Sunday, December 30, 2012

"Why Me, God?" PART #2


Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!

-Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Yesterday's blog I shared what the Lord is teaching me lately as I walk through my trial. A few days ago I called a close friend and just cried as I shared my heartache over this situation. She listened. She let me cry. She reminded me of truth. She "helped me up" after I had "fallen down."

Today I was blessed thinking of how my friend, Fran, took a SEC to edify and uplift me in my time of dispair. Many times a friend is in need and our preoccupation with the "To Do List" takes us away from being a vessel Christ can use. The other stuff can wait....take a SEC and be used by God today.

TAKE  a  S.E.C
Scripture - share a scripture verse with a friend in need via text, email or a quick phone call. Remind them of Truth. Give them hope.

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. - Isaiah 55:11

Encouragement - allow the Holy Spirit to use your voice to refresh. Pray before you make the call and ask the Lord to give you the words to say. Pray with your friend once you have listened to their "cry." 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. - Ephesians 4:29

Challenge- poke and prod a little, ask questions about the situation that has your friend upset and remind them to have a Godly perspective in it all.  Remembering our home is in heaven.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. - Hebrews 10:24

Have you taken a SEC to encourage and uplift a friend today?

Pray and ask the Lord to reveal how you can better serve your friends in this season of your life.

Do you need a friend to confide in and cry with? Pray. He will provide...after all HE is our Jehovah Jireh, our Perfect Provider.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

"Why Me, God?" PART #1

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! -Isaiah 26:3

A few weeks ago I overheard someone mention how they thought their child may have a learning disability. I decided to do some internet research of my own on a "disability" I thought my own child might have. As I began to dig I found information confirming behaviors and learning habits I had noticed over the past couple of years. I read and cried as it seemed to confirm that something was in deed different with my little guy. My heart broke and yet I know somewhere in the midst of it all... God had this planned in order to do a work in me, as I walk this new "bend" in my path.

Nothing has been medically "diagnosed" but I plan to have some tests done in future months. Over the past couple of weeks I have wondered, "Why me, God?" while continuing to trust in His sovereign plan for my life. My family serves in full-time ministry and loves Jesus with our whole heart, and my finite mind can't comprehend all He is doing. But the Bible reminds me of these truths, to stand firm on, as I deal with my trial...

1. Consider it pure joy
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. - James 1:2-3

2. Character develops 
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  - James 1:4

3. Causes me to seek HIS wisdom
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. -James 1:5

 I think sometimes we can feel sorry for ourselves for the "lot" we have been given and forget there is a growing process in any trial or struggle we face. It's easy to look around and see others who seemingly have lives without any struggles and wish we were them.  Many times our eyes focus here on earth instead of heaven where our home is.

As the "thorn in our side" continues to irritate or frustrate us...remember this causes us to call on the Great Physician even more for daily help. For healing. For hope. For encouragement. For the wisdom only He knows. 

One of my favorite Christmas gifts I received was Meredith Andrew's CD, that has so ministered to my heart and lifted my head toward Jesus for strength. In "All Will Fade Away" she sings of how this life will all fade away, we are strangers here, and reminds us that one day we will see Him face to face. This week I needed that. Truth. Song. Encouragement that this in not my home and that one day... all confusion will make sense
... and peace will be eternal. I can't wait for heaven :) How about you?

What lie is satan whispering in your ear today?

Remember that your home is in heaven!

Reach out to a friend...ask for prayer for your difficult child.

Read His Word and be renewed by Truth.

Ask the Lord to help you see your child as HE does.

If you need to be refreshed click the link, and be reminded this is not our home and how our future is secure!



Friday, December 28, 2012

"I'm so Happy" or not?


Have you seen the YouTube of the little guy who is opening his gifts on Christmas?

He opens a gift and it is a video game, he asks his parents about another (obviously more desired game.) Then he opens the gift he wanted and he starts balling and saying, “I’m so happy!”

How did your children respond this Christmas?  It is a joyous thing when our children are “so happy.”  However, it wasn’t the case with one of ours this Christmas.  Both my husband and I remember a Christmas and birthdays were we were disappointed. Yes, it is certainly the “American Way.”

You ask for certain things, expect certain things, and then it’s the big let down.  Our youngest was looking for an IPhone.  I had told her throughout the season she would not be getting one. On Christmas morning, her friends photographed on Instagram (yeah, social media) their gifts.  It’s true, they photographed in “loot piles” all they had gotten, and many of them put the shinning crown of an IPhone, right in the center.

Image found at Pinterest
It’s hard to imagine her waffle iron and jazz shoes didn’t take the center spot of her “loot picture.” But to my daughter’s chagrin they didn’t!  

Such hard lessons we have to learn (and teach.)  Both Greg and I reminisced privately of disappointing holidays, when our expectations weren’t met.  It’s a shamefully embarrassing truth.

As my husband opened the last gift, her absence in the room was keenly felt.  She had quietly left the room and I found her on her bed.  As she cried her emotions out, she was disappointed.  The disappointment had different facets.  First, she was saddened she didn’t get what she really wanted. It was salt to her wound that all her other friends had gotten IPhones.  She was saddened at her self.  Saddened she was disappointed and saddened that she even felt disappointed.

          It’s one thing to be disappointed, its quite another to realize you should be grateful for what you have received.  Although, I understood her disappointment with what she didn’t receive, I was so proud of her for recognizing on her own, that she should be grateful for what she had gotten.  

I am sorry she didn’t get what she wanted, but I am ever so grateful to watch her grow in His Spirit, and recognize her need to submit to Him. I’m praying she will remember it is natural to feel disappointment, but God’s Spirit will give her satisfaction and contentment.

Philippians 4: 12 – 13, “…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”


Thursday, December 27, 2012

What Does Love Mean

I hope you ladies enjoy this blog as much as I did when children answer the question: What Does Love Mean?

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Delivered Me, Lord


As I read the Scriptures to our kids about the birth of Jesus coming up to Christmas day I noticed one verse that stuck out to me.  I don’t think I’d ever really paid much attention to this verse before but now, as a mom it sort of…delivered me. 

“So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her

to be delivered.” Luke 2:6

We all read over this part of the “Christmas story” and may not realize Mary’s incredible story of deliverance lay right before our eyes.  Now I understand that in context this sentence means that she was ready to give birth but does it mean anything more?  Have you been delivered?  Since this is the day after Christmas it’s time for us to be delivered.  Let’s ask the Lord to deliver us from anything that keeps us from Him. 

I confess, I have procrastinated on a lot of things, such as not purchasing gifts for family that live far away (still haven’t gotten them the gifts!).  I need to be delivered from this and I ask the Lord now to “DELIVER ME from this spirit of procrastination that hovers over me”.  Guilt is attached to it too, “LORD please DELIVER ME from this guilt.”

Now walk in it. (Isaiah 30:21, Jeremiah 7:23)  Walk in freedom and righteousness.  Walk in Christ.

Write a comment about how you have been delivered or what you are asking God to deliverer you from today.  You did a great job, momma!  Thanks for serving the Lord and walking in deliverance.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Goodwill toward men!


Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace,
Goodwill toward men!
Luke 2:14
This Christmas season has been a very different one for me. It’s the first Christmas season that I haven’t been stressed about anything, yet been able to do everything from decorating a gingerbread house (well, we did a train instead) to hand painting ornaments, making real wreath and homemade cookies. It has truly been a very Merry Christmas for me. At the same time I have seen Christmas not been a happy time for everyone.  For someone who has lost their job, this isn’t the most wonderful time of the year, because so much emphasis is placed on a merry Christmas being a materialistic one. There are those who have lost a spouse or a loved one and things that once brought happiness are now things that bring sadness because they evoke memories of times spent together. Christmas, for them, becomes a difficult time with much pain.
I’m reminded that it’s the worldly culture around that points us to things that don’t really satisfy; more presents to get and wrap, cookies to make and bring for teachers, cards to send out on time, house to decorate, a perfect outfit for Christmas, every commitment to make and maybe just one more present for that person.
But truly people don’t need another present as much as they need the very presence of God. The compassion, comfort and grace He has for a persons particular situation. The bible says that we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses (Heb.4:15). It teaches us that He came to bring peace to our tormented souls, hope and above all; love that covers all situations and every need. We as Christian women, wives and mothers, have the answers! Only are we too busy with our “Christmas spirit” and our own running around that we forget to share that true gift of God with others.
This is the season for us to take notice of the lonely person, the hurting person and bring the gift of encouragement to them, saying: God will be with you. He will help you and He will strengthen you. So look for opportunities because people are more open to these conversations around Christmas. Now is a great time to encourage someone who is struggling.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

PROCLAIMING in PUBLIC

By this all men will know
 that you are my disciples, 
if you love one another.
 - John 13:35


This past Wednesday my husband surprised me and took me to Disney! Yep without kids and just the two of us. We had a whole day to ourselves and it couldn't have been sweeter. After our day of show watching, my husband had a special night planned for us in Epcot where we watched their annual Christmas Candlelight Processional. It was beautiful.


Filled with great music, beautiful decorations, and the story of Jesus' birth read aloud made for a great show. Scripture was shared and many times I leaned over to my husband in awe listening to Walt Disney World proclaim truth about my Savior's birth. It was refreshing! So often the name of Jesus is quieted in public squares but not that night. Voices declared who He was and what He did while on earth. I was blessed.


It got me thinking....am I proclaiming Truth about my Savior in public places too? Or do I shy away from declaring His goodness and where my hope is found. I want to be that believer who is refreshing both to the saved and lost alike. After all at the end of the day it is Christ's opinion of me that truly matters, right? I want to be bold. I want to shine bright. 


Even in the midst of busyness before Christmas remember to be that cup of cold water for those people you encounter throughout your day. The Lord wants to use you to refresh the believer, encourage that lost person, and declare truth about why we really celebrate during Christmas season.....the Savior, we worship, was born!

How are you emotionally this Christmas season?

How are you spiritually this Christmas season?

Do you want to be used by Him to refresh others? Pray! He wants to use you!


Friday, December 21, 2012

My "Star" on "THE Star"

I couldn't resist posting from my daughter's blog from her December 17, 2012 entry.

You can read her complete blog and watch the YouTube at;
http://delightedblog.wordpress.com
 (She's right, you want want to miss it!)

                                                Welcome MY Star...Michelle!

I’ve watched the video The Christmas Story on YouTube probably 100 times this holiday season. I’ve shown it to all of my classes at least once (some twice). It’s not a new video, in fact I probably watched it the same number of times last year.

There’s something about this video that just gets me. Maybe it’s because it looks like it was produced by the same crew that created the movie Where the Wild Things Are . Or maybe it’s because I cry almost every time I hear the little girl say “They called the baby Jesus, and they loved him.” Either way, it’s the best thing YouTube has to offer.

When I was a little girl every time I watched the Christmas Story being acted out at church, or on tv, or in a movie, I always thought to myself ”if I were in this, who would I be?”. I had blonde curly hair and blue eyes as a child so a couple of times I got be be an angel. I frequently wanted to be Mary, but that never happened (that I can remember).

Now I’m grown up and still asking myself the same question. (It’s silly, I know.) In this video the answer is easy, I want to be the Star. For awhile I wanted to be the star simply because I thought the costume was amazing. Nothing beats throwing on a glittery, fuzzy, star costume over white leggings. I love how the little girl who plays the star in the video hops all over the screen and waves her hands from inside the star costume.

Last week as I was showing the video to one of my elementary classes I broke down and told the kids I wanted to be the Star.

And then it hit me.

The Star is the one who goes throughout the entire video beckoning people to come see the baby Jesus. The Star goes out and gets the shepherds and the wise men and brings them to Jesus.


So I’ll say it again. I want to be the Star, now more than ever.
I want to go out and get people and bring them to Jesus.

Just like the Star does.
-Michelle

             Matthew 2: 9 - 11 " ...They went on their way, and the star they had seen in the East went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they          bowed down and worshiped him."

Challenge:  Watch this video with your children and talk with them how they can "be the star" in their everyday lives.  

Merry Christmas to all you Stars!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Tired?

It occurred to me the other day that I am not nearly as tired as I should be.  Don’t get me wrong I am tired; things have been crazy in our house.  Four kids who seem to be sick every other week for the last 3 months, working, home schooling, washing and disinfecting everything in the house over and over wondering if the craziness will ever stop, and trying to be ready for Christmas.  I am tired.  But like I said not as tired as I should be. 

 

Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  Isaiah 40: 28-31

 

I read these verses and was reminded of why I am not as tired as I should be.  My God does not grow tired or weary and He is my strength.  Thankful does not seem to be a great enough word to explain how I felt when I had this revelation.  I know my limits and I know they are being pushed way beyond what I can handle in all areas of my life.  I am in awe of the love that my Father has for me.  He sustains me and carries me to places I never thought possible. 

 

I just wanted to encourage moms today with the encouragement the Lord has given me.  If you are feeling overwhelmed and tired remember where your strength comes from and tap into it.  Seek the One who can give you the strength to run and not grow weary, the One who can renew your strength.  

 

Moms seem to have one pace, running, so seek Him in what that running looks like.  Sometimes being overwhelmed and tired is of our own making and God allows us to feel those thing so we slow down and seek Him.  Are you running in the right direction?  Are you running in to many directions?  Are you forgetting God all together?  What does your running look like?

 

“You will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” 
Isaiah 26:3

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

JESUS: BEST GIFT EVER!





I read David Wilkerson's daily devotions.  He was a man who exemplified a life of loving God and loving others.  If you are not familiar with David Wilkerson and his ministry I highly suggest his autobiography "The Cross and the Switchblade".  You can find it in a small paperback; a must read or re-read.  He was killed two years ago in a tragic car accident but his son Gary keeps David's devotions and reflections going.  Below is a recent devotion by Gary.  As I read it I thought of all of us mom's at Parakaleo and had to share it.  As Christian moms we desire to raise spiritual champions. Children who run the race with endurance fueled by the realization that it's not what we sacrifice but the sacrifice Jesus already made.  Jesus lavished us with the gift of his life. We get Him, we are the one who benefits. When we and our children realize the truth of that, then we will desire more of Him and less of ourselves. That's my prayer for all of our children.   Keep feeding them Truth and watch them run! Glory to God!  Be encouraged as you read below.

YOU CAN HAVE AS MUCH OF JESUS AS YOU WANT

by Gary Wilkerson

My father, David Wilkerson, taught me a lesson when I was a little boy and I believe it is the most important lesson I have ever learned. “Gary,” he said, “you can have as much of Jesus as you want.” 


Every one of you reading this article can have as much of Jesus as you want! God does not just randomly say, “I’m picking you and not you.” “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (filled)” (Matthew 5:6, ESV). This verse is speaking of the man or woman who says, “I want all that Jesus has to offer. I am going to be ravenous in my spiritual hunger to get everything He has to give.” 

The Bible says that God is looking for men and women whose hearts are completely His that He might show Himself strong. “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9, NKJV). 

God does not want 10 percent or 75 percent of His church to be consecrated, to live a set-apart, sacred life. He wants 100 percent of His body, His believers, to be sold out wholeheartedly. It is not God who is holding back the anointing of His Spirit, it is our lack of response to what He is pouring out. 

God has rent the heavens and come down and manifest His Holy Spirit in these last days. The man or woman who responds to what God is willing to give will rise up and say, “In this last hour I choose to be filled with God’s Spirit. I choose to live a consecrated life. I will not be dissuaded from this; I will not be held back. Nothing can keep me from the destiny that God has for me of being on fire for Him, totally filled with His Spirit.”


 Merry Christmas! We get JESUS! As much as we want! Isn't that incredible? As we realize this we will never be disappointed at Christmas time or any other time of year.  
Jesus: The Best Gift Ever!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Live, Laugh & Love

Friday morning, I was going through some old files Friday morning and came across the theme of one of our family reunions I planned. Live, Laugh & Love. I was reminded to live every moment, laugh everyday and to love beyond words.

Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. Ecclesiastes 5:18 (NKJV)

Later that afternoon, our nation was rocked by a horrible act of violence at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. I was reminded that life is a vapor.

 “whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. - James 4:14 (NKJV)

Today, I encourage you to live, laugh and love. Live every moment. What have you been putting off? Celebrate each day with your spouse, children, family and friends. Make plans and keep them.

Laugh everyday. Just look around you. If you look, you can find humor in your life everyday. Kids making silly faces, embarrassing moments or even talking with a friend.

Love beyond words. SHOW people how much you love them. Make a card, bake someone cookies, or any random act of kindness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, show us how to live every precious moment You have gifted us. Let us enjoy this earthly life, until You bring us home. Please forgive us for any time that we have taken for granted. Lord, help us to be light hearted in this fallen world. Help us to laugh at ourselves and bring joy and laughter to others. Show us how to love beyond words. Use us Lord to accomplish Your holy will. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Monday, December 17, 2012

To the Mother

This prayer was written by Julie (www.happyhomefairy.com) in dedication to the moms in Newtown, Conneticutt who lost their beloved children. When words fail us, when we can't understand "why", when answers elude us, let us PRAY.

Photo Source

To the Mother who packed her child’s lunch yesterday, not knowing he might not eat it.

To the Mother who fixed her child’s hair, not knowing those strands of hair would be the last to grace the brush.

To the Mother who dropped her child off at school, not knowing the horror that awaited.

To the Mother who has presents stored in secret that will not be opened this Christmas.

To the Mother who had to drive to the school wondering if her child might not be there.

To the Mother who has to wrestle with cameras and news people while grieving.

To the Mother whose world has forever been changed by this tragedy.

I pray that in the coming days you will have someone to hold your hand.

I pray that you will have someone to weep with.

Someone who will read Psalm 23 or Psalm 121 to you.

Someone who will remind you of the Truth – when your mind wants to go places it shouldn’t.

I pray that you will sense His presence with you every second of every awful minute.

I pray that you will be overwhelmed by an outpouring of kindness and support from the Church.

And because this happened at the time it did, I pray that Christmas will not be ruined for you.

That from now on this season will not be one marked by pain and suffering.

But instead I pray that God will use this season to remind you of His presence among us.

Comfort that our Savior is HERE.

He came.

He came to conquer evil. To overcome death. To destroy the enemy.

This tiny baby… This child… He came at Christmas to bring peace, love, and hope…

Hope that one day we will be celebrating His second coming in eternity.

With no weeping, no hurting, no suffering, no violence, and no pain.

To the Mother in Newtown, Connecticut, I pray these things.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” Isaiah 9:2,6-7

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Don't Let BITTERNESS Set In

Yesterday's blog was about my trial-some week and the power in His Word. The other day I was sharing with a friend about how in crazy times (that seem continuous) we can allow bitterness to set in. It is those moments when we feel, with our husband or child, that they haven't listened to us and continue to sin or do something we don't approve of, that our hearts become hard causing bitterness to take root. 


Bitterness:
                   "expressive of severe pain, grief, or regret."

My son, who has been struggling lately, continues daily to be defiant. He challenges my authority numerous times each day. But that usually tends to be a small part of my day (maybe 25%) and the rest is blessed by many of his actions. My son talks about wishing for a "heart like Jesus" or the way he loves kids he randomly meets, or the sweet prayers he lifts up in praise of simple things. This can all get overlooked if I choose to let bitterness set in. Yes it is a "choice" and I can completely miss those awesome things he does because I am SO focused on where he failed me. 

It is hard when you feel as if you've exhausted all measures (prayer, reading scripture, having friends pray, ect.) with no results seen. But scripture reminds me of Truth I can take hold of and stand firm on. These verses encourage me knowing I walk this path with the One who holds my future in His mighty hands. My Father who sees the end product of the "mess" I see right in front of me.
Remember....

(1) You WILL have tribulation
 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. - John 16:33

(2) The LORD will hold me & be my HELPER

For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.'  -Isaiah 41:13

(3) ASK for TRUTH, of their heart & YOURS too, to be REVEALED in the SITUATION

Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. -Matthew 10:26

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. - Matthew 7:7-8

(4) REJOICE knowing HE WORKS it all TOGETHER for my GOOD 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28

(5) PRAISE them for EVEN the SMALLEST example of IMPROVEMENT or EFFORT seen

 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. - Ephesians 4:29

CHALLENGE:
--> Do you sense any bitterness in your heart towards your child, spouse, or another?

--> How is the Lord speaking to you today through this blog?

--> What do you think HE wants you to do about it?

--> Go and do it! 






My Refuge


Psalm 142
I cry aloud to the Lord;
    I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.
I pour out before him my complaint;
    before him I tell my trouble.
When my spirit grows faint within me,
    it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk
    people have hidden a snare for me.
Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;
    no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;
    no one cares for my life.
I cry to you, Lord;
    I say, “You are my refuge,
    my portion in the land of the living.”
Listen to my cry,
    for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
    for they are too strong for me.
Set me free from my prison,
    that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me
    because of your goodness to me.

So as you read the above verses you can guess the kind of week I have had. It's been crazy. Hurtful words ached my heart and I am emotionally exhausted. I have cried a lot and wondered what truth God will reveal within all the chaos. As my son has continued to disobey (revealing how short my patience is) and rebel with his mouth, I am reminded that it is only by HIS Word and Spirit that true peace is obtained.
My husband encouraged me to read these verses and I felt the presence of the Lord as I read it. It reminded me I am not alone and that HE sees it all. How HE desires for me to "cry aloud for mercy" and that the "righteous will gather about me" because of HIS goodness. As I walked through a tough week the Lord sent his mercy my way with sweet encouragement from friends.
Have you "cried aloud" to the Lord for "mercy" in your crazy moments this season?
Have you allowed the Lord to be a "refuge" through tough times as you parent?

Friday, December 14, 2012

Perfect Answers


Pinterest Image
OK, so my latest struggle is the typical “going to school” kind of struggle.  Our 8th grader is bombarded by homework and dance.

She is in the dance concert at her school which means she has daily rehearsals.  Four days a week she leaves rehearsals to go straight to her dance studio.  By the time we get home, have dinner and a bath…I’m pooped.  We aren’t done yet.  She has homework.  Reading, math, history, Bible, computers.  Now, she is not a slacker.  She works ahead as best she can.  It’s the normal 8th grade stuff.

8th grade is the preparation for 9th grade…and beyond.

It is so hard to know what our children should do.  Greg so wisely said in the early days of parenting, “Just because they “could” do something, doesn’t mean they “should.”   So, I’m struck with, should she dance, should she stay up late and study, should she have a friend over, does she still need a bed time?

Pinterest Image
Should she? Could she?

Tonight as we sent our daughter to bed with her homework incomplete, I lament for not knowing, was this the right choice? Should we have allowed her to stay up late to finish the homework? Should we have not allowed her to enjoy some extra family time?  Should we have not allowed her the extra time to work on the Christmas train around the tree?

I don’t know if I’m doing this right.  I just know I have to hold on to Him who cares far more than I.  Hold on to Him who knows what is right and best.  So, how do I practically hold on?

When I’m looking for those perfect answers to the tough “Should she?” “Could she?” questions.  I need to find myself in prayer and in His Word.  Seeking, searching for Him to guide me.

I don’t believe He is hiding the answer from me, I believe He wants me to seek Him for every perfect answer. 

Challenge: For every difficult parenting situation you find yourself in the next two days, seek the Lord through prayer and Bible study for the perfect answer.  Take note of His perfect answers and share them with a friend to encourage them.