A Heritage From The Lord

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2012-07-26T18:15:00.000-05:00

Up to the present our subscription button has not been working. I've been playing with the feeds (Please, if you know what I'm talking about you're welcome to help me fix this!!), and trying to fix this. Please be patient with this process. Thank you!

COMING SOON!!

2011-05-11T16:10:00.000-05:00

Well, I know some of you have been waiting for a post. School's out, so I hope to get started again, but until then I wanted to let you in on something...

From my interest in writing devotionals stemmed an opportunity to write an article in a book of encouragement for women of faith called TOUGH TIMES DON'T LAST BUT TOUGH WOMEN DO. This is a book of advice from about 40 different women about how they made it through their tough times. There are already four other books in this series, A Cup of Tea For The Heart, in publishing process.

This first book is officially in print, and I will soon be posting a button to purchase one from this site. Until then, if you are interested in ordering TOUGH TIMES DON'T LAST BUT TOUGH WOMEN DO for $19.99, you are welcome to email me at RebeccaViola@netzero.net.

This book is faith and hope filled for all of life's struggles. If you are or know someone struggling with aging parents, a family member's addiction, divorce and many other heartaches, TOUGH TIMES DON'T LAST BUT TOUGH WOMEN DO will speak truth and hope into those broken areas of life.

If you are interested in offering this encouraging book in your church's book store, or as an addition to your workshop or conference, please email me your request.

DO NOT BE DECEIVED

2010-09-30T18:05:00.001-05:00

"Did you see the lady telling us a story?" Isabelle asked as we pulled out of the parking lot of the church.

She goes on to tell me, with much enthusiasm and disbelief, that one time it had rained so much that the woman's entire car was filled with water. The lady didn't know that her Bible was in the back seat. It had gotten all wet and was now wrinkly.

That's one tough Bible, I thought, if it only was wrinkled!

"No, Isabelle, her window was open." Garrett corrected her.

He explained that her son had borrowed her car, and left the window down when it had rained, and her Bible got wet.

These were certainly two very different perceptions of the same story!

Isabelle has a vivid imagination, and since she was two has been the story teller of the family. She often reads into stories things that are not there.

We, too, can harmlessly misinterpret reality. It becomes harmful when we don't ask a few questions to make sure we understand, and it develops into deception.

I can think of several forms of deception.

1) Misconceptions.

Paul describes two different perceptions of the cross in 1 Corinthians 1:18.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

2) We can also be enticed by others playing on our wishful thinking.

"Let no one deceive you with empty words." (Eph. 5:6)

"Now I say this lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words." (Col. 2:4)

3) We can deceive ourselves by our own wishful thinking.

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1 Jn. 1:8)

"The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (Ps. 14:1)

4) We can think we know better than God.

"Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise."
(1 Cor. 3:18)

Paul tells the Colossians the way to guard against deception.

Christ.

"Know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Col. 2:2b-3)

The more we see the treasure of Christ, the less likely we will be deceived by the artificial treasures of this world.

MEDITATE ON IT

What areas of your life are you likely to be deceived in each of the different ways?

Which of the forms of deception do you struggle with the most?

How would looking more into Christ and His truth help you with your deceptions?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father, You are truth, and only by looking into Your face can we have any hope to live in reality. Forgive us when we look to this world to show us truth. Strengthen us in Your word and guard us from deception. Open our eyes to lies that ensnare us and give us the courage and ability to resist. Bring readily to our minds Your Word we have already hidden in our hearts, and motivate us to store all the more. We praise You, Father, for providing us with everything we need.

LIVE IN IT

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8)

"And the LORD God said to the woman, 'What is this you have done?' The woman said, 'The serpent deceived me, and I ate.'"
(Genesis 3:13)

"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life." (1 John 5:20)

MINI-ME'S

2010-09-27T06:00:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, as we were having our Sunday lunch out, Chris and I were attempting to have a reasonable conversation with the kids.

Sometimes, it's practically impossible.

I don't remember what Chris asked Garrett, but his answer was, "yeah."

We don't let them respond to us with "yeah." The word is "yes."

"Excuse me?" asked Chris.

"Yeah," responded Garrett with a face to tease Chris.

"Excuse me?" Chris tried again.

"Yeah," more dramatic in tone and expression. "Yeah." "Yeah." "Yeah." Getting worse every time.

By now, Chris and I were having telepathic words across the table with grins on our faces. Without opening our mouths I said, "That's your son!" and Chris said, "I know, he's just like me!"

Then Isabelle, without looking up, pipes up with, "Oh, brother!"

(That's what I always say.)

Chris looked at me. "It's like sitting at a table full of us!"

"Frightening!" I replied.

Do you have the same response at the idea that your children (or anyone else) are/will be just like you?

Listen to this: "I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me. For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church." (1 Cor. 4:14-17)

What?!

Oh, that I could say that freely to my children! It's my hearts deepest desire to warn them of a life outside of God's will, to be their strongest influence (which obviously I am), to be as I want them to be so completely I can tell them to imitate me, and when I'm not around, to send someone to remind them of how I am in Christ.

But, honestly, I don't think I can completely wrap my brain around that being reality.

Behaviorally, that is.

But..."the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Sam. 16:17)

I do love God with all of my heart! I CAN tell my children to imitate me in heart!

MEDITATE ON IT

Who is in your realm of influence? (Everywhere you go!)

What areas of your heart and life could you tell them to imitate you?

What areas can you begin to take steps to change so you could say this of them too?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father, thank You that You provide examples for us in the flesh to give us hope of how we can be. Thank You for being the ultimate example in Your Son. Give us the full understanding of the power of influence that we possess whether for good or evil. Only through the power of Your Spirit within us can we be the light and salt You intend us to be. Empower us Father. Forgive us when we quench Your Spirit. Remove any obstacles from our heart, lives and relationships.

LIVE IN IT

"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1)

"As in water face reflects face, so a man's heart reveals the man." (Proverbs 27:19)

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?...You are the light of the world...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:13a, 14a, 16)

THE WAYS OF ME(N)

2010-09-25T17:20:00.001-05:00

If it were up to my kids, their lives would look a lot different.

Instead of scrambled, DHA-eggs and plain yogurt with fruit, nuts and honey for breakfast, they'd have donuts.

Instead of two to three hours of phonics, math, handwriting and memory work, they'd watch TV.

Instead of an 8 p.m. bedtime, they'd stay up till 10 p.m.

Things that they think would be wonderful, would ruin them.

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Prov. 14:12)

Notice Proverbs doesn't say, "a way that seems right to a child." I have to say, I find myself waist deep in my way sometimes, and have to ask God to pull me out. If it were up to God, I think some areas of my life would look different.

Instead of spending my evenings watching TV, He'd have me invite unbelieving neighbors for dinner.

Instead of filling all my free time with "ministries" and "volunteer work," He'd have me be still and talk to my kids or my husband.

Instead of busying myself to feel worthy of a holy God, He'd have me rest in His grace.

The truth is, any self-will, even well intended self-will, is idolatry, pride, and sin. I work diligently to make my life, my husband's life, and the lives of my children, the best they can be. It never fails that when I don't stop and ask God first, I find myself overwhelmed, stressed out, discontented, and damaging all my relationships because they are lining up with my will.

This reminds me that God's ways are not my ways.

I know God places within me the desires of my heart; for my children to be healthy, educated, and love God, for my husband to need and love God above all else, for myself to serve and love others and share the hope of God's redeeming love.

But He doesn't accomplish things the way I would.

I would rather my character defects be removed in one hearty prayer, than have opportunities to practice obedience with His Spirit's guidance. I would rather everyone be happy and suffer no pain, than use affliction to seek eternal joy in Him.

"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Cor. 1:25)

Trust and obey...for there's no other way...to be happy in Jesus...but to trust and obey.

MEDITATE ON IT

What do you know is rooted in your own will, but refuse to give over to God? Why?

What are you afraid will or won't happen if you follow God's leading?

Do you find yourself avoiding asking God because then you might have to obey?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father God, You are just that, our loving Daddy. Your love for us is extravagant and Your ways are wise. Remove the blinders that lead us to believe that our way works. Forgive us for not trust You, the only one who is trustworthy. Forgive us for refusing to give You what is rightfully Yours...all of us. Stamp on our hearts the extent of our foolishness, and draw our eyes to Your will. Speak comfort and truth into our wounded hearts to give us the courage to trust and follow You.

LIVE IN IT

"For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." (1 Corinthians 1:21)

"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the LORD." (Isaiah 55:8)

"I thought about my ways, and turned my feet to Your testimonies. I made haste and did not delay to keep Your commandments."
(Psalm 119:59-60)

FORGIVEN, BUT CAN'T FORGET IT

2010-08-19T17:25:00.000-05:00

Two years ago for Christmas, Chris gave me these beautiful amethyst stud earrings, and a matching necklace.

A few weeks after Christmas, one evening I took off my earrings and left them on the bathroom counter, thinking, "I should put these up. A kid is going to come in here, and not be able to resist touching them."

I didn't.

Someone did.

The next day, Abigayle, 18 months old at the time, brought me one earring.

"Where's my other earring?"

"How did she get these?"

Suddenly, amnesia swept through our house and no one knew anything.

Of course, I assumed they had a wax build up in their ears and tried saying it a little louder.

"WHERE'S MY OTHER EARRING AND HOW DID SHE GET THESE?"

Both Garrett and Isabelle said the other did it, and Isabelle being the one with the history of dishonesty, was blamed.

She got in BIG trouble.

We spent the rest of the day looking, in tears, and finally found them in the baby swing.

Quite some time went by, like a few weeks, when Garrett confessed he was the one who had taken my earrings, and had been playing with them all day before Abigayle had found them.

I severely scolded him, not for taking the earrings, but for allowing Isabelle to get in so much trouble without saying anything.

He apologized several times over the next few days. I told him he didn't need to apologize anymore because I forgave him.

About six months later, in Sunday school they were writing an apology for a time they had been dishonest. Again he wrote he was sorry for taking the earrings.

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him, and in whose spirit there is no deceit." (Ps. 32:1-2)

Why does the last half of verse 2 mention deceit?

I think on one hand if we hide our sin and do not acknowledge it to the Lord, we are not forgiven of it. But today it stands out to me, as Garrett had done, that we don't believe God has forgiven us when we have asked.

When we feel as though we need to repeatedly ask for forgiveness, we don't acknowledge the power of the cross to cover our sins. As a result are deceived and not blessed.

MEDITATE ON IT

What have you done that you continue to ask forgiveness for? Why?

How powerful do you believe the work on the cross to be? What sins are too big to be forgiven?

How does Satan use deceit to prevent you from being blessed by God's forgiveness?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father, Your work on the cross and resurrection from the dead was the single greatest exhibit of power in the history of the world. Forgive us for not accepting and acknowledging that power. Forgive us for following lies that Your forgiveness doesn't not apply to some of our sins. Give us more faith to believe the extent of Your power. Open our minds to trust in Your forgiveness. Help us to identify lies and reject them so we can live in truth and blessings. Bless us Father with Your forgiveness.

LIVE IN IT

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions (sins) from us." (Ps. 103:12)

"I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." (Isaiah 43:25)

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

MAYBE TO YOU

2010-08-16T17:01:00.003-05:00

I don't remember what it was now, but the other day I was explaining something to Garrett.

It was a conceptual idea, not practical or tangible thing he could look at to understand.

I finished up with, "Does that make sense?" I wanted to make sure he was understanding me.

"No," he replied, "well, maybe to you, but not to me."

Garrett had the understanding that something could make sense to me, and not necessarily make sense to him.

I cannot tell you the arguments my husband and I used to have over this very subject! He would ask me if I understood him, and I would say yes, and he would argue that I didn't.

Finally one day I thought to ask, "Are you asking me if I understand what you're saying, or if I agree with you?" To him they were one in the same, but they are two very different questions.

So often we generalize our perspective as universal reality.

For example: "If it doesn't make sense to me, then it must not make sense."

God made us each as individuals.

We are all different on purpose, not by defect.

Each made with strengths, weaknesses, soft spots, callings, gifts, personalities, energy levels, and character traits.

Romans 12:6 reminds us "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us."

By restricting others to our way of thinking, or our area of expertise, or our passions we are really missing out on the joy and beauty of working together, sharing the burden and work of the gospel of Jesus.

We do this, I'm convinced, on a regular basis without recognizing it. Both conforming others to our life, or conforming ourselves to the lives of others.

Dave Ramsey says in his Financial Peace University about couples, "If both of you were just alike, one of you is unnecessary."

Instead of criticizing one another for thinking differently, or having different gifts and callings, let's instead open our eyes to the beauty of God's resourcefulness.

He gave some a heart for the poor. Some a heart for the rich.

Some a heart for the old. Some a heart for the young.

Some a heart for the near. Some a heart for the far.

Some a heart of song. Some a heart for math.

Mine is women. I thrive on engaging and encouraging women to devote their lives more fully to God. It's what makes me tick.

Kids on the other hand... =)

MEDITATE ON IT

As I heard the other day, what "revs your engine?" What ministry or people tug at your heart every time?

Why do you cast your opinions and perspectives as generalizations? Fear? Jealousy? Pride?

How would understanding your gifts and personality type change your perceptions of others?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father, You are so unique and creative. Thank You for enabling us individually to carry just one small load of the kingdom of God. Forgive us for criticizing others for being just as You made them to be, and attempting to make them like us. Help us to see the beauty in diversity. Help us to embrace and engage one another and grow stronger and more efficient as we work together. Teach us how to do this. Use this all to bring us together in the unity Jesus desired for us.

LIVE IN IT

"For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function...Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them." (Romans 12:4,6a)

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all...But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He will."
(1 Corinthians 12:4-7,11)

"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:2)

MEETING NEEDS

2010-08-14T21:38:00.002-05:00

This last weekend myself and the kids went to Ft. Worth to visit family. My two aunts, from Colorado and Austria, were there also. These were my dad's sisters. They had met my two oldest children, but not the younger two.

There were also four children in my dad's family, who were close in age like mine.

One of my aunts had asked what the age difference was between my oldest and the youngest.

I answered, "5 1/2 years." She said there was 4 years and 5 months between the four of them.

Her next comment any Mom would "Amen."

She said, "And then I had children of my own and forgave my mom A LOT!"

I think it's a shame sometimes we have to be in another's shoes, almost literally, before we can offer sympathy and compassion.

We often assume we would handle things differently as we judge others are in their circumstances.

I don't know about you, but particularly in my parenting and in my marriage I see myself falling into the same patterns I used to criticize others for. As I strive to break free from them, I still fight the sin nature we all have that inhibits us from being who God created us to be.

"I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." (Rom. 7:18)

I sense God lately either convicting me or attempting to invoke in me compassion for those in need. This seems to be the opposite of judging.

Jesus is such and outrageous and beautiful example of compassion. Of all the people who have ever walked the earth, He would have the most justification in judging and criticizing those around Him, but He overwhelmingly did the opposite.

"[Jesus] was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick." (Matt. 14:14)

"Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him." (Matt. 20:34)

"Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be clean!'" (Mk. 1:41)

"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things." (Mk. 6:34)

I challenge you to allow the needs of others to move you too with compassion.

MEDITATE ON IT

When you find yourself judging another, what is it inside you that you don't want to face?

How could you instead identify the needs of others?

Challenge: When you see others' needs, visualize yourself with those very needs. Don't forget to meet what needs you can!

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father God, what a beautiful and moving example of compassion You are! The Creator God of the Universe who compassionately reached out to humanity who could not save themselves. Father, open our eyes to the needs of others and give us the courage to be compelled to love them as we would want to be loved. Remove whatever is in us that would inhibit empathy towards another in need. Humble us Father in the love You have offered us, to do the same for others.

LIVE IN IT

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Colossians 3:12)

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble." (1 Peter 3:8)

MOUNTAINS AND MOLEHILLS

2010-07-30T06:00:00.004-05:00

Last week we had a play date with two little friends. A boy Garrett's age and his sister a little younger than Isabelle came over for the afternoon.

After playing a good long while with boys in the boys' room and girls in the girls' room, they went outside in the backyard.

I was looking through the windows into the backyard making sure everyone was playing nicely.

Within seconds Isabelle leaned over and planted one on the little boy! On the mouth!

I headed immediately to the back door. By the time I get there, through the door I saw her do it again!

I asked her to come inside and wait for me in the living room. Let her dread it a minute.

Well, I caught their mom before she came in the door, and had a talk with Isabelle.

I made a mountain of this mole hill!

That night my mind went crazy with every horrible thing that could come from this path over the next 20 years. I covered everything from her relationship with her dad, to her relationship with God, to how it was all going to impact me.

God has been reminding me, and did again this night, that we are to bring "every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ," and we do this by "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God." (2 Cor. 10:5)

I knew this was not of God because "God has not given us a spirit of fear." (2 Tim. 1:7)

Paul reminds us "we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds." (2 Cor. 3-4)

We are commanded against, because it is not good for us, entertaining fearful thoughts. These thoughts manifest themselves in our motives, our words, our emotions, and our actions.

"But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." (Jms. 1:14-15)

My desire is my life will be easy and free from pain. I'm enticed by the illusion that I can control it into being that way and if I do it'll be better for everyone.

Instead, "be anxious for nothing...and the peace of God...will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6-7)

MEDITATE ON IT

What areas of your thought life have you not taken captive into obedience to Christ?

How does Satan use this area to entice you? What lies do you believe?

How would surrendering your thought life to God impact your motives? Words? Emotions? Actions?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father, thank You for providing us with a guide to life, and an instruction on the best way to live. Thank You for doing for us what we can not do for ourselves. Forgive us when we allow our thoughts to control us, and give Satan a foothold into our lives and hearts. Teach us to have self-control. Teach us to see our thoughts as You see them, and to see spiritual warfare for what it is as well. Change our hearts, so that out of them can be a well-spring of life. Help us to depend on You more for this area of our lives, and to surrender to You more fully.

LIVE IN IT

"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man." (Matthew 15:18)

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

WHOSE IS IT ANYWAY?

2010-07-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

My kids think their stuff is theirs.

We have books that go in Garrett's room and books that go in the girls' room, but the books are officially community property. This is a hard concept for kids to understand.

Gabriel just recently started saying "mine."

Just last night I asked Garrett to get something from Gabriel, I think it was the remote. Garrett asked Gabriel for it nicely and Gabriel hit his chest like a gorilla and said, "Mine!"

Explaining this concept to Garrett, he suggested that his money was his, so anything he bought with his money would be his.

Is it really? Where did he get that money?

Do you see where I'm going with this?

I've been on a I'm-Not-My-Own kick the last few months and I love this passage:

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Cor. 6:19-20)

Whether you are a believer and child of God or not, everything you have is from God.

Daniel told king Belshazzar, who took credit for everything his kingdom had become, "the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified." (Dan. 5:23b)

Take a deep breath. You couldn't have done that yourself!

Everything from our ministry (Col. 4:17), our government officials (Rom. 13:1), our wisdom (Jms. 1:5), every good gift (Jms. 1:17), our children (Ps. 127:3), to the mysteries of God that we understand (1 Cor. 4:1), our own spiritual growth (Phil. 1:6), and certainly our salvation (Eph. 2:8) is not ours from our own making.

Intellectually I think we all know this, but often I don't live like it. I don't always stop and ask:

How I should schedule my day with His time?

How I should handle every situation with His children?

How I should spend His money?

How I should invest His life in me?

God has given us everything and has designed everything. He knows best how things ought to be used and handled. But how often to we beat our chest, or clench it with all our might and say, "Mine!" to the One who gave it to us.

MEDITATE ON IT

What area of your life have you acted as if it was yours? Consciously or not?

What things could you do differently to acknowledge with your behavior that everything you have is from God?

How do you think things would go if you did?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father, forgive our arrogance! Grow us up to understand that everything we have is from You. Help us to know what this actually looks like in our every day life. Open the areas of our hearts and lives so we can see where we behave as if things were our own. Lead us in the way you would have us go. Impress on our hearts that everything we ever wanted we would find in You, and that everything we have is to invest in Your kingdom and glory. Make that true in our lives.

LIVE IN IT

"He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32)

"No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11b)

"And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's." (1 Corinthians 3:23)

FIGHT LIKE YOU MEANT IT!

2010-07-26T14:51:00.001-05:00

As Garrett was approaching 5 years old, he really got into combat.

He wanted a light saber for Christmas. He would turn everything he could think of into a sword. He would get a knife or sword from his Legos or pirate figures to fight with. They weren't even an inch long!

He didn't care how good his opponent was either. He would give Abigayle a light saber, who probably wasn't even 2 years old yet, and she would just hold it out, not moving. He would jump all over and strike the light saber as if she was as involved in the combat as he was.

Of course, with the fighting came explanation of who we attack and fight against and who we don't.

Garrett was looking for a worthy opponent. He wanted to defeat the "bad guys," and asked if there were real "bad guys."

He came to the conclusion Satan would be the best opponent to fight seriously.

Weeks went by.

"Mom, I want to fight Satan with a real sword!"

He gets this look on his face that says, "Now, I know what you're going to say..."

And he says, "and I don't mean the Sword of the Spirit!"

I laughed. That's awesome!

Three things come to mind when I think about this story.

1) Spiritual warfare is real!

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Eph. 6:12)

2) We are armed and protected!

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil...and take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Eph. 6:11,17)

3) Where's the adventure in our faith!?

"...Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again...of whom the world is not worthy...obtained a good testimony through faith." (Heb. 11:33-35, 38, 39, Read all of chapter 11!)

If only we wouldn't normalize our faith, which sucks the life and passion out of it.

"Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (Lk. 18:17)

Fight Satan like you mean it! Fight him like you were 5!

MEDITATE ON IT

How real do you think spiritual warfare is? Where did you get these views?

Would you describe your faith as passionate? If no, what is missing?

What can you do to make your faith seem more adventurous, and cultivate your relationship with God?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father, so often we have no idea what Your intentions are for us. We are fooled by lies that our life in You will be boring and emotionless. Father, You are as exciting as it gets. Make that our reality. Open our eyes to the adventure You have for us. Open our minds and hearts to see You as You are, and not how we perceive You. Forgive us for settling for passionless faith, and lifeless relationship with You. Teach us, show us, help us give You our all.

LIVE IN IT

"[God] is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." (Ephesians 3:20)

"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:14-17)

"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)

FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD

2010-07-23T20:52:00.002-05:00

I have been thinking about how we run to our children when they are hurt and we hear their cry.

The kids will all be upstairs and one will cry and Chris will look at me and say, "What does that mean?" There's the they-took-my-toy cry, the I'm-really-hurt cry, the I'm-not-really-hurt-but-I-need-the-attention cry, the they're-bothering-me-and-I'm-about-to-hit-them cry, and of course the I-didn't-take-a-long-enough-nap cry.

Every mom knows their children's cries. Even with the hurt cry, I can tell how bad it is by the cry. The longer they hold their breath the more I expect to see blood or a big knot by the time I get to them.

I've been looking for an opportunity to make a post of this topic, and just last week Abigayle handed me one.

I was sitting on the floor folding laundry as Abigayle played with her baby doll nearby. She was telling me about her baby and what she was doing. Her babies are all named Anna in one form or another. Hannah. Nannah.

Abigayle said her baby was crying and so she was rocking her and singing ROCK-A-BYE BABY to her.

I said, "Oh, she's crying?"

Abigayle said, "Uh-huh. I ran to her."

To make sure I understood her I said, "Oh, you ran to her?"

"Yeah. She was crying, so I ran to her."

You would have to know Abigayle to know the tone she uses in comments like this. At two years old, she says it like it's just common sense, everyone knows that!

I know for myself, believing God exists has never been a problem for me, but believing He hears me and comes running to me, I struggle with on a regular basis.

A cry from one of God's children will never go unnoticed.

"The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry." (Ps. 34:15)

"I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry." (Ps. 40:1)

And He will run to us and help us.

"The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles." (Ps. 34:17)

"[God] will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you." (Is. 30:19)

If it is only natural for us to know and run to our crying babies, how much more is our Perfect Father concerned!

MEDITATE ON IT

What characteristics of your father have interfered with your understanding of God as loving and concerned?

How would your life be different if you could fully grasp the intimate love and involvement of God in your every day life?

What things do you keep from Him because you don't think it's something He would be interested in, or willing to help you with?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father, thank You for being such a loving and intimately involved parent. You are the parent we all wish that we had. You lack no amount of love, patience, gentleness, kindness and affection towards us. You hope and work towards nothing but the absolute best for us, including our presence with You for eternity. Remove from us our own preconceived notions of who and how You are, and replace in us the reality of Your love for us. Forgive our doubt. Cast out the fear in us with Your perfect love.

LIVE IN IT

"Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice." (Psalm 55:17)

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

"If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry...And it will be that when he cries to Me, I will hear, for I am gracious." ( Exodus 22:23,27)

ALL TRIPPED UP

2010-07-19T06:00:00.004-05:00

Gabriel recently adopted a baby blanket to carry around with him. He just turned 16 months old, and is walking well, but is still plenty wobbly and falls down a hundred times a day. (That'll be another post I'm sure!)

Well, the other day he insisted on carrying this blanket. He was holding it about in the middle, just so the corner drug on the ground right in front of his feet. So, of course, he stepped on it every time he took a step.

He was walking back and forth from the living room, which is carpeted, and the kitchen, which is tile. On the carpet, the blanket would catch as he stepped on it. On the tile, it would slip. I bet he got one good step out of five.

He was whining about it with an occasional squeal of frustration, but he would not stop. A few times I asked for the blanket, and he wouldn't give it to me.

I guess you could say he was ultimately responsible for his situation because he wouldn't let go of the source of the problem.

We could blame the blanket.

It sounds ridiculous, but how often do we blame the blanket in our own lives.

A target of addiction, such as food, shopping, alcohol, prescription drugs, our relationships, our past, anger, pain, circumstances, fear, and control can all be the scape goat of our problems, but the root lies in misuse, and refusing to let go.

And, like Gabriel, we like our blanket. We want to be able to keep it without tripping, and then we throw a fit and burst out in frustration when we can't.

God, as our loving Parent, occasionally asks us to hand it to Him, so we don't have to trip on it anymore.

"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Pet. 5:7)

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus tells us who are tired and worn down that He's willing to take our burdens and trade them for His, which are easy and light.

One thing I unexpectedly noticed in both of these passages is humility is involved.

In 1 Peter, the previous verse says, "humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God."

In Matthew 11, verse 29 says, "for I am gentle and humble in heart."

God is willing to take the problem of our self-will out of our hands if we would humbly let Him.

MEDITATE ON IT

What does your blanket look like?

What instances in your life can you look back and see as God asking for your blanket, willing to save you from yourself?

How do you express your frustration from tripping over your blanket?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father God, thank You for loving us. Thank You for offering us Your light load in place of the enormous burdens we attempt to carry ourselves. Please teach us how to let these trip-ups go. Gently offer us opportunities to hand them to You and give us the courage to trust You with them. Open our eyes to identify our individual "blankets." Forgive us when we choose to trip over ourselves and our will instead of handing them to You. Increase our faith.

LIVE IN IT

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

"Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you." (Psalm 55:22)

"Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity...Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them." (1 Timothy 4:12,15)

BALLERINAS AND ESKIMOS

2010-07-16T17:46:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago, I suggested the children think about what they wanted to do when they grow up. I'm always careful to say "do" and not "be" because their identity is not in what they "do."

"You know with hard work and school to learn all about it, you can choose anything you want to make money with and have as a job," I said.

I let them know there are real ballerinas and real astronauts and firemen that do those things as their jobs. That was all we said at the time.

About a week later Garrett said, "Mom, I decided what I wanted to do when I grow up!"

I was surprised he had remembered, much less been thinking about it.

"Oh, really! Great! What is it?" I asked.

"An Eskimo!"

I don't know about you all, but I'm too much of an "in the box" thinker.

I know most of the reason is fear, some laziness and not wanted to take a risk or get out of my comfort zone. This convicted me of how much I don't practice what I preach.

I want my kids to do great, mighty and amazing things for God and to make an impression in this world.

I know deep down I want that for myself, too.

But most of the time...I don't do anything to contribute.

Really, what's up with that?

Why would we choose a life of settling, mediocrity, normalcy and complacency when we could be, do and have extraordinary?

"[God] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." (Eph. 3:20)

If we are God's, we are called to live the adventurous, satisfying life of an heir to the Throne; of one sold out to Jesus.

The trick is...you have to sell out! Give it up. Lay it down.

"[Jesus] said to them, 'Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.'" (Mk. 8:34-35)

We all hope our children will say they want to be President or an Eskimo, I guess, because we want the greatest for them. Just like God wants for us, to do in us.

Why do we settle for less ourselves?

MEDITATE ON IT

Have you considered an extraordinary life, doing extraordinary things, even as a possibility? Or are have you accepted settling as "reality?"

In your heart of hearts, your deepest desires, what would you dare to dream to do?

What's stopping you? Fear? Unworthiness? Disbelief? Laziness?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Our perfect and loving Father, who desires more for us than we would even dare for ourselves, give us courage. Open our eyes to Your purpose within us and the possibilities You are willing to provide for us. Help us and teach us how to remove anything in our past or present, or fears that would prevent us from selling out to You completely. Forgive us when we don't. Forgive us when we hang onto the safety of controlling our own mediocre lives. Teach us and give us the courage to think outside the box.

LIVE IN IT

"Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)

"The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above." (Proverbs 14:14)

"That you may know...what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead." (Ephesians 1:19-20a)

A BEAUTIFUL MESS

2010-07-07T06:00:00.007-05:00

I heard an illustration in a Bible study for mothers, when Garrett was a baby, that described our participation in God's work and will here on Earth.

She said God allowing us to work for Him is like us allowing our children to help us with dinner.

They climb up on the stool to help tear apart the lettuce for the salad. That's all they really can do because they can't use a knife yet. They get it all over the counter and the floor. It takes twice as long as if we did it ourselves and then we have the additional time it takes to clean up the mess. They didn't do half as good of a job as we would have, and we just hope when they sneezed it didn't get in the salad.

So why would we bother?

It builds our relationship with them. We get to spend quality time with them. We get to teach them life skills and relational skills. It also builds character, confidence and esteem when they contribute and see the results of their hard work.

And then they want to do it again tomorrow!

Ephesians 2:10 says God has prepared, in advance, good works for us.

Why? Because He needs our help? Because we have so much to offer He couldn't do it without us?

The answer to almost every human question is: (are you ready?) So we can be changed into the image of Christ, and God can be glorified.

"For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Phil.2:13)

Even the work we do is God doing it in us!

In John 15:5 and 8, Jesus says, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing...By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit."

I love that in the original language it is: "without Me...nothing."

When the world sees ordinary people do extraordinary things (fruit), they see God. He is glorified, and we are humbled knowing it wasn't us, but His work in us.

He could have done it instantaneously and perfectly. Instead, He chose to be with us, in us, and grow us in the process.

Believe it our not, He likes getting His hands dirty in our humanity. Just to be with us.

He is Immanuel: "God with us."

MEDITATE ON IT

Do you see the good things you do as a way to earn God's love, or as an opportunity to let God work in you and be with Him?

If you started every day asking for and anticipating the good works God has for you in that day, how would your day be different? Do you do this?

Does God love you less when you don't do good works? Do you really believe that?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father, Your love is so ridiculous and abundant towards us! Oh, how we allow Satan to rob us of reveling in it! Forgive us that we deny the love You have for us. Open our understanding and increase our knowledge of who You are, for this is how we bear fruit. Thank you for letting us participate in Your will here on Earth. Draw us to You and remind us to seek these works You have prepared for us already. Help us see the extravagant extent You go to just to have a relationship with us. You are an awesome God!

LIVE IN IT

"Shall the ax boast itself against him who chops with it? Or shall the saw exalt itself against him who saws with it? As if a rod could wield itself against those who lift it up, or as if a staff could lift up, as if it were not wood!" (Isaiah 10:15)

"For we are [God's] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

"As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me." (John 15:4)

THAT'S NOT FAIR!

2010-07-05T06:00:00.004-05:00

The children are always coming up with new manipulative tactics, whether it is throwing themselves on the floor, over-dramatizing things, or new comments to try.

A few months ago it was, "that's not fair."

I don't know if my husband coined the phrase, or if he heard it from somewhere, but his response was, "If everything were fair, we'd all go to hell!

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Rom. 3:23)

"For the wages of sin is death." (Rom. 6:23)

I was interested to find this passage in Ezekiel, particularly the second half of chapter 18. Verse 25 says, "'Yet you say, "The way of the Lord is not fair." Hear now, O house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair?'"

God is a just God.

If we were honest, we wouldn't want it any other way. Imagine if He weren't just. Sinners didn't get punished. Righteous didn't get rewarded. No sense of predictability and security and justice would come from that. Just think of the latest front page trial, and it's pretty obvious we long for justice...just not our own.

I think what my kids are looking for when they declare unfairness is same-ness. When we mentally declare unfairness, I think we are doing the same.

We do this in many ways:

How can I do the right thing and still have to live paycheck to paycheck, when so-and-so is a horrible person and has everything they ever wanted?

Why do I have to work so hard just for a tolerable marriage and they have it so good?

What did I do to deserve this pain?

Just as we know what is best for each of our children, who are each different ages, with different personalities, in different stages of their growth and maturity, and grow them up according to their individual needs, strengths, and limits, so God does for us.

Fortunately for us, somehow God can pull off being just and merciful at the same time...but at quite a cost.

"And He Himself is the propitiation (payment) for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world." (1 Jn. 2:2)

In His mercy, God decided to satisfy justice Himself on our behalf.

Praise God for His merciful "unfairness!"

MEDITATE ON IT

Who in your sphere of influence do you compare yourself to? What is the fruit of that comparison?

What of God's mercies have you taken for granted wishing for "fairness?"

Have you accepted the gift of God's payment for your sin, which you have been offered freedom from? If not, why?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father and Savior, how gracious of You to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. Left in a state of guilt and powerless to redeem ourselves, You offered Yourself in our place. Father, grow in us daily a heart of gratitude and an understanding of the fullness of Your sacrifice for us and love for us. Forgive us attitudes of entitlement, ungratefulness, and self-pity. Forgive us for not trusting You to know what is best for us each individually, and comparing our portions to others'. Thank You for Your lavish love.

LIVE IN IT

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4:10)

"To demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." (Romans 3:26)

"They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: 'Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!'" (Revelation 15:3)

UNDER AUTHORITY

2010-07-02T06:00:00.040-05:00

Yesterday, I had some errands to run. I was thinking about stopping at McDonald's before we did them so the kids would be pleasant, and pulled into the shopping center parking lot towards the restaurant.

I changed my mind. I thought we'd see how much we got done first, then maybe we could eat at home.

I never said anything to the kids about lunch at all. They made assumptions by my turning into the parking lot.

Garrett, Isabelle, and Abigayle began to vote about going to McDonald's or Taco Bell. They began to persuade their case to the others. The two older concluded Taco Bell.

They did this all the way from the parking lot, through the oil change, and back.

As we approached the intersection of the original restaurant on the way to our house, they asked about lunch. I said since we made it through our chores, we could run home and eat.

There was a fit.

Garrett and Isabelle had decided we were going to Taco Bell for lunch and were devastated at the deviation from their plans.

They didn't have the authority to make those plans. They were neither driving to, paying for, nor serving lunch.

Technically, the children caused themselves unnecessary pain by depending on a delusion of authority and control.

Sound familiar?

I make plans for my life:

How it is supposed to be...
What is supposed to be accomplished...
Who I'm supposed to marry...
How my children are supposed to behave...

and when MY plans are deviated from...I'm devastated.

As if I had the authority to decide. "Do you not know...you are not your own?" (1 Cor. 6:19)

As if I had the power to make it happen. "For without Me (Jesus) you can do nothing." (Jn. 15:5)

In Luke 7, one military man understood the value of authority in our walk with God. The centurion had sent for Jesus to heal his sick servant who was very dear to him.

"'But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, "Go," and he goes; and to another, "Come," and he comes; and to my servant, "Do this," and he does it.'" (Lk. 7:7-8)

Because he understood all things are subject to the authority of Jesus, he believed anything Jesus said would be done.

"[Jesus] marveled at him...'I have not found such great faith!'" (Lk.7:9)

Oh, that Jesus would say that of me!

MEDITATE ON IT

How would fully understanding the extent of Christ's authority change your measure of faith?

What plans have you made that disappointed you when God did not abide by them? How could you have avoided that pain?

Over what circumstances and areas of your life have you attempted to exert authority and power that you do not possess? What was/is the outcome?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father, You are the all-powerful Creator of the Universe. All things are subject to You, because You made it all and purposed it all. All things were made for You, by You, through You and to glorify You. Open our understanding to the fullness of Your authority and power. Forgive us when we attempt to exert authority over that which is not ours. Help us recognize our powerlessness aside from You. Increase our faith as we subject ourselves to Your authority, and bless us in the freedom of Your power.

LIVE IN IT

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

"Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him." (1 Peter 3:22)

"For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever." (Romans 11:36)

MY STRENGTH

2010-06-29T16:36:00.007-05:00

Our last little angel is Gabriel Vincent.

In February of 2008, my husband and I separated. I married him through sickness and health, but I didn't necessarily have to live with him in it.

From the very beginning we continued to function as a family and work towards healing and reconciliation. I insisted on one year minimum to insure authentic change, and was willing to go longer if needed.

My husband graciously supported us financially, and I was able to continue to stay home with our kids.

We went to church together, our small groups and all family functions together. We participated in our own individual recoveries, and counseling as well.

He came over after work, sometimes ate dinner with us, helped with bedtime, sometimes stayed for a little while, then went home.

It was hard. The decision was hard. The boundaries were hard. Having three kids alone was hard.

God knows what He's doing.

You see, I argued with God for four months about why separating was not a good idea. He led me into it, and through it, one step at a time.

I had always wanted four children, and especially another boy. When we separated I didn't know if we would ever have any more children. Even if we made it through this, would it be a good idea? I grieved the loss of this baby I may never have. I let him go into God's hands, and into His will, prepared to never see him.

Two months later, Father's Day to be exact, I got pregnant with Gabriel.

I always wanted a Gabriel. I had no idea what it meant, I had just always loved the name. I just knew it was a boy.

Our separation continued for 21 months, through the pregnancy and birth, and 8 months into raising four children, much of the time, alone.

Turns out, Gabriel means, "God is my strength."

Vincent means "Victorious."

He's the only one we named without knowing the meanings first, and whose name most accurately testifies of his journey to this earth.

Without diving deeply into God's word, trusting in Him alone for my joy, peace, hope, security, and future, leaning on His abundant provision of love, comfort, necessities, and people, and carefully stepping only where He led me, I would have never made it through my worst fear... separation.

God ALONE was my strength!

And because He was, I lived victoriously above my circumstances.

I pray this is Gabriel's testimony as well.

MEDITATE ON IT

Describe a time God has walked you through your worst fear. What did you learn about God? Yourself?

In crisis, do you often run towards God, or from Him? Why?

How does focusing on God in difficult circumstances aid your own transformation?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father God, You are so faithful to us to provide us with everything we need, especially when You call us into difficult circumstances. Help us to trust You, and Your faithfulness, and provision more. Forgive us when we doubt Your ability to handle our crisis and take control. Give us the faith to follow You where You lead us, even if it is difficult. Make us testify that our God is our strength.

LIVE IN IT

"I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies." (Psalm 18:1-3)

"But [God] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
(2 Cor. 12:9)

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world- our faith." (1 John 5:4)

OUR FATHER'S JOY

2010-06-23T06:00:00.004-05:00

Baby number three is Abigayle Jewel.

My New Year's resolution in 2007 was to read through the Bible.

In the spring of that year, I was reading 1 Samuel 25 about David and his dealings with this, pardon my French, real jerk, Nabal. I was about 6 months pregnant.

His own servant described him as "such a scoundrel that one cannot speak to him." (vs. 17)

By the way, his name means "fool." (vs 25)

As you read chapter 25 (that's my polite suggestion), the story is, Nabal was sheering his sheep in Carmel, as both his servants and David were shepherding flocks in the wilderness nearby. David had protected all of Nabal's people and possessions while they were in the wilderness together, and David sent messengers to him asking for him to provide for them as he came to visit.

Nabal refuses. David gets mad, and is ready to take 400 of his 600 men to attack him.

Abigail, Nabal's wife, "was a woman of good understanding and beautiful appearance." (vs. 3)

When she heard what her husband had done, without telling him, she "made haste and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five sheep already dressed, five seahs of roasted grain, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and loaded them on donkeys." (vs. 18)

This is why my daughter is named Abigayle.

This woman took this enormous gift to David, and when she saw him, "fell at his feet and said: 'On me, my lord, on me let this iniquity be!'" (vs. 24)

Then in verse 28, still claiming the fault of her husband as her own, said, "Please forgive the trespass of your maidservant."

David actually thanks her for stopping him from committing bloodshed and avenging himself! He could have just started his vengeance with her!

The ending is the beauty of trusting God.

Ten days later, God struck Nabal and he died.

Abigail marries David.

Abigayle means "joy of the Father."

My prayer for her is that she bring her Heavenly Father great joy. And like Abigail, that she is a woman of noble character, humble and fearless of man.

Jewel means "a precious stone."

I pray she is "chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house... to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Pet. 2:4-5)

Enough said!

MEDITATE ON IT

How would your relationships be impacted by humility such as Abigail's?

What stops you from practicing such humility and character? What are you afraid of?

What would have to change in your relationship with God to be as noble as Abigail?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father God, what a beautiful picture of inner beauty you give us with Abigail. Make us beautiful, Father. Grow in us a humble spirit, confident in You, not afraid of man, yet willing to bear the burdens of others in purity of heart. Teach us to trust in You to make all these things possible. Forgive us our selfishness, our pride, and our foolishness. Enable us to impact others for the better with such character as Abigail.

LIVE IN IT

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:10)

"The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way." (Psalm 25:9)

"Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matthew 25:21)

WHO'S YOUR DADDY?

2010-06-21T16:03:00.002-05:00

For Father's Day, I took the kids to pick out cards for Chris last week.

Now that Garrett understands holidays more, he really participates.

I found one that said, "Dad's a grown up who never forgot how to play!" Garrett immediately traded for it. Chris loved them all, of course.

At church, they offered "Happy Father's Days" to the guys, and reminded us all that God is our Father.

That got me thinking.

I know God is my Father. I don't mean I know intellectually. I mean, I know with all my heart, and proven by my experiences with Him, that God is my everlasting, ever faithful, all loving Daddy.

But, as a mom, what about my kids?

There are a lot of times I release my children into God's care, turn to Him to guide me in raising the children He has entrusted to me, and trust He will work out all things for their good, including my horrendous mistakes.

Then there's all the other times...

...and I'm Mama Bear and MY children are in danger, and everything calm and logical slips out the window, and I'll devour, I mean devour, any threat in their way including their dad!

So, this weekend I practiced grasping the concept, truly, that God is THEIR Father, too.

I love this passage in Matthew 7:9-11.

"What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, BEING EVIL, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

Alcoholism runs in our families. I have four children. There is a very real possibility one of them may be an addict.

Can I trust God with that?

I know His interest is in their character, their need for Him, and He being glorified through a beautiful story of redemption in each of their lives.

In order for them to be redeemed, they have to first be lost! Some worse than others. Ouch!

I also hold on to the promise that my faithfulness will impact their future.

"He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." (Deut. 7:9)

MEDITATE ON IT

I once heard "God doesn't have any grandchildren." How do you treat God as a grandparent of your children?

What areas of your children's lives are you not willing to hand over to God?

How would trusting God more in your personal relationship with Him impact your children's relationship with God? Your relationship with your children?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father, You are not only our Father, but the Father of our children. We, being evil, give good things to our children, how much more will You give them good things. Help us to truly see and believe that they are Yours. Forgive us when we attempt to take from You what is not ours. Open our eyes to our powerlessness to raise them, protect them, and guide them, apart from You. Provide these things through us as we submit to Your will for them.

LIVE IN IT

"As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him." (Psalm 103:13)

"A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation." (Psalm 68:5)

"The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him." (Proverbs 20:7)

MY GOD LOVING BEAUTY

2010-06-16T16:44:00.003-05:00

My second child is Isabelle Rose.

Isabelle means "God-loving" or "consecrated to God."

It is my prayer for her, in faith that God placed this name on her for a reason, that she be set apart from this world to be His, and that she love Him above all else.

"They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." (Jn. 17:14)

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." (Deut. 6:5)

Rose means "a rose" or "beauty."

Secondly, I pray that her beauty is true.

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment...Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." (1 Pet. 3:3-4)

I call her my God-loving beauty.

I would like to think, if I am intentional about it, every time I speak the names of my children I am speaking a blessing over them to be fulfilled.

James 3:1-12 describes the power of the tongue. "The tongue is a little member and boasts great things." (Jms. 3:5)

I love this story in Numbers 22. Yes, there are interesting stories in Numbers!

Balak, king of the Moabites, heard the Israelites were defeating the kingdoms around him. He was "sick with dread."

Back then, if you wanted the hook-ups you had to buddy up to the prophet.

Balak asks Balaam, the prophet of God, in verse 6, "please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed."

Balaam told the king he would only say what God wanted him to. Balak took him up to a high hill so Balaam could see how vast the Israelites were and, hopefully, curse them.

He didn't.

Instead, Balaam blessed the Israelites.

"Then Balak said to Balaam, 'What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and look you have blessed them bountifully!'" (Num. 23:11)

They did this three times.

King Balak was so mad after the third time, he struck his hands together and suggested that Balaam flee from him.

What could he have been so angry about?

He understood the power of the spoken word was as good as done. For better or for worse.

MEDITATE ON IT

Do you exercise the power of your tongue for blessings or curses?

If you recognized your ability, daily, to speak things into fruition, how would you speak differently to your kids? Husband? Grocery store clerk?

What blessings or curses have been spoken over you, for better or worse?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father, what an incredible and awesome tool You have given us in our tongue. What awesome power we have that we refuse to acknowledge and yet most often use for the worse. Forgive us Father for all the curses we have spoken over others, especially those we love the most. Teach us how to use our words for blessings, to develop in ourselves and others the fruit of Your Spirit. Open our eyes to these opportunities and give us the self-control to reject fleshly reactions and instead speak blessings. Empower us for Your good with our words.

LIVE IN IT

"A tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." (Proverbs 15:4)

"With [our tongue] we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so." (James 3:9-10)

"If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless." (James 1:26)

WHAT'S IN A NAME

2010-06-14T06:00:00.007-05:00

Each week at school one family does a presentation. One of the first weeks a family presented the meanings and reasoning behind the names of their children. I found it so interesting I put more thought into the names of my own children.

Our oldest is Garrett Nathaniel.

Chris, my husband, chose Garrett. I picked Nathaniel. I thought if I let him name our first child, maybe he'd let me name the rest. It worked! He has warned me he'll use it against me someday though.

The Bible declares throughout the power of a name.

In Genesis 49, Jacob declares what will become of his sons.

About Reuben ("Behold, a son") he says, "Reuben, you are my firstborn." (Gen. 49:3)

Of Judah ("Praise") in verse 8 he says, "Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise."

Dan ("God is my judge") was told, "shall judge his people." (Gen. 49:16)

I think the most amazing, just because we know more of the story, is Joseph ("God will increase"). The second half of Genesis, chapters 37 through 50, are about Joseph and how God increased all that he had.

The prayer of one man not to live up to his name is the subject of many books. Jabez ("Pain"), in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, prayed "that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!"

As I thought of God's sovereignty and He naming each of my children, I began to pray their names as a testimony for them.

Garrett means "powerful with a spear."

My prayer for Garrett is that he learn to be powerful with the only Sword that is eternal and effective.

"The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." (Eph. 6:17)

"For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword." (Heb.4:12)

Nathaniel means "gift of God."

In my first three posts I've told you how God has used Garrett's birth to bring me back to Him. He is a living testimony of a gift God has given me, the gift of Himself.

Secondly, I pray Garrett lives as the gift he is, and as a result, is a gift to all he encounters in his lifetime.

I'll share with you the names of each of my children. I hope you see, as I have learned, that God truly names each of us.

MEDITATE ON IT

How does acknowledging that God named you change your perspective of yourself?

How does your name offer insight about you? About your children?

Does it provide a blessing to accept, or something, like Jabez, to overcome?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father, again You demonstrate Your love and involvement with each of us by placing on us a name. Open our eyes to what You would have us know about what You call us. Remind us of Your sovereignty, that You are the Creator and Author of all things. Thank You for being involved in the intimate details of who we are. We ask that You release us from any curse associated with our name, and fulfill in us the blessings that You designed for us to have and be.

LIVE IN IT

"I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me." (Isaiah 45:4)

"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches." (Proverbs 22:1)

"You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will name." (Isaiah 62:2)

FACE TO FACE

2010-06-11T06:00:00.003-05:00

When Isabelle was 2 years old, she would come up to me and call me until she got my attention. Sometimes even after she had.

Once I directed my attention to her, she said, "Uuuuuhhhhmmmmm," and gazed thoughtfully. She almost never had anything she wanted to say to me, she just wanted my complete attention.

It makes me think of Gabriel when he wants my attention. When I'm holding him, he leans way forward and turns his face to look right in my face. Garrett used to grab my face and turn it to his.

I do this with God. Just ask Him for His direct attention and be aware of it myself. But only if I did it more, how beneficial it would be.

More intimate. More connected. More awareness.

"The LORD make His face shine upon You," (Num. 6:25) was how Aaron, the priest, was commanded to bless the Israelites, and a Psalm of blessing (Ps. 67:1).

I often avoid intimacy with God in a covert way by talking at Him, instead of being with Him. I think because I'm talking to Him I'm focusing on Him, but I'm really not. It's a indirect way of focusing on my agenda and/or problems. Usually when I do this, I have unaddressed sin or attitudes or self-sufficiency that I don't want to look at.

"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." (Is. 59:2)

God is unchanging.

He is not the one who turns His face from us, we turn ours from Him.

When we do, we are in our own will, our sin nature, and are not asking for the things that will be good for us. That's why He doesn't hear.

It's like when the kids are tired and throw a fit over something they know they aren't allowed to do or have anyway. I just ignore it, because they obviously are not in their best state of mind.

So, let's go back to that intimacy with God.

Imagine God's face always towards ours.

If we turn our face from our own way, will, agenda and unbelief, we would be nose to nose with everything we ever wanted.

We would see that He had been looking intently, lovingly, all along.

I really think it would change everything.

MEDITATE ON IT

What does looking in God's face mean, or look like, to you?

What blessings would you receive from looking into the face of God?

What is usually responsible for distracting you from Him? Is there a particular area of temptation, self-will or unbelief?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father, You love us so much and we miss it because we don't even look at You to see it. Turn our face to You. Help us identify and remove anything and everything that gets in the way of our relationship with You. Overcome in us the things that distract us from You. Forgive us when we look away. Bless us so abundantly when we turn to You that we will never want to look away. Thank You for Your patience with us. Thank You that You never tire of waiting on us. Your mercies truly are new every morning. Help us not give up on ourselves.

LIVE IN IT

"As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness." (Psalm 17:15)

"And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads." (Revelation 22:3-4)

"For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known." (1 Corinthians 13:12)

YOU'RE NOT HELPING

2010-06-09T06:00:00.003-05:00

Yes, I take all of my children with me to the grocery store!

I would be a rich woman if I had a dollar for every time I heard, "You have your hands full!"

I also hear, "You bring your kids to the grocery store? You're brave."

There's a thin line between brave and crazy, I always say!

Three quarters of the way through the grocery store, I'm ready to get out as fast as I can. One week we got to the bottled water, and as I loaded the cart Garrett and Isabelle began pulling a gallon of lemonade off the shelf.

"Not helping! You are not helping!" I said, just as an older man turned onto our aisle.

"Well, it looks like they're helping to me," he said, "That's not helping?"

As the man moved along, I explained to them if they really wanted to be helpful, the most helpful thing they could do was to obey.

"Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice." (1 Sam. 15:22)

This takes on so many different forms in our lives, but the root of it is all the same. I want to do what I want to do and I justify it by calling it "helping."

We "help" God change the hearts of our loved ones by telling them what they should be doing.

We "help" keep the peace by not expressing our needs, concerns, opinions and feelings.

We "help" others by doing for them what they can do themselves, and is technically their responsibility.

In my own life my motivation is always fear, which leads to control.

I'm afraid another will make the wrong decision and cause themselves pain, which would hurt me. Never mind if they need the lesson or not.

Or, I'm afraid they won't do what needs to be done, or do it right, because there is only one way to do things.

God's motivation is not for our comfort, but for our Christ-likeness. This usually doesn't happen without pain.

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart - these, O God, You will not despise." (Ps. 51:17)

God loves us enough to allow us to go through pain that will turn us to Him. We need to not prevent the same gift from being given to another.

MEDITATE ON IT

Who's spiritual growth are you inhibiting by preventing them from experiencing the pain of their own choices?

What are you really afraid will happen if you stop "helping" God and others?

How does your "helping" affect your relationships? Do you do it for them or for yourself?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father God, in our own understanding and will we would wish that no one would have to experience pain. But Father, You spare no one from pain, not even Your own Son. Give us Your perspective so we can see the work You are doing not only in our own pain, but what You are allowing in the lives of those we love. Have mercy on us. Open our eyes and give us wisdom to handle those we love the way You would have us do. Forgive us for interfering in Your work, and teach us how to get out of Your way.

LIVE IN IT

"So that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us." (Acts 17:27)

"You laid affliction on our backs...we went through fire and water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment."(Psalm 66:11-12)

"For each one shall bear his own load." (Galatians 6:5)

DON'T SHOOT

2010-06-07T06:00:00.003-05:00

Gabriel was ready to get out of his floaty at the pool the other day. He's 14 months old.

He said "up?"

I said, "No, baby. I'm not going to get you just yet."

He didn't like that. He through himself back and hit at me.

"Well, that doesn't really make me want to get you," I said.

Of course, when I saw how badly he wanted out, I did get him.

Our sin nature, we think, will get us what we want, but it turns out to have the opposite effect. Well, Gabriel probably didn't think "if I hit her, she'll get me." He just felt rejected, which hurt him, so in his own little depravity his conclusion was to hurt back. Then, hurting back would be the very thing that would prevent him from getting what he wanted.

This is often a result of two things: Not expressing, or not having the ability to express, our feelings in a direct and healthy way, so they come out sideways or aggressively, or fester into bitterness. And taking matters into our own hands instead of waiting on God for the desired results.

We do this all the time without knowing we are pushing ourselves further away from what we hope for.

A husband wanting respect and attention from his wife cheats on her.

A teenager ready for more responsibilities sneaks out of the house.

A wife needing her husband to step up into leadership of the family criticizes everything he does.

A mom sick of listening to her bickering children speaks to them in rudeness and anger.

Abraham was told he would be the father of many nations, even though he had no children of his own. Sarah, in Genesis 16-18, decided God was taking too long, and gave her servant to Abraham to have a son. He did, and Sarah was furious, and really, hurt. When she was told she would still have a son, by God Himself nonetheless, she didn't believe.

"Why did Sarah laugh?" asked the Lord. "Is anything too hard for the LORD?" (Gen. 18:14)

How often we shoot ourselves in the foot by either reacting in hurt, or in fear taking control. We are much better off waiting on God, asking for guidance and strength in the mean time.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Prov. 3:5-6)

MEDITATE ON IT

What area of your life are you taking control and it is not going so well?

How do you lash out in pain preventing the results you most desire?

How could both of these areas be different if you waited on God to provide? What's stopping you?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father God, we are so quick to doubt You and Your work in our lives. We think we need to take matters into our own hands. We forget that You are sovereign and in control. We forget Your mighty powers, that with Your voice alone the universe was created. Father, forgive us. Show us Your wonders. Strengthen us as we wait on You to do Your work. Draw us close to You. Teach us how to entrust the lives of those we love into Your care.

LIVE IN IT

"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil." (Psalm 37:7-8)

"Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!" (Psalm 27:14)