The Necessity Of S L O W

The Necessity Of S L O W Posted: 27 Nov 2010 09:10 PM PST Fast is not my forte. Whether it’s a run at the lake, making a financial decision or writing a post for my blog, I enjoy taking the slow and steady approach. Recently, I revisited some of the reasons doing life in the fast lane is a struggle for me. I was reminded of my struggle , as my oldest son and I visited one of the most amazing, fast paced cities in the world. As we boarded a plane bound for New York City, leaving our humble abode in the great state of Oklahoma where wheat fields and pastures abound, I had a feeling the next week would be a whirlwind. My feelings were accurate. Over the course of the next six days, we visited Times Square and Lady Liberty.  We rode the subway and toured Radio City Music Hall.  Broadway and 42nd Street were our home away from home each night as we were privileged to see up to six Broadway theatre productions. Not to mention the vast array of walking that would take us into every nook and cranny of this great city. I was left scratching my head. Regardless of the wonderful experience we were having, I found myself falling into bed each night after midnight,  feeling a little lost. Not so much lost in a physical sense, but in a  ‘not quite grounded, there is something missing’  kind of way.   The kind of lost that nags just a smidge, enough to keep me scratching my head and wondering. And then I realized. Sadly, by the last few days of our trip, I had a self-imposed day of rest in the quiet of our hotel room.  Looking back, I can see where my slow paced body needed a break from the fast pace we were keeping.  As I spent the entire day alone in the quiet of my room on the fifth floor of our hotel in Times Square, the lost feeling faded and I realized what I had been missing for the last week or so. Alone in that room, there was no subway noise; no maps to navigate. No shoulder to shoulder people waiting in line to see the same sight. That day in the quiet, there was no worry about walking at an almost runner’s pace in order to stay with the group. No horns blaring or taxi hailing folks standing on the crowded street corner. I was missing it all and taking in so much at the very same time. And I could hear Him. In the quiet of that room as the last days of our trip neared, I realized how almost impossible it is for me to hear God’s whispers if I am in constant motion. The fact that He is always nearby and will never leave me stands true, but for me, it is so difficult to sense His presence, see Him moving,  or get a grip on His hand if I spend my time running all day and collapsing into bed each night without quieting my heart and my mind on a regular basis. It is difficult for me to hear His voice if my busy life is shouting over it. Alas, I came home from the hustle and bustle with a handful of wonderful experiences under my belt, and a fresh reminder of the necessity of s l o w. And this is a reminder I needed, indeed. Are you like me and need to slow down just a smidge in order to hear His voice? Can you see the necessity of s l o w in your everyday life? By Nikkie, Another Turn Of The Page

Destressing the Holidays

 I reposted a blog I follow for those of you who put alot of stress on yourself during this time of year by doing too much. I have been so guilty of that in
the past. Some of you have heard me say my painful afflictions (Fibromyalgia,Osteoarthritis,Neuropathy,Carpal Tunnel,Migraines,Tmj,Ankolosing Spondolytis,Hiatal Hernia,Gerd) &
my disease(Hashimotos Thyroiditis)  is a blessing,some ask me how I can say that. One of the reasons I say that is because of these health issues, I have learned to step back and see what is really important especially at this time of year & have learned to not over do it. My family and friends don't care how big or elaborate our Thanksgiving dinner is or that it is all made from scratch, what they really want is quality time with me & for me to have a good day(painfree & well).
I am thankful for my Family,Church Family, Friends & my new blogging Buddies.
Praying you have a blessed,stress free  Joyful Thanksgiving. <3:D




Destressing the Holidays

Posted: 20 Nov 2010 10:00 PM PST

As the holidays arrive, stoves simmer, and families reunite, the
Most Wonderful Time of the Year resonates in our hearts.  Our desire is to welcome guests to our home with beautifully adorned decorations, deliciously homemade delights and ambiance that rivals “It’s a Wonderful Life’s” final scene. Yet that goal, if not kept into balance leads to…holiday stress.
During the holiday season, most people feel a lot of pressure to pull off the perfect holiday,” says Judy Illingworth, LCSW, St. Luke’s Hospital and Health Network. “We have an unrealistic, preconceived notion that’s impossible to bring to life because of all the extra work involved. There are so many additional demands on our time, and most families today are already very busy. Between all the extra parties, shopping, baking, cleaning, and entertaining, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and lose the real meaning of the holidays.”
According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, nearly 50%  of all women in the U.S. experience heightened stress during the holidays. About 60 percent report feeling nervous or sad, and just over half report symptoms of fatigue.
When I read those statistics, I feel the Lord whisper (well, it might be more of a yell) that I do not have to be Super “Martha.” My home, my hospitality, my love for gathering family and friends together is a “Good Thing,” even if it doesn’t grace December’s issue of House Beautiful.
So how do we avoid being part of that statistic during this holiday season?
1. Say “No” to unrealistic expectations, engagements and entertaining that causes unnecessary stress.
I am not saying avoid hospitality, or extending generosity. We love to open our home during the holidays, but I have found a balance between unrealistic expectations that I put on myself, and realizing  people just want to spend quality time together in a loving, accepting environment. Three years ago, our family strategically starting clearing out unnecessary things from our schedule during the month of December. We were missing out on just “being” because we were so busy going, doing, going, doing. Doing “good things”, I might add, but things that distracted us from the beauty, simplicity and wonder that surrounded the holidays. I realized it was impossible for me to please everyone, but I was responsible for how I helped engage my family in pointing them to our Savior. Now, we spend a lot of cozy times during December with special traditions and heritage building choices that are solidifying a strong generational legacy. Extend hospitality? Yes. Stressful Entertaining? No.
2. Say “Yes” to a Budget.
Shockingly enough, 90% of people buy things they can NOT afford. Simply put, nine out of ten of you reading this post will make purchases over the next six weeks that you should NOT buy. How does that Green Eyed Monster creep in just when I feel I’ve squashed him. This is where that comparison trap gets us every time. When I am frenzied those last few shopping days and feel the need to put more and more under the tree, I stop and ask myself, “From where is this feeling coming? When have I ever felt “stuff” mattered more than relationships?”  When the New Year’s Ball drops, and  2011 rings through with your finances in tact, you will be so thankful that you remembered what really matters. By January 10, most people, especially children, can’t reiterate 1/2  of the presents they received, but they will remember those special traditions that occurred with family and friends.
3. Engage the Senses
Within our loving, fun, chaotic home, I am passionate about engaging the senses. Stimulated senses enable us to experience life. Our senses soothe us, comfort us, welcome us, alert us, nourish us, encourage us…and so much more.  When we stimulate the senses of those around us, it communicates love. Last year, I wrote a post about “Creating ambiance during meal time” I shared how every day, I light candles. Yes, you read that right. Don’t save them just for company. Your family is your most prized guests. Turning on the music, simmering hot cider, and lighting some candle are all simple and inexpensive ways to set a calming tone after a busy day just by engaging the senses.
I’m just getting warmed up sharing the ways I make my holidays less stressful, but suddenly,  I’m stressed just thinking how long this post will be if I continue. I’ll check in during December and see how we are doing when we’re full fledged in the middle of the season.
For now remember, as we prepare, plan and ponder the beauty of these next few weeks, let us not lose sight of the reason we gather:  to celebrate, reflect, and pour out gratitude for the blessings found through our Savior.
P.S. One of the things I am grateful for is Dayspring. Make sure you check back here as Dayspring will have lots of goodies on sale for their  “Pink Friday” event.

Handling Harsh Critics

 

These two post from a blogger I follow really spoke to my heart & encouraged me today so I am passing them on to all of my readers to encourage you.<3

 

 

Handling Harsh Critics Part 1

Ya’ll are hands down the most kind, tender, loving and encouraging blog readers a girl could ever have. I mean that. I read and appreciate every comment you take the time to write. You make me laugh, smile, reflect, and press on.
I look forward to getting up every morning to read, study, and write my blog. These are some of my most favorite moments of the day.
But every now and then a little squirrely email sneaks its way into my inbox. (Not from you… squirrely email people don’t read my blog.)
And y’all, my flesh just wants to rise up and tell said squirrel to get a life. I mean really.
Of course, that’s not what I say. But, in those few seconds (minutes) while I’m waiting for the Holy Spirit to reign me in, that’s exactly what I think.
I hope you never have to deal with harsh critics. I really do. Unfortunately, some people get high from trying to drag other people low. I’m not sure why this is.
Isn’t there enough yuck going around in this world where we sisters in Christ can just decide not to add to it?
I think so.
Truly we have a choice everyday with the words we give to other people. We can use our words to breathe life into another person or we can use our words to suck the life right out them.
There is a place to say the hard things sometimes, but we don’t have to be harsh. Even those times can be life-giving if we handle it correctly. We’ll talk about that tomorrow.
For today, I thought it might be helpful for you to see how I stop the cycle of negativity when someone sends me a harsh criticism.
1. Remember, the part from above where I told you about letting the Holy Spirit reign me in. Yes. That pause is absolutely necessary. Heaven help me if I let my first reaction be what spews out. Spewing causes conflict escalation rather than conflict dissipation. Proverbs 15:1 is a good verse to remember, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
2. I try to give a harsh sister the benefit of the doubt. Surely, somewhere tangled within her words, there really is some sort of good intention. So, if I respond, I will usually start my reply by saying:
Dear _____________, Thank you so much for caring enough about me and my ministry to share your thoughts….
Now, sometimes I will choose not to respond. I trust the Holy Spirit to reveal to me when I should and should not take the time to address a critic. Sometimes, people will just be mean because they are in the mood to be mean- and nothing I could ever say will make things better.
3. Just because someone has gotten their feelings all wadded up, doesn’t mean they are right. However, I challenge myself to see things from her vantage point. Is there any call to action I can see in this? How can I make her criticism work for me and not against me? It’s amazing how the Lord graciously allows me to see a different side of things when I have this perspective.
I will address the issue at hand from my vantage point while acknowledging any call to action that might be there. For example:
“It would never be my intention to ______________. Thank you for helping me see that in the future I might consider__________.”
Sometimes I will further explain myself and help them see things from my vantage point, and sometimes I won’t. Again, I trust the Holy Spirit to lead me in this.
4. In the end, giving a gracious response usually negates whatever issue someone has with me. I can’t tell you the number of times the harshest of critics have wound up apologizing to me after getting a gentle reply. But no matter the outcome, if I am gentle and respectful, I can always go to bed with a clear conscience. A great verse to remember is 1 Peter 3:15-17:
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
And all my Jesus girlfriends said, “Amen!”

Verses I need to linger on often Part 2

Welcome to the P31 devotion readers.  I’m so glad you’ve clicked over for a visit today.  The verses for moms I promised are below.
We’ve been having great discussions this week on ‘handling harsh critics’ and ‘saying the hard things.’  Thanks for taking time to weigh in with your thoughts and ask more questions.  I’m banking your questions and will address more of them in a couple of weeks.  Stay tuned.
Yesterday, I emailed Holly after having to abruptly hang up our phone call.  I had to address one of “those” attitudes with one of my kids. Actually, I had been addressing the tudes all afternoon.  I wanted to remain calm and consistent.  But it’s tough sometimes.
My email was quick and honest:  “Sorry for hanging up so quickly.  My kids are STRESSING ME OUT.” 
Lovely.
It would have been a good moment for one of those Hallmark commercials to come on.  You know the ones that make you feel all nostalgic and warm and nice?  But that good feeling would dissipate quickly.
True perspective. I needed that.
And I knew only God could breathe a little unbuttoned grace into my ever tightening frustration.  Gently, tenderly, without accusation, God’s truth reaches the places inside me worn raw.
“… he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation- if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel,” Colossians 1:22-23.
These are soothing words…  Reconciled me.  Present me holy.  Without blemish.  Free from accusation. Continue in my faith.  Established.  Firm.  Not moved from the hope. 
Breaking the Scripture apart this way causes my eyes to stop, my heart to ponder, and my soul to linger in truth just a little longer.  And it’s so good.  Why not try it for yourself…

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward,” Colossians 3:23-24.
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near,” Philippians 4:5.
“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,” 1 Corinthians 2:4.
“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,” Colossians 2:2.
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you,” Isaiah 26:3.
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him,” Lamentations 3:25.
Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
“She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs at the days to come,” Proverbs 31:25.

Yes, I needed these truths!  And I also needed the reply e-mail I got back from Holly…
“No problem.  Been there. Done that.  Have the wrinkles to prove it.”
I love truth.  I love friends with wrinkles.
In my book, “Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl”  there are several chapters that encourage weary souls including one called “How Jesus Helps me Get My Groove Back.”  If you’ve read this book, let me know how it helped you.  And if you haven’t read it yet, be sure to leave a comment letting me know with which friend you’d like to read it.
Click on the words comments below and follow the prompts.  You’ll be entered to win a friendship pack which includes 2 copies of “Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl.” 

 

Chaos Is My Calling

Today I am posting three blogs from bloggers I follow that blessed, encouraged,ministered and spoke to my heart this morning. The first two blogs go out to all my friends and family who have children. Those of you who have more than one child, I just want to say you are my heroes and I posted these blogs especially for you. My prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged today. <3

Chaos Is My Calling

It really is.
For example, when it’s the Holiday Season. Because that means extra shopping trips with my whole crew. And when I say shopping, I mean throwing things in the cart at random while trying to tame my many small children.

With small children, and in our case, 5 under 6, my #1 goal in any store, is to just survive. I’ve got 1 hanging on the end of the cart, 1 crying, 1 strapped to me in a carrier asleep, and 2 fighting over a Veggie Tales DVD that we already have at home. I can’t make this stuff up. I’m checking my list, and I’m begging them to behave. After all, we are in public.
As I’m scanning down my list, I’m asking myself, “what can we do without?” My shopping partners have had enough, and they are making it known. It’s time to make an exit. I’m asking God for patience, or a magic button to press that will send grandma to the rescue. You’ve been there right??
I announce that we are leaving, and to my surprise, they are equally as upset about leaving as they are about being there in the first place. Strange, aren’t they? I tried to appease them by opening an unpurchased bag of goldfish, but they weren’t interested. I had no more tricks up my sleeve, so we are check out bound.
I quickly unloaded our items and tried to talk the girls into not touching everything on the check out display shelves. I loaded my bags in the cart, apologized to the check out lady for the chaos that is our life, and started to usher the girls towards the door.
On our way out we passed a mirror, a two way mirror. You know the ones that look like a mirror, but it’s actually a window for the office on the other side? Well the girls had to stop and check it out – they get such a kick out of making funny faces. I tried to explain, “girls, there are people on the other side who can see you acting silly. They are watching you giggle and make those faces.”
But they didn’t care. They’re never afraid of what other people think. A trait that I admire, and need.
As I stood there and watched them laugh, I felt so blessed. The innocence of a child is so refreshing. All of the sudden I felt bad for apologizing for my kids. After all, they were just being kids. They are a blessing, and a true picture of God’s Grace in my life. At that moment I couldn’t even remember what was frustrating about our shopping trip, or who was fighting over what, or what display was now face down in aisle 9. All I could think was, “I love these little ladies, and I am so thankful that the Lord picked me to be their mama. I’ll take the chaos over anything, any day.”
It’s easy for us mom’s to get stressed out when things get a little crazy. But you know what I keep reminding myself? God made me their mother, I’m doing the best I can, and He will equip me with as much patience & love as I need. That is more than I could ever ask for, actually.
So here’s hoping that you find love, patience, and joy in Him today, at a time when utensils are flying across the table, and you have applesauce in your hair – not that that ever happens to me.
Ahem.
He’s there for you when you need to vent, mama.
by Kate, Savvy Little Women

Where Lions Won’t Bite

Where Lions Won’t Bite
Posted: 14 Nov 2010 09:00 PM PST
My sweet daughter was just four-years-old when she first inquired about death.

“Mommy, I’m scared of Heaven. I don’t want to be dead and live anywhere without you and Daddy. ”
Quietly exhaling, I sat still with her on my lap. I wasn’t sure where to start, so I kissed her worried, wrinkled, forehead and said, “Oh Darling, Heaven is the most wonderful place.”
We had discussed Heaven and death a few times already that week after we discovered Sprinkles, her beloved Beta fish floating lifelessly in his little tank. However, each question I answered seemed to have left her more unsettled. Four-year-olds want answers that mesh with their immediate realities. My daughter could not clearly fathom the time differences between “next month” and “next year.” She could not imagine life without her family. She only knew what it was like to be a toddler and that was her yardstick for measuring the future.
“But what kind of skin will I have when I get there?”Oh boy, she goes straight for the unknowns, I thought. Why couldn’t she ask me about the streets?
“Well, I am not sure. God will give you a new and wonderful body.”
Her frown deepened.
“I don’t want a new body. I want to keep this body that God already made me in. I love it. It is so beautiful.”
Smiling at her precious innocence and admiration for God’s artistry, I kissed her again, and as I did, I noticed a bandage on her foot.
“Well, your new body will be even more beautiful and it won’t get any boo boos on it ever.
The corner of her mouth rose slightly.
“That is a very good thing. But I’m still not sure I want to go there. Will you go with me?”
“No one knows when they are going to go to Heaven, but I promise you that I will be there someday.”
“I just really like living here in this beautiful world,” she continued.
“We do live in a beautiful world. God made it so. But people made it messy in some ways, by doing some ugly things. Heaven, will be perfect. There won’t be any mean people in Heaven. No monsters. No scary spiders or snakes. In fact, when you get to Heaven, I bet Jesus will let you pet a real lion. And the lion won’t even bite you because only gentle, friendly lions live in Heaven.”
The face of my animal-loving girl gleamed.
“Wow! That will be really wonderful. Can I run with the Cheetah’s too? Cheetah’s are my favorite”
“I think you will. And if so, can I run with you?”
“Yes, Mommy!”
“Do you know what else is great about Heaven? You’ll be able to meet people that lived on Earth before you were born, like my MemMem, and Jesus’ mommy.”
Suddenly, my marathon talker was silent, her smile radiant.
“And do you want to know the very best part about Heaven? It’s that you get to hug Jesus.”
“Ohhhh, mommy. That is going to be so wonderful!”
Then her smile wavered. I bit my lip and thought, I cannot possibly top hugging Jesus. What on earth is bothering her now?
“I don’t have to die and go to Heaven now….right Mommy? It will be a long time when I go to be with Jesus right?”
“I think so sweetie.” Oh Lord, let it be so, please let it be so. “But whenever you get there, I promise you that you will not feel sad for one second. You will be very safe. All you will feel is love.”
I hugged her tight and traced my index finger around her tiny freckle, and I kissed her again. And then I felt a tender sensation in my soul. I cannot imagine Heaven being more beautiful than a moment like the one I just described between my daughter and I. But it will be. Wow. One day, my daughter and I will pet a lion, right after we give Jesus a big bear hug.
Isaiah 11:6-9 The Message
The wolf will romp with the lamb, the leopard sleep with the kid. Calf and lion will eat from the same trough, and a little child will tend them. Cow and bear will graze the same pasture, their calves and cubs grow up together, and the lion eat straw like the ox. The nursing child will crawl over rattlesnake dens, the toddler stick his hand down the hole of a serpent. Neither animal nor human will hurt or kill on my holy mountain. The whole earth will be brimming with knowing God-Alive, a living knowledge of God ocean-deep, ocean-wide.
By Angela, Becoming Me

Tender Mercy

This one goes out to all my family and friends who are going through or have gone through this with a beloved friend or family member. I  have had several friends and family members struggle with cancer, some are still here battling and some are in Heaven. I have had about 6 to 7 friends within the last year pass away one right after the other and this blog really ministered to my heart today so I wanted to pass it on to minister to others today. Praying it brings you comfort and peace in your unanswered questions and grief. <3


Tender Mercy :http://lysaterkeurst.com/

My friend is dying. And I am really disillusioned by this reality. Of course I am praying for a miracle, we all are. But unless that miracle comes quickly, the cancer has spread too far, too deep, too much.
This young mom, precious friend, graceful woman is a beautiful part of so many people’s world. And just three weeks ago, she had no reason to give cancer much of a thought. Now it looms in the back of every thought. I hate that.
Why her?
Why now?
Why cancer?
It’s times like these I open up my Scriptures with a different kind of tenacity. I don’t just want some truth. I need some truth. I need some truth to march into my sagging heart and my off kilter mind and boss me around- reign me in- pull me close.
I need to feel God is still good. God is still just. God is still here.
I know it. I teach it. I believe it. But today I need to feel it. I need to literally feel Him come close and fiercely wrap His most tender mercy around this situation. Around my friend. Around her grieving family. Around all the doubts this is causing in our friends who are mad at God.
And then I remembered something I just read one week ago.
Do you remember when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit and were banished from the Garden of Eden? Whenever I’ve read that story, I thought they had to leave paradise because God was punishing them. God was disappointed in them. God was giving them what they deserved.
But I was wrong.
There were two special trees in the Garden of Eden. One was the ‘tree of the knowledge of good and evil.’ This was the one with the forbidden fruit. The other was the ‘tree of life.’ This was the one that gave Adam and Eve perpetual life- no diseases- no death- no sagging body parts. (Okay I’m not sure about that last benefit but I’m banking on this reality in heaven.)
Anyhow.
When they ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, sin entered in. Sin corrupted everything. And at that point, it was God’s absolute love and most tender mercy that ushered Adam and Eve out of the Garden. Not His anger or retaliation.
They had to leave. For if they’d been allowed to stay, they would have kept eating from the tree of life and lived forever…. wallowing in sin. Wallowing in all the brokenness sin brings with it. Disease. Fear. Heartbreak. Separation from God. And God couldn’t stand that for the people He loved.
So, it was His love that made them leave. And allowed them to die. So that they could experience the resurrected life His son would one day provide. Brokenness to redemption.
I’m still sad about my friend. And rightfully so. But something about this story… this truth… this new revelation of the unfathomable depth of God’s love settles me. Breathes hope into my dread. And trust into my doubts. And once again, gives me a soft place to land.

EVEN THOUGH

This really encouraged me today. Praying it blesses your day too.

Even Though by Roy Lessin Posted: 10 Nov 2010 12:07 PM PST Trust His ways, even though they may not be your ways. Take His hand, even though it means letting go of what you are hanging onto. Depend upon His strength, even though you are aware of your weakness. Please His heart, even though it means not having the approval of others. Wait for His time, even though you desire to do it now. Obey His Word, even though you hear different opinions.  Follow His path, even though it takes you through valleys and hills. Seek His wisdom, even though you don’t understand everything He’s doing. Give Him praise, even though you wish things were different. Be at rest, even though you’re tempted to worry and fear.

Women of Winter

by Max Lucado

I

THE MOURNERS DIDN’T CAUSE HIM TO STOP. Nor did the large crowd, or even the body of the dead man on the stretcher. It was the woman—the look on her face and the redness in her eyes. He knew immediately what was happening. It was her son who was being carried out, her only son. And if anyone knows the pain that comes from losing your only son, God does…. (Luke 7:11-17)

II

His plan was to catch a few winks while the boys went to town for food. And what better place to rest than a well at noon. No one comes for water at this hour. So he sat down, stretched his arms, and leaned against the wall of the well. But his nap was soon interrupted. He opened one eye just wide enough to see her trudging up the trail with a heavy jar on her shoulder. Behind her came half a dozen kids, each one looking like a different daddy… (John 4:1-42)

III

By the time she got to Jesus, she had nothing left. The doctors had taken her last dime. The diagnosis had stolen her last hope. And the hemorrhage had robbed her of her last drop of energy. She had no more money, no more friends, and no more options. With the end of her rope in one hand and a wing and a prayer in her heart, she shoved her way through the crowd….Luke 8:43-47)
Three women. One bereaved. One rejected. One dying. All alone.
Alone in the winter of life.
Though we don’t know what they looked like, it would be fair to assume they had passed the peak of their desirability. The only heads that turned as they walked down the street were heads shaking with pity. One of the three was widowed and childless; another had lost her innocence six bedrooms back; and the third was broke, desperate, and dying.
Had Jesus ignored them, who would have noticed? In a culture where women were only a grade or two above farm animals no one would’ve thought any less had he walked silently past the funeral or closed his eyes and leaned back against the well or ignored the tug on his robe. After all, they were only women!
Worn,
wrinkled,
weary women.
Winter women.
Let them alone, Jesus, one could reason. Find someone with a bit of springtime about them.
By the world’s standards these three could give nothing in return. They’d served their purpose: borne their children, fed their families, pleased their men. Now it was time to push them out into the cold until they died, making room for the young and spotless.
That’s where Jesus found them. Shivering in the icy sleet of uselessness.
The raw winter of life.
Sound familiar? Sure it does. We have our own people of winter. People who for the lack of good looks or sufficient earning power wander around like porcupines at a picnic, unwanted and unapproachable.
Hard to believe?
Visit a high school sometime and look for the teenagers already feeling the chilly winds of rejection.
Or try Miami Beach. I don’t mean the north beach where tourists pay $150 a day to get sunburned. I mean the south beach, a city deliberately built for the exhausted. Watch them shuffle aged feet down the sidewalk. They have come to their burial ground. They fill their nights with dreams of the granddaughter who might come next Christmas. And though the Gold Coast is warm, in their souls blow the winds of winter.
Or consider the unborn. Every twenty seconds one is taken from the warmth of the womb and cast into the cold lake of selfishness..
The paragraphs could go on and on. Paragraphs about quadriplegics, AIDS victims, or the terminally ill. Single parents. Alcoholics. Divorcées. The blind. All are social outcasts. Lepers, mutations. All, to one degree or another, shunned by the “normal world.”
Society doesn’t know what to do with them. And, sadly, even the Church doesn’t know what to do with them. They often would find a warmer reception at the corner bar than in a Sunday school class.
But Jesus would find a place for them. He would find a place for them because he cares. And he cares unconditionally.
No, no one would have blamed Jesus for ignoring the three women. To have turned his head would have been much easier, less controversial, and not nearly as risky. But God, who made them, couldn’t do that. And we, who follow him, can’t either.

From the newly released
God Came Near: Deluxe Edition
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1987) Max Lucado

Fable of the porcupine

My Aunt e-mailed me this story. It really spoke to my heart, so I am sharing it with all my readers. Have a blessed day. <3

 Fable of the porcupine

 
It was the coldest winter ever and many animals died because of the cold. Some porcupines, realizing the gravity of the situation, decided to group together to share warmth.
This way they were better covered and protected; however - the quills of each one wounded their closest companions.
After a while they decided to distance themselves one from the other and soon after they began to die, alone and frozen.
So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth.
Wisely, they decided to go back to being together.
They learned to accept the little wounds that were caused by these close relationships, in order to benefit from what their companions offered.
It was this way that they were able to survive and thrive.
Moral of the story:

The best relationships are not ones that bring together perfect beings, but are instead ones where individuals learn to live with the imperfections of others and can still accept the gifts they have to offer.

Restless

My blog post today is from another blogger(Heather) that  I follow. Heather really encourages my heart, so I wanted to pass this on to encourage all of my readers,friends & family. Praying you are having a blessed day today.<3

Restless

Posted: 08 Nov 2010 09:00 PM PST

It seems that my life is one big “what are you trying to teach me, Lord”. I have fallen on my face so many times that my knees automatically go to that position. I have screamed until I have nothing more to say. I have asked so many questions and cried so many tears… yet I still don’t have all the answers.
I often think on Psalms 13:1 in my darkest times. “How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?”
But then my spirit pushes me to verses 5 & 6 in that chapter: “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.”
I become restless with the lack of answers, the lack of my desires, the lack of control. I look all around and see people with normal lives, normal families…and I long for that normalcy.
Yet I fail to look at the beautiful wonderful gift that is my life. I fail to see all of the joyous moments that no other family will have because they are not my family, they do not have our “issues” and they are not living our lives. I am taken aback because in my fear and trepidation, I fail to see the bigger picture. The picture that the Lord has painstakingly painted for my life.
I want to be restless for Him. I want to know Him, really deeply know Him. I want to praise Him with a song that is so beautiful to His ears. I want Him to speak, whisper in my very darkness. I want Him to be the keeper of my heart.
I want to rest in Him.
I know that there are those of you out there who feel the same way I do. You are tired, you are broken, you are bruised. You are hiding behind the mask of perfection.
That mask that is supposed to protect you….. it is destroying you.
Take it off and truly rest in Him. I will be the first to tell you that I, in no way, have it all together, in fact I have a lot of unanswered questions about this life. But Strong faith is not built on perfection. It is built on the trials that we face and the questions that we ask. It is formed in the way we choose to face those trials. Those questions draw us into a deeper relationship with our Father.
Circumstances in our lives can make or break our relationship with Christ. There have been many times that I have wanted to throw in the towel and truly give up on it all.. But that gentle voice that is my Saviors calls me back, takes my hand, and leads me on.
He can do that for you too.
In fact, He longs to do that for you.
Won’t you let Him?
By Heather, Especially Heather

ENCOURAGING WORDS

Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. (Psalms 139:10)

 

 

 

Never are God's children so far removed upon the earth that they might fall outside the protective grasp of their Lord. He is to everlasting, filling all the heavens with His majesty! Fear no bitter darkness nor lasting night for ever shall the Lord of heaven redeem you who believe unto the everlasting morning and bathe you in light imperishable!

Kerrie Roberts- No Matter What **With Lyrics**

Love

I wanted to pass this on to my readers. I found it very encouraging, it is a inspirational reading from my bible  written by Peter Marshall. Hope you are blessed & encouraged by it. I have several bibles but I really like this one it is called The Answer & it is written in the New Century Version. I like it because it is really easy to understood & I love the  selected insprirational writings by by some leading inspirational authors. I also love the scripture references with each writing.
This bible is very precious and special to me as it  was given to me in 1995 by a ex-co-worker & Sister-in-Christ who worked under my supervision 21 years ago. She was not saved back then & neither was I. Years later in 1995  our paths crossed again, she worked at our bank. I didn't recognize her as she looked like a total different person, but she always remembered how kind I was kind to her when I was her supervisor. She was in a very bad place in her life when we worked together. To make a very long story short when our paths crossed again after so many years I became very ill & she showed up on my doorstop with a gift. She dropped it off told me she was praying for me & left. That gift was my bible. It is very special to me as it is the gift that keeps on giving. She did a bold thing and because of her today I walk with Jesus. I love you Michelle & am so thankful you were bold enough to bring me that Bible.

LOVE:

It is a wonderful idea, once it gets a hold of you, that God loves you,

whoever you are... for yourself.

YOU ARE PRECIOUS TO HIM!

He loves you.

     He wants you to be happy

     He wants to give you good things.

It is His will for you that life should be full,

        abundant...

    and rich.

He expects us to believe that he holds us in the hallow of His

hand,

   and that we are safe for all eternity.

This does not mean that no trouble shall come to us---

      or that that we will never get sick----

           or that no sorrow shall ever touch us.

On the contrary, we are told very bluntly by Jesus Himself that

in this world we shall have trouble.

But then He says:

       "Cheer up! I have overcome the world.

          My grace is sufficient for you.

          I am with you always, even unto the end of the world"

          (Matthew 28:20).

In the words of Paul:

     "We know that in everything God works for the good of

those who love him..." (Romans 8:28 NCV).

God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He

has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the

difficulty.

Related Bible Scriptures: 
John 3:16 : "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 5:8:  "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us".

1Coritnhians: "However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

1Thessalonians 3:12: "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you".

When you want life to the full...

This was very encouraging to me so I just had to pass it on.

When you want life to the full... Posted: 03 Nov 2010 10:00 PM PDT For years I lived full. Full schedule. Full plate. Full speed ahead. I found myself weary, wondering, "Is this really how it's supposed to be?" And then it seemed God asked me to learn to live differently. To focus on love. To make time to listen to His voice. To embrace what He's called me to do and let all else drop away. "Isn't that what I've already been doing?" I asked. "Don't you want me to be busy, to push myself to the limit?" It seemed the heart of heaven smiled and these grace-words drifted into my day. "Daughter, I did not come to give you a full life. I came to give you life to the full." "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 Do you ever struggle with being too busy? How do you focus more on what matters most? Leave a comment before midnight on Sunday sharing with us and you'll be entered to win the Life to the Full pitcher by DaySpring shown above. It's one of my favorites and has John 10:10 on it. Would you like to leave a comment or Subscribe by Email?  written with love for you by holley gerth

Mark Schultz - Love Has come

PRAY THIS

I came across this encouraging prayer today and wanted to pass it on to all of you. Praying it encourages your heart today.


Prayer for Guidance

Heavenly Father, You have promised to guide me, instruct me, and direct my steps. I need to hear Your voice, know Your will, sense Your guidance. I acknowledge You as the One who is wholly and uniquely able and qualified to lead and direct my life. I thank You that You have not asked me to try and figure everything out, to trust in my own reasoning, or to rely upon my understanding of what is best for me.
Father, I receive Your wisdom, knowing that every decision You make is the right decision and the one that is always the best that can be made. You do all things well! I trust in Your timing to bring into my life the right things at the right time, and to keep from me anything I am not ready to receive, no matter how good it may appear.
I believe that as You guide me I will find strength in Your grace, power in Your Spirit, assurance in Your Word, contentment in Your provision, fulfillment in Your purpose. I ask that You will open every door that needs to be opened and close every door that needs to be closed. Lead me and bring me into Your desired place. I want to walk each day with Your peace in my heart. Thank You, Father, that no matter what, I can put my complete trust in You.
Scriptures: Psalm 23:1, Psalm 25:5, Psalm 32:8, Psalm 51:6, Psalm 119:133, Proverbs 3:5-6, Ecclesiastics 3:11, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Acts 1:8, 1 Timothy 6:6, Colossians 3:15, 4:3, Revelation 3:8

By Roy Lessin:
http://roy.dayspring.com/

Things No One Tells A Step-Parent

I am not only a biological Mother but a Stepmother too, so I wanted to pass on this Stepmothers post today to encourage friends and family who are stepparents too. Hope it encourages and blesses you.





 Things No One Tells A Step-Parent

I’ve been married for one months, twenty six days, and nine hours to my husband… and his two kids.
Oh yes, not only did I win a great looking man with blue eyes and a heart of Jesus, I won a six year-old son and four year-old daughter whom live with us 50% of our life. Contrary to criticism from many people about the horrors of step-children, I haven’t been kicked, screamed at, or called Cruella DeVil yet, so I think I’m doing fairly well.
However, no matter how great things are for our newly blended family, there were certain things no one warned me about prior to instant-parenthood. I know I’m not alone considering the landscape of American families are quilted with step-parents, half-siblings, and blended marriages, so I made a short list of things people don’t tell new step-parents.  So gasp, laugh, and be encouraged!
1. You’re selfish. No matter how much money you give to Jon Acuff’s world-change projects or your local homeless man, you’re selfish. You think you’re benevolent, but when forced to share the coveted primetime television slots with a doting four year-old, you realize your reality television shows are no longer cued for your pleasure. My Little Pony and Veggie Tales will always trump your TiVo trash.
2. You’re never too old to learn. It’s taken two children to teach me the most important times of the day are hello hugs, goodbye kisses, and prayers before bedtime.
3. You’re probably taking yourself too seriously. When was the last time you danced in grocery market or jumped in a puddle of rain? It takes 7 major muscle groups to display a worried or angry face, but only 3 to smile. My logic is that I’d rather smile to avoid premature wrinkles and dance in the grocery market to burn additional calories. Yes, I learned this from my six year old step-son.
4. You’re an example of Christ in their life. There’s no denying this. Theology may be hard for children to understand, but when you legally or emotionally adopt a child into your life when you don’t have to, it’s a physical example of Christ loving us and giving Himself for us.
5. You’re capable of more. No matter how much life changes as you become an instant step-parent, there’s always room for more change, growth, and love. Always. No matter how trite your role as pseudo parent can be, there’s room for displaying an agape love, an unconditional love, a Christ-like love for His creations given into your care.
I may not be a mother, but I’m mothering to the best of my ability. Since I’m new to parenting feel free to jump on in and add what you know!
By Bianca, In the Name of Love

Voting for Righteousness - Christian foundations - Christianity.com

Voting for Righteousness - Christian foundations - Christianity.com: "Voting for Righteousness
Kay Arthur
Precepts for Life"


". . .I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." 1 Timothy 2:1-2 

How important is it that a Christian takes advantage of the privilege given him or her to vote? Or, as children of God, are we not to concern ourselves with politics? Wouldn't you think that if God urges us to pray for those in authority and if we have the opportunity and privilege of electing our leaders that He would expect us to exercise our governmental rights? Wouldn't it be our God-given responsibility as God-fearing people to uphold the biblical tenets upon which this nation was founded?

These are very turbulent days--and personally, I believe we are where we are because the Church has been apathetic about the Word of God and righteousness. Although we are meant to impact our society as salt and light first and foremost in our lives, have we instead infected our nation by giving it a distorted image of what it means to be a child of a holy God?
Righteousness exalts a nation; sin is a reproach to any people. We are a nation under great reproach and consequently we are living in turbulent times. If we don't cast our vote for righteousness in our own lives first and then in our nation, I fear what will happen to us.
Let me take you back in history for just a moment to another turbulent time so that we might see what part God plays in politics.
It was an unbearably hot day in the summer of 1787; just eleven years after America had declared her independence. Delegates from our thirteen states had gathered to create a historic document to unite them under one government. Sweat soaked their clothes so badly...they had to change their shirts twice a day! And their tempers, as torrid as the day, were flaring.
Men who were formerly side-by-side in their battle against England were now at war against each other! These states were anything but "united," and they weren't ready to be under any authority but their own. i
A personal letter from James Warren to a friend in England described America's condition at the time: "'Money is the only object attended to, and the only acquisition that commands respect. Patriotism is ridiculed; integrity and ability are of little consequence. . . .We are now in a state of anarchy and confusion bordering on civil war.'" ii (Does this sound troublingly familiar?)
At this historic meeting, Benjamin Franklin decided to give the document they were creating one last shot. He addressed George Washington and the assembly:
"'How has it happened, sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understanding? In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor. . . .And have we now forgotten this powerful friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?'"
There was dead silence in the room...but he was not finished, and now he turned again to Washington. "'I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: "that God governs in the affairs of man." And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?'" iii
O Beloved, in a day of "political correctness" when so many Christians are apathetic about taking a stand for righteousness, you and I need to be reminded of how God governs the affairs of men...how He cares about the state of our nation and longs for us to turn and return to Him, acknowledging His sovereignty.
We desperately need His merciful assistance in America today as never before. Yet we have to remember that God does not work apart from man, but through man. Before God took His people into captivity under Babylon (present-day Iraq) because of their sin, He sought for a man to stand in the gap and He found none (Ezekiel 22:30--but read the whole chapter)!
The turmoil in our country over moral issues and political rivalry commands our involvement. There must be a searching of our hearts, a genuine mourning for our sin. We must be fervent in prayer and strong and courageous in our stand. We must be willing to stand up and dare to call America to turn back to Him! And one of the ways we will do that is through the people we vote for.
We must vote, and we must vote for those who have the greater fear of God and desire to uphold His absolutes. No candidate is perfect; nor do they do everything we want them to do. But we must align ourselves with the ones who have the greatest fear of God and His Word. It is not a matter of allegiance to a party; rather it is allegiance to God. God rebuked Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, with these words when he aligned himself with ungodly Ahab, king of Israel, to whom he was aligned by marriage, "'Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord and so bring wrath on yourself from the Lord?'" (2 Chronicles 19:2)
We can make a difference, Beloved! The polls are a God-ordained opportunity to make a difference. And if godless leaders are voted in, in spite of our votes and prayers, then we will know we did what we could, and trust God to see and honor our obedience.
At Precept Ministries International, we're so concerned about the state of our nation that we've committed to pray every Thursday at noon for our country. We invite you to join us.
May the Lord bless you, Beloved, and may He continue to bless and preserve our great nation!

Kay Arthurwww.PreceptsForLife.com

Take Your Job and Love It

 

 

 

Take Your Job and Love It

by Max Lucado

My heart took delight in all my work. Ecclesiastes 2:10 NIV

Contrast two workers.
The first one slices the air with his hand, making points, instructing the crowd. He is a teacher and, from the look of things, a compelling one. He stands on a beach, rendering the slanted seashore an amphitheater. As he talks, his audience increases; as the audience grows, his platform shrinks. The instructor steps back and back until the next step will take him into the water. That’s when he spots another worker.
A fisherman. Not animated, but frustrated. He spent all night fishing, but caught nothing. All night! Double-digit hours worth of casting, splashing, and pulling the net. But he caught nothing. Unlike the teacher, the fisherman has nothing to show for his work. He draws no crowds; he doesn’t even draw fish. Just nets.
Two workers. One pumped up. One worn-out. The first, fruitful. The second, futile. To which do you relate?
If you empathize with the fisherman, you walk a crowded path. Before you change professions, try this: change your attitude toward your profession.
Jesus’ word for frustrated workers can be found in the fifth chapter of Luke’s gospel, where we encounter the teacher and the frustrated fisherman. You’ve likely guessed their names—Jesus and Peter. Peter, Andrew, James, and John made their living catching and selling fish. Like other fishermen, they worked the night shift, when cool water brought the game to the surface. And, like other fishermen, they knew the drudgery of a fishless night.
While Jesus preaches, they clean nets. And as the crowd grows, Christ has an idea.
He noticed two boats tied up. The fishermen had just left them and were out scrubbing their nets. He climbed into the boat that was [Peter’s] and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Sitting there, using the boat for a pulpit, he taught the crowd. (vv. 2–3 MSG)
Jesus claims Peter’s boat. He doesn’t request the use of it. Christ doesn’t fill out an application or ask permission; he simply boards the boat and begins to preach.
He can do that, you know. All boats belong to Christ. Your boat is where you spend your day, make your living, and to a large degree live your life.
Your boat is God’s pulpit.
I have a friend who understands this. By job description she teaches at a public elementary school. By God’s description she pastors a class of precious children. Read the e-mail she sent her friends:
I’m asking for your prayers for my students. I know everyone is busy, but…
On and on the list goes, including nearly deaf Sara. Disorganized-but-thoughtful Terrell. Model-student Alicia. Bossy-but-creative Kaelyn.
Does this teacher work for a school system or for God? Does she spend her day in work or worship? Does she make money or a difference? Every morning she climbs in the boat Jesus loaned her. The two of them row out into the water and cast nets. My friend imitates Peter.
Suppose you were to do what Peter did. Take Christ to work with you. Invite him to superintend your nine-to-five. He showed Peter where to cast nets. Won’t he show you where to transfer funds, file the documents, or take the students on a field trip?
Holy Spirit, help me stitch this seam.
Lord of creation, show me why this manifold won’t work.
King of kings, please bring clarity to this budget.
Dear Jesus, guide my hands as I trim this hair.
Pray the prayer of Moses: “Let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do. Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do!” (Ps. 90:17 MSG).
Hold it there. I saw you roll those eyes. You see no way God could use your work. Your boss has the disposition of a hungry pit bull; hamsters have larger work areas; your kids have better per diems. You feel sentenced to the outpost of Siberia, where hope left on the last train. If so, meet one final witness. He labored eighteen years in a Chinese prison camp.
The Communist regime rewarded his faith in Christ with the sewage assignment. The camp kept its human waste in pools until it fermented into fertilizer. The pits seethed with stink and disease. Guards and prisoners alike avoided the cesspools and all who worked there, including this disciple.
After he’d spent weeks in the pit, the stench pigmented his body. He couldn’t scrub it out. Imagine his plight, far from home. And even in the prison, far from people. But somehow this godly man found a garden in his prison. “I was thankful for being sent to the cesspool. This was the only place where I was not under severe surveillance. I could pray and sing openly to our Lord. When I was there, the cesspool became my private garden.”

He then quoted the words to the old hymn:
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice so clear whispers in my ear
The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.

“I never knew the meaning of this hymn until I had been in the labor camp,” he said. God can make a garden out of the cesspool you call work, if you take him with you.

For Peter and his nets, my friend and her class, the prisoner and his garden, and for you and your work, the promise is the same: everything changes when you give Jesus your boat.

From Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot  
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2005) Max Lucado

 

I would like to add, this applies to all of us Stay At Home Mom's & Dad's.

I can't tell you how much I have grown in my walk with the Lord until I

became a disabled Stay At Home Mom. As long as we have breath in our body we can serve the Lord and he can use us in ways we can never fully understand or comprehend. Even if we are just encouraging our family& friends, by the things we do for them and how we love on them through our actions. There are great blessings in being the Lord's unknown Servant. What man doesn't know is known by the Master & we will receive our reward in our heavenlly Home someday. Have a blessed day.

Heiress of The Light