Busy Moms, Unite!

I know that by being a busy mom, it is hard to find time for yourself.  We are pushed in so many directions from the moment our feet hit the ground in the morning.  In a young mom’s life, there is no such things as a weekly pedicure or a vacation alone in Hawaii.  We are always sacrificing time and material things in lue of something someone else in the family needs.   It’s just the way it is.  It’s something we do automatically.

However, what about our spiritual needs?  If we aren’t careful, our children can become a priority over that need, too.  As mothers, we need to arm ourselves with scripture… daily. Most mom’s I talk with desire a closer walk with Jesus and wish they had time to meditate in the scriptures and prayer. Although I can completely understand the tug of life and all that it brings, I still ask the question, “How do work God into your schedule?” Is it realistic to sacrifice your time with God until life gets easier or the kids get older? Is Sunday morning enough to uphold a whole week of living? It’s time to admit the truth…  In actuality, life wont get easier and the needs of the family will always be there.  Yes, things will change, but new demand will surface.  So, what are you going to do with Jesus?

My suggestion for the busy mom is to think about your day.  Do you lay in bed for a few minutes before greeting the children?   Do you grab a cup of coffee on your way to laundry room? Do you find time to shower – kid free?  Well, I am sure that one of those questions will spark a “yes” answer.  Just knowing that will help you implement your scripture/prayer time.

For example, having young children I had to hurry and take a shower every morning while the kids read books on the bathroom floor.  I desired time alone with God, but the only time I had alone was in the shower – so, I laminated the Armor of God and stuck it inside the shower on the wall.  Every day I bathed reciting the scriptures I posted – preparing my body, mind, and soul for the day:  “Lord, I put on the helmet of salvation to guard my mind from the words and images that might harm me throughout the day; I put on the breast plate of righteousness to guard my heart so I might live right before You;  I grasp the shield of faith so that I might have faith to stand in Your ways and be protected against the enemy;  I gird my feet with the shoes of peace so that my steps might be prepared before me;  I arm myself with the sword of Spirit so I might discern spiritually against right and wrong; and I wrap my waist with the belt of truth so that I might stand for honesty and truth of who You are. ”

Of course, your prayer doesn’t have to be like mine, but I encourage you to find ‘your’ time and post something like this that you will see every day.  Maybe in the refrigerator or pantry – some place to remind you to connect with your Creator.  Read it faithfully every day.  Begin filling your mind with Him by preparing your day in Him.  I believe you’ll start seeing a change in your mood, temper, patience, and spirit.   As the old commercial of Life Cereal used to say, “Try it, you’ll like it.”

Just A Bike

On Saturday we had a garage sale.  As most who have had one, you can agree that they are exhausting! I guess I haven’t learned my lesson because, still to this day I’ll plan one… collect things… even dream about what I’ll spend with the money I make.  However, I’m learning it never turns out the way I vision it to be.  In fact, after Saturday… I done.  Why?  Well, let me explain…

I decided to list the items we were selling on Craig’s List the night before.  People have told me that advertising the ‘goods’ beforehand always bring more people.  So, I did.  Immediately I got several responses for a bike that we were selling.  I wheeled and dealed with people and agreed upon a good price and a time they would be by to pick it up in the morning.  I was excited.  The next morning there were people standing outside our garage waiting for us to ‘open’.  Several people approached us about the Cannondale bike.  I explained about the whole ‘hold’ thing while people transitioned over to my husband and hounded him to make a deal.  The pressure was on… and … he made a deal within the first 5 minutes  (just NOT to the guy I had saved it for).

Needless to say, as the one man drove off with his new bike – the other guy arrived to collect his.  After it was explained that the bike was sold – and apologies were extended, the man sped away quickly with tires burning and screeching (not to mention a hand gesture that I’m sure wasn’t pointing to a near by airplane).  To make it worse, I have since had to filter my e-mail account because of several rude e-mails with colorful metaphors describing my husbands neglect in keeping the ‘hold’.  Not my cup of tea – dealing with disgruntled garage sale people.

So, as I tackle the week ahead of packing and cleaning – I’ve been in thought, trying figure out how something like this can make a person so upset.  What is it in people that can cause such anger and emotional outburst (in front of children no less)?  Is it the lack of God in their heart?  Is it because of a past failure or low self-esteem? I mean, where is the extension of grace and mercy? After all, we all desire a kind response – so why don’t we model what we desire?   We made a mistake – yes, but it was a garage sale.  I can’t deny the feeling that this particular reaction stems deeper from this man’s heart than a bike that got sold under him. I almost wrote him back an e-mail, sharing Christ.  I know  he needs Him.  However, I have resolved to pray.

What are you thoughts?

The Whole Picture

Sometimes I think it would be easier if I could see on the other side of difficult situations ~ I mean, it sure would make those hard periods in life a little easier to go through ~ just to know confidently that things will work out and I’d be fine.  I know that it would probably keep my stress down and relieve the ciaos around me.

However, when I really thought about it, I wondered how many of us wouldn’t try to prevent things from happening if we had foresight.  I mean, who would allow their home to be broken into or a broken bone if you knew it was going to happen, right?  People would look at you strange if you didn’t prevent a uncomfortable situation  – but then again, I suspect that if you did allow ‘things’ to happen, you would be labeled somewhat of a “Marter” ~ or maybe the world would be full of Marters which would prevent people from helping one another altogether.  Strange thought.

Well, after being apart of losing 6 people in January, car accident in February, moving notice in March – and tucking 2 years of unemployment in the midst; I know I probably would of tried a few tricks up my sleeves to change things.   I know definitely that I would of kept those people here on earth a little longer; spare me the loss of our family van; and sat in this rental home a few more years. However, I can see now that if I did that, I wouldn’t of known the blessing on the other side ~ I would of had to accept my own outcome based on my own doings. From there, I would of known nothing else or how things could of been.  But, because I had no choice than to ‘go through’ it, I had to be solely dependent on my faith in Christ. I had no other choice – I have no special talent of seeing into the future.

Therefore, after the months of sitting and watching things crumble out-of-my-control, I can now see the blessing of relying on Him for safe-keeping.  I mean, the lives that were lost (3 young and 3 older) left a legacy of faith that has already made an impact of many lives.  Maybe those who were effected wouldn’t have changed their path in life if the death of our friend(s) didn’t happen.  Then, the car accident, although VERY inconvenient, allowed us to reap the blessing of releasing a large car payment, receiving a donated car and a little bonus for the trouble from the insurance company.  Looking at it now, if we still had our large car payment and no extra $, we probably would have been in financial hardship for our upcoming move.  However, God took care of things.  Can you believe we walked into another rental with MORE room, all the while saving over $100 a month (it’s only 2 blocks away)?!

I know for certain that I wouldn’t of chosen to go through these past three months if I had a choice; but looking back now at the whole picture, I wouldn’t of traded it for some other plan.  Christ’s plan is prefect – we must remember that.  It’s a very difficult thing to trust in Him when life is so hard. We must look to the positive side of things and trust Him with our lives.  Unfortunately, in life things DO ‘happen’.  People die, tragedy happens, and financial hardship has become common.  But, how else should we live?  Dependent on ourselves?  In my own life, I know I couldn’t do what God did…    He did far greater things with this ciaos than I could of.  I’m now reaping peace and many blessings.    Just a thought…

Love Letters

When I was a child, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents.  I would rotate my time between the two sets and sometimes got the privileged of seeing both within the same day.  What great memories ~ Unfortunately, both sets of grandparents are home with the Lord now.  The most recent one to leave has only been gone for a year.  She was 95 years old and special in her own right.  My Grandmother would sit and tell me Bible stories and sing scriptures to me.  She would play the piano and teach me the old hymns.  She really gave me a rich heritage in the Lord.  Even in my darkest hours, she reminded me of the hope I had in Christ. Never questioning her faith, she encouraged me not to give up and to always seek Him in good times and in bad.  How I have come to appreciate those talks!

After her death, I was richly rewarded with a treasure.  For my birthday last year, I was sent a box.  It was filled with old photos from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.  A stack of letters, wrapped with red ribbon, also sat within the box.  Those precious letters revealed the courtship of her and my grandfather.

Secret messages behind the stamps accompanied each letter that was sent between the two. It was obvious that living in different states during their courtship didn’t stop them from expressing their desire for each other.  In fact, each letter revealed their promise to some day be married ~ which remarkably took place three months after they met.   They wrote of their romantic love and typical struggles of jealousy. My grandfather was a strong man who never wore his feelings on his sleeve ~ so, it was cute to read how much he truly adored her.  I was amazed at how my grandmother expressed in these letters, her faith in Christ.  Even in the midst of being kept under her parents control while growing up, she honored Christ with her life ~ and in return, later honored the man she married.  It was evident through these letters that she didn’t compromise her walk with Jesus ~ even when times were hard and difficult to understand.

It was amazing to read their story; but most of all I was touched deeply by their consistent faith.  At the time these letters were written, they had no idea their story would grow so deep.  Personally, I saw the product of their commitment;  I saw the struggles in their marriage and the reward of prayer.  What a heritage they left me!  What a heritage they pass down to the next generation!

I guess what I’m trying to say is… Never underestimate the story YOU are writing with your life.  We carry a big responsibility with our faith in Christ.  Make a mark in the world, but truly make a mark in your family through discipline spiritually and living faithful in Christ without compromise.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” Psalm 127:3

A Fox Named Red

Meet Red.  He’s a little fox that first greeted us two years ago.  At our first meeting, he ran right up to us and kind of scared us how friendly he seemed.  We kept our distance, but soon became ‘friends’ through our glass door.  He would nudge his nose against the glass as we put our finger against it and occasionally he would leave special gifts of bones and fur outside for us to find.  He was so cute!  We watched as he captured little critters deep under the snow and jumped from rock to rock as he played.  He was amazing!  Sadly, we knew that Red was a wild animal and that our ‘friendship’ was only temporary due to his naturally short life span; therefore, so we savored every minute we had with him.

After three months passed without a sighting of Red, my logical mind began to accept that Red was either attacked by mountain lions, speared by a big buck, or naturally passed.  It’s nature taking over in the circle of life and I knew it would happen some day.  However, regardless of how  I  prepared myself, the side that connects to nature was so sad. For days, I’d go outside looking for him or glance out my kitchen expecting to see him sitting on our porch, but it never happened.   As silly as it sounds, I miss him.  Red was a silent friend who would cock his head when you talked to him or lifted his paws when he was ready to leave.  He was my friend and I believe he knew I was his.

Animals are amazing.  I believe that the Lord gave us animals for pure enjoyment.  God designed these special animals so carefully and unique ♥ all the way down to the color of their noses, toes, and tongue!  Silent friends, as I call them – because unconditionally they greet us, smile (so it seems) and listens when we talk.  I’ll never know if animals understand human behavior, but I do believe they connect on a different level. Spiritually?  Maybe.  One thing that I do know is that the same Creator that created us also created animals and they honor Him.

“The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland…” Isaiah 43:20

So, now as I move on I thank God for allowing me to meet and love Red at a distance – and to honor God through His creation.  What an experience I had meeting such an unique wild animal for so many years!  Red will always be a part of me through memories and such ~  He made me smile. I hope that by sharing Red’s story, you also smile and begin to notice everything that surrounds you because of The Creator.  How blessed we are to be apart of it!

 

Moans and Groans

This past month was quite a doozie! Shoot!  The past two weeks have been a doozie!  As you have read, our faith was thrown into over-drive !  We watched as our car was deemed totaled, ransacked, and towed away;  then struggled as we were put under the thumb of our landlord.  With so many things happening, people constantly asked us, “What do you think God is trying to teach you?”   Funny, but I never thought of it as being in the process of learning something.  Rather, I figured I was being tested in the endurance of my faith. I mean, I had no choice of what was happening; therefore, I had no choice than to believe God wasn’t going to abandon me… Right?  Easy to say, but both these situations took a bunch of faith to keep us calm and collected.

If anything, I’ve learned that it’s amazing how Christ works.  He’s always there… it’s US who doubt it.  Seriously, He teaches us things through circumstances – and we moan and groan. He carries us through circumstances – and we become hesitant to believe its truly Him doing the work. Then, He blesses us – and we suddenly ‘wake up’.  Sometimes our greatest reward is the trial we go through.  We grow as people, we grow as stewards of faith, and we grow in order to help others.  It’s so important to remember God in the midst of the trial… seeking Him for wisdom and trusting that He has our best interest at heart.

Get this… This week we specifically prayed that the Lord would stop the ciaos.  That He would provide a car for us as a replacement (it was done through a donation) and then a home that required no interaction with our disgruntled landlord, with a long-term lease in a beautiful, kid-filled neighborhood. That was a far fetched request, but we knew our God could do anything.  So, guess what?  A friend introduced us to a neighbor who had a home for rent, who didn’t have to talk to our present landlord, offered a long-term lease, and children (our kids age) live on both sides!  What are the chances of that? Tell me that is not an answered prayer?!  Funny, but God even threw in a big tree with a park bench in the backyard so I can watch the wildlife in my backyard – my only selfish request that no one knew about.  God is faithful to see us through…  Everything.

Don’t ever forget God’s word to YOU and Me:

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” Psalm 91:14

No trust in my bow

“It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You loved them. You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob.  Through You we push back our enemies; through Your name we trample our foes.  I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory;  but You give us victory over our enemies, You put our adversaries to shame.  In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.” Psalm 44:3-8

Lately, it seems that I hardly ever want to pick the phone up when it rings.  For the past few months, it seems that there is never any good news on the other end.   For example, in January we lost 6 people within 10 days of each other.  Two from natural causes, two from cancer, and two from childhood deaths.  All were shared with us over the phone.  It was all so hard to comprehend and digest – I became completely exhausted emotionally, pulling myself up every day in hopes to find something to give praise in.  “The show must go on”, as someone told me. They were right…  February came.

In February, we had our only family car totaled after a gentleman took a turn too wide on an icy afternoon.    Thankfully there were no injuries, but a phone call was also responsible for bringing me that news from my husband.  Then, our landlord seems to have become entangled in her own ambition to lord over our vulnerability as tenants and control when we can give our 30 day notice or we wont get a good reference.  Now, we wait.  We are waiting for two phone calls – one that will give us permission to finally seek a new place, and the other about restitution on our vehicle. It’s frustrating and it doesn’t seem right that we have to pay the consequence of someone else’s doing.

“You {Lord} put our adversaries to shame (Ps 44 vs 7) “.

It’s so easy to toss our side of the story in the fire, or gossip about a wrong someone has done;  It’s ‘natural’ to complain and become bitter – in society, it’s even justifiable to allow our own sin nature to control our mood and actions after a terrible situation has happened to us…   but why do we trust in our own power to fix things?

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

In my situation, believe me, there’s nothing more I want to do than rebel against our landlords control – OR – give the man who hit our van a piece of mind about the inconvenience it caused us – but what good would it do? Maybe it would give me some sick satisfaction that would last about an hour – but I would be robbed from seeing God do something BIG.  

” He gives us victory over our enemies (Ps 44 vs 7)“

I don’t know about you, but when I try to fix things I usually screw up.  However, when I allow God to fix things – it’s always victorious.  I’ve learned to wait for the blessing.  I love it when my God shows up on time and delivers a punch like no other – showering not only me, but others with His goodness!  By allowing the Lord to work through a situation, you are kind of giving Him permission to bless you and others involved.  People can’t always see God when “we” are standing in the way – However, when the Lord shows up… people take notice.  The Lord usually ends up doing something much beyond anything you could do with better kick-backs as an added extra (like change a person’s heart, reconcile a relationship, provide from nowhere, etc) .

I leave you with this…  I fought against the anger when our only family vehicle was pronounced totaled.  Instead of fighting though, I wrote the man who hit us a letter of grace.  I was out-right open about how my God was going to take care of us and how I prayed peace over his life.  With forgiveness, I shared God’s love and mercy – then sent the letter.  Days later, contrary to what we were first told, our van ended up being purchased by the insurance company for $2000 more than the blue book value and paid $300 in equity past the remainder of the loan.  On top of that, we were donated a family car – free of cost!  Now tell me that was not our God’s doing. 

“It was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You loved them.” (Ps 44: 3)

So, in retrospect I knew I did the right thing.  I had to trust Him.  What good would it have done if I wasted time and energy being angry or revengeful?  Instead, we can now give praise where praise is due… with a thankful heart and grow from this experience.  I can trust Him again and again!  So can you.  I encourage you to take that step of faith and do the same with that certain situation in your life…

“In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.”

What about wisdom?

When trials hit home and your world becomes fogged and frustrating, your decision-making ability tend to fly right out the window. At that point, what do you desire the most? I’m sure you will agree when I say, wisdom to decide what is right or wrong; wisdom to discern what is from God or not; and peace so you can sleep at night!

As most, I struggle from time to time trying to understand wisdom and how I can use it to my advantage in order to make the right decision the FIRST time around .  However, most of the time I forget to think at all and begin to panic when something happens.  I usually end up throwing a little “God, give me wisdom” out there in hopes that an unmistakable answer would float into my head, making everything suddenly “ok”. However,  as you would expect, there’s no supernatural occurrence when I throw prayers out there, nor are there any great revelations that suddenly come to mind.  I usually have to take a breather and let time take it’s course by bringing my thoughts and actions into submission.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God who gives generously without finding fault” James 1:5

When I read that scripture in James, I find myself instantly filled with peace.  It’s as if it give me permission to not push and pull to find the answer to my questions.  I simply have to ask… with no strings attached! But WHAT is wisdom? How do I hear God?

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”
Proverb 1:7

“The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom”   Proverbs 15:33

Many would question the word: FEAR.  However, this is not the kind of fear like “Boo!” – or the kind of fear that something is hiding in your closet.  This kind of FEAR is reverence to who Christ is. Holy fear. Christ is our ABBA (daddy) Father; The Almighty; The Creator; The Healer; The Everlasting; Our LORD and King…  With those titles, HE deserves some respect! I believe that once you grasp that understanding of how powerful and mighty our God is, we become ready for instruction in wisdom.  We can have confidence that we can trust Him with our decisions.  After all, He is still the same God who parted the Red Sea in Moses’ time – He can do it again if He chooses!

“In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.” Proverb 14:26

I need that place of refuge that Proverbs talks about.  I’ve learned that I’d rather wait and respond to something when I know I’ve been instructed on Biblical counsel rather than on pure emotion.  It’s not easy to do, but usually when emotion enters the picture, mistakes are made – and I don’t like to pay the consequence of that outcome. I don’t think anyone does… It’s just better to take it slow and wait on Him.

So, I encourage you.  We all have things happen daily in life.  Many decisions are made spontaneous and require little to no deep thought.  However, the next time something happens that just about puts you over the edge and important decisions need to be made ~ seek out wisdom. When you prepare yourself for instruction, have a healthy fear of the Lord, and ask for wisdom; you’ll be filled with peace and confidence and able to make the right decision…

Little Set Backs…

I should of known that today would be a bit different. I didn’t sleep last night at all. It seems that I have mastered the art of sleeping while thinking. Unfortunately, when the hour comes to ‘get up’, I realize I didn’t actually sleep at all. So, when times like this plague my nights with worry, I have learned to pray. I don’t always know what to pray or who to pray for, so I pray for everything and every body! Usually after I cover all the bases, I fall to sleep. But for some reason, last night was different – which made today ‘different’. Little did I know…

Anyway, I knew that today was a day of waiting. Waiting for this and waiting for that – important stuff that could effect my life. As you all know, it’s hard to wait. However, I had no choice in the matter. It wasn’t my decisions to make. I’m sure you agree that there is nothing like the feeling of having no choice but to leave important decisions in someone elses hands. By letting that little piece of reality sink deep inside my sleepless mind, I had a scripture come to memory from the book of Psalms, “He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because He delighted in me” (Psalms 18:19). Just remembering that He delights in ME was enough to set me at ease while I waited for the phone to ring.

Soon the waiting game was over and news because to fly in full force. Honestly, it set me off balance. I tripped over the fact that our belongings were taken from our car while it was ‘secured’ in a maintenance facility. I stumbled over a conversation of someone passing the buck in a volitable situation ~ and I fell face down when our hope for something new was destroyed by another person’s insecurity. However, I guarded myself with scripture to be my strength. “He delivered me” – I had to stand and remember that Jesus was there when the phone rang, and Jesus was there when the buck was passed, and Jesus was there to remind me that my hope is in Him… not a home, car, or other person. None of these unexpected outcomes were a result of something we did – nor could I have prevent anything… it simply ‘happened’. That is life.

That is why I pray. I always pray for the Lord’s will to be done. First, I make my requests known… I share my desires and my wishes… and ask for the things I feel I need. But I always close my prayer with an honest statement of faith for His will to be done. In days like today, I’m thankful for that kind of prayer. I’m thankful because I put everything in HIS hands. He is the King of everything – He is my Father in Heaven – He is the protector of my soul. His ways may not make sense to us at the moment, but my trust is in Him because “…He delights in me”

I encourage you to do the same. Give Jesus as chance. He already makes it very well known how special you are to Him… now, it’s your turn. If my day happened to you – where would you be tonight? Would be lost and hopeless? Would you be depressed and angry? Would you trust and believe that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him? (Romans 8:28) Whatever the answer, it’s not easy… but if you learn to trust Jesus with all things, the little set backs wont seem like such giants. It only takes a little faith…

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