1When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
1 Corinthians 13:11
I spent last weekend reading an amazing book. It's the new one by Francine Rivers, "Her Mother's Hope."
It was AMAZING and I encourage everyone to read it!
If you have never read anything by Ms. Rivers, go out and buy all her books! I haven't found one I didn't love, learn from, cry with or even grow with.
She has an amazing ability to really make you think about your relationship with God, what you believe, grow your faith and thank God for his endless mercies...and all through works of fiction!
And, "Her Mother's Hope" did the all this for me once again.
A story of how the life of a mother affects how she raises her children and why it made me really stop and think about how I want to raise my children, especially my daughter.
My mother is a wonderful woman. A strong woman who loves the Lord with all her heart. We have a friendship that I treasure. Her friendship is a blessing in my life.
There is something about relationships between mother and daughter. Reading the book in many ways I could relate to both mother and daughter and I suppose that many feelings or situations tend to be somewhat universal.
My mom and I have have a great relationship now but it wasn't always so. My adolescence was full of teenage drama! Falling in love at 14 would scare any mother ( I pray against it for my sweet daughter every day!). My parents weren't perfect, but they did what they thought was right and they did it to protect me as much as possible. I know that now and I am thankful for it. But you can imagine the tears that were shed from that fifteen year old long ago!
At that time, my mom and I weren't the best of friends. I loved her. She loved me. And, we got along great. We always enjoyed shopping together and we had a relationship, but it was a mother/ daughter relationship. She made the rules that I didn't always understand or agree with. I many times rebelled. It was hard.
We've all been there I'm sure.
But now we are friends. I grew up. I no longer thought as a child, I put away childish things.
All that to say, I have really been thinking about what I want for my daughter in this life. What do I believe is important for her as she grows? What goes without question? What characteristics does she need? Everything else doesn't matter. Everything else will fall into place if her character is molded.
I want my daughter to be a daughter of virtue and strength. I want her to have a quiet strength. I want her to know how to care for her future household. I want her to be humble, but lovely. I want her to be kind and generous. I want her to be diligent and disciplined.
The list goes on.
So what must I do to see that she becomes this? Speak it into her. Tell her who she is in Christ. Tell her that she is kind. That she is able. That she is lovely.
I want to give her wings so that when she is ready she will fly.
Spark Challenges
How is/was your relationship with your mother? What can you do to get beyond the mother/ daughter relationship and become friends. Sometimes you have to put away the past, forgive, bite your tongue and set aside your pride. Is it worth it?
What do you want your daughters to become? What virtues do you want them to have? How can you instill these virtues? How can you teach them to be Proverbs 31 women?
Spark Truths
9I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
11A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.
1 Timothy 2: 9-11
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31: 25-27
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
He Knows...
I've been thinking about this post all night and most of this morning.
I've been thinking about this life we live...
It's exhausting...it's not easy...it's brutal.
In the last few months my family and my friends have been dealing with heartaches and struggles of so many.
The loss of parents, sickness, depression, marital affairs, cults, cancer, babies in the nicu, strokes, fear, divorce, loss of children, car accidents, loss of jobs....I could go on.
All of these things have occurred to someone I love whether in my family or church family in the recent months.
Brutal.
And the one thing that comforts me is something that Beth Moore said on James and Betty Robison....He Knows.
He Knows how brutal this life is. He knows how scary this world is. He knows how fearful we are of things we can't control. He knows how painful it is.
He knows....He knows.
M heart aches for my loved one who feels so hopeless. It aches. I can't do anything about it but pray that God's love and mercy just be poured onto his young, precious heart right now. I pray for protection for him.
My heart aches for family and friends who are dealing with cancer. Despicable, disease of the enemy. I hurt for my friends who have lost loved ones, for my sweet grandmother who still wakes every night and looks for her husband who is not there, for a loved one who is so fearful of the disease he doesn't even know what to do about it.
I hurt for my sister who was cast out by her husband for a younger woman. I hurt for her children who are so young, they don't even understand what's going on. I hurt for her and the loneliness she struggles with and the blow to her self-esteem.
My heart aches for the daily sickness, struggles, fears we deal with. I deal with.
But God knows. He knows our fears. He knows how much we can take. He knows.
He knows what loneliness is like when your closest loved ones are nowhere to be found.
He knows what fear is like, when huge soldiers are slapping and beating you.
he knows what the loss of a friend is like. He knows what the loss of a father is like.
His compassion is like no other.
His mercies are new every morning.
No matter what sorrows your are facing, no matter the hurts that this life brings, remember that He knows. He loves you and hurts with you and for you. He holds you in the palm of His hand and because of Him there is Hope.
Prayer
Dear Father, my heart is heavy...it's been heavy. So many whom I love are struggling. They are dealing with scary things. I have them too Lord. Protect us Father. Hold us in your hand. Remind us that we are not of this world and that you are preparing a better place for us. So much better than this world. Thank you for that Lord. I pray for all my friends and family that are hurting or sick or sad. Heal them Lord, touch their hearts and restore their minds. In your precious name, Amen.
Challenges
Pray for yourself, your family and your loved ones. Pray for peace, protection and endurance to run this race no matter where the course takes us.
Spark Truths.
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:14-16
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalms 62:5-6
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
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:
And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
Revelations 22:1-5
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
True Calling
I have been thinking about my calling as a Christ follower for that last few days. This subject has come up in different ways and I have run across a few blogs that have mentioned this.
Everyone's calling is different. We have different spheres of influences.
It's a small sphere. And I am called to reach those who I come in contact with whether I do so by inviting them to church or befriending them and showing Christ through my walk with Him.
However, there is one rather large piece in my sphere that I have great influence on. That I have an incredible calling for. That is my highest calling and most challenging call.
My greatest calling is to my husband, children and the home God has blessed me with. It is my greatest calling. My greatest challenge.
It is a calling above everything else. It takes president over any other lost soul, hurting country or dying generation.
I have it only for a season and I must do all that I can to be a Godly influence and example to my husband and children.
My goal in this season of life is to bring up my children in the Lord so that they will not depart from Him (Prov. 22:6).
My goal is for them to Love the Lord with all thier heart, soul and mind and write it on our door posts.
My goal is for them to know the truth so that they will be set free (John 8:32).
My goal is for them to think on things that are pure, honest, just, holy (Phil. 4:8).
My goal is for them to Trust in the Lord with all their hearts. To do everything for the glory of God (Prov. 3:5-6)
What would it cost me to save the whole world but not shape and mold the hearts of my children? (Mark 8:36)
So many times I think maybe I am not doing enough. Maybe I am not serving enough. Maybe I should volunteer or join a mom group do something so I can meet more people and show them Jesus...broaden my sphere of influence.
But that's not my calling right now.
All those things are great, but what matters most right now are the hearts of my children and my husband.
My calling is to be constantly refined so that I can win the hearts of my children and husband.
Whoa.
That's a little scary.
To be refined is to go through fire. A piece of gold must meet the flame and be purged of all impurities before it is worth anything.
Give praise for his refinement and make every day of influence count.
Prayer
Spark Challenge
Write down some things on what you can do to fulfill your calling. For example, one of my goals is to have scripture written on my walls so that the children can see these and read these everyday, whether that is with decals or wall art.
Take a minute everyday to speak life into someone in your sphere of influence. Spark life into them with your words whether through encouragement, praise, words of thankfulness and appreciation, etc.
Spark Truths
"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." 1 Peter 1:6-8
We all have callings. We all have seasons for our callings. Our callings change over time, they may transform, mature or even end for another to begin.
Everyone's calling is different. We have different spheres of influences.
Right now, in this season of life I have a small sphere of influence. I don't work outside of my home. Most of my friends are believers with their own calls. There are few people that I come in contact with who do not know Christ who I personally know. The majority of people I come in contact with on a daily basis includes the checker at the grocery store and the moms on Sammy's t-ball team.
It's a small sphere. And I am called to reach those who I come in contact with whether I do so by inviting them to church or befriending them and showing Christ through my walk with Him.
However, there is one rather large piece in my sphere that I have great influence on. That I have an incredible calling for. That is my highest calling and most challenging call.
My greatest calling is to my husband, children and the home God has blessed me with. It is my greatest calling. My greatest challenge.
It is a calling above everything else. It takes president over any other lost soul, hurting country or dying generation.
I have it only for a season and I must do all that I can to be a Godly influence and example to my husband and children.
My husband and I are in this together...and though he is the head of our home, I am the thermostat. I control the atmosphere. I want an atmosphere of praise in my home. I want an atmosphere of compassion, love, gentleness, kindness and truth. I am called to be the thermostat, to create the atmosphere in which we live. He will function well as the head of the home, he will fulfill his calling when I am fulfilling mine.
My goal in this season of life is to bring up my children in the Lord so that they will not depart from Him (Prov. 22:6).
My goal is for them to Love the Lord with all thier heart, soul and mind and write it on our door posts.
(Deut. 6:5-9).
My goal is for them to know the truth so that they will be set free (John 8:32).
My goal is for them to think on things that are pure, honest, just, holy (Phil. 4:8).
My goal is for them to Trust in the Lord with all their hearts. To do everything for the glory of God (Prov. 3:5-6)
What would it cost me to save the whole world but not shape and mold the hearts of my children? (Mark 8:36)
So many times I think maybe I am not doing enough. Maybe I am not serving enough. Maybe I should volunteer or join a mom group do something so I can meet more people and show them Jesus...broaden my sphere of influence.
But that's not my calling right now.
All those things are great, but what matters most right now are the hearts of my children and my husband.
My calling is to be constantly refined so that I can win the hearts of my children and husband.
Whoa.
That's a little scary.
To be refined is to go through fire. A piece of gold must meet the flame and be purged of all impurities before it is worth anything.
I am being refined daily. I go through daily struggles and constantly fail, but I am being refined. And it's worth it because I come out more pure, more ready to take on my calling.
This calling....it is at times overwhelming. But there is no greater calling than to raise my children to know and fear God. And to live every day rejoicing in the day he has made (Ps. 116:44).
Nothing else matters. I only have so much time before they take the lessons I have taught them and make their own choices.
No matter what season of life you are in you have a calling like no one else's. You have a sphere of influence. God has appointed you and placed you where you are for such a time as this.
Give praise for his refinement and make every day of influence count.
Prayer
Father I am sorry for taking advantage of the time and the season you have placed me in. Forgive me for wanting to be more when You have given me so much. Wanting to do more, when the greatest calling has been in my arms. Thank your for your patience, for your trust that you have in me to fulfill what you have called me to do. Thank you for refining me and allowing me to be better and able. Be patient with me Lord. Thank you for the calling of raising sons and daughters who Love you and help me to fulfill it. In your precious name, Amen.
Spark Challenge
What is your calling? Think about this. Pray about it. What has God called you to in this season of your life. What are you doing to fulfill it? Take some time out today and ask the Lord to show you what He has called you to and ask Him the path you need to take to fulfill that calling.
Actions to take
On an index card write down what your calling is and put it in your bible or prayer journal or even on somewhere you can see it everyday like a nightstand or vanity mirror. Read it and remind yourself of it everyday.
Write down some things on what you can do to fulfill your calling. For example, one of my goals is to have scripture written on my walls so that the children can see these and read these everyday, whether that is with decals or wall art.
Take a minute everyday to speak life into someone in your sphere of influence. Spark life into them with your words whether through encouragement, praise, words of thankfulness and appreciation, etc.
Spark Truths
"The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction." Proverbs 16:21
"Thus says God the LORD,
Who created the heavens and stretched them out,
Who spread out the earth and its offspring,
Who gives breath to the people on it
And spirit to those who walk in it,
6"I am the LORD, I have called You in righteousness,
I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You,
And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the nations." Is. 42:5-7
"Thus says God the LORD,
Who created the heavens and stretched them out,
Who spread out the earth and its offspring,
Who gives breath to the people on it
And spirit to those who walk in it,
6"I am the LORD, I have called You in righteousness,
I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You,
And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the nations." Is. 42:5-7
"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." 1 Peter 1:6-8
Thursday, April 22, 2010
For me?
A friend of mine got some rather good news a few weeks ago and we were talking about how great God is and how I am always in awe of what He does for me...for us. We know what God can do, we know that he can do more than what we imagine...but when that happens...really happens...Whoa!
And my friend said something that was so...true.
"I can't get over the fact that He did this for ME. Why me? Why is He so good to me?"
I'm gonna let that sink in for a minute.
For me? Really God?
God, you healed my kid? Why mine?
God, you gave my husband a great job? Why him?
God, you healed my marriage? Why us?
God, you took away my depression and gave me hope? Why me?
God, you saved my sister from a life without you? Why?
Does He really love us that much. What did I or any of us do to deserve such love? Such grace?
Nothing.
He loves us that much!
He cares, He loves and He comes through.
And even when it seems that he doesn't...when we feel as if this time He did forget about us...He is hope.
Are you waiting for something that you need Him to come through on? Have you been asking Him for saving grace for you, your marriage, your children?
Keep praying. Keep seeking Him. And remember that He loves you and He has already saved you for no other reason than that.
Prayer
Father, thank you for saving me from me. Thank you for coming through for me and my family even when my faith is small, when I have given up first, when I'm tired of waiting or asking. Lord you do so many things for me that I don't deserve. Why? I am in awe of you Lord. Thank you for being so good. In your precious name, amen.
Spark Challenges
Are you waiting on God for something? It's time to get on your knees and pray. Literally. This is not old school! Be humbled and prostrate yourself before the Lord today, fall on your knees and ask Him for His mighty hand to move in your life or in whatever area you need Him to move. Life is serious and it's time to get serious with God.
Actions to take
Make a prayer journal or prayer box- Write down things you are praying about on a scrap piece of paper. Write the date you begin to pray on it and put it in the box or journal. When He gives you an answer, put that new date on it! He always comesr through!
Spark Truths
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phillipians 4:6
He does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him... Psalms 103:10-11
From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
John 1:16
And my friend said something that was so...true.
"I can't get over the fact that He did this for ME. Why me? Why is He so good to me?"
I'm gonna let that sink in for a minute.
For me? Really God?
God, you healed my kid? Why mine?
God, you gave my husband a great job? Why him?
God, you healed my marriage? Why us?
God, you took away my depression and gave me hope? Why me?
God, you saved my sister from a life without you? Why?
Does He really love us that much. What did I or any of us do to deserve such love? Such grace?
Nothing.
He loves us that much!
He cares, He loves and He comes through.
And even when it seems that he doesn't...when we feel as if this time He did forget about us...He is hope.
Are you waiting for something that you need Him to come through on? Have you been asking Him for saving grace for you, your marriage, your children?
Keep praying. Keep seeking Him. And remember that He loves you and He has already saved you for no other reason than that.
Prayer
Father, thank you for saving me from me. Thank you for coming through for me and my family even when my faith is small, when I have given up first, when I'm tired of waiting or asking. Lord you do so many things for me that I don't deserve. Why? I am in awe of you Lord. Thank you for being so good. In your precious name, amen.
Spark Challenges
Are you waiting on God for something? It's time to get on your knees and pray. Literally. This is not old school! Be humbled and prostrate yourself before the Lord today, fall on your knees and ask Him for His mighty hand to move in your life or in whatever area you need Him to move. Life is serious and it's time to get serious with God.
Actions to take
Make a prayer journal or prayer box- Write down things you are praying about on a scrap piece of paper. Write the date you begin to pray on it and put it in the box or journal. When He gives you an answer, put that new date on it! He always comesr through!
Spark Truths
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phillipians 4:6
He does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him... Psalms 103:10-11
From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
John 1:16
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
What are your treasures?
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:22
Truth: This earth, as bad and ugly as it can be is the only Heaven we know. Our happiest moments are on this earth. Everything we love begins on this earth. Our treasures are here. The idea of heaven is great, awesome...but we can't even grasp it because all we know of heaven is the few moments here on earth that are perfect.
There are certain aspects of heaven that I am really looking forward to like eating lots and lots of food and not gaining a pound! Or seeing the ones I love that have gone on before me like my precious grandparents. Getting to meet our historical patriarchs, Abraham, David, Esther and Ruth. Not to mentions mansions, streets of gold and perfect weather!
When I was growing up I remember thinking how I wanted God to wait a while before He came so that I could get married and have a couple of kids.
He did! Just for me! Just kidding.
But seriously, if He were to come right now I wouldn't be disappointed! I got married, had a couple of kids and he would be saving me from the middle school years!
But then again...I don't know heaven and I'm not sure if I am that great with change! It sounds perfect and it is perfect...
Truth: I have treasures on this earth. Right now...this is my heaven. And it's not perfect...in fact, there are days when it is hard and it hurts and its exhausting...but it's the closest thing to heaven that I know. That I can grasp.
Right now...my son is upstairs sleeping in his t-ball hat.
My baby girl, she went into her room after her bath and put on this gold beaded necklace on herself as if she knew that is exactly what you do with a gold beaded necklace.
Heaven.
My husband has been so blessed by his job this past week. He is coming home so happy. We just booked a trip to NYC.
Heaven.
My brother is going to get married in the next year. The girl he is marrying is a sweetheart and someone I want to be good friend with. They are fun and happy.
Heaven.
I could go on and on.
God has given us tastes of heaven. Small morsels. But they are so good. They out weigh the bad of this place. They are beautiful and sweet.
I can't even imagine what heaven is going to be like. How can it be better than a frosting kiss or the smell of my kids after baths or the sweet embrace of my husband. I don't know, but somehow it is going to be so much more.
So I will continue to treasure these small things here on earth all the while remembering that in Heaven they will be greater.
Prayer
Father, I have these treasure...Lord you gave them to me and I love them so. I value them so much. I can't imagine life any other way. But you, O Lord, you have such great things waiting for us. The things that are sweet and pure and perfect here will be so in Heaven but to a degree that we can't even fathom. So Lord I wait and in the meantime, I'm gonna keep holding on to the treasures you have given me on this earth that outweigh the hard. I love you Lord. Amen.
Reflections
What do you imagine Heaven to be? Make a list of what you desire, what would be fun, what would be perfect. Now, multiply that list by infinity!
Challenges
Do you have treasures here on earth? What makes them treasures? Make it a point to take care of your treasures in an extra special way this week. Maybe wake up and make your husband his favorite breakfast or take the kids on a special trip or spend some special time one on one with all of your treasures.
Truths to Remember
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:18-20
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away... 22I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.23The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.26The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelations 21: 1-4 & 22-27
Truth: This earth, as bad and ugly as it can be is the only Heaven we know. Our happiest moments are on this earth. Everything we love begins on this earth. Our treasures are here. The idea of heaven is great, awesome...but we can't even grasp it because all we know of heaven is the few moments here on earth that are perfect.
There are certain aspects of heaven that I am really looking forward to like eating lots and lots of food and not gaining a pound! Or seeing the ones I love that have gone on before me like my precious grandparents. Getting to meet our historical patriarchs, Abraham, David, Esther and Ruth. Not to mentions mansions, streets of gold and perfect weather!
When I was growing up I remember thinking how I wanted God to wait a while before He came so that I could get married and have a couple of kids.
He did! Just for me! Just kidding.
But seriously, if He were to come right now I wouldn't be disappointed! I got married, had a couple of kids and he would be saving me from the middle school years!
But then again...I don't know heaven and I'm not sure if I am that great with change! It sounds perfect and it is perfect...
Truth: I have treasures on this earth. Right now...this is my heaven. And it's not perfect...in fact, there are days when it is hard and it hurts and its exhausting...but it's the closest thing to heaven that I know. That I can grasp.
Right now...my son is upstairs sleeping in his t-ball hat.
My baby girl, she went into her room after her bath and put on this gold beaded necklace on herself as if she knew that is exactly what you do with a gold beaded necklace.
Heaven.
My husband has been so blessed by his job this past week. He is coming home so happy. We just booked a trip to NYC.
Heaven.
My brother is going to get married in the next year. The girl he is marrying is a sweetheart and someone I want to be good friend with. They are fun and happy.
Heaven.
I could go on and on.
God has given us tastes of heaven. Small morsels. But they are so good. They out weigh the bad of this place. They are beautiful and sweet.
I can't even imagine what heaven is going to be like. How can it be better than a frosting kiss or the smell of my kids after baths or the sweet embrace of my husband. I don't know, but somehow it is going to be so much more.
So I will continue to treasure these small things here on earth all the while remembering that in Heaven they will be greater.
Prayer
Father, I have these treasure...Lord you gave them to me and I love them so. I value them so much. I can't imagine life any other way. But you, O Lord, you have such great things waiting for us. The things that are sweet and pure and perfect here will be so in Heaven but to a degree that we can't even fathom. So Lord I wait and in the meantime, I'm gonna keep holding on to the treasures you have given me on this earth that outweigh the hard. I love you Lord. Amen.
Reflections
What do you imagine Heaven to be? Make a list of what you desire, what would be fun, what would be perfect. Now, multiply that list by infinity!
Challenges
Do you have treasures here on earth? What makes them treasures? Make it a point to take care of your treasures in an extra special way this week. Maybe wake up and make your husband his favorite breakfast or take the kids on a special trip or spend some special time one on one with all of your treasures.
Truths to Remember
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:18-20
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away... 22I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.23The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.26The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelations 21: 1-4 & 22-27
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
One of my Favorite Truths...
Hello friends,
I have been so blessed by writing every week and I hope you have been blessed as well. This has not been an easy feat! It's funny how our weeks get so busy and I am constantly juggling so many things Wednesday comes around and I think, "Ok, I need to figure out what I am going to write about tonight!"
This week however, will be just a quick sneak peek for next. My baby girl is sick and I just can't devote the time I need for this post this week so I am going to leave you with just a few thoughts.
My family and I have been struggling with sickness for over a month. I have been dealing with it more so, which I am thankful that I am the one sick and not my kids so much!
However, it has been very debilitating. I haven't been sick in a long while and in one month I have gotten several bacterial and viral sicknesses.
This morning, I finally felt better, antibiotics are working and sure enough, my sweet baby girl has a fever!
Nonetheless, through all of this I have been praying over myself and my family and constantly quoting "No weapon formed against me shall prosper."
And I have been thinking about how hard life is. How tiring. How at times ruthless this life is. It is brutal and exhausting.
Let's be honest...there are times when life just stinks!
I look around and I don't have to look far to see how heart breaking this life can be.
But there are moments when this life is sweet. When it is good. When it is precious.
Funny thing, isn't it? Life.
Two truths occurred to me when I was thinking of all these things.
Truth: This earth, as bad and ugly as it can be is the only Heaven we know. Our happiest moments are on this earth. Everything we love begins on this earth. Our treasures are here. The idea of heaven is great, awesome...but we can't even grasp it because all we know of heaven is the few moments here on earth that are perfect.
Holding my kids and smelling their hair...Heaven.
Looking into my husbands eyes and seeing how much he loves me just in that one look...heaven.
Hearing my kids laugh...Heaven.
But here's another Truth: If you are a believer in Christ and you have asked for His forgiveness and turned to Him for grace and mercy...This earth is the only Hell you'll ever know.
Thank you Jesus!
So for this next week, think about those truths. Meditate on them and I will come back next week for some more thoughts on it!
Prayer
Father, Thank you so much for Heaven, whether here on earth or with you...I can only imagine the latter but if it is filled with laughter and joy that is all I desire! Help us deal with this earth and its hurts and sorrows. Thank you for saving us from Hell. I love you so much Lord. In your precious name, Amen.
Be Sure to come back next week!
I have been so blessed by writing every week and I hope you have been blessed as well. This has not been an easy feat! It's funny how our weeks get so busy and I am constantly juggling so many things Wednesday comes around and I think, "Ok, I need to figure out what I am going to write about tonight!"
This week however, will be just a quick sneak peek for next. My baby girl is sick and I just can't devote the time I need for this post this week so I am going to leave you with just a few thoughts.
My family and I have been struggling with sickness for over a month. I have been dealing with it more so, which I am thankful that I am the one sick and not my kids so much!
However, it has been very debilitating. I haven't been sick in a long while and in one month I have gotten several bacterial and viral sicknesses.
This morning, I finally felt better, antibiotics are working and sure enough, my sweet baby girl has a fever!
Nonetheless, through all of this I have been praying over myself and my family and constantly quoting "No weapon formed against me shall prosper."
And I have been thinking about how hard life is. How tiring. How at times ruthless this life is. It is brutal and exhausting.
Let's be honest...there are times when life just stinks!
I look around and I don't have to look far to see how heart breaking this life can be.
But there are moments when this life is sweet. When it is good. When it is precious.
Funny thing, isn't it? Life.
Two truths occurred to me when I was thinking of all these things.
Truth: This earth, as bad and ugly as it can be is the only Heaven we know. Our happiest moments are on this earth. Everything we love begins on this earth. Our treasures are here. The idea of heaven is great, awesome...but we can't even grasp it because all we know of heaven is the few moments here on earth that are perfect.
Holding my kids and smelling their hair...Heaven.
Looking into my husbands eyes and seeing how much he loves me just in that one look...heaven.
Hearing my kids laugh...Heaven.
But here's another Truth: If you are a believer in Christ and you have asked for His forgiveness and turned to Him for grace and mercy...This earth is the only Hell you'll ever know.
Thank you Jesus!
So for this next week, think about those truths. Meditate on them and I will come back next week for some more thoughts on it!
Prayer
Father, Thank you so much for Heaven, whether here on earth or with you...I can only imagine the latter but if it is filled with laughter and joy that is all I desire! Help us deal with this earth and its hurts and sorrows. Thank you for saving us from Hell. I love you so much Lord. In your precious name, Amen.
Be Sure to come back next week!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
