God’s Graceful Way

The other day I wrote about boasting.  Then that morning I read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.  Oh, how caring our Father in heaven is to us, His children.  Do you remember, momma that you are a child too? 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."  2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Then the next day I heard the DJs on the radio talking about boasting in weakness.  Wow, how our Father lovingly takes us by the hand to teach us rather than pushing us into submission.  He is leading me out of destructive ways, guiding my path and showing me scripture and daily examples of how to live for Him with the purpose He has designed.  We are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).  We are still on the wheel getting molded and shaped.  Oh, how wonderful to be in the Potter’s hands (Jeremiah 18).

Are you Me?

         As part of the challenge in studying Priscilla Shirer’s Armor of God, we are asked to weekly put together a “prayer strategy.”  This strategy is ascertained by combining our favorite verses, quotes and what we hear God saying to us individually during the week of study.

         This combination of thoughts and observations are then to be written on a three by five card written out into a prayer.  (If you saw, WarRoom, you can think, “prayer closet” with post-it notes.)  It is a beautiful idea to help us become prayer warriors in our own right.

         Sitting with our small group yesterday the “prayer strategy” 3x5 cards came into topic.  One of the gals shared her hesitancy in writing out her prayer on the beautiful cards we are provided.  Her hesitancy included wanting to write it out without mistakes.  In her “best handwriting” and “without mistakes” she said. Finally she said she felt so much pressure to not make any corrections she wanted to write it on a separate piece of paper and then transpose it.

         When she finished her explanation, I looked at her and asked, “Are you me?”  She had more eloquently than I can remember to record for you, stated exactly how I feel.  Yes, exactly how I have felt about the cards, but more specifically my life.

         So often, I just don’t want to even start.  Why?  Because I want to be perfect.   Sometimes, I want to hold on to something special or meaningful (a new gift, clothes, pens, lotions…you name it.)  (Moms, really?  I may need to get into counseling based on this confession.)

         All that said, I want to be perfect.  I want to have it all together.  I want to do my best, be the best, excel in all areas.  As ridiculous and impossible as trying to be perfect is, I somehow think others expect the same from me.  (OK, as soon as I finish this post, I’ll make a counseling appointment.)

        

Google Image

As crazy as this is for you to read as a mom, sometimes our children struggle with this same desire.  They want to please, they want to do what’s right and it can easily become a vice in their lives.

         Today, be on the outlook for your desire to be right and do right and look right.  Look for the same in your children.  Encourage them to embrace THE ONLY perfect God Man, Jesus.  Help them to see their need for a Savior and recognize it is not them.

         As I looked at my friend at the Bible study table, questioning if she was me, I don’t want my children asking the same of me. I don’t want them struggling with perfectionism because they learned it from me.  My prayer strategy must contain my need.  And my perfect solution is HIM!

Unguarded Boastful Lips

But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”  2 Corinthians 10:17

I’ve found myself boasting a lot lately.  To anyone I’ll boast about my kids and how they are doing academically or about something they’ve said or done.  But afterwards I’ve noticed that the conversation dies and I’m left feeling empty and convicted.  The Bible clearly says not to boast in anything else but the Lord.  While we are obviously proud mommas of the kids God has given to us let us not be filled with pride but give Him honor and glory for what He is doing.

Let’s guard our lips so we can be humble messengers of the awesomeness of our God boasting only of who Jesus is and what He has done.  Hey, the conversation could lead to salvation for the hearer.  

"Just come over!"

Without fan fare.

Without a plan.

Without a written invitation.

It happened.  It was sweet and unexpected.

It was last minute and with only a minimal time window.

After exhausting possibilities of what could be.

The invitation came, by way of phone.

“I have everything we need for dinner, just come over.”

         And so we did.

         Just her dad and I.

         She and her husband.

         We walked in as she was rolling chopped apples in sugar and cinnamon.  We stood around her counter as she pressed out the dough.  She put them in individual tiny casserole cups and by the handful placed the apples on top.  Having arranged them on a baking sheet, she put them in the oven.

         We were invited to go sit 12 feet away into their living area.  The four of us gathered around the tiny coffee table as she sat on the floor and lit six or so well used candles.

         We talked and laughed about the day’s events. The “doneness” of the chicken was checked a time or two before we walked the same 12 feet back to the little four top table.

         We praised the Lord for the food and the brief time we had to share a meal.  The food deserved a Michelin Star. The company and conversation, the ease and the grace of the evening has no higher honor than for this grateful mom to say, it was a hallowed night. A gem of a memory I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Stir and Shape

2 Peter 1:2-15 

(Please take a min to read this area of scripture, it’s awesome.  Even if you don’t read what I wrote, read what God wrote.)

Think back to when you were pregnant.  Do you remember how God spoke to you about the little one you were carrying?  I remember the certainty of our daughter Jordan’s name.  I felt as though God gave it to us for a certain purpose.  We are God’s workmanship (from Ephesians 2:10).

Jordan has a strength in her that was apparent to me even from the day she was born and I’ve always marveled at it.  However, it is currently showing up as stubbornness.  Her VPK teacher named her strength, “resilience”.  As we sat in the parent/teacher conference I explained why we named her Jordan and it was like the door opened for her teacher to give me another nugget that I’m so excited about.  She said that Jordan’s strength of resilience will benefit her in years to come when she’s telling people about Christ and they reject her for the message of the gospel.  That rejection won’t stop her from pursuing another person for the sake of Christ.  We just need to shape her with God’s word as we go through the challenges day to day.

"as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you" 2 Peter 1:13

If you are going through a difficult time disciplining, encouraging or giving direction to your child – go back to those journals or memory bank from when you were pregnant.  Enliven your spirit again with God’s word and give Him thanks for the opportunity to raise that child.  Seek the Lord and ask Him how He would have you speak truth into your child’s life to guide and shape his or her future to look like what God intended from the beginning. 

If you, momma have ever experienced a revelation from the Lord about your child speak it into his or her life.  Read scripture to your child and let God speak.  Believe what the Lord says in His word and follow His plan.  To our God be the glory both now and forevermore.  Amen. 

There Is a Real Battle Being Warred - Part 1

A few months ago I went to see "War Room" and was reminded that the war we wage is real. It is unseen, like the wind, but ever present while we are here on earth. As I have spent time with Jesus lately, the Lord has brought to mind the Truth that I am not alone in this battle. That I am on the winning team, and just how important it is to pray while on the battle field. 

1 Samuel 17:47 is a great place for us to camp for just a moment. David is on the battle field ready to fight Goliath where he shares this great truth....

All the people gathered here will know that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to the Lord, and he will help us defeat all of you.

The odds were greatly against David in the physical realm. Goliath was huge, David was small and only had 5 stones. Armor didn't fit, and most probably thought he would be defeated based just on what was seen. But David had a huge God. A God he trusted and placed his hope and faith in. One who had this supernatural story that he wanted David to be a part of. A God who does the miraculous and asks us to partner with him in it. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is your Goliath? Is there an battle in your life that seems hopeless?

Special Needs Child?   Finances?   Children Fighting A LOT?  Marriage Hiccups?  School Struggles?
Friendship Struggles?  Church Struggles?  Doctor Struggles?  Weight of life Struggles?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The battle belongs to the Lord. Entrust it to Him. Hand it over to him. 

Mom's Security Blanket

         Over the years I have found my favorite baby gift is a security blanket.  They come in many varieties, sizes and colors.  I like to add a card saying, “May you enjoy finding security in this little blanket until you find security in the Lord.”

         I am a softie for a child pulling a blanket or a favorite toy around. 

Google Image

I guess I’m just “old school” and love to see the natural affinity children have for certain toys.

         My family of origin on the other hand have had a long standing joke about my mom’s blanket.  My mother’s age isn’t a secret, but now in her 70’s we remain surprised she continues to carry a blanket with her on her travels and most definitely in her house. 

         As of late, I too have found a love for a blanket.  Honestly, not a particular one, but just an extra one.  I keep it folded by my head while I sleep.  If I wake a bit chilled during the night, I simply unfold it and lay it around my shoulders.  The blanket is just heavy and soft enough to make me feel comforted.

         And I smile.

         I smile realizing the blanket has brought security to me. Yes, some warmth, but more importantly a reminder of my mom.  I can’t help but think my brothers would make fun of me falling into being “just like my momma."

         I wonder if you have begun to take on characteristics of your mom or someone you dearly love.  It is a compliment to be compared to someone you admire and respect.

         Paul said in I Corinthians 11: 1, “follow my example as I follow Christ.”  God’s desire is for our growth in the Lord to be so exemplary that we can encourage others to follow us.  Our children will follow our example.  May we provide them with examples worthy to be followed.