His Image

My oldest daughter sat sobbing in her bed.  Her knees were pulled up to her chest and her face tucked down between her knees.  She didn’t want to look at me or talk to me.  She wanted me to go away and leave her alone.  I was not sure what to do.  I knew I could do exactly what she asked but that didn’t seem right so I sat on the edge of her bed and prayed. 

Eventually she just opened up and it all came pouring out.  She was upset with herself because she had behaved in a way that was a bad example to her younger brothers and sister.  She was worried that they would duplicate her actions.  She hated how awful she felt inside.  She hated that she always had to be good, sometimes she just really wanted to choose to be bad but knew she shouldn’t. 

This behavior is a very unusual thing for my daughter.  But like all of us other humans she has her moments.  Most of the time she is a very good example to her brothers and sister and to anyone else whose path she may cross. 

I think there are times for all of us when we feel like we just want to curl our knees up into our chest, tuck our head down, and hide our face.  We don’t want to think about what we have done that day and what kind of example we were.   We want to try and hide away in the darkness.  But… no, no, no, we can’t.  Instead we have to turn our faces to the Light. 

 

“In our everyday life and conduct, we are to reflect what God is like and what it means to belong to Him and to be His redeemed, “set apart” people.  Our lives are to make God believable to our world.  As they see His image in us, they will be moved to worship and glorify Him.”  (Nancy Leigh Demoss – Holiness)

 

What did your children see in you yesterday?  Did they see the image of Christ?

 

What will they see today?  Will you hide your face or will you turn it to the light? 

 

 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 4:14-16

 

Heavenly Father I pray today that you will be glorified in my life.  That Your light would burst out of me like a wild ray of sunshine and touch every life I come into contact with.  There is no hiding a light like that Lord.  I pray especially that my children would see You in me and that it would stir a desire in them to draw closer to You.  I praise You Lord for the beautiful gift of life You have given me and for the blessings you have poured out on me in the form of my children.  You are an awesome God!

Quieting the Voices in My Head

 Finally, brothers and sisters, 

whatever is true, 

whatever is noble, 

whatever is right, 

whatever is pure, 

whatever is lovely, 

whatever is admirable

—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—

think about such things. 

- Philippians 4:8

Last night, as I painted the kids' bathroom, I listened to a webcast by Lysa Terkeurst called, "Inside Chatter." The whole message was about quieting those negative voices in our minds and remembering truth instead. I think this happens so often in life... especially as a mom. 

Many times we question who we are, what we are doing, and how will others see me. Instead I need to  allow the Lord to define who I am. After all I am now a new creation in Christ. Forgiven. He throws my sin into the depths of the ocean and remembers them no more. Unfortunately we have an enemy that likes to remind us of our past failures with the hopes of stifling ministry the Lord has planned.

A few summers ago, at a pool playdate, a friend shared how she felt like a "failure as a mom." I could SO relate to her feelings, because I too had thought that at times. It was so refreshing to hear another mom express that. At that moment...I knew I was not alone. The Lord allowed me to see the friends He placed around me were ones that were a safe haven to share in. 

Lysa, during the webcast, shared how we need to find at least one friend we can confide in. To quiet the "inside chatter" that goes on in our heard. Satan wants to paralyze us by those polluting thoughts. If we get the courage up to share it with a friend, we allow opportunity for them to stand in the gap and pray for us in this area. As we tell another, it also gives room for encouragement and hope from the friends Christ has placed in our life. 

Do you have a friend you can confide in and pray with?

If not, pray for one. Ask the Lord to bless you with a godly friend who you can grow together with. 

Remember that the "inside chatter" that is negative, condemning, and hopeless is not from the Lover of Your Soul, Jesus, but instead from the enemy who hopes to stifle what God has in store for you.

Have A Good Time - Part II

...continued from 1/22/13

So a real test is presented to the Christian. The challenge is for us to learn how to have a good time; how to enjoy the good life and the rich provisions God has provided for us. And while learning how to enjoy life we must, at the same time, learn to avoid that which is crippling to our physical, mental, moral, and spiritual health and happiness. And in order to meet this challenge we need to seek the proper guidelines for that which is proper. And certainly the guidelines are found in the word of God. We must, therefore, seek divine approval for all our recreational activities; the Bible does contain the answers. But while God's word is specific on certain things that are wrong and prohibited, not all the "do's and don't" are specifically spelled out for us. But we hasten to declare that God has given us certain principles to direct us and help us in our search for what is right and what is wrong. And by applying these principles we can learn what constitutes recreation as well as what constitutes dissipation. Certain questions need to be asked and God's counsel must be sought for answers pertaining to having a good time.

These questions and answers include:

(1) What about my companionships? "Evil companionships corrupt good morals" (1 Cor. 15:33). So I certainly must choose good company in my recreational activites. When the Christian associates with evil people in recreational activities there is always the danger of moral erosion; thus we need to be reminded that we cannot "run with them into the same excess of riot" (1 Pet. 4:4).

(2) What about my service to God? If having a good time interferes with my worship to God, my Bible study, prayer life, or any other phase of my growth and well being as a Christian, it becomes wrong. It is wrong because I am devoting my service and allegiance to something other than God and thus recreation become an idol.

(3) What about my influence.? One of the most precious things the Christian can possess is a good influence. "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches" (Prov. 22:1). 1 should never do that which brings reproach on my family name and posterity, and more so I must never do that which brings shame to the name of my Lord and Savior.

(4) What about the indecent? A lot of recreation is indecent. And if that recreation or entertainment puts me in a situation where speech, action, or conduct are vulgar and coarse, and where evil passions and desires are stirred, it should be avoided. As a Christian, I should desire to keep my heart. pure and strive to keep my passions and evil desires in check.

(5) What about my financial means? I have a financial responsibility to material things (government, family, etc.) as well as a responsibility to God. And if I overload myself with "things" in order to have a good time and in so doing, strap myself financially God is so often the one who is robbed (Mal. 3:8) because financial responsibilities hinder me from giving as I should.

My friend, God never expected nor intended that we give up all the fun and enjoyment of living because we are Christians. It is completely foreign to the life of the child of God to just endure a life of morbid gloom. Likewise, it is a mistaken notion that Christianity is just a lot of "don't do this and don't do that. " These are distorted ideas and untrue concepts of true religion. Contrary to this, we should live radiant, happy, cheerful, and truly enjoyable lives. We should learn to have a good time; to "re-create" our bodies and minds. But let us always regulate our lives in this respect so as to "prove all things; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil" (1 Thess. 5:21-22).

Stay the Course

“Lord, please help me NOT to lose it on my little one. He/She is driving me CRAZY!” Ever pray a prayer like that? You know, on those days when it seems like your little (or not so little) one is working your last nerve intentionally? Ever had a day where you feel like despite their best efforts, they just can’t seem to get it together and focus? Whether the disobedience is intentional or a part of a temporary lapse of self-control, we as moms occasionally have some rough days with our kids.

Perhaps I should share with you a little story: Lately I have been having a hard time with my oldest Doodlebug and his lack of first time obedience. Upon the advice of a friend, I started a new positive motivation system to help him stay on course…to listen the first time, work diligently at school (I homeschool), go potty and brush his teeth each morning, etc. Well, without going through the details of his new star chart, let’s just say that it worked like a charm…for a week. We enjoyed a nice family time that Saturday as we all went out for a special treat for my Doodlebug’s reward.

He was like a perfect little angel that week. The next week…not so much. He struggled with listening to the extreme. He even told me, “Mommy, I really want to do the right thing. It is hard to listen all the time.” So, here we are still working at it. I am learning to be consistent, gentle, and firm in my discipline all at the same time. He is learning to listen and obey without excuses, delay, etc.

Well, this next past week at church as I picked Doodlebug up from his class, his teacher commented that he was “the best listener in the class that day”. What?! On top of that, I was helping some of the teachers prepare the annual badges for the Sunday School students and saw that my Doodlebug was going to be awarded the “Attentiveness” badge because he is so eager to participate and stay focused during Sunday School. I was beaming with excitement and gratefulness that he was actually listening to me and trying to apply godly instruction to his life.

I believe that God was trying to show me the beauty of my son as a work in progress. He was giving me a sneak peak of the “harvest”. He was encouraging me to stay the course. Mom, God chose you to be the mother of your child. You are making a difference. Stay the course and remember (especially on those rough days)…

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Father,

Help us love like you love. Thank you for our children and choosing us to be their mother. As we seek to raise this next generation of disciples, help us to stay the course. When we are weary, revive us with your Holy Spirit. Help us to see the beauty of our kids as works in progress. We love you, Lord.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daddy’s Little Princess

The other day, I asked my husband Ryan to bring Jordan in for dinner and he took this picture.  Jordan is our 18 month-old daughter who is truly “Daddy’s little princess.”  When Ryan took this picture of her, it was more than just Ryan’s little princess holding her purse in one hand and the Bible in the other, to me it was about Whose princess she really is.  Jordan is God’s little princess.  She loves to say, “Hallelujah” and raise her hand (praising God).  It’s precious!!  

So moms, keep singing and praising the Lord in front of your kids. They ARE watching and listening and they are made in the image of God too who need to hear the good news of the gospel and need to see it practiced in everyday life.

¹⁸ “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ¹⁹ You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. ²⁰ And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, ²¹ that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth. “  Deuteronomy 11:18-21  (for some reason, God wanted part of this Scripture to be black instead of my blue...)

~~~~

Lord, in these days where we rush from thing to thing doing this and that, may we be the generation to teach this new generation about who You are and how they can practically worship You, seek and find You in their everyday.   Hallelujah!  Amen.

“Train up a child in the way he should go,

And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Family Rules = Family Peace

Start children off 

on the way they should go,

    and even when they are old

 they will not turn from it. 

- Proverbs 22:6

Ten years ago I got my degree in education, from Palm Beach Atlantic University,  and attained my first "real" job as a teacher. I quickly learned the importance of classroom rules and consistency as I taught my 7th graders math. The rules were posted along my portable walls as well as the consequences for that student who failed to comply. We would review these rules daily to reiterate what was expected of each student in my class. 

Being a mom is very much like being a teacher. Rules need to be in place. Expectations set and given clearly along with consequences. Standing firm and allowing the children to know that because you love them, you will guide them in the right direction. As a parent, consistency is key to setting the limits for your children, if the ultimate goal is to see results. 

I have failed in this area of parenting. I haven't made a list of rules and expectations. I am SO not consistant. For the longest time my husband has encouraged me to make a "Seawell Family Rules" poster board telling my kids what I expect. 

It's 2013 and I am ready for change. I want to be consistant. I want to have rules up for my kids to see and follow. So the other day ...I did just that.

On a white board I posted "Seawell Family Rules" (we had 3)
...each with
1. Rule 
2. Consequence 
3. A scripture verse that reinforced the rule.

I really thought hard about what my kids were struggling with, behavior wise, and came up with rules from that list. As we sit down to eat meals together we review them. It has been awesome. The list holds both the kids and I accountable to the rules of our home....them to obeying AND me to following through with the consequence for disobedience. 

What about you? Do you have family rules? Have you posted them or shared them with your kids lately? Review. Be consistant. Watch God work as you grow your kids in His word and His direction. 

Parental Guidance: Your Tag Line

     I smiled at the stop light this morning watching Greg eat his “to go” breakfast.  Sometimes Greg enjoys waking early and enjoying a hot breakfast.  Other mornings he is content to take something “portable” that isn’t messy as he drives to work. 

Google Image

     As I looked at him this morning, I couldn’t help but think of a teenaged Jesus.  I can imagine Him, running out the door to help his adoptive dad in the workshop and his mother handing him a roll.  I imagined the teenaged Jesus, kicking rocks and throwing a hand to wave at a friend across the hill taking a bite of his “to go” breakfast.

      As our children became teenagers and would go with their friends, I always told them two things. First, I would say, “Remember who you are.” Implying they needed not lose sight of their being an Anderson and more importantly that they are children of the Lord. 

     Secondly, I would say, “Return with Honor.” This was to say there would be plenty of choices they will make while they are away from our home. Our desire would be that they would make honorable choices.

     I thought of what Mary and Joseph would say to their son Jesus. He is perfect.  He wouldn’t do anything wrong.  The parental thing to do would be to send him off with words of affirmation or admonishment.  Mary could have called to Jesus with unleavened bread in his hand, “Remember who you are!” followed by “Return with Honor!” 

      And He did. Every time.

      It is important that we impart encouragement to our children.  The encouragement may be said in a way that only our child would understand.  More valuable to our children then our voices are the truths we communicate.

Google Image

      My challenge for you is to consider a tag line that you can begin using with your children. The tag line can be a short sentence or phrase that will convey truths and encourage them.

    The next time your child runs out of the house with a snack or a meal.  Before the screen door falls behind them, they’ll hear your words that will help them stay the course.

Proverbs 6: 20

“My son, keep your father’s commands

and do not forsake your mother’s teachings.”

An Unexpected Package

 

I had such an amazing experience this week.  I want to share it with you even though some of you may think I am crazy.  But first I want to share a little something about myself.  If you were to ask me if I was and introvert or an extrovert, I would tell you I was hands down and introvert.  I recharge in solitude.  Give me several days by myself locked in a room, my Lord and me and I will emerge a new woman recharged and ready to take on the world.  

I can always tell when that needed time is approaching.  It is different than the daily time I get to spend with Jesus.  It is the difference between having a glass of water and a bucket.  Every few months I need the bucket.  I need massive amounts of living water poured into me and over me.  Anyway, that time is here, it is no longer approaching it is upon me. 

What I would normally do is let my husband know, he would take care of the kids and give me the time I needed.  But, he is not able to do that right now.  And as far as getting that help somewhere else it has just not worked out.  So my prayer has been, “Lord I need some time alone with you.  I can’t see how to get that.  You know what I need even better than I do.  Open my eyes.  Make it possible for me to get this time that I need.  Help me!”

Now here is where the amazing experience comes in.  I do some cleaning for a dentist office once a week and this week I was there by myself.  When I clean I download a bunch of sermons and worship songs and listen while I clean.  As I was down on my hands and knees cleaning a toilet the song “You Revive Me” came on.  As I listened I had to stop cleaning and I just sat there next to the toilet and cried. 

As the song was playing I was praying for the Lord to revive me, to supply all I needed.  It then hit me that he was doing just that.  He had given me seven hours of uninterrupted time to spend with just Him.  It was not as I pictured.  There was no bed with my Bible, books, and papers spread all over it for me to study and drink in the Word.  There was no relaxing prayer and meditation happening.  But what was happening was a beautiful thing and so much more than what was expected when I rolled out of bed and threw on my bleach stained sweats that morning.  God was reviving me through His word as I listened to sermons and let the messages wash over me.  I was praising Him as I sang along with Christy Nockels.  I was praying about whatever the Lord put on my heart and I was able to just be quiet and listen as cleaning does not require much use of my brain. 

I still need that time away with the Lord but He did supply me with just enough of that bucket so I will keep for a little while longer without a mental break down.  He is good and once again He has surprised me.  The surprise was not that He knew just what I needed but in how He gave it to me while I was cleaning toilets.  Honestly, what mom would even think to look for any sort of revival there? 

 

Friend, what is it you need that God could possibly be giving you already but you are over looking it because it isn’t coming in the package you expected? 

 

“Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?”  Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord.   You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.  I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”  Psalm 4:6-8

 

You Revive Me - Passion, Christy Nockels

 

Walk with Integrity

The godly walk with integrity; 

blessed are their children 

after them. 

- Proverbs 20:7

Many times our integrity is challenged or highlighted. 

- Will I hand back that extra dollar the cashier gave me?

- Will I answer the call I so desperately want to avoid?

- Do I love my neighbor when they are mean to me?

- When that crazy driver cuts me off, do I ask my kids to join 

   with me in prayer for them, or do I honk my horn OH so loud?

- When I ______________________________.

You fill in the blank next on what "thing" the Lord is challenging you with today on the subject of INTEGRITY.

It's so hard not to flesh out when craziness happens in our life, but remember that there are little eyes watching every decision we make.  

Even when we don't say a word...our actions are speaking for our hearts. 

God promises that if we live a life of integrity ....our children will be blessed! Isn't that awesome? Stay strong. Make godly decisions. Be a light. Watch your light be a ripple effect onto the little ones HE has entrusted you with. 

What is the Lord entrusting you with today....to show that you are a Mommy of integrity?

Have A Good Time - Part I

God blessed me with an amazing vacation over the last few days. I enjoyed the snow in the mountains of Colorado and the warm beaches of home sweet home (South Florida!) Upon trying to relate in words how we should enjoy the earth and 'have a good time', I found this article which puts my thoughts into words. It's a little lengthy so please enjoy Part I and stay tuned for Part II next week.

Have A Good Time - Bob J. Walton

It's that season of the year again; the "good ole summer time." It's that time of the year when many of us take that long awaited vacation. It's the time for recreation, travel, and truly the time of the year to "have a good time. . "

And certainly if there was ever a time in human history when people can have a good time, it is now. While our grandparents worked from 60 to 80 hours per week, we plan our schedules around a 40 hour work week. Thus we all have more time on our hands for pleasure and recreation. And furthermore, with our technological age, there are so many things to help us have a good time; in fact, helping us have a good time has become one of the world's leading industries. It is because of these factors that America has become a land of "enjoy the good life" as one catchy television commercial has put it.

From my study of the Scriptures, I am convinced that God wants us to have a good time; to enjoy the beauty of his creation. Our Heavenly Father has put so many things on this earth for us to enjoy, and to enjoy them is his desire. And to enjoy the things of God's creation is recreation. With the everyday toils of life, we often become tired both mentally and physically; thus the word recreation conveys the thought of "re-creating" our minds, bodies, and energies.

One of the truly great books of the Old Testament is the book of Ecclesiastes. This ancient book teaches us how to have a good time. The theme of the book is "life under the sun," or how to live on this earth. Six times in the book the writer admonishes man to enjoy life. "Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely (fitting) for one to eat and drink and to enjoy the good of all his labor that he taketh under the sun, all the days of his life which God giveth him: for this is his portion" (Eccl. 5: 18). "There is nothing better for a man than that the should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God" (Eccl. 2:24). From these verses it is concluded that God desires that man work diligently and from the fruit of these labors he is to enjoy life. And we should always consider this as a gift from God. Thus a great lesson about life we need to learn is how to have a good time; how truly to enjoy life on this earth. And the individual who learns this great lesson can live a happy, productive, and successful life.

But with the expression "have a good time" there is also a grave danger. The danger lies in the abuses. We do not have to be reminded that there is another side of the coin; that side being dissipation. This word means "excessive indulgence in luxury and vicious pleasures." So many today abuse the principle of having a good time and embrace the old Epicurean philosophy of "eat, drink, and be merry" in which this ancient Greek philosopher advocated, "the chief purpose of man is to achieve happiness, and true happiness is found in pleasure." And so many today, under the guise of "having a good time" have turned the God-given privilege of enjoying life under the sun into an excessive indulgence of the sordid pleasures of life. And when this philosophy is embraced, it always leads to that which is injurious and debilitating to our physical, mental, moral, and worst of all, our spiritual happiness and well being.

Stand Up for Me

It was a typical day on the soccer field. My oldest Doodlebug was practicing for the game and running a few drills with his new teammates. It was the first day of the new season for winter soccer. My son and the other kids seemed to be getting along just fine until one kid yelled, “You are a loser!” He was speaking to my son! My son looked shocked and hurt. He had just met this kid. Why was he speaking to him like that?!

Oh no…the Momma Bear was about to come out. My son was no loser! In fact, he is actually quite gifted at soccer and later scored the first two goals of the game that day. Anyways, none of that seemed to matter to this kid. He was aiming some pretty harsh words at my son for no apparent reason. The other kids in the line looked shocked too, and of course, the coach was clueless about what was happening.

No sooner than I could march across the practice field, another kid yelled, “Hey! Don’t you talk to him like that! He is MY friend!” This kid, whom I just adore, was one of my son’s friends from our homeschool group, and this was his first time playing soccer…and his first time with this league. He is not big for his age, nor did he know the other kids on the team, BUT without hesitation, he took up for my son. The other kid stammered some excuse about not talking to my son, but to the kid next to him. Well, that kid wasn’t having it, and quickly told the offending boy that he better not talk to him like that either.

I sat back on the sidelines, relieved and proud of the little boy who spoke up for my son when he really needed an advocate. Moms, we need to teach our kids how to stand in the gap for their peers. Bullying is all too common on the playground, in school, etc. Furthermore, we need to stand in the gap for other moms. All too many times, we stand around and listen to (or engage in) an inappropriate conversation. You know what I mean…the conversation where we talk about “that Mom…because we can’t believe she would…”. We need to encourage each other with our words and teach our kids to do the same. More than that, we need to lead by example and be bold for Christ by standing up and speaking up for what we know is right.

Challenge: Pray about how you can teach your child about the dangers of bullying and the importance of standing up or speaking up on behalf of someone else. Sometimes words can diffuse a situation quickly and easily. Other times they may need to seek out an adult. But let’s teach them to do something…not to idly watch, ignore, or join in the problem.

Challenge 2: As we celebrate this day in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., tell your kids about how he stood up and spoke up for what he knew was right.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you so much for standing in the gap for us by sending your son Jesus. Help us be more like you. Help us to be the kind of women who defend and encourage with words and actions that are true and right and loving. Help us to lead by example and to teach our kids how to stand up for each other, and to ultimately stand up for their faith in you. We love you, Lord.

In Jesus’ name.

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 (NIV)

“A friend loves at all times. He is there to help when trouble comes.” Proverbs 17:17 (NIrV)

Target, Starbucks & Me ....OH MY!

"...those who refresh others 

will themselves be refreshed." 

- Proverbs 11:25

This morning I was definitely hoping for a break from the kids and my husband encouraged me to get out. I was so blessed to have some time to myself. It was really refreshing. I got to window shop at Target and sip an iced Starbucks without any kids crying or arguing. 

I was only gone for a little over an hour but it was so enlightening. As I was meandering through the store, I praised the Lord for how great my family is. I thanked Jesus for my kids and the amazing qualities HE placed within them.  I was so grateful for my sacrificial husband who allowed me to go.

As I pulled back into the driveway I was reminded of just how important it is, as a mom, to get a breather ever once in a while. To have a few minutes to ourself and how so often that causes us to reflect on all the gifts in our life. Time alone allows clearing of the mind and refreshment to our spirit. 

So, have you had a "Target" outing lately? Just you, alone, with room to think and ponder the praiseworthy things in your life.

Do you know someone in need of being refreshed? How can you help make that possible? 

Praise God for your family today. 

Who is YOUR Truth Teller?

The Lord your God is with you,

    the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you;

    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,

    but will rejoice over you with singing.

    - Zephaniah 3:17 -

For the past 6 months I have really struggled with my son. With obedience. With humility. With unwholesome words. He has struggled and unfortunately at times I have too. I have come unglued many times and allowed my emotions to lead me instead of leaning into His power, His strength, His Word, and His encouragement. 

I recently went to a mom's Bible study and was reminded, by the speaker, of the importance of scripture. It alters how I see life. How I see myself, my situations, my children, the path Jesus currently has me on. Just as sunglasses change the shade of light we see with our eyes, the Bible will alter the lens we see life through as well. 

So I decided to let the Lord be my truth teller. Not my emotions. Not my gut. Not my friends (though I love them dearly). Not my children. Not the fiery darts satan shoots my way. But Christ. Letting Him be the One who reminds me of who I am, my value, where my security comes from, and all the while keeping my end (eternity) in perspective.

Honestly my vision gets cloudy when I am left on my own. I want to see clearly. I want to have deposits of Truth made into my heart that I can turn around and share with others. In order for this to happen, I must purpose in my heart to study scripture. Take the time to allow His Holy Spirit to work in and through Truth being read and pondered. 

What does that look like practically?

(1) Leave an open Bible on your kitchen counter (read it throughout your day)

     *Go to PROVERBS for that day and while 

       making breakfast, lunch, and dinner take

       time to read a few verses or more.

(2) Post scripture in your shower (thanks 

     Courtney for this suggestion many months ago)

     *Use double-sided tape and a notecard to write

      a scripture you need to meditate on

      Most of us take a shower each day & could 

      have a verse memorized & ready to share each week 

(3) Find a verse that specifically speaks to the issue 

     you or your child is struggling with, then put 

     it to song, have you or your family sing it each day

     as a reminder 

(4) Put a reminder in your phone (every couple of hours)

     with a specific verse or something to pray for. 

     Sometimes its just that extra note that will remind us 

     to get our perspective back on the Lord.

SO, who is your Truth Teller? Do you go to your Creator to be reminded of your worth, value and security?

What practices could you put into place to be reminded of how Christ sees your current condition or situation?

     

No Cursing!

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         I wasn’t a good student.  Not in elementary or secondary or even in college.  I passed.  But school was hard.  I didn’t feel smart. I was embarrassed I couldn’t get straight A’s.  No one noticed me for academic excellence.

         I remember seeking help from Mrs. Davis in Algebra, but it only seemed to reinforce how incapable I was.  I labeled myself a poor student.  My older brother is brilliant.  I felt I was disappointing the family because I couldn’t keep up with his flawless report cards.

         Looking back, I probably thought I was “cursed” with dumb genes.

Deuteronomy 23:5, "He turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord Your God loves you."

I’ve thought of all that we call a "curse."  Be it life's circumstances, consequences, illness, relationships, or choices.  

I have looked at many of my struggles and our children’s struggles as “curses.” It is interesting to note when we recognize our struggle (or curse) I will ultimately go to God.

Not only have their struggles caused them to depend on God for the answer, but those curses have caused ME to fall on my face and cry out for His help, understanding and direction.  Those "curses" cause us to go to God and seek Him.  It causes those around us to do the same.  What started as a curse has now become a blessing.

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Don’t miss the last part of the verse. “…Because the Lord your God loves you!”  The curse isn’t punishment it’s ultimately the vehicle to bring the blessing of His love.  I am confident my lack of academic achievement has forced me to search for God, as has the difficulties our children have experienced.  Many of those "curses," I now count as blessings!  Great is His love!