A Mom's Faith

Daddy's Little Girl

2007-09-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

This Week's Quote:

"The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love."
Henry Scougal (The Life of God in the Soul of Man ), quoted by John Piper in The Pleasures of God

All too often I get caught up in the things of this world and I forget the true gift of my Creator. I long to serve Him, walk with Him, talk with Him and just BE with Him! I recently felt an amazing warmth and comfort as a vivid picture came to my mind of a little girl walking along the beach with her hand in her Daddy's, or sitting in his lap stroking His whiskers and giving Him butterfly kisses. My soul longs to be with my Creator constantly!

I like this quote because it reminds me of the true value that He sees in me. Worth and Excellency aren't words that you hear every day, but they are amazing words . . . positive words! The best part though is that the object of my love is my Heavenly Father and if he is the one measuring my worth . . . wow!

Do I walk by His side as often as I want to or should? Sadly, no! I do have to say that my mind is on prayer and seeking him often throughout each day right now and I am trying to learn more and more about this. You see, although I grew up in a Christian home, I never made it a habit to pray. I have many areas in my life that need His divine touch (parenting, emotions, everyday decisions, etc) and I am just now learning how to give these to him and become a woman of prayer! Becoming Daddy's Little Girl . . .

A Woman of Honor

2007-09-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

"The jews had light and gladness, joy and honor" (Esther 8:16)
"Now Esther spoke again to the king, fell down at his feet and implored him with tears . . . and the king held out the golden scepter toward Esther." (Esther 8:3&4)

So many thoughts . . . where to begin?

~First, Esther risked her life - not once, but twice! TWICE!!! Going before the king was NO small thing. If you weren't invited and decided to appear before him and he didn't want to see you - you were dead! Yup, it was simple - never appear before the kind unnanounced. Here Esther was going before him a second time, this time to plead for an entire nation of people - her people!

~Second, I love vs.16! I want that statement for my day . . . for my LIFE! Light and gladness, joy and honor! Need I say more?

Lord, help me not to shrink from daily challenges, but to realize how miniscule my problems are in the greater picutre and to find joy and gladness in my day, my experiences. Light when things seem dark - honor when I feel like losing it. Thank you for your blessings and your acceptance!

Blessed Be Your Name!

2007-08-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

"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

2007-08-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

"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."

Intimacy with Jesus - In Other Words

2007-07-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

A thought provoking idea as a mom since intimacy in general can be a challenge! I'll start with the facts: I have 6 children, the twins are 17 mos and still don't alway sleep well, I attempt to read the Bible daily. Ok, now how does that relate? In every way!

Past: When I became a mom for the first time intimacy in friendships, marriage and my relationship with Jesus seemed pretty much the same. As I had more and more children however most of those relationships cooled off considerably (well, not the marriage one). Then the twins . . . we all adore them and they were truly a gift from God, but they intensified every part of life.

Now: I want to be walking closely by His side each and every day, and that passion has recently been renewed in me (the birth of this blog as a result) - despite or maybe because of my 6 sons. I am finding that the reality is a little more inconsistent than I'd like - though it is much better than it was for many years. I am plodding through many days each week without spending time with my Savior - getting the life-giving Water of truth and renewal of my soul! How will I fulfil his desire and plan for my life - for my sons if I don't have that direct line of communication open to him? This is what I remind myself of each day.

The Nitty Gritty: To me intimacy with Jesus is as simple as seeking Him and His will each and every day for my life! Allowing Him to speak to me in a real and tangible way by stopping long enough to listen and learning more about Him through His word. So often I try to complicate this with all of the other things that supposedly "make" you closer to God - reality check - they do not create intimacy with the Savior! There is no one set plan, no one right way - there is a relationship between you and Jesus (your Creator and Savior) and that is a very unique and Personal relationship!

How Great Is Our God

2007-06-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

I hope that this blesses you today! Rest, praise and be refreshed!

Anxiety

2007-06-25T12:16:00.001-07:00

All too often I find myself with a telltale knot in my stomach. Sometimes I know exactly what brought it on and need to give it up to God, but then there are the times that I have no idea and suddenly I simply realize that it is there. This is definitely a part of life I could do without. We all internalize stress one way or another, and this knot accompanied often by a little bit of anxiousness is how I react.

I realize too that in my humanness I am too slow to go to God and give it to him! Or if I do I often try to take it back unneccesarily - after all, He is already in control, He has the perfect solution and is already at work for me! Why do I try to mess it all up by taking it back into my own hands? Why don't I simply accept His Grace and Peace and rest in His Love?

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6-7)

That is what I need to remember, so simple, yet so profoundly complete. Providing everything I need - comfort, strength, compassion, peace and safety! To rest in the arms of my Savior and know that he has it handled! That is enough for me!

The Shining Light

2007-06-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

Pillipians 2:1-4 "Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."

Pillipians 2:14-15 "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world"

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I know that these verses are pretty clear, but they brought home clarity for a situation I have encountered this week. I had been inadvertently involved in a "conversation" where another Christian woman was making sure her point was made and heard. Seemingly without regard for others thoughts or feelings. These verses pretty much sum up the basic issue I had with the situation.

Although there may be some differing thoughts and opinions on some theology we need to put others before ourselves instead of always focusing on getting our point across. Sometimes we need to let it go and walk away in order to be a light to the world and to keep peace. As women we get way too caught up in the emotional end of things and sometimes forget to stop and perceive a situation from another person's point of view. You know, the whole "walking a mile in another person's shoes" idea.

Today with all of our modern conveniences and the way that society "works" our individual "realities" can vary greatly, even as Christians. So we have to learn to look beyond ourselves and see where another may be coming from in order to become "blameless and harmless Children of God"! I like the harmless part!

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Heavenly Father I thank you for all the blessings you have given me and I pray that I can use them for your Glory! Thank you for giving me your Word to help guide me through the daily confusion. Please help me to watch my words so that I can be a light that always looks out for the interests of those around me. Help me to be a good daughter and to walk in your Truth!

The Gifts Beyond

2007-06-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

King Solomon

1 Kings 3:11-13
"Then God said to him 'Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked for riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see I have given you a wise and understanding heart so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days,'"

I know that's a lot of scripture, but the entire content was needed to get the point. First he asks for wisdom instead of all the other "me" centered things people ask for. It reminds me of all the shows where people are granted wishes. It seems like they always end up in trouble because they've asked for so many ultimately worthless things - money, fame, things that have no eternal value.

What Solomon asks for here has eternal value and pleases God greatly because in essence it is selfless. So because of this he ends up with many more blessings than he asked for!

It is a great lesson to see God's blessings when we make good decisions, selfless decisions, decisions that affect our life and others in a good way!

Heavenly Father please help me to seek you and your will and to ask for things that hold eternal value. I want to be more like you to live a whole and blameless life, to seek you in all I do and to have eternal impact on all those around me!

A Mom's Faith

2007-06-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

I am a Christian, a wife and a mother of 6 boys and this is a glimpse into my journey to a closer and deeper relationship with Christ. I created this blog to post all of my thoughts and devotionals as they pertain to my daily walk through the word and in prayer. Simplicity and balance are my goals in life and I strive for them in every area especially this one!

If you have found me here I pray that you are blessed and encouraged while you visit!

Proof

2007-05-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

Matthew 27:9 & 10 "Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 'And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of them who was prices, and gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me.'"

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The reason this stands out to me is that it is one more example of the long line of prophesies that so perfectly match up with Jesus' life!

How can they not believe Hi is who He says? I just don't get it - so much proof - I just don't get it!

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Heavenly Father, help me to always be open to your Truths in my life! Not to shut my heart to areas you are trying to teach me in. Thank you for your Word!

Peace

2007-05-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

"Stay with me, do not fear for he who seeks my life, seeks you rlife, but with me you shall be safe." 1 Sam 22:23

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about it's own things. Sufficient for the day is it's own trouble." Matthew 6:34

"In this manner therefore pray: Our Father in Heaven, hallowed by Your name. Your kingdim come your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For your is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever Amen." Matthew 6:9-13

* And then there was peace in her heart and relief in her mind! *

Is

2002-08-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

"But blessed is the man who trust in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him." Jeremiah 17:7

To trust in the Lord is not always easy. I often catch myself accidentally trying to fix all of the problems in life myself. Taking it all personally and ending up with a huge knot in my shomach.

To have confidence in Him, to know He'll take care of all the problems. This simple act would create so much more happiness in life! The icing on the cake . . . the One who does this Is blessed. Key word . . Is . . . not was, not will be but Is!

Father, once again forgive me for not trusting you enough to let you have the everyday problems that consume my joy. Thank you for taking care of me. I right now give you my fears and anxiousness and problems for today. Thank You!

Purpose

2002-08-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

"You did not choose me, I chose you." John 15:16

We have all been chosen for a specific purpose in Christ. Even I was chosen by Him. I still may not know why, but He does. Bottom line . . . daily ask and do His will and we'll end up where He wants us and fulfill His purpose for our life!

Father I think you for choosing me! Help me to do your will each and every day.

Emotions

2002-08-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

"Jesus wept." John 11:35

A verse that has been talked about a lot over the course of my life. The shortest verse in the Bible is it's claim to fame. But when was the last time you really looked at that verse and contemplated the amazing depth of those two words? Jesus loved Lazarus and was troubled and moved by all the weeping and mourning around Him so He wept too.

Jesus had emotion (I know . . . you're probably thinking "well of course"). He loved and He wept. We often think of him as a Teacher or our Savior - which is truly wonderful and amazing, but how often do we see His Humanness? It's nice to see the qualities we experience reflected back through Him.

Father, help me to see you as real. All too often you seem so distant even though it's my fault.

The Way of Sheep

2002-08-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

"The good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." John 10:11
"My sheep listen to my voice, I know them and they follow me." John 10:27

Jesus knew even then the path before Him and seemed to have no problem with it. He spends a lot of time in this chapter on this analogy. As the Shepherd He willingly will fulfill His job by protecting His flock even if it means laying down His life to save them. We as his sheep should know His voice because we spend so much time with our Shepherd. And because we know His voice we will follow Him in His path for our lives. He will protect us and keep us safe.

Help me to know your voice and follow you daily where you lead me. Thank you for laying down your life for me - a lowly sheep!

Go To God

2002-08-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

John 6:35 "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."

So simple, yet it seems to often be one of the last things to enter our minds. "He who comes to me . . . " a simple act of going to God, but the outcome is huge - never hungry, never thirtsty. One would assume he means physically as well as spiritually.

Heavenly Father, help me to believe and remember the promises you've given us. They are so simple and there are so many, yet I often wait until life feels out of control, or until I feel overwhelmed before I come to you. I believe in you, yet I often feel I'm not important enough for your simple promises. Help me to become a woman of faith and come to you with all that life involves.