I think it is a wonderful idea to spend years before her wedding day to pray, write and wait for the man she is trusting God to send to her. She will definitely have him covered before he even knows!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Sealed With A Kiss
As Hanna spends time writing love letters to her husband to give on their wedding day, she also came up with her recent list to start praying over her husband. I can't wait to see how much it changes over the years as she grows more and more into a Godly young lady. I need to find a really nice box to place all the prayer lists and letters that her spouse will some day receive.
I think it is a wonderful idea to spend years before her wedding day to pray, write and wait for the man she is trusting God to send to her. She will definitely have him covered before he even knows!
I think it is a wonderful idea to spend years before her wedding day to pray, write and wait for the man she is trusting God to send to her. She will definitely have him covered before he even knows!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
A Season Of Salt
My Wednesday night bible study will resume in August. I thought I would share a few highlights from my notes this past year that have spoken to me on more than one occasion!
*Put God at the throne of your life.
*When we give grace in forgiveness we receive freedom and restoration.
*If you remain faithful, God will raise you up in due time.
*Our value is who we our in Christ and not based on what others think of us.
*God always provides a way out.
*Sanctified weakness is allowing God to turn our weakness into a ministry.
*Fruit is not produced when it is blocked off.
*Rules without relationship breeds rebellion (one of my favorites).
* Satan is a real enemy.
*Our sin affects God.
*God is pursuing us.
*When we think it's a problem, it's not a problem for God.
*You are not defined by your past (another one of my favorites).
*When we come to Christ he has special jewels for us.
*God's plans never stop.
*God's time frame is not our time frame.
*The Lord will never leave you.
*Put God at the throne of your life.
*When we give grace in forgiveness we receive freedom and restoration.
*If you remain faithful, God will raise you up in due time.
*Our value is who we our in Christ and not based on what others think of us.
*God always provides a way out.
*Sanctified weakness is allowing God to turn our weakness into a ministry.
*Fruit is not produced when it is blocked off.
*Rules without relationship breeds rebellion (one of my favorites).
* Satan is a real enemy.
*Our sin affects God.
*God is pursuing us.
*When we think it's a problem, it's not a problem for God.
*You are not defined by your past (another one of my favorites).
*When we come to Christ he has special jewels for us.
*God's plans never stop.
*God's time frame is not our time frame.
*The Lord will never leave you.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
A False Copy
I was thinking today about a Secret Keeper Girl conference my daughter and I attended several months ago. We are such big fans and I love their message to young women in today's world. Teaching Hanna to pursue purity, embrace her unique qualities, and enjoy the gifts of a modest heart plays a huge role in my day to day parenting.
I have such a passion for Hanna to love herself in the unique way God created her to be. Something I focused little on as I grew into a young lady myself. My favorite part of the conference was learning to ignore "labels"....things that lead us to feel horrible about our own character, our outward appearance or anything about ourselves for that matter.
At the conference, they demonstrated the best example of a label...with labels attached to her garment, she slowly tore the world's view to reveal God's view. It was one of the most beautiful portrayals of God's love for me because it hit the inner, most haunted part of my life.
I've heard the word ugly spoke more times than I've heard I love you by a spouse. My image in a mirror reflected unaccepted features and caused years of secret depression. Name calling and daily criticism added to little confidence and misdirected beauty. It seemed that physical beauty was the key to happiness in my life, but I received a false copy.
As private as I can get, I went from insecurities as a teenager to insecurities as a wife. The one reflection I thought would lift me up, tore me down. Stepping away from labels today is a tremendous breakthrough. I refuse to let a label tear me apart for one more second of my life!
I pray that my daughter will never feel anything less than God, her loving Father thinks of her. I could spend a lifetime of wishes and regrets of my past, but I look to them as a tool to prepare my daughter for what's ahead. Leading by example, speaking truth of my past, and sharing the word's of her Heavenly Father are some of the best parenting tools I can provide.
There is nothing ugly, disgusting or too damaged for God. There is nothing or no one on this earth that can take away the very best God has to offer. There is nothing or no one that can label me anything less than the most of what God thinks of me! The days that I am able to cultivate the very best of God to my daughter, is the fire that blazes inside my heart before she sets out to extinguish a cruel and hateful world.
There is nothing in a label than what we choose to make of it. The world sees the label, but underneath is the truth, so choose nothing less that what God thinks of you!
I have such a passion for Hanna to love herself in the unique way God created her to be. Something I focused little on as I grew into a young lady myself. My favorite part of the conference was learning to ignore "labels"....things that lead us to feel horrible about our own character, our outward appearance or anything about ourselves for that matter.
At the conference, they demonstrated the best example of a label...with labels attached to her garment, she slowly tore the world's view to reveal God's view. It was one of the most beautiful portrayals of God's love for me because it hit the inner, most haunted part of my life.
I've heard the word ugly spoke more times than I've heard I love you by a spouse. My image in a mirror reflected unaccepted features and caused years of secret depression. Name calling and daily criticism added to little confidence and misdirected beauty. It seemed that physical beauty was the key to happiness in my life, but I received a false copy.
As private as I can get, I went from insecurities as a teenager to insecurities as a wife. The one reflection I thought would lift me up, tore me down. Stepping away from labels today is a tremendous breakthrough. I refuse to let a label tear me apart for one more second of my life!
I pray that my daughter will never feel anything less than God, her loving Father thinks of her. I could spend a lifetime of wishes and regrets of my past, but I look to them as a tool to prepare my daughter for what's ahead. Leading by example, speaking truth of my past, and sharing the word's of her Heavenly Father are some of the best parenting tools I can provide.
There is nothing ugly, disgusting or too damaged for God. There is nothing or no one on this earth that can take away the very best God has to offer. There is nothing or no one that can label me anything less than the most of what God thinks of me! The days that I am able to cultivate the very best of God to my daughter, is the fire that blazes inside my heart before she sets out to extinguish a cruel and hateful world.
There is nothing in a label than what we choose to make of it. The world sees the label, but underneath is the truth, so choose nothing less that what God thinks of you!
Secret Keeper Girl (click)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Operation Word Camp
Scripture is the one place I turn when I'm in need of help, rather it's with my children or myself. For years, I have collected scripture to help guide me through parenting. I usually pull it out as a teaching tool right before I meet with my children. I never throw God at my children, but instead, do my best to remind them of His promises, commands, direction, and love.
Each Sunday, I am going to give the three of us a new scripture to meditate on throughout our week. I thought the best place to start are the areas we are struggling with. We've decided to repeat our scriptures each morning and evening. Holding each other accountable will be an added bonus!
This week at our Operation Word Camp, I will be focusing on my stress level through my divorce not effecting my attitude at home, Hanna will be learning to accept instruction/correction and poor Richie will be learning to stop whining/complaining!
Maybe this idea can also help you fight off a little growing steam and get to the heart of the issue!
Our Memory Verses:
"A fool gives vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps his under control."
~Proverbs 29:11
"Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise."
~Proverbs 19:20
"Do everything without complaining or arguing."
~Philippians 2:14
Each Sunday, I am going to give the three of us a new scripture to meditate on throughout our week. I thought the best place to start are the areas we are struggling with. We've decided to repeat our scriptures each morning and evening. Holding each other accountable will be an added bonus!
This week at our Operation Word Camp, I will be focusing on my stress level through my divorce not effecting my attitude at home, Hanna will be learning to accept instruction/correction and poor Richie will be learning to stop whining/complaining!
Maybe this idea can also help you fight off a little growing steam and get to the heart of the issue!
Our Memory Verses:
"A fool gives vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps his under control."
~Proverbs 29:11
"Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise."
~Proverbs 19:20
"Do everything without complaining or arguing."
~Philippians 2:14
Friday, February 4, 2011
An Attribute A Day
If you list the attributes of God throughout the bible, you will discover the most amazing qualities. I began my unfinished project in 2003 in the book of Psalms. I only made it through the first 25 chapters and looking over the attributes today, is an encouragement way beyond the words written within my notebook.
I want to pick up from the very beginning, but this time, share the venture with my children. I purchased 2 extra notebooks and look forward to the time we will spend jotting down an attribute or two each day. This will be the beginning of a well written list to recall in the years to come. I look forward watching my children grow as they discover many new qualities of their loving and faithful father.
"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yield its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither."
~Psalm 1:3
I want to pick up from the very beginning, but this time, share the venture with my children. I purchased 2 extra notebooks and look forward to the time we will spend jotting down an attribute or two each day. This will be the beginning of a well written list to recall in the years to come. I look forward watching my children grow as they discover many new qualities of their loving and faithful father.
"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yield its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither."
~Psalm 1:3
Monday, January 31, 2011
No Amputations Required
On Monday evenings I attend a woman's bible group. We are studying the book of Esther through a Beth Moore series. The subtitle is called, It's Tough Being A Woman. My goal is to come out of this study encouraged in the areas of my life I feel insecure.
Since I have been separated from my husband, I have felt at times insecure of what others might "think" of me. I have questioned if a Godly man will eventually find a divorced 36 year old woman with two children appealing. I question judgments of others, worry about the gossip, the looks, pray other women do not think I am after their men and most of all, I think about how this path is going to effect my future.
In tonight's lesson, I was amazed out how well the first two chapters of Esther related to me. Beth gave a wonderful sermon about our past history and our future destiny....
"You cannot amputate your history from your destiny. You are not going to become who God has made you without your history."
I know in my heart that God is up to something within me. I am going to become the woman he created me to be! But why all the insecurity? Because I compare myself too much to others. My past is part of my future. Through this divorce, I am going to become complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).
It's definitely tough being a woman, especially an insecure one. But "the things we think we are not, are the very things he chooses" ~Beth Moore.
Since I have been separated from my husband, I have felt at times insecure of what others might "think" of me. I have questioned if a Godly man will eventually find a divorced 36 year old woman with two children appealing. I question judgments of others, worry about the gossip, the looks, pray other women do not think I am after their men and most of all, I think about how this path is going to effect my future.
In tonight's lesson, I was amazed out how well the first two chapters of Esther related to me. Beth gave a wonderful sermon about our past history and our future destiny....
"You cannot amputate your history from your destiny. You are not going to become who God has made you without your history."
I know in my heart that God is up to something within me. I am going to become the woman he created me to be! But why all the insecurity? Because I compare myself too much to others. My past is part of my future. Through this divorce, I am going to become complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).
It's definitely tough being a woman, especially an insecure one. But "the things we think we are not, are the very things he chooses" ~Beth Moore.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
One Way or The Other
Studying Genesis this year has been a wonderful experience! I never knew I could apply so much from the Old Testament to my present day life. During our discussion Wednesday night, I learned a fascinating concept....
We can either live in the works of the flesh (jealousy, envy, pride, disrespect, hatred, anger, etc.) or choose to inwardly live in the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control). When we abide in Jesus, life goes from the inside out. Our mission is to focus on the fruit of our spirit and not works of our flesh! It's one way or the other!!
It's easy for me to live in the flesh, but to stand firm in the spirit can be more difficult. The question was asked, "what is in your life that is competing with what God wants to do in and through you?" That was a big question!
"The Spirit gives life, the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." ~John 6:63
We can either live in the works of the flesh (jealousy, envy, pride, disrespect, hatred, anger, etc.) or choose to inwardly live in the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control). When we abide in Jesus, life goes from the inside out. Our mission is to focus on the fruit of our spirit and not works of our flesh! It's one way or the other!!
It's easy for me to live in the flesh, but to stand firm in the spirit can be more difficult. The question was asked, "what is in your life that is competing with what God wants to do in and through you?" That was a big question!
"The Spirit gives life, the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." ~John 6:63
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Dart Prayers
Here are 3 small prayers to pray over your children this week!
Give____a wise and discerning heart so that he can distinguish between right and wrong.
~1 Kings 3:9, 12
Guide____'s heart away from complaining and arguing.
~Philippians 2:14
May____ love you Lord with all his/her heart.
~Deuteronomy 6:5
See the "Little Dart Prayers" tab at the top for more!
Give____a wise and discerning heart so that he can distinguish between right and wrong.
~1 Kings 3:9, 12
Guide____'s heart away from complaining and arguing.
~Philippians 2:14
May____ love you Lord with all his/her heart.
~Deuteronomy 6:5
See the "Little Dart Prayers" tab at the top for more!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Mirror Image
I love to leave scriptures on our bathroom mirrors with expo markers! It is one of my favorite things to do around the house. Knowing Hanna and Richie will read them daily, motivates me to keep it a part of my regular habits of ministry to my children.
This week around the house I want to center on self-control. Just with all that is happening in my life as an adult, I probably need it the most. I sometimes give full vent to my anger and it has nothing to do with being a redhead, but everything to do with foolishness!
Proverbs 29:11 says it so perfectly, "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
This will make for a great mirror image all week!
This week around the house I want to center on self-control. Just with all that is happening in my life as an adult, I probably need it the most. I sometimes give full vent to my anger and it has nothing to do with being a redhead, but everything to do with foolishness!
Proverbs 29:11 says it so perfectly, "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
This will make for a great mirror image all week!
Battlefield
I've been told to pick my battles with my children, but I think most battles matter with parenting because it builds Godly character. Even the small things have teachable moments. Being a mother carries all sorts! There are times my children should solve their own problems, but hopefully it will be the effect of taking time to "train up a child in the way they should go."
One thing I have learned as a parent is confessing my own mistakes to my children. There are times my mood reflects my parenting. I may raise my voice and become impatient, but raising my voice only causes short term obedience out of fear. When I lose self-control, my children deserve the truth. Seeking forgiveness from my children shows I am not perfect and I desire to go and make things right.
Everything matters in my battles. I have the will to choose right from wrong just as my children do, but when I let things go, our foundations weaken and eventually break. What I say, how I say it, and when I say it matters in everything. Some battles end in just a few short sentences, others take several years to accomplish, but how I choose to participate in the battle builds my army while they live at home.
Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it.
~Proverbs 22:6
One thing I have learned as a parent is confessing my own mistakes to my children. There are times my mood reflects my parenting. I may raise my voice and become impatient, but raising my voice only causes short term obedience out of fear. When I lose self-control, my children deserve the truth. Seeking forgiveness from my children shows I am not perfect and I desire to go and make things right.
Everything matters in my battles. I have the will to choose right from wrong just as my children do, but when I let things go, our foundations weaken and eventually break. What I say, how I say it, and when I say it matters in everything. Some battles end in just a few short sentences, others take several years to accomplish, but how I choose to participate in the battle builds my army while they live at home.
Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it.
~Proverbs 22:6
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