Marriage Fundamentals

I posted this blog on Facebook and had so many shares, I felt it may be worth posting here.  I don't know Frank or Karen, but I appreciate these 10 fundamentals they shared and believe its worth reviewing.  

http://eighthrising.com/2013/10/28/10-marriage-tips-every-wife-needs-to-hear/

NOTE:  I would add an "eleventh" point: Read the Word together! Romans 12 tells us to be transformed by renewing our mind.  When a husband and wife read together, they are united in a supernatural way.  They share intimacy with each other and their Creator in a way that aligns under His headship.  Ask your husband to wash you in His word.  A few minutes a day can be a game changer. 

 Enjoy!

Attitude of Gratitude by Stacey Wooddell Imbimbo

My husband and I try to pick a verse in the bible that the kids can memorize. 

We will gather together in the mornings around the kitchen table and work on the same verse for a while.

We are not always super consistent with this routine, but we are trying to implement the bible into their sweet little lives at this young age.

So, of course being November, it was relatively easy to search the scriptures to find a verse on being thankful.

There are many choices, but we decided to settle on IThessolonians 5:18

“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God…”

Talking about being thankful seems simple, but God has been gently reminding me this past week on truly being grateful…IN EVERYTHING!

It seems easy breezy to have the kiddos come up with something they are thankful for…they come up with heartfelt answers like each other, their toys, the beachare a few of their responses.

Then I think…am I thankful IN EVERYTHING?  No matter what the circumstance?

As moms, our role modeling of being thankful paves the way for our kids.

And so I am challenged, because I want to strengthen my heart of gratitude!

Maybe I’m not completely verbal with my sense of being ungrateful, but the thoughts are there at times.

Proverbs 23:7

“ For as (she) thinks in (her) heart, so is (she)”

We will never be satisfied if we place our gratitude and contentment in people, material items, or activities.

Gratitude takes time to cultivate in our hearts…begin today.

HOW HE SEES ME :)

Failure. As I sat in my Tuesday morning Bible study, another mom shared how satan had whispered that lie into her ear as she tried to homeschool, love her kiddos, and balance life. She was defeated and needed reassurance. Every mom goes through moments where you question what you're doing, and where your worth comes from. So often, the jobs we do are unthanked, tiring and with long hours. No earthly promotion when faithful, like in the corporate world. But HE sees it all and is storing up treasures for you in heaven. Those unnoticed moments...HE sees.

We need to slow down and realize where our worth comes from. It's not from the grades my child receives, behavior he exhibits (or doesn't :), the car I drive, diplomas on my wall, or how clean my house is. Although each of those things are important and valued, but they don't determine my "success" as a mom. 

Ironing, vacuuming the floor, dusting shelves, folding laundry, working on homework, fixing meals, grocery shopping, bandaging boo boos, all are part of life but don't let them define you. Christ defines me. He gives you the strength to pull through the day and multi-task the many jobs you must juggle all day. HE sees it all. HE loves you. 

When we accept Christ, our value no longer is our own, but who we are in HIM. Remember how HE sees you...

You are altogether beautiful, 

my darling; there is no flaw in you. 

- Song of Solomon 2:10

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, 

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

- Proverbs 31:30 

Those who look to him are radiant, 

and their faces shall never be ashamed.

-Psalm 34:5

Find a quiet place, close your eyes and click the link below.

 HE loves you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqr-Q1U87fY

        The title of our Bible study this week is, “A Woman of Beauty walks in Confidence” based on I John 5.   As we studied through the week, one of the main points seemed to be: "walking in confidence is enhanced by people."

         We studied Esther as she was given the news the Jewish nation would be destroyed.  Esther’s response was to gather the Jewish people to participate in a three day fast asking for God to intervene.  Esther gathered the confidence based on their prayers and fasting.  She was willing to jeopardize her life and the lives of the nation of Israel.  Those who prayed and fasted enhanced her confidence.

         I was reminded of when our youngest needed heart surgery at 4 years of age. 

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Oh, our Doctor had confidence!  In fact, he had so much confidence, it deflated mine.

         We gathered our church body to pray and fast on behalf of our daughter and the surgeon and the procedure.  As she was wheeled back into surgery, Greg and I entered the family waiting room with a small journal.  In it, were the verses our family and church body said they would pray over our daughter and the surgery.  I entered that waiting room filled with confidence!

         No, the confidence was not in the surgery or surgeon; my confidence was in the One who was hearing the prayers, who recognized the fast.  My confidence was not in the legal documents we signed to release our daughter into the care of the hospital, rather it was in those verses chosen for our situation.

         God chose to answer our prayers to save our daughter and completely heal her heart.  God also chose to enhance our confidence through the people we love and call family.

         I thought too of a less dangerous time in our family’s life when I lacked confidence.  We were new in South Florida.  I worried about the next day approaching.   I worried if we had made the right choice to move.  I worried about the fit of my husband and the ministry we moved for.  I worried about our unsold, unrented home.

         My mom gently encouraged me with, “Don’t worry about that “Shuga” God’s already there.”  I thought about the verse,

(Google Image)

  I knew this verse however I had never considered its practical application.

         Because God isn’t bound by space and time.  My confidence was enhanced by my mother.  She knew what I needed to hear.  She knew the Truth.  She blessed my confidence with the phrase, “God is already there!”

         How about you?  As mothers are we enhancing the confidence of our children?  Do our children appear insecure?  How can we encourage their confidence?

         My goal this week is to find concrete ways to enhance our family’s confidence.   Will you join me?  Let’s look back next week and consider how we have enhanced the confidence of our family members.

Spiritual Dehydration

A friend sent me this blog and it was so refreshing to know I am not alone. We go through seasons and it is great to have some helpful hints (especially for us busy moms) to chew on. As you read it, pull out one truth you think the Lord is reminding you. Be refreshed.
http://paultripp.com/wednesdays-word/posts/dehydrated-again

"Nap Time" by Stacey Wooddell Imbimbo

Come on….everybody that is a mom loves nap time.

I have almost figured out how to make sure my 2, 3, and 4 year old all nap at the same time.

Maybe 4 times a week…but hey…this is pretty good!

 This is a precious, precious time in any mother’s life.

A time to put on some coffee, read a book, think…

A time to rest your body and mind.

Most importantly, a time to rest in Him.

Psalm 139: 17-18

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.

            You are a daughter of the Most High King!

You are loved immensely.

He thinks of you!

Rest in this fact.

This week, enjoy that nap time, or quiet time.

Take a moment and rest in Him.

Purpose in it All

Purpose in it All

You have allowed me to suffer much hardship,

but you will restore me to life again

and lift me up from the depths of the earth.

You will restore me to even greater honor 

and comfort me once again.

-Psalm 71:20-21

I love scripture. It meets me where I am at, and reminds me of where I am going. It shines light on who I am and how HE sees me. The Word gives direction (Psalm 119:105), wisdom (James 1:5), and insight (2 Timothy 2:7). It is so specific to my life and allows me to see His perspective. As I meet with Jesus, in that quiet place, there is fresh insight because HE sees the whole picture.

Five years ago, my son was born with a birth defect. One that would alter the rest of his life. Four in every million children have it. As I sat holding my newborn, I was at a loss and wondering why me. My husband shared John 9:1-3, which encouraged me to use this situation for His glory. I began to look at every doctor appointment, surgery, and nurse as a ministry opportunity. I searched for ways to share Christ as we entered this new sphere of influence. God reminds us there is purpose in it ALL (Romans 8:28). Tragedy to triumph.

Our trial is not just about us, but those we will rub shoulders with, as we walk through our experience. God weaves ministry into our daily routine. As we cling to Truth, we have something different. A bright light that others are drawn to. We must be renewed daily in order to spill truth into the lives of those neighbors we encounter on a regular basis.

As the chatter in this life is loud, we must set aside quiet time to hear the Lord speak. His plan. His purpose. The trajectory of our life will change. Our hope restored. Our eyes opened. Our lives a true reflection of His Spirit overflowing. When we take our eyes off ourselves, and find our focus back on the cross, we become a vessel Jesus is able to use.

Name one 'hardship' you need restoration with. Bring it before God and ask Him to restore you.  

Be still and know that I am God. -Psalm 46:10

Is there time in your daily schedule to be still and quiet before God?

Have you seen God weave ministry opportunities in your day? If not, pray you would see Him in all areas of your life.