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Giving Up vs Gaining
This morning as I emptied the dishwasher, my mind started dwelling on tomorrow. The first thought that came to mind was, tomorrow I say no…I say no to coffee, cookies, pasta, chips, and all the other yummy things that my taste buds go crazy over. Before I could finish that thought, God stopped me. He said, “instead of thinking you are saying no to everything, think about what you are saying yes to! Yes to spending more time with Me, yes to peace, patience, and understanding, yes to spiritual growth, yes to prayers being answered and yes to healing and health!”
If you have started the Daniel fast or starting it soon, instead of thinking what you are giving up, ponder on what you are gaining!
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matt. 6:16-18
Lack Nothing!
Aside
Why do I make New Year’s Resolutions?
I make New Year’s Resolutions because we can always be better and there is something about a new year that screams do over, second chance, let’s try this again! Just like college football teams that review their previous games, we should review our previous years. Take notes, pray and search out the areas you can improve in. Professional athletes of all kinds will watch videos of themselves, they watch for weaknesses and mishaps, so the next time they don’t do the same thing. I believe we can apply that practice into our own lives. We can always improve, we can always be more (1 Thessalonians 4:10)!
How do I stick to my New Year’s Resolutions?
I first write down my New Year’s Resolutions in my prayer journal or on a piece of paper. Next, I pray over them everyday, asking God to help me in the areas of improvement and to not lean on my own ability, but on His (John 15:5). Last, I share my resolutions with someone I can trust (spouse, parent or accountability partner), someone who can encourage me when I fail or forget.
I am a proud parent of four beautiful children. Everyday I pour into their hearts and minds. I am consistently teaching them, disciplining them, and encouraging them. There are days that I feel I’m doing all three every five minutes, and yet I do this because I have high expectations for them. I want them to be the best they can be…I want them to shine like bright stars in this world and I want them to make a difference. As much as I want this for them, even more does God, our Heavenly Father, desire this for us!
Don’t settle for an okay you or even a good you, strive for great! God has high expectations for you and believe me, He’s cheering you on.
But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. -1 Thessalonians 4:10-12
Dear God, thank you for 2013, thank you for the times of laughter and thank you for the strength during the times of pain. I pray our hearts will be open to Your voice, so You can reveal the areas in our life that need improvements. Help us to not be content with who we are today, but strive to be more like You. Dear Lord, bless our new year, may we abide in You, for without You we can do nothing. In Jesus Name Amen
You Are Special
One of the ways we are counting down the days until Christmas, is with a book reading each night. Tonight was Alayna’s turn to choose a book that was wrapped under the tree. She picked one of my favorite books, “You Are Special” by Max Lucado.
This books gives a beautiful parallel story of how God views us. It begins with a village of wooden people called, the Wemmicks. All of the wooden people were carved by a woodworker name, Eli. The Wemmicks would give out stickers all day to one another, to the talented ones they would give stars and to the not so talented ones they would give gray dots. All day long they would walk around handing out these stars and dots. In this same village lives a Wemmick named, Punchinello, he doesn’t jump very high like the others, his wood is scratched and faded, so he would get lots of gray dots from all the other Wemmicks. He got so many that he doesn’t want to leave his house. Then one day he meets a Wemmick with no stickers at, Lucia. Lucia explains that she goes to see Eli, the woodcarver, everyday. She recommends Punchinello to go see him, so Punchinello goes the next day. This is where I choke up every time. As Eli and Punchinello begin their conversation, Punchinello starts defending himself. When Eli says, “you don’t have to defend yourself to me, child. I don’t care what the other Wemmicks think. Who are they to give stars or dots? They’re Wemmicks just like you. What they think doesn’t matter. All that matters is what I think. And I think you are pretty special.” Eli continues to speak to him, but I want you to get the book and read the rest for yourself.
Lucia didn’t have any stickers because she went to visit Eli everyday. There are voices in your mind telling you, “you can’t do that, you don’t fit in here, and you will never make it.” The only way to drown out those opinions is to spend time with the only voice that matters, the only opinion that matters, your Maker.
Let me encourage you today, don’t let the world label you. Don’t let your friend or even your family discourage you. They don’t have the right to do so. They are just like you. Go to your Heavenly Father daily and allow him to speak into your heart. He loves you, He made you special, and you are valuable!
Just Don’t Do It….
Galatians 6:4 “…Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,”
For eight years, we have put up our Christmas tree with old miscellaneous ornaments. We loved our tree, it told the story of our life. This year I decided to do a themed tree in our living-room, in front of the window, therefore moving most of the other ornaments to our 2nd tree, in the family room. After browsing online pictures, I had a vision of what I wanted our tree to look like. I then went out and bought ornaments for 70% off at Michael’s, Joann, Hobby Lobby, and even some from T.J. Maxx. I was so proud of our tree, but when my husband got home, I found myself saying, “I know it’s not like such and such’s tree, but don’t you like it?” Of course he loved it, why wouldn’t he? Five minutes before he walked through the door I was so proud of my work, but as soon as I showed him, doubt and comparison came into my mind.
Comparing is one of the deadliest things to do. There is nothing good that comes out of comparing yourself with someone else. Most people compare themselves and will end up feeling inadequate, other times people compare themselves with friends and family and end up feeling greater than they should. Either way, wrongful thoughts come out of comparing.
This time of year, you will see lots of Christmas decorations on trees, houses, yards, mailboxes, etc. Let me encourage you to not compare. God has given each of us a beautiful creative spirit. Be proud of your designs and art pieces you come with it. Stop all thoughts of comparison, which can lead to jealous and low self-esteem. You are unique, handcrafted by our Heavenly Father. Put your heart into your work and do your best, then take pride and let no one take that from you, including yourself!
O Be Careful Little Mouth…
O be careful little mouth what you say,
O be careful little mouth what you say,
For there’s a Father up above,
Looking down in tender love,
So, be careful little mouth what you say.
If I were to ask how many of you have heard this children’s song, most would say yes, once or twice, in Sunday school or at Vacation Bible School. Even though this song was written for children, I think adults should wake up singing it every morning, then at lunch time, and then maybe on the way home from work.
In our classroom hangs a poster with these words, “before you speak, THINK, T-is it true?, H-is it helpful?, I-is it inspiring?, N-is it necessary?, K-is it kind?” This poster isn’t just for our kids, but it’s also for me.
James 3:2-10, paints us a great picture of the power that’s in our tongue, “For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. …”
Did you know there are over 130 verses in the Bible about taming the tongue. We are given warning after warning through these verses, but yet we ignore His word and speak from our harsh and unrighteous emotions. Below I listed a few Bible verses that speak on taming the tongue, I encourage you to write them down in a journal or in the back of your Bible. Spend time daily looking over the verses and memorizing them, then make a conscious decision to T-H-I-N-K before you speak.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” ~Proverbs 15:1
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” ~Ephesians 4:29
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” ~Proverbs 12:8
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” ~James 1:26
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” ~Proverbs 21:23
“From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” ~James 3:10
“It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” ~Matthew 15:11
“Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit.” ~Psalm 52:2
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” ~Proverbs 18:21
My daughter, Victoria (6 years-old), recently went to a girl at church and said she was sorry for something mean the little girl said to her last week. Yes, that’s right, Victoria did nothing wrong, but wanted to start out her conversation by saying sorry, in hopes something good would come out of it. Victoria then asked, “can we be friends?” The girl replied back, “no, I already have friends.” Victoria, then said, “you can never have too many friends!” This story pierced my heart, hearing that someone was mean to my little girl angered me, but at the same time I was so proud of Victoria for choosing her words wisely and not retaliating with hurtful ones.
Dear Lord, help our words to be full of grace, mercy, and love. Let us be slow to speak and quick to think about how our words can bring life or death. Help us to speak with wisdom and not with our emotions. In Jesus name Amen!
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. ~Colossians 4:6
“Speak Life”
by Toby Mac
Some days, life feels perfect.
Other days it just ain’t workin.
The good, the bad, the right, the wrong
And everything in between.
Though it’s crazy, amazing
We can turn a heart with the words we say.
Mountains crumble with every syllable.
Hope can live or die
So speak Life, speak Life.
To the deadest darkest night.
Speak life, speak Life.
When the sun won’t shine and you don’t know why.
Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted;
Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope,
You speak love, you speak…
You speak Life, You speak Life.
Some days the tongue gets twisted;
Other days my thoughts just fall apart.
I do, I don’t, I will, I won’t,
It’s like I’m drowning in the deep.
Well it’s crazy to imagine,
Words from our lips as the arms of compassion,
Mountains crumble with every syllable.
Hope can live or die.
So speak Life, speak Life.
To the deadest darkest night.
Speak life, speak Life.
When the sun won’t shine and you don’t know why.
Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted;
Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope,
You speak love, you speak…
You speak Life, You speak Life.
Lift your head a little higher,
Spread the love like fire,
Hope will fall like rain,
When you speak life with the words you say.
Raise your thoughts a little higher,
Use your words to inspire,
Joy will fall like rain,
When you speak life with the things you say.
Lift your head a little higher,
Spread the love like fire,
Hope will fall like rain,
When you speak life with the words you say.
So speak Life, speak Life.
To the deadest darkest night.
Speak life, speak Life.
When the sun won’t shine and you don’t know why.
Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted;
Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope,
You speak love, you speak…
You speak Life, You speak Life.
You speak Life, You speak Life.
Some days life feels perfect.
If you want to watch the music video to “Speak Life”, click here.
Are You Annoying?
“And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?” Luke 18:7
In the Parable of the Persistent Widow, you find a woman desperate…day after day she pleas her case to the unjust judge. Day after day, she returns stating her petition, until finally the judge says, “I will see that you get justice, so that you won’t eventually wear me out with your coming!” Ha, can you imagine being so persistent with your appeal that a person waves a white flag and basically says, “okay, okay, just leave me alone, you’re annoying me!”
The judge doesn’t grant her justice because he was a christian. The Bible tells us, he did not fear God. The judge also didn’t grant her justice because he felt sorry for her, in Luke it states he did not care about men. No, the judge granted her justice because she was persistent in her prayers.
Jesus gives this parable to his disciples to show them that they should always pray and not give up. In verse 8 of Luke chapter 18, it says, the only time we should stop praying for something is Christ’s return…“When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” The demonstration of that faith is persistent prayer. When you stop believing a prayer will be answered, you stop praying. You have given up hope.
What if I were to tell you that your answer is only a prayer away? What if I were to say your healing is around the corner? What if I were to say peace is just a breath away? Let me encourage you friend to not give up! Be persistent and faithful in your prayers.
Persistent prayer is the demonstration of faith in God who, while at times may delay His answers, will always act decisively and justly with respect to His people.
Like a father or mother wants their children to come to them, even more so does our Heavenly Father.
Praying for Your Husband
She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
~Proverbs 31:12
As I iron my husband’s work clothes this morning I say a prayer over him. It is crucial we pray for our spouse everyday. Our husband carries a weight we will never know and the devil is ready at anytime to bring him down (Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Peter 5:8). For he knows if he can take down the husband he can take down the family!
When I pray for my husband I like to start where the biggest battles are fought, their mind. Some of the things I pray for are pure thoughts, discernment and wisdom. I continue down his body and pray for his ears to hear the voice of God in his daily walk with Him. I pray his mouth would be used to encourage and strengthen others. I pray that his shoulders would not carry heavy burdens, but that he would place them in his Father’s hands. When I get to his hands I pray over his job, the company and the role he plays. The heart can also be a place of battle, during this time I pray for our marriage and God’s protection over it. Then I continue on and pray that his legs stay strong so, that his body can continue doing the work God has called for him. Last, but not least, I pray that God guides his feet daily. These are just a few examples of things I pray when talking to the Lord about my husband.
Your prayer doesn’t need to be the same, just praying over your spouse is the key.
As a teacher leads a class, a sergeant leads men into battle, and a pastor leads a church, so our husbands lead our family.
God help me to continue to be a praying wife. Help us to see the importance of praying for our spouse daily. For as we pray for them, we are praying for ourselves…for we are one. Let us also remember to be thankful for our spouse and their relationship, in your mighty name. Amen.
Do You Trust Him
“Mama,” yelled Alayna… “Kayla won’t give me my offering jar back! It’s mine and she won’t give it back!” I asked Alayna if Kayla could play with it for a few minutes. Alayna continued to argue her case. “Kayla said she won’t ever give it back to me! That she’s going to keep it forever!” I then asked Alayna, “Do you trust me?” “But Mama!” “No buts, do you trust me enough to know that I will take care of you and the situation? All you needed to do was let me know and I’ll take care of it. You might not get the jar back right when you want it but in my time, the right time, I will get it and return to you what is yours.”
In the middle of my lecture I heard God speak to me! “Do you trust me?” If we truly trusted God then we wouldn’t get so upset when things get taken from us, because we would know God has it under control. We wouldn’t throw a fit and continue to argue our case to God.
We call ourselves Christians, which means we have faith there is a God. The true test comes when we put our faith into action and trust Him with our things and our life. While faith says “He can…,” trust says “He is… and I will think and act accordingly!”
After we take the time to share our heart with our Heavenly Father, we should know it is taken care of. The answer or solution might not come when you want it, but at the right time, the perfect time, He will return to you what is yours.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Hebrews 11:8
Moody and Thirsty
A couple of weeks ago I noticed myself feeling irritated, tired and drained. My husband and I had been moving for four days straight…from sun up to sun down we were packing, lifting, carrying, and stacking. It was finally done and I felt miserable!
I began to analyze myself. Why did I feel there was a battle going on inside of me? Why did I feel I could snap at any moment? I realized I hadn’t had any time of refreshing in the past week. I had been so focused on our move that I didn’t take time to spend with God like I usually do or pray like I usually do and just sit and enjoy the blessings around me. I was physically, mentally and spiritually drained, I was thirsty!
As a homeschooling mother of four, I am like a kitchen faucet that is never turned off. I am constantly pouring into the little hearts that surround me 24/7 and when they are done my husband is waiting so patiently. If I want to be the wife, mother, teacher, daughter, sister, friend, and light to this world that God has called me to, I need to be refreshed daily.
After I realized what was causing my internal problem, it was an easy fix. I took about twenty minutes to just relax with my feet up, reading and studying the word. The Bible tells us in Psalms 19:7, “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”
Each person has a different personality, therefore, each person has a different way of being refreshed. My husband feels refreshed after a couple of games of basketball, others might feel refreshed after fellow-shipping with some close friends. Whatever it may be, it is important to take time for yourself and more importantly take time in the Word. Taking this time is not just because we selfishly need to be refreshed but rather our children, husband, friends, and others need to be refreshed. We cannot give something we do not have, including smiles and words of encouragement. So, make it a priority to spend 15 to 20 minutes refreshing yourself daily and refilling your spiritual well. Then we can give our family and others the love, grace and mercy they need.
From The Committed Heart 