The Stay-at-Home Missionary

Computer Crash and a Big Giveaway!!

2009-12-01T06:49:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, I'm finally back after our computer crashed and then we were without internet for several days. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I know I did!

Well, now onto our really big giveaway! Have you heard about this amazing magazine?I personally love Home Educating Family. It is a wonderful mix of beautiful layout, encouraging articles, and helpful tips. What I really love about this magazine is that is for normal people who are homeschooling, with normal struggles and concerns. I feel like the magazine gets who I am as a homeschooler.

So, with all that said, guess what?! They are giving away 50 one-year subscriptions for my readers!!! Yes, 50!

All you need to do to enter in the giveaway is go to this link and enter your info, and even if you don't win, you'll still get one free issue! And, if you blog about this contest you can sign up a second time (leave a comment on this post when you've done it, so we can double check all double entries)!

If you are currently homeschooling, just starting out, or thinking about it, go sign up....you'll be encouraged by this magazine!

The contest will end next Monday, Dec. 7th at midnight, so go sign up!

2009-11-13T05:45:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone who lifted me up in prayer for my talk yesterday! It's over and I feel good about it. The Lord is good and He held me up through the whole thing. Thanks, too, to everyone who came to listen. I had a great time seeing so many moms seeking the Lord in their mothering!!

Here's me with my fan club....my dad, mom and sister. Sweet Dave stayed home to care for the kids (but he heard my whole talk, as I practiced on him the night before). While I loved speaking today, my place is in the home. It is easy to see how divided your time and attention can become when you are doing a lot of outside things. So, I'm off to tackle to laundry pile!

2009-11-12T05:20:00.000-08:00

Today is the big day for me, I'm off to speak on the topic, Practical Vision for Young Motherhood. Speaking is not a gifting for me, so if you wouldn't mind throwing up a prayer for me, I'd greatly appreciate it! I will tell you one thing, I do not recommend trying to prepare a talk and being a full-time mom....it has produced many late nights for this mommy.

On another note, if you are looking for an absolutely adorable idea for an advent wreath, go see Monica. She has a little tutorial on how to make your own...I pretty much just copy all of her projects. What would I do without her?! Here's a picture of her cute wreath:

I hope you have a great day!

2009-11-10T06:15:00.000-08:00

"Whatever you do whether in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Col. 3:17

Regarding the quote from yesterday, I just wanted to say that everything that we do in this world, we can do to glorify the Lord. The world can watch us as we handle car parts, insurance policies, and handle political legislation. These things do matter, when we look at Who we are doing them for, and our attitude towards doing them. Even taking out the trash can be done for the glory of God.

The purpose of the quote is to show how important mothering is, and that it is eternal.

Dave and I firmly believe that we are all called to be missionaries (Mark 16:15) as we carry out the tasks that God has given us, no matter how mundane or seemingly insignificant. So, as we as mothers carry out our God-given task in the home, we can still shine our light before men as we go the grocery store, get gas at the gas station, and other various ways we do the mundane. And, as we are carrying out our job in the home, our husbands and others can be shining their lights before men in the workplace, no matter what job it is...it can be done for His glory!!

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

As I Prepare....

2009-11-07T06:15:00.001-08:00

...for speaking this next week, I have come across such great Scripture and inspiration in the book, Womanly Dominion by Mark Chanski. It is a great book!

Here's a great quote:

"I know that some jobs don't really count, don't make much of a difference, don't actually matter that much, don't have much lasting significance. Not so with mothering. I know that in some jobs the worker is only handling cleaning equipment, or car parts, or computer keyboards, or insurance policies, or court cases, or political legislation, or stockholders' funds. Not so with mothering. A mother is handling things of a far greater magnitude. She's handling never-dying souls. She's daily conducting heart surgery on eternal spirits whose forever destinies are influenced most profoundly by the hands that rock their cradles, wipe their noses, spank their fannies, open their Bibles, prepare their after-school snacks, and turn off their bedroom lights. Those motherly hands are molding characters which will become men and women who will turn the world upside down either for good or for evil. Now that's a job that counts. " Womanly Dominion, page 108-109

What do you think? If you are a mother, do you feel like it counts this much?

2009-11-04T06:30:00.000-08:00

This is LOONNGG overdue, but since I wasn't blogging at the time, you'll have to bear with me! This summer I had the wonderful pleasure to meet Sheri in real life! We have been e-mail friends for a couple of years now, and it was such a privilege to meet her and her precious little ones! Sheri is refreshing just to be around, a beautiful woman (she was Miss Iowa, for goodness sake), and such a godly woman who loves the Lord and her family.

I was so blessed and encouraged to spend time with her, I only wish we lived closer to each other!

Sheri is in the middle of a wonderful series on her blog called, A Peaceful Home. You need to go check it out!

Have a blessed day!

The Retreat

2009-11-03T05:21:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned previously, this last weekend I attended an Above Rubies retreat. I went with dear friends and had a wonderful time. I don't think I have ever felt so encouraged and inspired in my role as a wife and mother as I did this weekend.

I took pages and pages of notes, and I'm amazed at how much Scripture Nancy Campbell used in each of her talks....she knows her Bible!!

There are so many things I could share that I took away this weekend, but here's a few things that really stand out to me. All of the following was shared by Nancy:

"They (your children) will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:5

We are raising arrows to go out into this world. We should be training them for battle. We have to get our children ready to face the battles against the world and the evil one.

We need to teach them how to be able to speak. They should be well equipped with His words of truth when they go out into the nation (whether that be our daughters becoming mommies and training up their own children or our sons going out into the workplace). They should be able to speak to the leaders and know how to implement change.

Before we can teach our children, we ourselves have to be ones that speak up for truth. It's time we rose up to speak up, write up, phone up, and train our children to speak up. Our children will catch our vision as they see us standing up for truth.

We do not need to be ashamed of the gospel....we can take the Word out as we go about our daily life (at the grocery store, when we have people into our home, etc.), and challenge people. We just need to make sure that we are speaking the truth in love (with grace). 1 Peter 3:5 reminds us that we need to be ready to give an answer to everyone that asks you to give an account for the hope you have within you.

So, how can we do it? It is only through the power and the anointing of God that we can speak up and train godly seed to speak up as well. 1 Corintians 1:5 ....we are enriched in Him because we have Christ in us.
We need to get on our knees before God and ask Him to give us the strength to train our children in the way that they should go. Then, we need to teach them how to speak, first in the home using speeches and by asking them questions to challenge their thinking. And, we need to teach them, drench them, ground them in the Word of God!!

And, on another note, she had so many wonderful things to say about the power that we have as mothers in the home. It is the most powerful job on earth. It may seem mundane, but it is not....we are dangerous to the devil!
This was so encouraging to hear, as I am speaking on this topic next week here!

Well, I hope what I shared from the weekend encourages and inspires you!
Blessings,

2009-11-02T05:45:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful and helpful comments on the last post. I suggest that everyone reads the comments on the last post if you haven't yet.

I enjoy hearing from all of you! I found some great resources and new to me websites.

The Things We Do has a GREAT new blog called Hope Chest of Wisdom (a sweet blog intended for her daughter) and she has a great list of modest clothing links in the sidebar...go check it out!

Sheri introduced me to two new places to find skirts... Below the Knee and Be Precious. I love finding new resources!

And, if you like to sew, The Handmade Dress has some really beautiful dress patterns for girls.

On another note, here are a few pictures of our day before I went to the Above Rubies retreat on Friday. Some gracious people invited us to their property to make apple cider and feed their fish. It was SO fun!!

I had the most amazing time at the retreat!! I am so energized and refreshed, and I also met several of my blog readers...how fun! Stay tuned for a full post about the wonderful retreat.

Blessings,

Cold Weather and Skirts

2009-10-30T05:45:00.000-07:00

A sweet blog reader from Canada e-mailed me and asked for advice on how to wear skirts and stay warm in the winter. I am no expert, but since I lived in Alaska a while back, I can appreciate just how uncomfortable it can be to be cold!!

So here are some ideas....

Wear thicker, heavier-weight long skirts. I have found some at New Creation Apparel, Lands' End, J.Jill, and Pendelton Woolen Mills. I also found a cute skirt I would love to have here at Boden. My favorite skirt finds have always come from Goodwill (which can be hit or miss).

Then, wear something under your skirt. Whether it be leggings, tights, or my personal favorite, silk long underwear (they are breathable, soft, and thin), an extra layer underneath will greatly help in keeping warm!

Add a knee-length boot for extra warmth. I am no fashion expert, but I think it looks really cute to wear boots under a long denim or wool skirt.

Those are just some ideas off the top of my head....do you have ideas to share for our Canadian friend and others? Do you wear skirts in the winter, and how do you stay warm? I'm thinking maybe Hannah and I will have to do a Week of Skirts, Fall Edition...maybe soon.

Well, I'm off to an Above Rubies retreat with friends this weekend. I can hardly wait! Have a blessed weekend!

MAF

2009-10-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

Recently I have had a nunber of e-mails asking about where we serve as missionaries and what organization we serve with. We serve in Kalimantan, Indonesia (although we are currently in the States on furlough). We serve with the wonderful organization, MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship). My husband is a pilot/mechanic and he serves the people in Indonesia through his use of the airplane (among other things).

And, by the way, if you go to the MAF website here, you can get a free book called Jungle Pilot, the story of one of the first MAF missionaries, Nate Saint. I hope you enjoy it!!

Blessings!

A Vision for Motherhood

2009-10-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

"Oh that God would give every mother a vision of the glory and splendor of the work that is given to her when a babe is placed in her bosom to be nursed and trained! Could she have but one glimpse into the future of that life as it reaches into eternity; could she look into it's soul to see it's possibilities; could she be made to understand her own personal responsibility for the training of this child, for the development of its life, and for it's destiny,- she would see that in all God's world there is no other work so noble and so worthy of her best powers, and she would commit to no other hands the sacred and holy trust given to her." - JR Miller

How do you feel when you read this quote? Inspired? Overwhelmed? Judged? Let me know!

Blessings,

Noble Rose Press

2009-10-21T06:13:00.000-07:00

I just have to tell you how excited I am about these new paper dolls, beautifully named, Daughters of His Story:

The adorable girls that re-designed my blog, Breezy and Emily Rose, have really done an amazing thing in designing these God-honoring, beautiful paper dolls for girls! I ordered mine (all three sets) the very first day they were offered (to give to Hannah for Christmas), and I received them last week. You can order them on their website, Noble Rose Press.

Let me say, I am SO impressed. The beauty of the artwork, the godly foremothers they chose to feature, and the bio's they have written about each one....wow. I can't wait for Hannah to see them.

Breezy and Emily Rose are a great example of godly daughters using their talents and gifts for the glory of God! Thank you girls!

Monica is having a giveaway this week to win your very own paper dolls. Go here to enter.

Blessings!

Yep...Still Here!

2009-10-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, just wanted to write a little note to say hello and let you know we are doing great! Life is busy as ever, and I want to enjoy every single minute of fall time and spending time with dear friends and family. Home-educating is in full swing, and we are loving that too!

God is continuing to mold and grow me in ways that aren't always comfortable (understatement), but He is good and while I don't always like the process, I always like the result!

Blessings to you all!

Do Hard Things

2009-08-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

Did you hear Alex and Brett Harris on Focus on the Family today? I was only able to hear the last bit as we were driving in the car (which is a wonderful thing...to be able to listen to the radio...in English). I was truly inspired and challenged by these two guys who are rising above the status quo. It's a three part series, and I can't wait to download all of them!! Go here to find the messages.

What have you been listening to lately?!

Road Trippin' #2

2009-08-17T05:51:00.000-07:00

Rather than re-iterate what my hubby has already written about our road trip and time here in Pennsylvania, I'll just send you over to him. Although, it is humbling to let you all in on my Whoopie Pie addiction. Oh well. Go here and here for the updates.

I have lots and lots of topics and posts swirling around in my head, and I'm looking forward to having some more time to post once we get settled into the mission house in Oregon in a few weeks. Until then, I'll get here when I can!!

Thanks to all of you who have come to one of our services, so that I could meet you face to face!!

Blessings,

Road Trippin' #1

2009-07-27T05:22:00.001-07:00

Apologies for being absent yet again! Our computer was unable to connect to wireless internet our entire trip across the country, so that's why we've been MIA. But, now we have arrived in Pennsylvania, and are settling in here.

Now, I want to show you photos of our exciting trip across the country....here goes!

About 30 minutes from my parents' house in Oregon is the Columbia Gorge and Multnomah Falls. Even though we've been there many times, we had to start off the road trip with some fun hiking up the Falls.Here's our van and ladybug trailer at the Falls.The next day we drove through Craters of the Moon National Park, which was LOTS of fun!

Our little ladybug at the park. To learn more about our cute little trailer, go here.

The trip was a blast...check back to see more pictures of the fun times! And I have to say a special thank you to my dear friend, Brenda. She lovingly prepared a travel packet for us with activities, snacks, and lots more (like a gift card to Starbucks for me....so wonderful!) When I was feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, she graciously stepped in and blessed me!! She has an amazing website with lots of great things for moms called Serious Moms...go check it out!!

10 Years!!

2009-07-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

10 years ago today, I said , "I Do". What a great and wild ride these last 10 years have been, I can't imagine living the adventure with anyone else but my Hero by my side. I am so grateful for such a wonderful man....and I still gladly say, "I Do".

Fourth of July

2009-07-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

It has been truly wonderful to re-connect with dear friends. On the Fourth, we spent the evening with some of our favortie people, the Tolpins and the Knifongs. These families are so encouraging and inspirational to us. Kristi and Angie are true examples of Titus 2 women, and I cherish every opportunity to spend time with them. If you don't read their blogs, you should! Between the three families, we have 15 kids (the three little ones are not shown in the picture). This picture is a true testimony of God's abundant grace to all 3 of us ladies!

Also joining us for the evening were Jim and Ann Dawson. They shepherded a young families class several years ago, and that is where all of us couples met. I am so grateful to them for their faithfulness in serving, because without them I wouldn't have met such great friends!! Roasting smores in the Tolpin's fire pit.

Hair

2009-07-08T07:55:00.000-07:00

Hannah cut off her beautiful long hair to donate! Here she is in process...see how long her hair is?! Here is all the hair that will be donated.

And here is the new cut....I think it's adorable!

Grandpa and Grandma took Hannah to a special lunch afterwards. It is wonderful to be near the grandparents, at least for the moment!

We are busily packing up for our two months touring the country. We leave on Friday morning...please keep us in your prayers!

Meeting New Friends

2009-07-06T06:21:00.000-07:00

While we were at MAF headquarters doing our "debrief", we were able to meet Jen and her beautiful family. She was SO gracious and invited us all over to her house for dinner and made an AMAZING Mexican dinner! It was wonderful! I only wish that we would have had more time to chat....the twins were quite fussy due to jet lag and a crazy schedule. Thank you Jen for the wonderful fellowship and food!

Here we are watching our "Indonesian Animal" Video:

Our kids hit it off right away. Here they are at MAF chapel the next morning:

What I did not realize is that Jen is the creator of Legacy Prayer Journals....which I originally saw and drooled over on Monica's blog. Well, Jen gave me one of the CD's for the family version of the Prayer Journal, and I have to say, I am SO impressed. I love it....it is so beautiful, personal, and such a keepsake. I am just getting started with it, and I hope to add lots more.

Go here to find out more about the Legacy Prayer Journal.

Thanks for everything Jen!!

I'm here!!

2009-07-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm haven't been doing a very good job at keeping you updated about our travels and arrival in the US, but we are here (if you want a detailed account of our trip across the world, go here)!!!! We are happily enjoying fresh summer fruit, going to bed while it is still light (it gets dark in Indo at 6:30pm year-round), dealing with some reverse culture shock, and crazily trying to get packed up for a road trip across the country. We are also having fun catching up with great friends and family.

I'm hoping to meet up with several bloggers along my journey. I already had the privilege to meet one wonderful blogger, and I will tell you all about it when I get my own computer back (it's in the shop) and can upload pictures of our time together!

How is your summer?!

I'll be back soon!
Blessings,

The Look Book: Your Portable Fashion Consultant! -A Guest Post from Abigail

2009-06-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be great to have a personal fashion consultant to make looking your best a piece of cake? "The Look Book" is like having a portable version of a consultant with you when shopping and dressing, and, with the following resources, it's something you can put together in your spare time! So, let's make life a little easier by doing the homework now so that you can implement all the styles and color principles suited to your body type, your skin tone, and your face shape.

Okay, so let's get started! While putting the look book together, you could say that we're going to go through a total image consultation using quality resources found on the internet. Don't worry, this is going to be pretty simple and not to mention enlightening!

The Look Book by authbeau featuring Vera Bradley accessories

What You'll Need to Make Your Personalized "Look Book"
1) A binder of some sort. Also, I like to use plastic sheet covers so my pages stay nice and clean.
2) Some collected magazines that you don't mind cutting up. I recommend grabbing those of your favorite clothing store (i.e. Macy's, J.C. Pennys, J. Crew...), and maybe a magazine from AVON and/or Mary Kay. (Optional)
3) The ability to print (preferably in color).
4) Go ahead and print the title page for your "Look Book" and personalize it.

Okay, now that we have our materials and our first page down, let's get on to the first section.

Section One: My Season
Always wear your best colors! Look here to take the quiz and find out what color palette best complements your skin tone. Once you find out your color palette (or season), print out an insert for your Look Book which will already include the best clothing and makeup colors for you.

Print: Season Insert

Section Two: My Body Shape

Print: Body Shape Insert

Always wear clothes that are the most flattering for your body shape! Take the a body shape quiz here and fill in the blanks of your insert. You may even print out your quiz results directly from the website if you like.

Now this is when the magazines come into play. You can look through the magazines you have and snip out the clothing items that meet the "guidelines/suggestions" of style for your particular body shape. Paste these items in the space provided and/or on an extra sheet of paper to include in your Look Book. This will be a great reference and aid when building a working and flattering wardrobe!

tops by authbeau featuring Old Navy

Lady by authbeau on Polyvore.com

Pants by authbeau featuring Old Navy

Section Three: My Face Shape

Print: Face Shape Insert

Always wear hairstyles that are flattering for you face shape! I wrote about this here. You should be able to find the resources that will help you determine your face shape. Go ahead and fill in the blanks with the tips found through the links provided. For my own Look Book, I printed out the section on my face shape (diamond) directly from the website to insert. You can also find hairstyles online or in a magazine to include in your Look Book.

Also check out which sunglasses are most flattering for your face shape here.

Some other things you can add to your Look Book are outfit ideas, color combos, styles you like, hair styling how-to's, etc.

And there you have it! We're finished. :) Now you'll have all of this information in one place for easy reference.

-Abigail

Abigail is a Georgia girl transplanted to the US territory of Guam, where she is currently serving with her family. Abigail has a heart for young women to embrace modesty and femininity, and to find true beauty in the arms of their King. Please go visit her at her inspiring blog, Authentic Beauty!

Purposeful and Intentional Parenting- A Guest Post by Robin

2009-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am so pleased to have Robin here at my blog today. She is a wise woman who is an example to us all.
Robin is a homeschooling mama to her two "dahling" teen daughters, a wife to her sweetie for 24 years, and a lover of the life the Lord has blessed her with. You can visit Robin at her blog, Robin's Egg Blue.

You look into your sweet baby's face while they are asleep and they have this beautiful innocence to them and there is such a peace in your heart. A few moments later they open their eyes to start the day, perhaps with a cry of hunger or just a precious smile, perhaps they are a little older and come running into the kitchen ready for breakfast or they come crying because they woke up in a bad mood, maybe they are just downright mad and throwing a fit. You're the mom, what are you going to do? Now you could just react to whatever mood they throw at you or you could have a plan that you have put into action and are prepared to handle your children and whatever issues they are dealing with.

Several years ago when my daughters were young, I heard the phrase "Act, don't react" and I realized that a lot of my parenting up to that point was in a reacting mode. I had been just trying to get through the day and trying to keep everyone happy. As my husband and I began to really seek the Lord and His word about raising our daughters we began to understand what and how we could change our parenting to action mode instead of reacting. Some of the changes that we made were becoming more active in our role of teaching our children about God and not depending on our local church to do that job, disciplining biblically, showing compassion to our children and protecting them from worldly media.

Teaching our children about God and their need for him is our most important role as parents. We can do this daily from the moment of their arrival by reading to them from the Bible, teaching them songs that bring praise to the Lord, helping them to see God in our everyday moments, praying diligently for them. Look for opportunities throughout the day to help your children delight in the Lord. Teach them about His creation and how they can glorify Him with their lives.

We are commanded to disciple our children in Scripture:

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons (and daughters) and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." - Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Your child needs you to discipline them, because a child without discipline will not only bring shame to you but they will live a life that is troublesome and filled with unhappiness. If you have been lax in this area, I urge you to be very purposeful in this training. You will have trouble getting your child's heart if they are not used to obeying you and in turn it will be more difficult to lead their hearts to God. You need to strive for "first time obedience," teaching them that they are to obey you cheerfully and quickly. As your child learns to respond in cheerful obedience to you it will help pave the way for them to learn to respond in the same manner to God.

"All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." - Hebrews 12:11

As parents it is so vitally important that we not only teach our children about God, discipline them, but to also show your child compassion. How thankful I am that our loving Heavenly Father shows compassion toward me. His mercies and lovingkindnesses are a sweet balm to my soul. How can we show this kind of compassion toward our children? Some of the ways that you can show that to them is to be gentle with them in your words, tone of voice, and your actions - especially when you feel just the opposite. Spending time with them (not just doing schoolwork), talking with them about things that are important to them as well as things that are important to you. Build a relationship where there is a sweet bond between you and your child. Teach them also how to be compassionate toward others, especially in your own household (as in siblings).

"The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in lovingkindness." - Psalm 145:8

One last point that I would like to add is to protect your children from worldly media. There is an agenda out there that wants to take your child's heart. We need to be actively protecting our children from entertainment that would steal their hearts. Carefully screen out any movies, games, music or books that contain evil influences and portray families in unbiblical ways, especially when they are young. Movies or books that portray parents to look stupid or silly, especially the father and the children being the smart and cool ones permeate our culture. Also, watch for media that show children who have disrepectful attitudes that are made out to be the hero of the story or that sow discord between siblings. It may be considered "just entertainment" and "innocent fun", but I urge you to carefully consider what kind of subtle influence you may be allowing in your children's hearts and minds at the same time that you are trying to teach and train them in godliness. Pray for discernment and wisdom from the Lord in this area, and teach your children to pray for this as well.

"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5

The Makings of a Successful Summer- A Guest Post from Kristen,The Pajama Mama

2009-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

In our neck of the woods summer is starting in a rush. And whenever a new season begins, I find myself making lists. Sometimes the lists are only mental, sometimes they are a more official back of a used envelope list. But at any rate, seasonal plans are made and hopes are set.
This summer is no different. I have very big plans. Plans like Paint the Front Door. and Go Berry-picking.

Inevitably following my plans are my expectations. And from seasons and plans past, I know that come September I can find myself disappointed, frustrated, humiliated and exhausted. Or I can feel renewed, engergized, satisfied and at rest.

What determines my disposition is to what I've committed my plans. Or rather to whom. If my plans are for me and my vision of what a good life is, I am setting myself up for major disappointment and frustration. If I first commit my plans to the Lord, and trust Him with them, my plans may change, but my expectations for peace are never let down.

Psalm 37:5: “Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.”

So, this summer, I have a new task on my list. Above painting or berry-picking or reading or any other goal, is this: Commit each day's plans to the Lord.

I will ask myself, "Have I committed it all to the Lord-everything?" I will wake each day saying, “Lord, these kids are Yours, this house is Yours, this day is Yours—may Your will be done in them all.”

I love the certainty of that verse. Committing our plans is a command, not a suggested, "If you commit everything you do..." If I need His help (you know how I do!) and commit everything on my list and in my life to Him, His promise says in return He will help me and give me success!

What are your summer plans? How do you know when you've committed them to the Lord?

Summer Blessings,

The Pajama Mama

Kristen is a running stay at home mom of three under five, on a quest to make the best NY style pizza to be found in Texas. She cannot take a drive without noticing a few license plates, although I don't know what this says about her. And when she thinks about what my hidden heaven name will be, she hopes it's meaning will include creative, like her maker. Go visit Kristen at her blog, Pajama Mama.

Striving for Perfection- A Guest Post by Shelley Hitz

2009-06-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Pretty much all my life I have in one way, shape or form tried to be perfect. Now, we all know that perfection is an impossible goal this side of heaven. But, unfortunately, it is one of the lies of the enemy I have fallen for again and again.

The bible says that the devil “was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

How did I show with my actions that I believed the lie that I had to be perfect?

By striving for perfection.

- Striving for perfection with straight A’s in school.
- Striving for perfection in my music and drama performances.
- Striving for perfection in my tasks at work.
- Striving for perfection in my relationships and pleasing others.
- Striving for perfection in my looks and appearance.

God has recently showed me that all this striving for perfection has contributed to my addiction to work and trying to prove my worth through what I do.

My earliest memories of failure…

Recently, God brought to my mind one of my earliest memories of failure. I was around seven years old when my sister and I twirled batons in a group called, “The Sunbeams.” We had worked really hard to perfect a routine for our local parade. The day finally came for our performance and we dressed up in our costumes and excitedly lined up in our place in the parade.

And throughout the entire parade, I performed my routine perfectly. That is until I dropped my baton one time. Only once throughout the entire parade did I make a mistake. Although I didn’t perform perfectly I was still proud of myself.

The paper came out the next day with pictures from the parade and my sister and I eagerly looked through them to see if our picture was included. And it was! However, having our picture in the newspaper didn’t bring me joy. Instead, in that one instant, my seven year old heart was crushed and devastated leaving a scar that would follow me into adulthood.

You see, I performed perfectly the entire routine except for one small mistake. And guess which picture of me was publicly recorded in the paper for everyone to see?

My one mistake.

The paper published the one mistake I made that day!

They pictured me bending over to pick up my baton that I had dropped.

And that day, in my seven year old heart, I resolved to never allow myself to be humiliated like that again. I resolved to strive for perfection and work harder to avoid failure and mistakes. This has led to self effort instead of trusting God, workaholism and people pleasing.

As God has been freeing me from these traps in my life, He brought me back to the memory of the dropped baton. As I prayed about it, the tears fell and sobs escaped. I grieved my failure and I grieved all the ways I’ve tried to do things on my own apart from God since that day.

As I looked back on that scene, I prayed and asked Jesus where He was that day.

And this is the picture He gave me. As I look at the scene, I see Jesus standing in the crowd at the parade cheering me on. He is proud of me and smiling ear to ear.

Then, all of a sudden, it happens. I drop my baton.

And my heart sinks. I close my eyes and slouch my shoulders, devastated at my failure. However, when I open my eyes, Jesus is there. He is picking up my baton and handing it to me. He is there to help me. I am not alone.

Jesus looks up at me with compassion. And He wants me know how much He loves me. He tells me that no matter what I do or how well I perform, His love never changes for me.

And somewhere deep inside my 33 year old heart, something healed at that moment.

The enemy’s grip loosened and the lie that I have to be perfect to be worthwhile is being replaced with God’s truth…unconditional love. The truth is that no matter what I do or how well I perform, His love for me never changes.

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation (including failure and imperfection), will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-38 (my addition)

It will be a journey.

This battle is not over. But, as I continue to embrace God’s truth, His truth will set me free.

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free….So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:32, 36

How about you? Like me, do you have a fear of failure? Are you striving for perfection in a certain area of your life? Or are you able to rest today in the knowledge of how much you are loved?

“There is no fear in love. But, perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” I John 4:18

Perfect love drives out fear. The only perfection this side of heaven is Jesus and His perfect love. Allow His love to fill and satisfy your thirsty soul today.

Shelley Hitz has been ministering to teens since 1998 alongside her husband, C.J. They currently travel and speak around the country. Shelley's main passion is to share God's truth and the freedom in Christ she has found with teen girls and women. She does this through speaking engagements and her website, FindYourTrueBeauty, that reaches thousands of girls each month around the world with God’s truth. She is also the author of the book, “Mirror Mirror…Am I Beautiful, Looking Deeper to Find Your True Beauty.” To find out more about Shelley’s ministry go to http://www.shelleyhitz.com/.