to him that often he will calm down and go to sleep much quicker. Tonight, I sang Jesus Loves Me to him several times and each time he would say, "Again!". Finally after three or four times through the song, I tucked him in and started to walk out of the room when I heard him say something, He said, "I see him?" I quickly realized he was asking about seeing Jesus. I asked him, "Oh, do you want to see Jesus?" He smiled and said, "Yeah!".
As I left his room, my heart flooded with emotion. My precious two year old wants to see Jesus- the Jesus he knows loves him. The Jesus we teach him about. The Jesus that we sing about all through the day. The Jesus we honor and praise with our words and, hopefully, our actions. The thought that hit me that I want him to see Jesus in me! I want my actions, words and lifestyle to reflect my Christ so much that others can't help but see my Savior in me. It won't happen by accident- I am learning that I must draw from the life-giving scriptures each day as well as uninhibited prayer times. I have to seek after His face daily because in my own strength I will fail terribly.
Friend, I don't know where you live or what you might be going through, but I do know that you have influence on those around you. You never know how God might use you to share His love with others, but we must be prepared- we must go and seek after Jesus each day. I, like Kendall, want to see Jesus....today, tomorrow and every day.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Can You Believe That?
As I poured myself another cup of coffee this morning, I realized the sugar bowl was nearing empty. So, I went to the pantry grabbed the sugar and began pouring.... seconds later I realized I was pouring all that sugar in my coffee- not the sugar bowl!! Some days I just catch myself in a fog of items needing to be done and my mind gets distracted. Have you been there? Duties such as dishes, laundry, e-mails to be sent, meals to be prepared, errands to be completed, homeschool lessons, church responsibilities..... I bet you have a similar list.
Sometimes, the evil one makes me think that my life is just that- an endless list of needs to be taken care of and met- that my eternal impact on the world is very small. He knows if I become discouraged in my service of Christ, it will be easier to get me off track from what God is calling me to do for that day. God has been working on my heart to teach me that my life is priceless to the Father. My calling unique and tailor made just for me. The calling God has for you is perfectly designed with just you in mind. In the midst of all that a normal life offers, we often will not see the big picture that God designed for us. We may feel lost in the midst of all the duties we have to do each day, and only years later will we get the perspective from God's viewpoint and see what impact we had for eternity.
Last night, some dear friends and I just closed a study on the book of Esther. If you have never read that book of the Bible- do so! While the name of God is not found anywhere in the book, He is seen throughout the events that saved the people of Israel. Esther, one of God's chosen vessels, is unsure of her calling and yet Mordecai, her guardian, states, "Who knows if you have come to such a position for such a time as this?" My friend it was one of the greatest decisions made in the holy scriptures that saved God's chosen people, but at the time I am not sure if she really knew that God had chosen her to fulfill that lofty role at that point. She just focused on doing the next step... and then the step after that.... seeking God's face for guidance at each moment to make her steps secure.
In the midst of making my daily decisions, who knows that I have come to such a time as this? Who knows if that every-day-decision I make will have an eternal impact on someone? I just have to seek after God daily to make my steps secure and firm. I read this quote from Elisabeth Elliot this morning and it was so appropriate.... "Either we are adrift in the chaos or we are individuals, created, loved, upheld, and placed purposefully, exactly where we are. Can you believe that? Can you trust God for that?" Wow!
"God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start. Now I am alert to God's ways; I don't take God for granted. Every day I review the ways he works; I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I'm watching my step. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes."
Psalm 18:20-24 MSG
So, I echo the question of Elisabeth Elliot... Can you believe that you have a God called life of purpose? Can you trust God for that?
Sometimes, the evil one makes me think that my life is just that- an endless list of needs to be taken care of and met- that my eternal impact on the world is very small. He knows if I become discouraged in my service of Christ, it will be easier to get me off track from what God is calling me to do for that day. God has been working on my heart to teach me that my life is priceless to the Father. My calling unique and tailor made just for me. The calling God has for you is perfectly designed with just you in mind. In the midst of all that a normal life offers, we often will not see the big picture that God designed for us. We may feel lost in the midst of all the duties we have to do each day, and only years later will we get the perspective from God's viewpoint and see what impact we had for eternity.
Last night, some dear friends and I just closed a study on the book of Esther. If you have never read that book of the Bible- do so! While the name of God is not found anywhere in the book, He is seen throughout the events that saved the people of Israel. Esther, one of God's chosen vessels, is unsure of her calling and yet Mordecai, her guardian, states, "Who knows if you have come to such a position for such a time as this?" My friend it was one of the greatest decisions made in the holy scriptures that saved God's chosen people, but at the time I am not sure if she really knew that God had chosen her to fulfill that lofty role at that point. She just focused on doing the next step... and then the step after that.... seeking God's face for guidance at each moment to make her steps secure.
In the midst of making my daily decisions, who knows that I have come to such a time as this? Who knows if that every-day-decision I make will have an eternal impact on someone? I just have to seek after God daily to make my steps secure and firm. I read this quote from Elisabeth Elliot this morning and it was so appropriate.... "Either we are adrift in the chaos or we are individuals, created, loved, upheld, and placed purposefully, exactly where we are. Can you believe that? Can you trust God for that?" Wow!
"God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start. Now I am alert to God's ways; I don't take God for granted. Every day I review the ways he works; I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I'm watching my step. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes."
Psalm 18:20-24 MSG
So, I echo the question of Elisabeth Elliot... Can you believe that you have a God called life of purpose? Can you trust God for that?
Monday, August 27, 2012
Glorious Praise
I love praise music to our Father. There are just times when a song so touches and moves my heart that tears stream down my cheeks in praise of my Father that has given up so much for me- so I could live a life beyond my abilities. Through Him I could live a life of joy in the midst of hardships, have peace in the midst of troubles, minister beyond my talents, love beyond my limitations, and give beyond my means. He came, sacrificed and gave of Himself so that all believers could have a relationship with God through His sacrifice. When I think of all that He has done, I can't help but praise Him!!!
One of the things I look forward to being a part of in heaven is praising our glorious God, and standing in awe of what that experience will be like as a multitude of redeemed, united in worship, of the one, true God. I just can't fathom how beautiful it will be..... This morning, as most mornings, I listened to praise music while reading my scriptures and I came across the following video and it blessed me so much.
As I wept and wept watching such beautiful praise, I couldn't help but realize it is a mere taste of what is still yet to come- my dear friend, can you imagine what it will be like? Oh glory! Moments of such sheer, honest praise give me the strength to tackle the tasks ahead of me as well as help me recognize that there is still much work ahead of us as believers. So many still need the Father and our world is groaning and dying without a Savior! We must share our hope, our Savior... how will God use you today?
One of the things I look forward to being a part of in heaven is praising our glorious God, and standing in awe of what that experience will be like as a multitude of redeemed, united in worship, of the one, true God. I just can't fathom how beautiful it will be..... This morning, as most mornings, I listened to praise music while reading my scriptures and I came across the following video and it blessed me so much.
As I wept and wept watching such beautiful praise, I couldn't help but realize it is a mere taste of what is still yet to come- my dear friend, can you imagine what it will be like? Oh glory! Moments of such sheer, honest praise give me the strength to tackle the tasks ahead of me as well as help me recognize that there is still much work ahead of us as believers. So many still need the Father and our world is groaning and dying without a Savior! We must share our hope, our Savior... how will God use you today?
"Come everyone, and clap your hands for joy!
Shout to God with joyful praise!
For the Lord Most High is awesome.
He is the great King of all the earth.
He subdues the nations before us,
putting our enemies beneath our feet.
He chose the Promised Land as our inheritance,
the proud possession of Jacob's descendants, whom he loves.
God has ascended with a mighty shout.
The Lord has ascended with trumpets blaring.
Sing praise to God, sing praises;
sing praise to our King, sing praises!
For God is the King over all the earth.
Praise him with a psalm!
God reigns about the nations,
sitting on his holy throne,
The rulers of the world have gathered together.
They join us in praising the God of Abraham.
For all the kings of the earth belong to God.
He is highly honored everywhere." Psalm 47 NLT
Friday, August 24, 2012
When Life Distracts
Some days when the toddler is screaming from his crib because he is in timeout and the older boys are angry with each other over something trivial. When the dishes are in the sink calling my name and the laundry seems to never end. Sometimes, I just need to be reminded that this is all temporary. These problems that seem so big are temporary and my focus needs to be on what lasts for eternity. I cannot let myself get distracted and concerned by all the temporary hurts, problems, stresses and things that the evil one would throw at me because God has more for me than that!! Satan knows that if he can get me distressed and upset over trivial things that won't matter in a few days, weeks, months or years; then, I am not doing what God has called me to do. Satan wants nothing more than to disrupt God's plan for us- the children of the King- God's chosen- Christ's redeemed!!
It is for that reason that I must, through the Holy Spirit, claim the peace and joy God has for me above all these circumstances. I must seek after what God has for me to do each day in order to bless Him and keep my focus on the eternal calling I have been given. Some days that is doing the dishes, laundry and teaching my children to treat each other kindly. Some days that means preparing for a meal for a family that could use an extra blessing or helping a friend by watching her kids. Some days that means sharing the lessons God is teaching me through my writing and some days it is helping my husband by doing a household task for him. It isn't always glamorous.... at times, it is downright dirty. Any task can have eternal value if the experience draws me closer to the Father and is beneficial to another who had the need at that moment. While Satan makes us feel that all this worldly stuff is the end of the world, but only God can make our temporary service to others of eternal value. When the you get down by all that is screaming for your attention, call on God the ultimate source of peace and joy. Let Him determine your steps today and keep in mind that this just a fleeting moment....
"The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Psalm 37:23-24 NIV
It is for that reason that I must, through the Holy Spirit, claim the peace and joy God has for me above all these circumstances. I must seek after what God has for me to do each day in order to bless Him and keep my focus on the eternal calling I have been given. Some days that is doing the dishes, laundry and teaching my children to treat each other kindly. Some days that means preparing for a meal for a family that could use an extra blessing or helping a friend by watching her kids. Some days that means sharing the lessons God is teaching me through my writing and some days it is helping my husband by doing a household task for him. It isn't always glamorous.... at times, it is downright dirty. Any task can have eternal value if the experience draws me closer to the Father and is beneficial to another who had the need at that moment. While Satan makes us feel that all this worldly stuff is the end of the world, but only God can make our temporary service to others of eternal value. When the you get down by all that is screaming for your attention, call on God the ultimate source of peace and joy. Let Him determine your steps today and keep in mind that this just a fleeting moment....
"The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Psalm 37:23-24 NIV
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Beyond the Messes
Some mornings are crazy around here! We started homeschooling again yesterday and I have been trying to get up before the boys in order to have my quiet time, get dressed, and have breakfast started. This morning, the boys awoke earlier than I anticipated and the craziness started early. Caleb had a trash bag explode on him while taking the trash out and we had the pleasure of cleaning up egg shells, coffee grinds, banana peels and the like from our driveway. Then, Kendall who decided last night that he would say, "Bye-bye diapers" and would like to wear his big boy underwear had his first accident. In the process of cleaning that up he decided that he did not, in fact, want to say "Bye-bye diapers", but would rather say, "Bye-bye underwear." All this and it wasn't even 8:15!?!?
I love my boys and even in the midst of all the accidents and messes, I see all the possibilities- their potential- and that is what I focus on when our world seems so unclear and just downright messy. Instead, I see what my hope and prayer for them is to become-godly men with strong values, gentle hearts and full of potential- through Christ's enabling- to change the world. I see the influence they could have and my heart fills with love and compassion.... enough to handle each messy situation and go on to the next one.
I think that is what held Christ on the cross and what motivated the Father to give His Son as a sacrifice for our sins.... He saw our potential. He, being all knowing, sees the full potential in all of us and that is the driving force behind His love and patience with us. He deals with our messes and stays focused on what we will become and all the future holds for us. The moments when we yield our plans to His will, the moments we give of ourselves to bring life and joy to others, the moments we break free from sins that had been strongholds for years, and moments when we just praise Him because our cup is so full we can't help but lavish our love on our Savior. Those moments are what drive Him to give all in pursuit of such wayward creations. He loves us, friend, He loves us. Never question His love or patience for you- no matter the depth of your sin- He still sees your potential and He still seeks after that relationship with you.
Too often, what is the saddest is that we don't see our potential..... my boys don't realize what incredible possibilities are ahead of them. Kendall certainly doesn't see a life without diapers as an option, but I do. My friend, you may not see what God could do with you- with your life- but God does. I guess it comes down to one question.... Do you trust Him? To trust Him means accepting that you still have more potential and possibilities in your future to do more than you could ever imagine. So, I ask again- do you trust Him?
I love my boys and even in the midst of all the accidents and messes, I see all the possibilities- their potential- and that is what I focus on when our world seems so unclear and just downright messy. Instead, I see what my hope and prayer for them is to become-godly men with strong values, gentle hearts and full of potential- through Christ's enabling- to change the world. I see the influence they could have and my heart fills with love and compassion.... enough to handle each messy situation and go on to the next one.
I think that is what held Christ on the cross and what motivated the Father to give His Son as a sacrifice for our sins.... He saw our potential. He, being all knowing, sees the full potential in all of us and that is the driving force behind His love and patience with us. He deals with our messes and stays focused on what we will become and all the future holds for us. The moments when we yield our plans to His will, the moments we give of ourselves to bring life and joy to others, the moments we break free from sins that had been strongholds for years, and moments when we just praise Him because our cup is so full we can't help but lavish our love on our Savior. Those moments are what drive Him to give all in pursuit of such wayward creations. He loves us, friend, He loves us. Never question His love or patience for you- no matter the depth of your sin- He still sees your potential and He still seeks after that relationship with you.
Too often, what is the saddest is that we don't see our potential..... my boys don't realize what incredible possibilities are ahead of them. Kendall certainly doesn't see a life without diapers as an option, but I do. My friend, you may not see what God could do with you- with your life- but God does. I guess it comes down to one question.... Do you trust Him? To trust Him means accepting that you still have more potential and possibilities in your future to do more than you could ever imagine. So, I ask again- do you trust Him?
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