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."

Intimacy with Jesus - In Other Words

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

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

Anxiety

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

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

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

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!