{love this}

This is the new little devotional I got for the boys around Christmas time. It is quick and effective. It is a great way to start the day so I'm adding five minutes to their wake up time and we are doing it before school and will continue to use the Jesus Storybook at night. But, they {and me!} are loving it! It is not real in-depth, but very applicable if that makes sense? A great way to start their day off and will hopefully prepare them for the challenges they may face throughout their day away from home. When they ask for me to read more, then I feel confident it's a good one!

{amazing!}

hmmmm...

Last night I had about a 30 minute stretch of time in which I wanted to break away from my desk and read. So, I grabbed one of my books. {I typically read about 5-6 books at a time} This particular one I had not picked up in probably about 3-4 weeks.

I had dog-eared a page, so I turned to it. For me, that isn't a flag of a great find to go back to...but the place I left off preceded that page....it was where I was to begin next.

I promise, this is what I read...

God will always give you everything you need to do his will, including time. Don't live in a rush. Elisabeth Elliot

Do you think that maybe someone is trying to tell me something?

That was the very same quote I had read and referenced from my morning devotion. Two different books. A 'random' booked I pulled from one of my shelves with just a little time to squeeze in a quick read.

This time it was from "How to Build Your Home on Holy Ground" by Donna Otto.

Here are a few other things that I read for the first time, but had to "re-read" because they spoke out so much to me...

"Being intentional about your life goals, your purposes and your priorities is an important antidote to cultural chaos. If you set aside time to listen to God's specific call on you life and focus your energy on fulfilling that call, you'll be far less likely to waste your time on the cultural treadmill. You'll be living your life my conviction, not circumstance...and your life will be much more peaceful."

The next page contained a quote from Elizabeth Prentiss...

"If you could once make up your mind in the fear of God never to undertake more work of any sort than you can carry on calmly, quietly, without hurry or flurry, and the instant you feel yourself growing nervous, like one out of breath, would stop and take a breath, you would find this simple common sense rule doing for you what no prayers or tears could ever accomplish."

So stopped and I took that breath last night after I laid out a plan for the busy work weekend that lies ahead of me. Then, I stopped. I put a very late family dinner on the table {don't ask what it was, but it still counts!} and the conversations that I had with both boys {all three}, but especially the time spent with Noah after everyone else retreated back to the living room were priceless.

I am amazed as always. What are the mathematical odds of that happening as I own a small scale library?

No coincidence.

I'm listening.

and, learning.

{devotional}

I know I need to just start linking, but, I'm so afraid you may not actually click the link and also, I need to remember this. I've been there, done that and know I will go through it again. And, literally parts of this devotional could actually be my life. And, I know that many, many others are in the midst. But, at this moment I have two friends that are my heart in the midst of it. I am trying to put on a happy face for them even though my heart is broken, but ultimately, every part of me to my core knows and trusts that God is enough for them. For all of us, no matter the pain.

Once again, from Girlfriends in God....

Power in Pain by Mary Southerland

Today's TruthRomans 8:28 (NIV) "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God."

Friend To FriendI don't always get what God is doing. Pain, loss, and dark times are a normal part of life but sometimes I don't understand why it has to be that way. In my faithless arrogance, I question God and ask Him to explain His actions.

At times, it seemed as if I have been a student in the school of pain – with no hope of ever graduating. My father was an alcoholic while my mother battled and eventually died after a twenty year war with cancer. I was molested by a man who was not only our family doctor, but a trusted family friend. I assumed I would have children one day until the fertility specialist looked at my husband and me and, with an icy stare, delivered the life shattering reality that we would never have biological children. Severe clinical depression took me out of ministry and much of life for two years and to this day, is a constant foe. My husband has dealt with heart rhythm problems for years. After surviving fifteen cardio versions as well as cardiac arrest, Dan became the proud owner of a defibrillator followed by a medical procedure called an ablation, an eight hour surgery during which the cardiologist located and burned away the faulty electrical pathways in Dan’s heart. I could go on … but I think you get the picture. A helicopter always seems to be landing somewhere in my life.

Through it all, I have been completely broken, experienced overwhelming restoration and learned to embrace authenticity and transparency as friends. I have responded the wrong way. I have turned away from God in anger and disgust only to crawl back to his waiting arms filled with grace, mercy and love. I have discovered that Jesus Christ is enough and that no one can take my place in his heart. I have come to realize that I originated in the heart and mind of God and that God created me in response to the unique plan he has for my life. God has used the pain to carve away everything that did not look like his Mary.

Some lessons cannot be learned in the light. Not all treasures are reserved for the darkness.
In the famous lace shops of Belgium, certain rooms are used for spinning the finest and most delicate designs of lace. Each room is completely dark except for one small window. It is through this tiny window that light shines directly on the pattern of lace. A solitary spinner works in the darkness and must sit where the narrow stream of light will fall on the thread. The choicest pieces, the most beautiful designs are created when the worker himself is in the dark and his work is in the light.

Life can be much the same. The most powerful lessons are often learned from the greatest pain and discovered in the darkest places.

I witnessed the very definition of strength as I watched my mom battle cancer. When I am discouraged and ready to give up, I think of her and remember the truth that God is enough.
When we learned that we could not have children, we pursued adoption. I simply cannot imagine life without our son and daughter. How we got them is not nearly as important as the fact that we got them - God's way. I cannot begin to tell you the truths I have learned about my own relationship with God through the process of adoption.

Clinical depression keeps me on my face - before God - and is a constant reminder that anything that makes me cry out to God can be counted as a blessing.

Yes, pain will come. We will all make mistakes and struggle to know and do God's plan, but when we learn to harness the power of pain, we will experience restoration, renewal and freedom.

And seriously, if you do not get this devotional, just link on and you can sign up and you can receive them daily via email. Love it!

{another great devotional}

from Lysa Terkeurst! You know, I feel like I really know her as she visited our church for that conference last year. :) But, seriously, if you do not read her blog - you should. Her humor is amazing as is her love for God.

Her latest entry reallllllllllly spoke to me........ I know you must get sick of me writing about balance, balance, balance, balance - but, apparently there are a "few" others out there who may struggle with it as well.

But, Lysa wrote it beautifully!

FINDING BALANCE

Welcome P31 Encouragement for Today friends.

I am glad you popped over for a visit. Please grab a cup of coffee and enjoy poking around for a bit. My prayer is you’ll find my new site an easy to navigate resource for girlfriend to girlfriend inspiration, honest encouragement and real help for the issues you are facing.This week we’ve been doing a little Q&A session. One of the most asked questions was how do I balance life and ministry?

Before I give you some practical tips on how I balance life and ministry I want to give you some insight into why I balance life and ministry. I wrote the following post last year but I think it’s worth revisiting…

A few weeks ago I stumbled into a conversation that shocked me.

A woman I greatly admire was out to eat with her grown kids. I walked over to their table and started catching up with who had graduated from where and who now had full time careers.
Smart doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of describing these now grown kids.
I complimented my friend about how great her kids have turned out and how I so admire her. “Can you believe how amazing your kids are?

Suddenly, her face dropped and her expression changed.

“Yes my kids turned out great. And yes I loved raising them. But, I lost myself in the process. Now that they’re all gone who am I?” Her kids tried to comfort her by reminding her of the volunteer work she’s now able to do. But I could see behind her smiles and nods a hollowness that haunted her.

I walked away from this conversation stunned. Here was a woman I’d held myself up to many times and felt guilty I couldn’t measure up. Her whole world was her family. My family is my priority but I also feel called to do ministry. The balancing act is tough and can leave a woman wondering if it’s okay that she have pursuits outside her home. But that day in the restaurant my friend gave me permission to be both the mom God called me to be and the woman He’s called me to be.

Now, I almost hesitated to talk about this on the blog because this is a topic that can stir up fire within us women. Some of us want a one size fits all solution to a woman’s place in this world. Some wrongly take a “my way is the right way” approach and have no patience for women who make a different choice.

So, I don’t want to debate the age old issue between working moms and stay at home moms. On that issue I am slap dab in the middle. I am a working from home mom who sometimes balances everything great and who sometimes doesn’t.

I attempt the delicate balancing act between family and ministry because I’ve been called by God to do so and because my husband fully supports this calling. As a matter of fact, he often says he and the kids are the direct beneficiaries of me being in ministry because I am held accountable to practice what I preach.

So, now to the “how do I do this” question.

First of all, I have help. My older kids help with my younger kids. All of our kids are responsible for certain household chores and doing their own laundry. And I have people I pay to come in and do the deep cleaning of my home. I also have a precious college student who helps me a couple of days a week by running errands and helping get the kids where they need to go.
Secondly, we are very intentional with our schedules. This past spring I felt like my family was running in too many directions and family dinners got sacrificed. So, for this summer I’ve scheduled family dinners and posted that schedule up on the fridge. Art and I also have regularly scheduled dates with each other and dates with our kids. Planning ahead is crucial.
Another important thing I did with Art years ago was to sit down and have him tell me his definition of a haven. I always wanted our home to be the safe haven his heart would long to come home to each day. The problem was I was completely overwhelmed by trying to do everything I thought a good wife and mom should do. When I finally asked Art for his definition of a haven, my world became much simpler and more manageable.

For example, it speaks volumes of love to him if I have cut up fruit in the fridge each week. But, having home made meals each night is not as big of a deal to him. He’s fine with take out or simple sandwiches several nights a week. Finding these kinds of things out really helped stream line life for me.

Okay, enough about how I balance things. I want to hear from you! What are some of your tricks of the trade?

you can find her blog at: lysaterkeurst.com

Also, this is of course where I got my haven question yesterday. Let's just say my interview with my 3 boys did not go as I expected. Let me just leave it at this....for Scott - to make our home a haven....you will not believe me.

Ice.

Ice as in frozen H2O.

Our icemaker has been broken for several months so we have been restocking with bags of ice. I guess I let it run dry more often than I thought and likely because I don't particularly have to have ice, nor do the boys.

Yep, ice.

The pathway to my husband's heart.

N-ICE!

{little did I know}

but, HE absolutely knew.

This was my devotional from yesterday morning - Girlfriends in God from Crosswalk. I had no idea what little bumps in the road I would hit last night. BUT, the moment I was scratching my head in an attempt to figure out how in the world I was back in the same place with a particular person - I remembered these words from this morning.

Although I am human - there was an initial sting. However, it was soon replaced with complete peace from spending time with Him yesterday morning. I do have emotions, but, yes, I am in charge of them. And, I choose not to go down that road again. And, I am beyond totally good with that!! :)

July 7, 2010

How to Avoid Bankruptcy
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth Proverbs 25:28 "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control" (NIV).

Friend To Friend It is not enough to acknowledge the presence of negative emotions or even understand why they exist. We must take action. If we don't, negative emotions will take control, a dangerous proposition for any woman. We must not only be able to manage negative emotions in our own lives, we must be able to react correctly to negative emotions produced by the sometimes abrasive behavior of those we call family and friend. The seeker watches carefully, curious to see what happens when the pressure is on.

So many women are imprisoned by feelings of inferiority and the results are always disastrous. Constructive criticism is perceived as an emotional attack. Jealousy burgeons as others receive the accolades we desperately crave. Decisions are made and a course of life is determined so that fragile egos are fed, excluding God's plan and purpose. Comparison reigns as a false idol attempting to validate worth and success. Inferiority crosses over to pride and sin reigns.

On the other hand, we can put negative emotions to work in our lives. Every woman knows that emotions can be like runaway horses. You are trampled by a friend with a hidden agenda, kicked in the gut by a family member, thrown by the lies of a trusted co-worker or crushed by a lack of integrity and character in those in authority over you. Emotions can easily stampede out of control and into sin.

The success of emotional integrity lies in the one who holds the reins. We must constantly choose to surrender every emotion to the supernatural control of God because when we do, the Holy Spirit empowers that choice, produces control and transforms emotional bondage into emotional freedom. Learning to control anger is a crucial life lesson and one that we need to master.

The people around us want to see what happens when life pushes our buttons or squeezes our emotions. While God created us with the capacity for emotions, it is our responsibility to control them instead of allowing them to control us. When Jesus saw money-changers desecrating the temple of God, He was furious! Yet, He modeled the right way to harness emotions and use them for good. I have heard many Bible teachers and preachers attempt to soften the response of Jesus, but the truth is - He was irate! I can almost see His face shrouded in plain old fury as He contemplated His options. If I had been in His place, I can tell you that those wicked men would have been toast! But before Jesus faced the intruders, He stepped aside to braid a whip - not because He had completed "Whip Braiding 101", but because He was taking the time to harness His emotions. Jesus then used that harnessed anger to drive the money-changers out of the temple, correcting a wrong. We choose where to invest every ounce of emotional energy we possess. Like Jesus, we must learn to invest wisely, in order to reap the benefits of healthy emotions, harnessed and trained by godly discipline.

Emotional bankruptcy is too often responsible for the destruction of a life. We must intentionally monitor emotional withdrawals and the impact they will have on our lives. There are certainly emotional withdrawals that are good, right and ordained by God. I will never forget the night we found a broken and defeated young pastor standing at our front door. With tears streaming down his face, John told us that his wife was having an affair and wanted a divorce. Certain that his ministry was doomed, this precious and gifted servant poured out his pain and defeat. For months, Dan and I ministered to this stellar young man, loving him, encouraging him, making him part of our family while he tried desperately to save his marriage.

When it became clear that his wife was determined to leave him, we repeatedly assured John that God would once again use him for Kingdom work. Today, that once broken young man is married to a beautiful, godly woman who adores him and has two incredible children. The church he now pastors is exploding in growth, changing lives and impacting the world for Jesus Christ! The time and energy we poured into David was a worthy emotional investment, to say the least, and one of our greatest blessings in ministry.

However, some emotional deposits are not good, right, healthy or God-ordained! Life is jam-packed with lifeless places in which to invest emotional energy. There are those who look to us to be their faithful savior or always available crisis manager. That job belongs to God alone!
We all know about bounced checks. For the life of me, I cannot figure out why banks don't adopt my obviously superior philosophy about checking accounts. It goes something like this, "As long as there are checks, there is money." Sadly, my current bank is rather narrow-minded in this area, so the reality is that my checks will bounce when our bank account is overdrawn and out of balance. The same is true in life.

We constantly need to check our emotional balance, guarding the emotional withdrawals we allow and diligently making consistent emotional deposits. Prayer, solitude, Bible study, friendships, service, accountability and a guarded thought life are just a few of the deposits that can make the difference between emotional health and emotional bankruptcy. Emotional imbalance occurs when we operate in our own strength, doing our "own thing" instead of wholly depending upon God and living in the parameters of His will. When we abandon all that we are to His strength, purpose and power, the Father deposits everything we need to accomplish every good work He created us to do.

Let's Pray Father, I praise You for giving me the gift of emotions. Help me learn how to manage and control those emotions so that they are assets instead of liabilities. I want to become a godly woman of discipline but I can't even start that journey without your power. I choose to spend time in Your Word and in prayer. I submit my emotions to You and ask that You use them in my life for Your glory. And may others see and know You are God.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now it's Your Turn Take a few minutes to make a list of the top five emotional responses common in your life. What one of these emotions do you experience the most?
Beside each emotion, write one habit you can incorporate into your life that will enable you to control that emotion.

Identify the activities, relationships or habits that drain you instead of replenish you. Eliminate those that are negative. Keep an emotional diary for 5 days. Record any emotional outbursts and the reason behind those outbursts. Surrender each emotion to the power of God.

More From The Girlfriends Since God created us with the capacity for emotions, He has a plan for those emotions. And since God never guides where He cannot provide, our emotional integrity is dependent on our obedience to God's plan. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Not! The best way to be ready for emotional struggles is to get ready and stay that way. Make the choice before you have to. And know we are right there with you ... walking the same path in pursuit of emotional integrity.

{fancy delivery?}

Who needs FDA when you have sweet little boys who bring you tree branches, weeds, leaves and roots? Honestly, as simple as it is......this is one of my very favorite things about being a mommy. (clarification: "Mom" to one, "Mommy" to the other :) Seeing these truly brings tears to my eyes. It always takes me back to the days when I didn't know.......if I would ever experience these little joys. I am so incredibly blessed! Particularly with the branches, sticks and weeds.......and, all that is in between!

I wouldn't trade these for a 100 bloomed roses........

Notice the leaves? LOVE it!

and, the roots.........

In this one, he drowned them in a cup of water. They are swimming!

My devotional day was quite fitting.

"The Growing Times"

Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ. Ephesians 4:15

If you look back over your life, you will see that you never grow during easy times; you grow during hard times. During the easy times that come, you are able to enjoy what you have gained through the hard times. This is really a life principle; it is just the way it works.

Hebrews 12:11 "For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

To be truly victorious, we must grow to the place where we are not afraid of hard times but are actually challenged by them. Because it is during these hard times that we grow.

{faith}

another devotional. i am definitely searching right now...and, this one hit me between the eyes.

Through Faith

"Pressed out of measure" (2 Cor. 1:8).

"That the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Cor. 12:9).

God allowed the crisis to close around Jacob on the night when he bowed at Peniel in supplication, to bring him to the place where he could take hold of God as he never would have done; and from that narrow pass of peril, Jacob became enlarged in his faith and knowledge of God, and in the power of a new and victorious life.

God had to compel David, by a long and painful discipline of years, to learn the almighty power and faithfulness of his God, and grow up into the established principles of faith and godliness, which were indispensable for his glorious career as the king of Israel.

Nothing but the extremities in which Paul was constantly placed could ever have taught him, and taught the Church through him, the full meaning of the great promise he so learned to claim, "My grace is sufficient for thee."

And nothing but our trials and perils would ever have led some of us to know Him as we do, to trust Him as we have, and to draw from Him the measures of grace which our very extremities made indispensable.

Difficulties and obstacles are God's challenges to faith. When hindrances confront us in the path of duty, we are to recognize them as vessels for faith to fill with the fullness and all-sufficiency of Jesus; and as we go forward, simply and fully trusting Him, we may be tested, we may have to wait and let patience have her perfect work; but we shall surely find at last the stone rolled away, and the Lord waiting to render unto us double for our time of testing. --A. B. Simpson

i have often half-heartedly joked about the clouds that seem to linger over our household, to the point that it has actually been embarrassing, as crazy as that sounds. as i struggle with what others that i love so much are going through.....i know that without so many of the storms that i have been in the midst of.....i would not be where i am now, be who i am now or know what i know now. it's much easier to look back and see it when the storm has died down because you can see anything at all when the rain is blinding.

i will praise you in the storm is sometimes easier said that done, but, if we can get there...the peace definitely overtakes that storm.

{talking to self}

i have greatly challenged over the past week. and, at times, i will admit, i've been at a total loss as to what to do or say. so, i've pretty much decided to be still. i think that "being still" often keeps me from crashing in a big way.

with everything that is swirling around me, i could allow myself to feel pretty hopeless. helpless is one thing, but, hopeless is an entirely different monster. i am desperately praying for guidance regarding difficult situations. i do not want to be someone that hinders, or hurts or causes someone to stumble. i want to approach each of these situations as He would. but, my heart is hurt. i don't understand the why? in the situations. so, i'm being still. and, praying alot.

i've read today's devotional no less than four times. i think it is worthy to be shared.
Girlfriends in God - Sept. 24, 2009


September 24, 2009
Fact or Fiction?
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"But in your hearts set apart 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. (1 Peter 3:15, NIV)

Friend to Friend
There is a tale told of that great English actor Macready. An eminent preacher once said to him: "I wish you would explain to me something."

"Well, what is it? I don't know that I can explain anything to a preacher."

"What is the reason for the difference between you and me?" The preacher asked. "You are appearing before crowds night after night with fiction, and the crowds come wherever you go. I am preaching the essential and unchangeable truth, and I am not getting any crowd at all."

Macready's answer was this: "This is quite simple. I can tell you the difference between us. I present my fiction as though it were truth; you present your truth as though it were fiction."

Zinger, huh? Sure does challenge my faith-o-meter. This story both motivates and cautions me. Frankly, Christians embarrass the cause of Christ all the time. It's vital that we be confident in the message of hope we cling to as believers in Jesus, but it's equally vital that we be prepared to share truth in love - share Scripture in proper context - share our hears with meekness and fear for the purpose of attracting others to the restoring love of Christ. We don't need to be Bible scholars with capital letters following our names...but we do need to be Bible girls!

I don't need to harp on the fact that there's a great moral decline in the world. We see that coming and going! As Girlfriends In God (GiGs), let's commit ourselves to making a difference in the lives of others, in our homes, among our friends, in our communities, and in this world! To do this, we need to know our Bibles. To think through current issues. We must be prepared to share how we've been changed by the love of God through His Son, Jesus Christ. It's the great commission, and it's for each of us...not for the perfect among us. People around us need to know that God is still in the restoration business - and that He longs to bring His peace, hope and love to every life.

Look at the apostle Paul. He was prepared to speak about Christ wherever he went. In the New Testament book of Acts, we learn that, "from morning 'til evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets." (Acts 28:23b, NIV)

The life-changing, peace-giving, truth we know needs to be presented to the world as life-changing, peace-giving truth! Get in His Word - get in His presence - and look for opportunities to share God's love as truth with confidence!

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, Please forgive me for the times when I doubt your truth, or fear speaking it. Help me to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope I have...to speak of Your unfailing love and unchanging truth to those around me so that they might be drawn to Your heart. Draw me to Your Word and teach me Your ways.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read 2 Timothy 1:12: "Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed..." Can you say that and mean that?

Are you prepared to give an answer for the hope you have?

Have you been changed by God's grace? Held by His love? Grab your journal and write a paragraph or two that describes how God has worked in your life.


____________________________________________________________________________________



although my heart has been greatly challenged with loss and pain and fear over the past week, my hope remains. my hope remains that God will replace the void and loss so many hearts are feeling with His love. replace the fear of tomorrow with His perfect peace. replace the sadness and grief with joy.

i have to hold onto this hope, because what does the alternative offer? and, my heart knows this hope remains true.

{day four?}

well, i have actually been doing fairly well with my disconnecting in order to reconnect. however, yesterday morning in a flurry to get out of the door on time, i only spent half of my quiet time and decided i would finish up my devotional later. why did i do that? after a particulary high-stress filled day that sent both scott and i past the brink.....i have a feeling.........if i had taken a few more minutes........and, read this......our day would have very likely gone differently......

from Proverbs 31 Ministries (3/19/09)

A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back." Proverbs 29:11 (NKJV)

Yesterday, I was just mindlessly looking out the window of an airport watching a few seagulls dart about overhead while airline workers were busy loading bags. Nothing about the scene outside the airport window spoke of danger. But then suddenly I remembered the flight from New York just a few weeks ago that was brought down by a few geese. That seagull that faded into the background just moments before became a point of extreme interest to me.

What if?

It's amazing if you stop to think about it that a huge airplane could be brought down by just a few birds. Birds. Who would have thought? It makes me think about other seemingly small things that can cause great destruction as well … especially when it comes to my marriage.

Words vented in frustration can seem so small.Slightly disrespectful attitudes can seem so small.Complaining about lack of finances can seem so small.Brushing off his desires can seem so small.Making mental lists of things you wish were different about him can seem so small.But each one of these seemingly small things can so easily and tragically wedge itself into the core of a marriage and send it screaming toward destruction. Entire families have been ripped apart by things that once seemed so small.

Listen to the heartbreak in this note that was anonymously posted on my blog the other day:"Girls...I know this seems small...but, it's really not. Take it from someone who has blown it more times in marriage than not. Now I have blown it enough to make myself a single mom. It's too late for me. But, it's not for you. Please be aware of the little things. I wouldn't have you join me for anything in the world. Be on your guard and protect your marriage." -Anonymous

I am challenged by this. I can't just mindlessly assume that my marriage is coasting along okay and that little problems can't topple even the most seemingly stable of legacies. I can't get complacent. I can't get prideful. I can't get lazy. I can't take the gift of my marriage for granted.I have a great marriage but sometimes I slip into automatic and stop getting as intentional as I should about investing richly and deeply into our relationship. So, I've decided to declare this my get intentional week.

Today I'll focus on my words. I'm praying for God to interrupt my mouth at every turn today. I am going to hold my tongue against saying anything careless. I am going to intentionally use my words as gifts to my husband today and nothing else.Not that one day of doing this can protect my marriage forever - but it sure is a good start. Care to join me? Oh you know there will be challenges ahead sweet sister, but I'm up for it. What about you?

Dear Lord, help me to realize that with each word I speak, I am making the choice to bless or to curse. Please help me to speak words that are pleasing to You - even when my emotions run high and my feelings beg me to betray this commitment. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


wow. well, i suppose i will go ahead and RE-declare this as my INTENTIONAL disconnecting to reconnect week/life. hmmm....seems like i just did that sunday?

{devotional}

this goes hand in hand with the 8th Commandment Devotional.....so, I thought I would add a second one today also....both are very good. Hope you enjoy!

February 25, 2009

Clean Hearts
Luann Prater

“It is what comes out of a man that makes him ‘unclean’.” Mark 7:15b (NIV)

Devotion:
Most women dislike feeling unclean. We prefer to shower, perfume and powder! But it takes more than dirt to make a heart unclean, and it takes much more than perfume to make it pure.

Jesus told the people, “What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean.’ For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean’” (Mark 7:15b-23, NIV).

Whew! That is some list of issues! But why did Jesus take the time to name each one of those evils? We know that not one word in the Bible is wasted, so there is purpose behind the Savior spelling out each one to this crowd. Maybe there were folks in the crowd who looked good on the outside, but their hearts were unclean.

It is easy to understand why the Lord would mention the so-called “big sins” like murder, adultery, or theft making us unclean. But Jesus lumped in some seemingly “small sins” like arrogance, envy and greed too. Those are sins we often cover over with some perfume and powder.

The dictionary describes arrogance as “an offensive display of superiority or self-importance; or overbearing pride.” At first glance, we may think that doesn’t apply to us. But if we let the Holy Spirit shine His search light on our heart, we may find times when we have thought, Well, at least I’m not THAT bad, or, It’s amazing her kids turned out as good as they did.

Envy is pretty sly at hiding in our hearts as well. It is the feeling of discontent with regards to another’s advantages, success or possessions. Does your friend have a new car, a new flat screen TV, or a nicer home? And does that make you look at her or at your possessions with disdain? If so, that’s envy. Ouch!

Then there is greed, the excessive desire for wealth or possessions. Maybe we don’t think we are excessive in our desire for things, but how much time do we spend trying to make more money? How stingy are we with what we have? Compared to what most nations have, we live in abundance, and yet we seem to have one eye forever focused on getting more.

What would it look like to take those three definitions and clean them up?
Un-arrogance – a gracious display of selflessness
Un-envy – being completely content with all of my blessings
Un-greed – an excessive desire for God and His righteousness

That sounds like a clean heart to me! So today I challenge myself with the words Jesus spoke, “It is what comes out of a man that makes him ‘unclean.’” Today, I will set my mind to being un-arrogant, un-envious and un-greedy. Yes, today I want to live with a clean heart.

Dear Lord, thank You for shining Your light on my heart so I can see where it is unclean. Illuminate those sins that I dirty myself with and cleanse me from the inside out. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

{let's just make it a devotional day}

This was my devotional from yesterday....it somewhat goes along with the post I completed earlier.

February 23, 2009
R-E-S-P-E-C-TThe One Thing He Can’t Do WithoutSharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth “Let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates and esteems him, and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly.” (Ephesians 5:33 AMP)

Friend To Friend I’ve been shut up, shut down, shot down, ridiculed, disregarded, over looked, over booked, and overwhelmed…I know I was made for a reason. I know that, in God’s eyes, I count. So, I simply want to find someone who believes in me.

No, these are not the lyrics from the latest country song. They are the lament from one of my survey respondents when I asked hundreds of men what they really wanted in the woman of their dreams. It seems Aretha Franklin isn’t the only one who wants a little r-e-s-p-e-c-t these days. One area that rated very high in my survey of men describing the wife of their dreams was RESPECT. Webster defines respect as the special esteem or consideration in which one holds another person or thing, the state or quality of being esteemed, to feel or show consideration to. It’s the one thing a happy husband can’t do without.

God’s Command In the Bible, Paul wrote to both men and women about their various roles in marriage. In the book of Ephesians he wrote, “Each one of you (men) also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband” (Ephesians 5:33). Now that doesn’t mean that husbands don’t have to respect their wives or wives don’t have to love their husbands. I believe Paul was summing up what was paramount for both men and women. We want to be loved and cherished just like our husbands want to be honored and respected.
Another reason I believe that Paul admonishes wives to respect their husbands is because he knew that after years of mistakes, poor choices, wrong decisions, and smelly socks, respect may not come naturally for a wife. It may well take an act of obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit within.

But how do you respect someone who vegetates watching TV all the time? How do you respect someone who sits around waiting for the right job to come along when you’re working yourself to death trying to keep food on the table? (You may need to stop and quietly put that responsibility back where it belongs.) How do your respect someone who apparently has no respect for himself?

It may seem impossible, but as the angel asked Abraham, “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” (Genesis 18:14). The same God who parted the sea for the Israelites to walk across on dry land, who caused the walls of Jericho to fall with a shout, who kept Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from even having a hint of smoke as they exited the fiery furnace, who caused flesh to reappear on the fingerless hands of lepers, who made a man blind from birth see, and who raised Lazarus from the dead – that same God can give you the power to respect your husband. It all begins with prayer and follows with obedience close behind. “There is incomparable great power available to those who believe” (Ephesians 1:19).

In the Bible, power always follows obedience. As soon as the high priests crossing the Jordan placed their feet in the water, the river parted. (Joshua 3:15-16) As soon as the rotting lepers turned toward Jerusalem to tell the priests they were healed, their skin began to heal (Luke 17:14). As soon as Namaan dipped into the river seven times as the prophet Elijah had commanded, his leprosy began to disappear (2 Kings 5:14). The miracle didn’t come before they obeyed, but after they obeyed. Do you want to see a miracle unfold before your eyes like the petals of a rose unfolding? Obey God. An amazing thing happens when we begin to show respect to our husbands. They begin to act respectable.

Let’s go back to Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. I love how the amplified version expounds on Ephesians 5:33. “Let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates and esteems him, and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly.” What a power packed verse!

Carol Ladd, author of The Power of a Positive Wife, said, “Respect is wrapped up in the beautiful paper of kind and gentle words and tied with the enormous ribbons of a loving spirit.” Respect is one of the most beautiful gifts a wife can give.

Let’s Pray Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for my husband. Help me to be the wife that he needs in all areas of my life. Help me to respect, revere, regard, honor, prefer and esteem him greatly. Not only that, but help me to show it in my words and actions so that there is no doubt in his mind just how much I love him.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

During the reign of King David, he brought the once captured Ark of the Covenant back to Israel. It was one of the grandest moments in his life. Read the account recorded in 2 Samuel 6 and answer the following questions:
How did David’s wife, Michal, react to David’s outward praise of God (6:16,20)?
What was David’s response to her? (6:21)
What was the outcome of her disrespect? (6:23)
What can we learn from her lack of respect?

{devotional}

As tired as I am tonight, I knew I needed to read my devotional. And, did I ever. I have been struggling for months with a relationship. It has been dreadful. And, even though at first glance this would not seem to apply.....it truly does. We all need a curfew (me included) and for very good reason.

Again, borrowed from Crosswalk.

Spiritual Curfew
Tracie Miles

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NIV)

Devotion:
I thought my parents were from another planet. As a young teenager, I just didnt understand how they could sit at home on the weekends, which I was sure had been created for the sole purpose of endless socializing. As is the norm for most teens, I was convinced the curfews my parents had set for me were overbearing and pointless. But now I know that although I couldn’t see the benefit of curfews then, my parents knew what was best for me.

Have you ever felt like God’s Word has too many “don’ts” and not enough “do’s”? I have heard non-believers say that being a Christian is too rule-oriented, too strict, or simply no fun. At times, this could be the viewpoint of Christians too, who are trying to live a life for Christ but finding it difficult to turn from their old ways.

For many years in my Christian life, I played by my own set of rules. I thought that God’s commands were for religious fanatics. However, I now realize that early on, had I adhered to the “spiritual curfews” set out for me in God’s Word, many painful experiences and bad decisions could have been avoided. As it turns out, God knew what was best for me!

If you are like I once was, you too may think that some of the biblical guidelines for Christian living are overbearing, maybe even pointless. But consider this: if parents allowed their children to do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted, with whomever they wanted, is it likely that they would learn right from wrong, take the right paths, and make decisions that are in their best interest? Of course not! Children need guidance, encouragement, discipline and direction from their parents. As children of God, we need those same things from our heavenly Father.

Sometimes it is hard to understand why God asks us to think a certain way, do certain things, or refrain from doing other things that are not indicative of someone living for Christ. That is where our faith must come in. Faith is our motivation to abide by the spiritual curfews that God outlines in His Word. If we doubt His reasoning, wonder why certain guidelines matter, or change the real meaning of a scripture to accommodate our own selfish purposes, then we are setting out on a path that will dishonor God and lead to sin.

What godly principal are you battling to obey today? I remember my mother telling me to choose my battles, since not every situation was worth fighting for. Living a Godly life is sometimes a battle. This is one battle we should always fight: to honor God’s Word. If we believe the Bible is truth, we should follow its guidelines. In a world where moral values are crumbling around us, Christians need to fight the good fight.

Even though God’s Word may sting our hearts at times, and we may feel convicted by the Holy Spirit when we do wrong, let us never forget that God truly does know what is best for us.

{devotional for girlfriends}

This was my devotional this morning...I need not say a further word as it stands alone .

November 24, 2008 What Now? Sharon Jaynes (Crosswalk)

Today's Truth "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Friend to Friend Have you ever had a shattered dream? If so, you're not alone.
If ever there was a group of people who lost their dream, it was Jesus' disciples and the women who ministered to and with them. They had such high expectations that Jesus would be the next political leader of Israel (Luke 24:20). They had witnessed his power in feeding 5,000 men plus women and children with two loaves and five fishes; they felt the waves beneath their tiny boat subside at his command; they had watched him breathe life into a lifeless child, open the eyes of a man blind from birth, create new skin from rotting flesh on the limbs of lepers, and command a lame man to take up his pallet and walk. They had seen him walk on water, outwit the Pharisees, and win the lost.

In their narrow scope of hopes for a political leader to save the Jews, they missed the bigger picture of God's plan for a Savior to free mankind from the bondage of sin. While Peter realized Jesus' identity ("You are the Christ."), he did not understand His destiny. Peter was shocked when Jesus explained that He had to go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and on the third day rise from the dead. He even took Jesus aside and said, "Never, Lord. This shall never happen to you!" (Mark 8:33). This was not part of Peter's dream. Suffering did not fit into his plan.
"Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

Call me stupid, but don't call me Satan. Yet, that is how Jesus sees it when we try to block God's plans. He sees us as an instrument of darkness, an offense, a hindrance and a snare. It is amazing that one minute Peter could be a building block and the next a stumbling block but that's the trap we all fall into when we have our minds set on the world instead of on the things of God.

Jesus told His disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life, will lose it, but whoever lose his life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:24)

Even though Jesus forewarned the disciples of his death and resurrection, they fled when the soldiers came to arrest him, and they hid when he was hung on a cross to die. When Jesus was sealed in the tomb, their hopes and dreams were sealed in the darkness with him.

Every day, I receive emails from women who have had their dreams shattered. A husband has an affair, becomes addicted to pornography, abuses the children, or deserts the family. A child gets caught with drugs, gets pregnant or dies in a car accident. Parents divorce, friends betray, careers come to an abrupt halt. The list is endless. So what do we do when our dreams are seemingly destroyed? The answer to that question will shape the rest of our lives. (how true that is!)

Does that mean we give up our dreams? I can promise you this, whatever dreams you have for your life, God's dreams are greater. The power of the Holy Spirit the disciples received after Jesus' resurrection, and the impact they made on the world thereafter, was beyond their wildest dreams. That's what God does with a heart wholly yielded to Him. That's what He does when we give our shattered dreams to Him. I have learned to stop saying "Why me?" but instead start saying "What now?"

Let's Pray Dear Lord, there are things about my life that I don't understand, but I do know this. You are good and You are kind. I thank You that nothing happens in my life that is a surprise to You. You have a greater plan than my small vision can imagine. I pray that You will reveal that larger plan for my life to me. Help me to pay attention to Your promptings and obey Your bidding.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn Think back over your life and list two or three dreams that did not turn out like you thought they would.
Is there a prayer request or dream in your life that, in retrospect, you are glad God did respond to affirmatively?
Write down any areas of your life where you have said, "Why me?" and are now willing to say,"What now?"
Place yourself in the disciples' sandals for just a moment. How do you think you would have felt the night Jesus died on the cross?
How do you think you would have felt the day you saw Him walk into the room ... resurrected from the dead?
How would that experience have affected the way you viewed trials in your life from that time forward?
Now, how should that affect the way you see trials today?

More from the Girlfriends Shattered dreams are a part of life. But God has big plans for each of us. Can you risk the hope that God still has dreams for your life? That He hasn't forgotten you. Place your hand firmly in His-take a deep breath and begin the exciting journey to a place you thought you'd never find: the dream God planned for you all along. You'll find all this and more in Sharon's book, Dreams of a Woman-God's Plan for Fulfilling Your Dreams.

{true love}

I have been underground lately due to massive amounts of work, sickness for the little guy and I, a husband who has not felt well at all and just the typical busyness we all experience. I actually made myself take some quiet time this morning or it would have been another day lapsing without.

I pulled from my favorite devotional source (crosswalk.com) and backtracked trying to catch up a bit. I tend to be a crammer like that.

These are some excerpts from what I read, through my tears.....

I often wished I could travel back 16 years ago (15 for me) and give my "young bride self" some advice. But, since that's not possible, I love sharing what I've learned with others.

Recently, I had dinner with a 28 year-old friend who would love to one day be married. During our time together the conversation flowed freely about all sorts of things. Blogs. Writings. Leaving your comfort zone because God says so. Biscuits. You know, girl stuff. And then we moved to the subject of relatonships and marriage........

To expect another person to make you feel happy, secure and fulfilled will leave you disappointed at best and disillusioned at worse. Even a great husband makes a very poor God. (I LOVE that)

Before the white dress, delicate bouquets, unity candle, bacon wrapped shrimp, and reception punch, there is some heart stuff to consider:

Getting married doesn't make you selfless.....it makes you realize how selfish you can be at times. (I can completely cover that one!)
Getting married doesn't make you feel loved...it makes you realize love is more of a decision you make than a feeling you feel. (how true is that?)
Getting married doesn't take away loneliness...it makes you realize true companionship comes not when you demand it but rather when you give it to another person. (wow)

So what does marriage give?
A beautiful chance to make the choice to...
Laugh whether the jokes or not the jokes are funny.
Love folding his collar over this tie every morning.
Pretend like you don't need flowers, but delight when he buys them anyway.
Cheer him on through both failures and successes.
Tell him he's a great man everyday.
Thank God for the privilege of being his wife.

It's alot to think about. Early on in the devotional I had two black eyes because so much of it directly hit me. So much of marriage, or any relationship for that fact, is intentional. Given, at times, our life seems completely turned upside down and in many ways it simply is. But, you know, as hard as some moments can be, as frustrated as I can become.....on the day I said "I do" God knew what was in our future. He knew about the day that would likely forever change our lives. I will be the very first to admit, I do not react the best I can to so much of it. But, I clearly need to be more intentional about that. I am the only one who can make "my" choices.

So, go tell him how great he is!! Even if he just told a horrible joke. ;)