Blessed Be Your Name!

"Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name..."
~ Matt Redman ~
Lyrics from "Blessed be Your Name"

How do I respond to the deserts and wildernesses in my life? That is a question I often ask myself when challenges come my way. Sure there's all the little cliches that I try to remind myself in accordance to the Word, but my behavior, attitude and reactions to the situations around me are what really count!

I have to admit that many of my deserts are self-inflicted! Ugh, that's hard to admit! But it is true and I must face reality! I do not always make sure that I have reserved time to spend with my Lord! I all too often let other things consume my time each day instead of starting it off by giving it to Him. That begins a long list of problems that begin to steer me the wrong way.

I struggle with anger. Plain and simple laid out before my God ~ I daily face the challenge of keeping anger in check and under control. Another example of a self-inflicted wilderness and I am not always very happy with myself at the end of the day. I have learned the value of humbling myself before my children and asking for their forgiveness when I have been wrong! But the thing about anger is that it's simply a symptom of a greater problem. Not spending time with my Savior.

Admittedly I have not faced nearly the deserts and wildernesses that many of those around me have! I have been greatly blessed in mind, body and spirit. The gift of health and my beautiful children is enormous!

Blessed be your name! I need to praise him often! Blessed be your name! Regardless of my circumstances! Blessed be your name! What would happen if I remembered to do this throughout my day? Blessed be Your name! As I do the laundry . . . Blessed be Your name! As I do the dishes . . . Blessed be Your name! As I instruct the children . . . Blessed be Your name! As I make dinner . . . Blessed be Your name!

Would I feel like losing my cool nearly as often? I don't think so!!!! It is an attitude, a habit, a lifestyle of giving praise and glory and . . . my life daily, even hourly to Him! This attitude can change a life and definitely would change my perspective throughout each day as I encounter challenges, wildernesses, frustrations, deserts and more. I'm going to give it a try!

Blessed Be Your Name!

Divine Purpose

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" Children are asked this often as they grow and just as often it usually changes. The big question for me though is ~ What is God's purpose for each of my sons? I ask God this often.

But here's a funny thought ~ when is the last time I asked my sons, "What do you think God has planned for your future?" Interesting twist isn't it? So many things are accomplished if I ask them this question. Most importantly though it turns their eyes outward and upward to God!

Teaching them to first seek Him and His will and purpose for their lives; instead of looking to themselves or the world for answers. After all He created each of them with a specific purpose and only He can direct them down the correct path for their lives.

Giving our children and their futures to God os not a one-time act of dedication. It is a daily process that we have to remember to do! Trusting that He knows our children better than we do and even as a child can daily direct their lives.

The Prayer: Lord Help me to remember that only You truly know the purpose for each child. You knew their future before they were even formed in the womb and have called each of them to a specific purpose. Guide me as their mother in the instruction you would have me give each of them for your purpose! Thank you for giving me these beautiful boys and help me to give them back to you daily.

The Scripture: Jeremiah 1:5~8 " 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.' Then said I: 'Ah, Lord God! Behold I cannot speak, for I am a youth.' But the Lord said to me: 'Do not say, "I am a youth," for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces for I am with you to deliver you,' says the Lord."