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.

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

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!

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!

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

  

Who's Voice Do You Hear

For the past two weeks, my Wednesday bible study has been on vacation and I missed the last two Sundays in Church.  I was so glad to finally get back to God.  And as usual, it was perfect!

I've been praying about different things, people, areas, and relationships.  I usually try really hard to listen to my gift of discernment, but sometimes I think I purposely avoid it without actually admitting it.  I guess it's my flesh taking over or the worldly desires that tempt us at times.  Even though I still pray for something I really want or want to do, does not mean God is going to change His mind, especially if you are praying for His will over your life.  It sort of reminds me of my kids asking over and over for something and telling them, "every time you ask, the answer is STILL going to be no!" 

We have been studying Genesis since September.  I have enjoyed this study so much and NEVER thought the Old Testament could relate to me, especially the stories in Genesis, but boy does our Pastor preach it home!

Last night was about listening to God's voice and being patient. Just what I needed to hear, me, Ms Patient Be Not. Sometimes we like to put an AND or BUT in situations because it's our human solution.  Now, I will be the first to admit that lately I have used "and" or "but" about a million times trying to justify my human solution.  Good Golly!

The second life lesson I learned was this...When God does not supply all the details, it is an invitation to TRUST Him.  I have deeply addressed an impatient heart.  Impatients can cause an unfulfilled desire, a mistaken thought, or a worldly suggestion.  That makes it easy to act without waiting for God first.

For the first time in my life, I have faced some pretty big giants.  I don't want to listen to MY voice, I want to listen to GOD's voice.  I have an opportunity to put God first and patiently wait for Him. 

And the last lesson..."Helping" God out is usually motivated, not by wanting to see God glorified, but to see ourselves satisfied!

He is the only one who sees.

Inner Beauty

Hanna and I recently attended a Secret Keeper Girl conference about true beauty and modesty.  As a young lady, I wasted so much time comparing myself to others.  I worried about my outward appearance too often.  I don't want my daughter to struggle with these types of labels because the world gives us so many mixed messages.  I want her to feel beautiful because she is uniquely made by God, His beautiful princess.

Hanna and I committed to each other that we would spend more time with God and less time in front of the mirror, a Secret Keeper Girl motto.  I love this metaphor!  Our true beauty from a Godly heart is the best cover of a magazine!


To find out more check out, http://secretkeepergirl.com/.  Hanna and I are huge fans!

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