Here are some ways that I make sure I am getting spiritually fed:
* I sign up for a ladies Bible study at a local church. It is great to meet with other ladies who stay at home during the day, most of them have young children like I do, and discuss God's Word. Another plus to this is that they have child care and so my daughter goes to her class, learns about God's Word while she interacts with other children. She loves it and so do I!
* About a year ago, I came across the idea of having an on-line accountabilty group from a blog called Women Living Well. So, I got a group of Christian ladies together that I have met all through my life and we started posting on FB what we were reading in God's Word and our thoughts and prayer requests. The group has changed over time, but it has been monumental in me having my quiet time each day. I don't think any of the ladies know how much they have blessed me by holding me accountable for my time in the Word.
* Recently, I started a Prayer Playdate group. This is a way to have moms get together to pray over their children, but to also focus on teaching our children about prayer too. When we meet, 2 moms go off to pray while the others do activities with the kids and then we switch. Then, after the moms are finished praying together, we pray as a group with the kids. It is so neat to see the kids react to hearing you say their name in prayer. :)
* Going to church on Sunday is a given. God tells us to gather together with other believers.
* Studying my lessons to teach in Sunday School. Have you heard the saying that when you teach something you learn it much better? That is so true for me, knowing I have to teach a certain lesson to a group of 3rd-5th graders, really makes me focus and study God's Word.
* I read a lot of non-fiction books that talk about how to become a better woman of God or how to use your resources more wisely, etc. Some of my favorites are Next Door Savior by Max Lucado, A Woman's High Calling by Elizabeth George and Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow. All great books!
How do you stay spiritually fed?
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Matthew 7:12
The scripture verse that I am teaching my daughter this week is Matthew 7:12 or as some may call it the Golden Rule. "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and Prophets"
I think I tend to get this backwards a lot of times - I think that if that is how people treat me, that must be how they want to be treated. Do you ever do that?
For example, I think if somebody doesn't acknowledge me when I see them somewhere, then they must not want to talk to me - so I say nothing.
Or, if somebody keeps refusing invitations to my house or to "hang out" with me or my family then they must not want to spend time with us, so I should just leave them alone.
This isn't what the scripture says though, it says to do to others what you want them to do to You! I have been stressing this to Lilly this week. It doesn't mean they will treat you the way you want to be treated, but at least you will be doing what Jesus tells us to do.
So, I need to acknowledge that person I know walking down the street, be bold and have conversations with people I want to get to know better, invite others over, and share Jesus' love with others even when it seems like they don't "deserve" it.
We never know somebody's situation and why they are the way they are...I love the way this song reminds us of that...
I think I tend to get this backwards a lot of times - I think that if that is how people treat me, that must be how they want to be treated. Do you ever do that?
For example, I think if somebody doesn't acknowledge me when I see them somewhere, then they must not want to talk to me - so I say nothing.
Or, if somebody keeps refusing invitations to my house or to "hang out" with me or my family then they must not want to spend time with us, so I should just leave them alone.
This isn't what the scripture says though, it says to do to others what you want them to do to You! I have been stressing this to Lilly this week. It doesn't mean they will treat you the way you want to be treated, but at least you will be doing what Jesus tells us to do.
So, I need to acknowledge that person I know walking down the street, be bold and have conversations with people I want to get to know better, invite others over, and share Jesus' love with others even when it seems like they don't "deserve" it.
We never know somebody's situation and why they are the way they are...I love the way this song reminds us of that...
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
I Don't Want to Think About it Anymore!
It consumes my thoughts and I can't take it anymore! Ever since my daughter was about one, my husband and I started talking about having another baby. I learned (or so I thought) from the period of time we spent "trying" to conceive her that we are not in control and it will happen in God's perfect timing. So, we just stopped preventing.
About a year ago, I was reading about the building of the tabernacle in the Bible and I came to this idea that God has designed things to work in a specific way. He designed a woman's body to give birth and He designed conception to happen a certain way, so I decided to take a little more action in getting to know my body. I used fertility monitors and I went to doctors and they said that everything is normal with my body. Then, I began to really get discouraged and I tried to figure out why God was not allowing us to have another child - were we supposed to adopt? would I not be able to handle another child? maybe we couldn't financially afford another child? would my daughter react badly to having a sibling? The questions go on and on.
I went to another doctor, secretly I went because I was thinking there is something wrong and I just want her to tell me what it is and that I can't have anymore children. Several of my friends recommended this doctor so I was excited about the appointment. Well, she gave me some options - neither of which are right for me and also gave me a "plan" to use over the next 6 months. This brought me to my tears - I do not want to go on a fertility drug, I do not want to "plan" when to be intimate with my husband, I do not want to think about this anymore!
Recently, I started reading the book Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow - excellent book about being content and trusting in God's faithfulness to lead even when you don't feel like He's doing the right thing. So humbling! This book got me thinking about where I am and the moments I was missing out on b/c I was so focused on having another child.
Also, I talked with a friend who asked me, "Can you be content with just having one child?" "Can you be content with the blessings He has for you now?" I didn't know how to respond, my head says sure I can, I know there is a possibility God may not ever give us another child, but my heart hurts when I think of that.
Not too long ago, I also spoke with my mom about the book I was reading and about this situation - she reminded me of the Israelites desiring to have a king and God told them they didn't need a king - He was enough for them. They still continued to ask and so God relented to giving them a king. Well, I certainly do not want God to give me something that isn't in my best interest and isn't in His will for me.
So, I have relinquished this to My Father in Heaven, who knows I still desire to have another child, but more so I desire to walk the path He is leading me in. I am not going to continue to pray for another child, and those of you who I have asked to pray for me to have another child - I ask you to change your prayer that I would be content and joyful and excited to be a daughter of the King and to relish in the blessings He has given me and to continue to remember how far He has brought me.
About a year ago, I was reading about the building of the tabernacle in the Bible and I came to this idea that God has designed things to work in a specific way. He designed a woman's body to give birth and He designed conception to happen a certain way, so I decided to take a little more action in getting to know my body. I used fertility monitors and I went to doctors and they said that everything is normal with my body. Then, I began to really get discouraged and I tried to figure out why God was not allowing us to have another child - were we supposed to adopt? would I not be able to handle another child? maybe we couldn't financially afford another child? would my daughter react badly to having a sibling? The questions go on and on.
I went to another doctor, secretly I went because I was thinking there is something wrong and I just want her to tell me what it is and that I can't have anymore children. Several of my friends recommended this doctor so I was excited about the appointment. Well, she gave me some options - neither of which are right for me and also gave me a "plan" to use over the next 6 months. This brought me to my tears - I do not want to go on a fertility drug, I do not want to "plan" when to be intimate with my husband, I do not want to think about this anymore!
Recently, I started reading the book Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow - excellent book about being content and trusting in God's faithfulness to lead even when you don't feel like He's doing the right thing. So humbling! This book got me thinking about where I am and the moments I was missing out on b/c I was so focused on having another child.
Also, I talked with a friend who asked me, "Can you be content with just having one child?" "Can you be content with the blessings He has for you now?" I didn't know how to respond, my head says sure I can, I know there is a possibility God may not ever give us another child, but my heart hurts when I think of that.
Not too long ago, I also spoke with my mom about the book I was reading and about this situation - she reminded me of the Israelites desiring to have a king and God told them they didn't need a king - He was enough for them. They still continued to ask and so God relented to giving them a king. Well, I certainly do not want God to give me something that isn't in my best interest and isn't in His will for me.
So, I have relinquished this to My Father in Heaven, who knows I still desire to have another child, but more so I desire to walk the path He is leading me in. I am not going to continue to pray for another child, and those of you who I have asked to pray for me to have another child - I ask you to change your prayer that I would be content and joyful and excited to be a daughter of the King and to relish in the blessings He has given me and to continue to remember how far He has brought me.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Two Beautiful Songs
In the past month or so, I have heard two songs that just touched my heart so much by their words.
I think they are really appropriate to post, especially since Easter or Ressurection Sunday is coming up.
Enjoy!
I think they are really appropriate to post, especially since Easter or Ressurection Sunday is coming up.
Enjoy!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Depraved Indifference and God's Will
Thoughts and words of adoption have been bounced back and forth between my husband and I over the last few years, but I don't think something that God has called us to do yet. This video doesn't necessarily make me think I should go out and adopt a child, but more so that I should go out and do something.
About a month ago, my husband had 2 interviews for a new position with his company. We were really certain he was going to get the job since nobody else was even being considered for it and we as a family had some pretty unique qualifications that fit the position. The job was going to mean moving to Mumbai, India. We were excited about it because this is a place with lots of poverty - yes, you read it right. We were excited about the poverty because we were excited at the ways God could use us there to help those children sleeping on the streets or the families with no food.
Then, it occurred to me that there are people here in my community that don't have food or who sleep on the streets and what do I do to help them. I don't usually because I have my daughter and I don't want to expose her to those harsh conditions, but yet I was okay with moving to India and her seeing the poverty all around her because it would show her how not everybody has what she has.
Then, this brings me back to am I doing God's will. I have been constantly searching for this great ministry to be a part of or this awesome way that I can help a person, family, child, whatever. What I seemed to not see (until now) is that God IS using me to help others - I help my husband each day by washing his clothes and fixing his dinner and making sure he knows how much i care for him and respect him. I help my daughter each day by getting her dressed, feeding her meals, teaching her God's Words, taking her to play dates and showing her how much I love her - this wonderful gift that God has given me. I help my friends by encouraging them and praying for them and holding them accountable for their actions and words (hoping they will do the same for me). I help the students in my Sunday School class at church by teaching them God's words and praying for them and showing them how much I care for them.
Is there more I could be doing? Maybe, but I don't believe that God has called me to do anything else at this time. Will I keep my eyes open for those other opportunities? Of course, because as time goes on I believe The Lord uses us in different ways in our various stages of life.
About a month ago, my husband had 2 interviews for a new position with his company. We were really certain he was going to get the job since nobody else was even being considered for it and we as a family had some pretty unique qualifications that fit the position. The job was going to mean moving to Mumbai, India. We were excited about it because this is a place with lots of poverty - yes, you read it right. We were excited about the poverty because we were excited at the ways God could use us there to help those children sleeping on the streets or the families with no food.
Then, it occurred to me that there are people here in my community that don't have food or who sleep on the streets and what do I do to help them. I don't usually because I have my daughter and I don't want to expose her to those harsh conditions, but yet I was okay with moving to India and her seeing the poverty all around her because it would show her how not everybody has what she has.
Then, this brings me back to am I doing God's will. I have been constantly searching for this great ministry to be a part of or this awesome way that I can help a person, family, child, whatever. What I seemed to not see (until now) is that God IS using me to help others - I help my husband each day by washing his clothes and fixing his dinner and making sure he knows how much i care for him and respect him. I help my daughter each day by getting her dressed, feeding her meals, teaching her God's Words, taking her to play dates and showing her how much I love her - this wonderful gift that God has given me. I help my friends by encouraging them and praying for them and holding them accountable for their actions and words (hoping they will do the same for me). I help the students in my Sunday School class at church by teaching them God's words and praying for them and showing them how much I care for them.
Is there more I could be doing? Maybe, but I don't believe that God has called me to do anything else at this time. Will I keep my eyes open for those other opportunities? Of course, because as time goes on I believe The Lord uses us in different ways in our various stages of life.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Because I Love You So Very Much
My previous post was talking about my family and what I think they need to do, but the sudden death of Crystal's father reminded me of things I need to do as well because like I said before we aren't guaranteed tomorrow. One of those things is to tell my friends and family about my Jesus, my Savior.
I believe in heaven and hell. I believe those who don't claim Jesus as their Lord and Savior will go to hell, so that is why I feel an urgency to share this with you. Please know that I wouldn't share this with you unless I loved you! I know a lot of Christians get slack because of their "holier than thou" attitude, I do not feel that I am that way - I am not sharing this with you to say you are wrong and I am right but to say that I believe with all my heart that we all need Jesus.
I was born a sinner and so were you. You may think you are a good person because you do good things, but there are no good people on this planet. We all fall short when it comes to God's commandments: we lie, we say God's name in vain, we covet things that other's have, we don't honor our parents, etc Our God is a just God and so there has to be a price paid for our sins - in the old testament days they used to blood of a blemish free lamb, thankfully we don't have to do that now. I would not be able to pay enough to cover my sins. My amazing God sent his only son Jesus to earth to live a perfect life and to be crucified as a sacrifice for my sins and for yours.
We all need Jesus! I needed Him more than I thought. (Read my testimony here), (or here) The Bible says that if you:
1) Accept the fact that you are a sinner, that you do wrong, and repent of your sins
2) Believe that Jesus was God's son sent to save us AND
3) Confess with your mouth that Jesus is your Lord and Savior
You will be saved!
Be warned! If you follow these steps, your life will be changed forever! Things won't necessarily be easier (they may even be harder), but you'll have more peace than you've ever known, you'll always have someone to talk to, and the love God has always had for you (because you're HIS) will be more evident in your life. You will see things very differently because your blinders will be off and you won't be living in darkness anymore and because you will be living for Christ instead of for yourself. We were created to worship and praise God - to live for Him!
I believe in heaven and hell. I believe those who don't claim Jesus as their Lord and Savior will go to hell, so that is why I feel an urgency to share this with you. Please know that I wouldn't share this with you unless I loved you! I know a lot of Christians get slack because of their "holier than thou" attitude, I do not feel that I am that way - I am not sharing this with you to say you are wrong and I am right but to say that I believe with all my heart that we all need Jesus.
I was born a sinner and so were you. You may think you are a good person because you do good things, but there are no good people on this planet. We all fall short when it comes to God's commandments: we lie, we say God's name in vain, we covet things that other's have, we don't honor our parents, etc Our God is a just God and so there has to be a price paid for our sins - in the old testament days they used to blood of a blemish free lamb, thankfully we don't have to do that now. I would not be able to pay enough to cover my sins. My amazing God sent his only son Jesus to earth to live a perfect life and to be crucified as a sacrifice for my sins and for yours.
We all need Jesus! I needed Him more than I thought. (Read my testimony here), (or here) The Bible says that if you:
1) Accept the fact that you are a sinner, that you do wrong, and repent of your sins
2) Believe that Jesus was God's son sent to save us AND
3) Confess with your mouth that Jesus is your Lord and Savior
You will be saved!
Be warned! If you follow these steps, your life will be changed forever! Things won't necessarily be easier (they may even be harder), but you'll have more peace than you've ever known, you'll always have someone to talk to, and the love God has always had for you (because you're HIS) will be more evident in your life. You will see things very differently because your blinders will be off and you won't be living in darkness anymore and because you will be living for Christ instead of for yourself. We were created to worship and praise God - to live for Him!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
We Are Not Guaranteed Tomorrow
We are not guaranteed tomorrow!
I know this in my head because I've read it in the Bible before, but sometimes it takes action before you realize something is true. Recently, my brother's girlfriend's father passed away. It was sudden and not expected, so it took everybody by surprise. I didn't know the man, but I know Crystal and she is such a sweet person. Her family is still grieving and dealing with the loss.
This news hit me hard because I thought "What if that were my dad?" My father and my 2 younger siblings do not have much of a relationship - they hardly every talk. I don't think anything specific has happened to cause the distance, but it is there. The same is true for my husband and his mother. They hardly ever talk either. I just picture myself in any of their places and it brings tears to my eyes. They probably follow each other on Facebook, but is that enough for them? Is that the kind of relationship you should have with your children or your parents?
I cannot imagine going days without talking to my daughter to find out how she is doing. I know I am not in their position and I don't know all the hurt and circumstances behind the distance but I just ask them all to picture yourself in a position like Crystal and you suddenly lose the other - how will you feel? Will you have regrets? Will you be sad? Will there be something you wished you have said?
I know this in my head because I've read it in the Bible before, but sometimes it takes action before you realize something is true. Recently, my brother's girlfriend's father passed away. It was sudden and not expected, so it took everybody by surprise. I didn't know the man, but I know Crystal and she is such a sweet person. Her family is still grieving and dealing with the loss.
This news hit me hard because I thought "What if that were my dad?" My father and my 2 younger siblings do not have much of a relationship - they hardly every talk. I don't think anything specific has happened to cause the distance, but it is there. The same is true for my husband and his mother. They hardly ever talk either. I just picture myself in any of their places and it brings tears to my eyes. They probably follow each other on Facebook, but is that enough for them? Is that the kind of relationship you should have with your children or your parents?
I cannot imagine going days without talking to my daughter to find out how she is doing. I know I am not in their position and I don't know all the hurt and circumstances behind the distance but I just ask them all to picture yourself in a position like Crystal and you suddenly lose the other - how will you feel? Will you have regrets? Will you be sad? Will there be something you wished you have said?
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