My youngest son went to youth camp with the church last weekend. The camp ended with a special service for the youth and their families at the church.
Through skits, music and dance the youth showed some of what they had learned. But the service turned out to be a time of learning for the parents as well.
One of the camp leaders said there was a “spiritual drought” in today’s world. I never thought of it quite that way but it is true.
Young people today are brought up in a world where violence, promiscuity and a wide range of vices are as close as a button on the television remote. Sin and wrong choices are so much a part of their lives that, unless they are taught otherwise, they accept that behavior as a normal, acceptable lifestyle.
It is up to parents to raise their children in a Christian atmosphere that will help them as they grow and make choices on their own. Parents, older relatives and church leaders must take an active role in leading today’s children and youth.
The way we do that is not by preaching at them or using the phrase so often used by parents – “because I said so!” In my experience, that is only more likely to lead them straight into the behavior you are trying to prevent or to cause anger and rebellion.
Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
While there are definitely times we must say “no” and we need to guide them in the right direction, the best way to teach our children is through example.
When our children see us going to church and praising the Lord, when they see us acting in a Christian manner, they are more likely to follow or example.
Titus 2:7 says, “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.”
The thing is, it can’t just be an act. Children are smart – they know when you aren’t being honest. Our children live in our homes and know us better than anyone else except our spouses and our Lord. If they see us acting one way in the home and another in public they know we aren’t living an honest life.
Our children know how we act in stressful and hard times. It is easy to set a Christian example when everything is going well, but sometimes not so easy when things become hard.
We have to truly let our lives be led by the Holy Spirit. Every decision we make, every word we speak, our every action must reflect our love for the Lord and His for us at all times.
We must turn to Him to lead us in parenting our children. We also must let our children see that we turn to God for everything, so they will know that it is through Him we are made strong and that He deserves all the glory.
Parenting isn’t easy, it is the hardest job I have ever had. There have been many times when I have just said “Ok, God. I give up – I don’t know what else to do. I’m giving this child to you.”
You know, I think that is exactly what we are supposed to do. We raise our children in a Christian home, guide them through example and love, and trust God for the rest.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Turkeys, blue hair and camp
I think sometimes God puts humor into our lives to make sure we can laugh when we would otherwise be stressed. The week started with two of the boys showing up in my office wanting to show me their new "purchase". It turned out to be two young turkeys. I work in an office with mostly women, all of whom wanted a look at the turkeys, and all of whom would scream when one tried to get out of the box - myself included. The turkey are now in temporary residence in a rabbit hutch in one of the boys rooms. They have adopted the boys as their moms and will chirp until one of them returns to the room and lets them out of the hutch so they can settle on the boy's lap, or arm, or wherever. They have provided quite a bit of entertainment over the past week.
I think they are missing Zach while he is away at church camp this weekend. I hope he is having fun, making new friends and absorbing Jesus' love while he is there.
Then of course there is the son who decided he wanted blue hair. He talked his friend's mom into highlighting and coloring it. He hasn't come back home so I can see how it turned out yet but he says it didn't "all come out blue." I can't even imagine what the boy is going to come home looking like but I am sure it should be interesting.
We are going through a time where God is leading us to make some changes in our lives, some exciting some a little frightening. But the fun times that come through having our family sure help with anything we go through. I think it is one way of the Lord saying, "Don't worry. I know what I am doing, Just follow through, everything is going to be just fine. Follow where I lead and enjoy." I am going to trust him and do just that.
I think they are missing Zach while he is away at church camp this weekend. I hope he is having fun, making new friends and absorbing Jesus' love while he is there.
Then of course there is the son who decided he wanted blue hair. He talked his friend's mom into highlighting and coloring it. He hasn't come back home so I can see how it turned out yet but he says it didn't "all come out blue." I can't even imagine what the boy is going to come home looking like but I am sure it should be interesting.
We are going through a time where God is leading us to make some changes in our lives, some exciting some a little frightening. But the fun times that come through having our family sure help with anything we go through. I think it is one way of the Lord saying, "Don't worry. I know what I am doing, Just follow through, everything is going to be just fine. Follow where I lead and enjoy." I am going to trust him and do just that.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Earning the title of father
My father is one of the most caring, loving men I know. He is and always has been a great father.
Even though I am grown and have a family of my own, I know I can always count on him to be there for me — whether to give advice, lend moral support or help out with needed home repairs, he is there.
He is the dad the Lord chose for me and blessed me with at birth.
With a high divorce rate over the last couple of decades, there are many men who are now taking on the role of stepfather as well as raising their biological children.
My husband is one of those men. He already had three sons and when we got married that number doubled to six.
Becoming a stepfather has many challenges that aren’t there with biological children. The automatic relationship that is there when children are born has to be grown and developed over time in a step family situation.
Sometimes the situation may seem impossible but it can be done. A stepfather that offers love, guidance and encouragement can become a vital part of the family. That is especially important when the biological father is absent from the children’s lives for whatever reason.
Joseph wasn’t Jesus’ biological father but he loved him and raised him as if he was. No one ever knew the difference because he treated him as his own son.
Fatherhood is more than just being responsible for conception. It is taking on a leadership role in raising children to know and love God, to have Christian morals and convictions and to make those children feel wanted and cherished.
My sons have been fortunate to have a stepfather who has taken on that role in their lives. When we got married he also willingly took on all of the baggage, pain, rejection, fear and challenges that came along with marrying a woman with children.
He didn’t have to do that. He could have just had the mind frame that they are my children, my problem. But he didn’t. Instead he embraced them. If they need guidance, he gives it; if they need support, he is there; if there is something they need or even just want, he does his best to make sure they have it.
Billy Graham once said, “A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.”
The same can be said, and even more so I think, for stepfathers.
Malachi 4:6 says, “He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.”
He doesn’t differentiate between father and stepfather. I don’t think it matters how you “become” the father of a child, it matters how you “are” the father of that child. If you accept that child as a heritage and reward from the Lord as it says in Psalm 127:3 and treat that child as such, then you are a father.
Fathers are defined by how they love and how they treat the gifts given to them by God.
It is my husband that my sons honored on Father’s Day — an honor that he has more than earned.
When the Lord brought my husband into my life, my children and I were all blessed with a wonderful gift — the best husband I could ever hope for and a man that has taken on the role of father to my children. The Lord gives us more than we could ever dream possible, and I thank him each and every day.
Proverbs - Chapter 6:20-23 — “My son, obey your father's commands, and don't neglect your mother's teaching. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. Wherever you walk, their counsel can lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up in the morning, they will advise you. For these commands and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you. The correction of discipline is the way of life.”
Monday, June 20, 2011
Reaching out
Sometimes there are things we are going through that people around us aren't even aware are going on. It may be something we just don't want other people to know about or are embarrassed to talk about. But if we keep it all inside, we are closing ourselves off to the help others can give us. How are those closest to us going to know we need their prayers if we don't tell them? We can pray ourselves but sometimes we need the support of others to give us a fresh perspective and help us know exactly what it is we need to pray about.
We don't need to tell our business to everyone but we should have at least one or two people we can talk things through with and have pray with us. Closing ourselves off lets the enemy attack us from within. Sometimes God speaks to us through the words of others. We need to give Him that chance.
We don't need to tell our business to everyone but we should have at least one or two people we can talk things through with and have pray with us. Closing ourselves off lets the enemy attack us from within. Sometimes God speaks to us through the words of others. We need to give Him that chance.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Importance of fellowship
Today was a good day even if I did have to work 11 hours, which is about normal for a Friday. Ok, it would be 13 but I am taking a couple hours worth home with me to do tonight. I've been getting a little worn down with my job lately but came in this morning with a fresh energy and drive and even managed a minor redesign that I have been wanting done for a while now.
I'm pretty sure a night of fellowship with the ladies from church last night after a great ministry class on the Holy Spirit Wednesday night had a lot to do with it. There was a time period of over a year when I stopped going to church. It wasn't that I lost my path with the Lord, it was that I needed to find a place where I could grow spiritually and that my husband and I could share our love for the Lord. Within a few weeks I was feeling lost and went through some pretty trying times during that year.
We don't realize until we have been away from it how important fellowship with other Christians is in our lives. We need the support of one another and the shared testimonies to stay on the right path. It keeps us uplifted and strengthens us when we are weak.
Hebrews 10:23-25 - Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
I'm pretty sure a night of fellowship with the ladies from church last night after a great ministry class on the Holy Spirit Wednesday night had a lot to do with it. There was a time period of over a year when I stopped going to church. It wasn't that I lost my path with the Lord, it was that I needed to find a place where I could grow spiritually and that my husband and I could share our love for the Lord. Within a few weeks I was feeling lost and went through some pretty trying times during that year.
We don't realize until we have been away from it how important fellowship with other Christians is in our lives. We need the support of one another and the shared testimonies to stay on the right path. It keeps us uplifted and strengthens us when we are weak.
Hebrews 10:23-25 - Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Thankful
There are some days we wake up with a smile on our face and realize how much the Lord God has blessed us with and how much we have to be thankful for in our lives. Today was one of those days. No particular reason, even. Just have a heart full of love for my Lord, my husband, my children, my family, my church and all that He has made us.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Filling up with the Word replaces desire for food
Health is a big issue in our home right now, as it is in many homes across the country.
My family and I have been on a diet rollercoaster for almost a year now, trying one thing after another to lose a few pounds and improve our health. Some diets worked and some didn’t and we are down quite a few pounds from where we were this time last year.
The one thing I have learned is what many professionals have said all along — diets don’t work, lifestyle changes do. You have to adopt a whole new way of not only eating, but also thinking and feeling.
A book I read recently — and need to keep rereading parts of — called “Made to Crave” by Lysa TerKeurst has really helped me.
The book teaches you to fill your desires with God, not with food. It is full of spiritual motivation that helps keep you on the road to fitness and health.
The book showed me that the way to get healthier and stay that way has more to do with what is inside us then what we put in our mouths.
If we fill ourselves with what is good for our mind and spiritual lives, we will slowly begin to fill our body with what is good for it also.
God has instructed us to take care of our bodies and his Word is full of ways we should do that if we take the time to look.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
When I read that verse I have to stop and think. If I borrow something from a friend, I am going to take care of it. I will make sure it is returned in the shape it was when I borrowed it.
When my husband gives me a gift, I cherish it and make sure it is taken care of and kept in good condition.
My body belongs to God, not to me. When I fill it full of junk and don’t exercise, I am not taking care of it. I am not glorifying God.
Now knowing all of that, I still have plenty of days when I don’t want what is healthy. I want something gooey and chocolaty and sweet or a big, greasy cheeseburger. Then I think, “other people are eating that, why can’t I?”
Well, I can, but do I really want to? Would it really be beneficial to me and how long would the pleasure of eating it last? The answer is, only until after the last bite.
I found one verse that I keep repeating to myself when those cravings strike. It is 1 Corinthians 6:12, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
I still have a long way to go and I still eat some things I shouldn’t and I still don’t exercise everyday like I need to, but I am taking steps toward getting there. And with the Lord’s help, I will.
My family and I have been on a diet rollercoaster for almost a year now, trying one thing after another to lose a few pounds and improve our health. Some diets worked and some didn’t and we are down quite a few pounds from where we were this time last year.
A book I read recently — and need to keep rereading parts of — called “Made to Crave” by Lysa TerKeurst has really helped me.
The book teaches you to fill your desires with God, not with food. It is full of spiritual motivation that helps keep you on the road to fitness and health.
The book showed me that the way to get healthier and stay that way has more to do with what is inside us then what we put in our mouths.
If we fill ourselves with what is good for our mind and spiritual lives, we will slowly begin to fill our body with what is good for it also.
God has instructed us to take care of our bodies and his Word is full of ways we should do that if we take the time to look.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
When I read that verse I have to stop and think. If I borrow something from a friend, I am going to take care of it. I will make sure it is returned in the shape it was when I borrowed it.
When my husband gives me a gift, I cherish it and make sure it is taken care of and kept in good condition.
My body belongs to God, not to me. When I fill it full of junk and don’t exercise, I am not taking care of it. I am not glorifying God.
Now knowing all of that, I still have plenty of days when I don’t want what is healthy. I want something gooey and chocolaty and sweet or a big, greasy cheeseburger. Then I think, “other people are eating that, why can’t I?”
Well, I can, but do I really want to? Would it really be beneficial to me and how long would the pleasure of eating it last? The answer is, only until after the last bite.
I found one verse that I keep repeating to myself when those cravings strike. It is 1 Corinthians 6:12, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
I still have a long way to go and I still eat some things I shouldn’t and I still don’t exercise everyday like I need to, but I am taking steps toward getting there. And with the Lord’s help, I will.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Enjoying family
Rich and two of the boys spent the weekend at the deer lease, fixing stands and feeders. They left early Friday morning so I stayed home with the other two boys we have home right now.
My sister was in town with her kids so the boys and I visited with her, her kids, my mom and brother on Saturday. We were a pretty close family when we were young but we grew up, had families of our own and my sisters moved a few hours away so we don't see each other often anymore. It is a nice, refreshing break when we can actually get together. We didn't have long, just a few hours but it made my weekend a lot brighter.
Though I enjoyed the quiet couple days with fewer people in the house and the time to spend with my family, I was even happier when Rich and the boys came home. The time with my family reminded me that one day all I'll have with my kids are visits instead of the joy of spending every day with them. I want to enjoy all the time I have with the boys close before they also start to drift away as their lives expand and they have families of their own. I intend to take full pleasure in the gift of children the Lord gave me.
My sister was in town with her kids so the boys and I visited with her, her kids, my mom and brother on Saturday. We were a pretty close family when we were young but we grew up, had families of our own and my sisters moved a few hours away so we don't see each other often anymore. It is a nice, refreshing break when we can actually get together. We didn't have long, just a few hours but it made my weekend a lot brighter.
Though I enjoyed the quiet couple days with fewer people in the house and the time to spend with my family, I was even happier when Rich and the boys came home. The time with my family reminded me that one day all I'll have with my kids are visits instead of the joy of spending every day with them. I want to enjoy all the time I have with the boys close before they also start to drift away as their lives expand and they have families of their own. I intend to take full pleasure in the gift of children the Lord gave me.
Psalm 127: 3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
One small message can save the day
Yesterday was a long day. I had absolutely no energy or desire to work and a lot that needed done.
I have a bible app on my phone that gives me a daily verse plus has a bible reading schedule that gives me verses from different chapters to read right on my phone.
A little after 9 a.m. I looked at my phone and noticed it had sent me the daily verse. First I thought "I don't have time to read this right now" and set my phone down. But I kept thinking about it and looking at my phone on my desk beside me. Finally I picked it up and read the verse, then I went on to the daily bible reading. After the 15 minutes I turned over to bible reading I had focus and was able to get everything done with very little stress.
Sometimes we may think we don't have time to spend with the word but we do. In fact carving out the time for the Lord helps us create the time for other things. It's amazing how that works, isn't it? I know I'll make sure the Lord gets as much of my time as he wants each and every day.
I have a bible app on my phone that gives me a daily verse plus has a bible reading schedule that gives me verses from different chapters to read right on my phone.
A little after 9 a.m. I looked at my phone and noticed it had sent me the daily verse. First I thought "I don't have time to read this right now" and set my phone down. But I kept thinking about it and looking at my phone on my desk beside me. Finally I picked it up and read the verse, then I went on to the daily bible reading. After the 15 minutes I turned over to bible reading I had focus and was able to get everything done with very little stress.
Sometimes we may think we don't have time to spend with the word but we do. In fact carving out the time for the Lord helps us create the time for other things. It's amazing how that works, isn't it? I know I'll make sure the Lord gets as much of my time as he wants each and every day.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Some of life's lessons come from music
Every little thing we do, everything we say matters
I have a new favorite song. I always have my car radio tuned in to my favorite Christian channel but have to admit while I listen to the music and sometimes sing along to my favorite songs — ok only when I am alone in the car, my husband will be the first to tell you it is better that way — there are other times when it serves more as background noise. I guess I have my mind trained to think the car won’t run without the radio on.
This morning though, a certain song caught my attention. It was “Do Everything” by Steven Curtis Chapman. The lines that hit home were, “do everything you do to the glory of the one who made you…do every little thing you do to bring a smile to His face.”
Those couple of lines put a whole new perspective on my life and day. Are they new concepts or something I didn’t know before? No, they aren’t. But put in such a simple way makes it so clear. Everything, every little thing we do, every word we speak, our every action, our facial expressions, our attitudes, everything should be done to the glory of God. Wow. I don’t think I have ever looked at it quite that way before today.
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
I believe that doing things to the glory of God means we should honor him by acting and speaking in a way that pleases Him. Or like the song says “brings a smile to His face.” Think about it. Don’t you want to bring a smile to our Father’s face? I know I do.
Will everything I do be pleasing to God? No. Can I get to the point where most of what I do is pleasing to Him on my own? No again.
1 Peter 4:11 says, “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
It is only through the strength and grace of God that we can reach for the place we need to be. We have to know that everything we are and everything we do in our Christian walk comes through the Father’s love for us. Every choice we make, every desire we have, each word we speak should come from delight in the One who created us.
Before we let circumstances put us in a bad mood where we are snapping at other people around us or frustrated by a long line at the grocery store or grumbling about the driver who cut us off, we need to stop and ask ourselves, “Am I acting in a way that glorifies God?” If the answer is no, maybe we should turn over what is bothering us to the Lord and trust Him to put us in the right frame of mind. After all, when others see us acting in a way that “puts a smile on God’s face” maybe it will inspire them to want to put a smile on His face, too.
Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
I have a new favorite song. I always have my car radio tuned in to my favorite Christian channel but have to admit while I listen to the music and sometimes sing along to my favorite songs — ok only when I am alone in the car, my husband will be the first to tell you it is better that way — there are other times when it serves more as background noise. I guess I have my mind trained to think the car won’t run without the radio on.
This morning though, a certain song caught my attention. It was “Do Everything” by Steven Curtis Chapman. The lines that hit home were, “do everything you do to the glory of the one who made you…do every little thing you do to bring a smile to His face.”
Those couple of lines put a whole new perspective on my life and day. Are they new concepts or something I didn’t know before? No, they aren’t. But put in such a simple way makes it so clear. Everything, every little thing we do, every word we speak, our every action, our facial expressions, our attitudes, everything should be done to the glory of God. Wow. I don’t think I have ever looked at it quite that way before today.
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
I believe that doing things to the glory of God means we should honor him by acting and speaking in a way that pleases Him. Or like the song says “brings a smile to His face.” Think about it. Don’t you want to bring a smile to our Father’s face? I know I do.
Will everything I do be pleasing to God? No. Can I get to the point where most of what I do is pleasing to Him on my own? No again.
1 Peter 4:11 says, “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
It is only through the strength and grace of God that we can reach for the place we need to be. We have to know that everything we are and everything we do in our Christian walk comes through the Father’s love for us. Every choice we make, every desire we have, each word we speak should come from delight in the One who created us.
Before we let circumstances put us in a bad mood where we are snapping at other people around us or frustrated by a long line at the grocery store or grumbling about the driver who cut us off, we need to stop and ask ourselves, “Am I acting in a way that glorifies God?” If the answer is no, maybe we should turn over what is bothering us to the Lord and trust Him to put us in the right frame of mind. After all, when others see us acting in a way that “puts a smile on God’s face” maybe it will inspire them to want to put a smile on His face, too.
Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Fasting for the first time
I have decided to try fasting one day a week. Today will be the first day. I chose Tuesday's because I am usually so busy at work during the day on Tuesday's that I don't think much about eating anyway. I have the little fridge in my office stocked with bottles of water and prayed about it this morning. I am sure it will take a lot of praying during the day to get me through. In fact it may take Jesus himself slapping my hand away from the fridge when I get home tonight! Of course that is kind of the point, to learn to lean on Jesus and focus more on Him.
When I told one of my coworkers yesterday what I had decided to do she asked me if I was gong to have my office door shut. I asked her why. She said because she knows she gets cranky when she doesn't eat and she figured I would be in a bad mood and pretty much the only time I close my office door is when I am in a bad mood. Yikes. Guess I am pretty predictable!
But I heard a great song this morning by Steven Curtis Chapman called "Do Everything" that says to do everything you do to the glory of God. (That is the basis of tomorrow's column, by the way.) So I am going to trust in Him to not only help me stick to the fast today but to do it with a smile — or at least not a snarl! — on my face. I'll let you know how it goes.
Matthew 6:16-18 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
When I told one of my coworkers yesterday what I had decided to do she asked me if I was gong to have my office door shut. I asked her why. She said because she knows she gets cranky when she doesn't eat and she figured I would be in a bad mood and pretty much the only time I close my office door is when I am in a bad mood. Yikes. Guess I am pretty predictable!
But I heard a great song this morning by Steven Curtis Chapman called "Do Everything" that says to do everything you do to the glory of God. (That is the basis of tomorrow's column, by the way.) So I am going to trust in Him to not only help me stick to the fast today but to do it with a smile — or at least not a snarl! — on my face. I'll let you know how it goes.
Matthew 6:16-18 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Sometimes we just need a breather
It's been a crazy few weeks. Between extra projects during an already busy time at work, a college graduation, end of school year activities with the boys and the loss of my grandmother my body and mind were screaming out to take a break. Finally this weekend I did just that.
I got off work a little early Friday and went straight home. Then I spent all day Saturday at home. The only time I left the house was for about 10 minutes to go pick up one of the boy's friends. Other than that it was a restful day ending with a nice visit with my husband's parents. (And yes, I love his parents like my own, so visits with them are always nice.) Sunday was much the same. Slept in, then went to church and out to lunch and home for the rest of the day.
Sometimes we need a weekend like that. A time when we can relax and recharge. A time to be quiet and listen for the Lord's voice. It seems like the busier we are the more likely it is that we will miss what He is saying to us.
Rich and I like to have a date night each week. Time to spend with each other without the kids or household responsibilities where we can just focus on "us." I read somewhere that we should "make a date with Jesus." To carve out a quiet time each day to spend in prayer and focus on Him. Sounds like a great idea to me.
Mark 1:35 - Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
I got off work a little early Friday and went straight home. Then I spent all day Saturday at home. The only time I left the house was for about 10 minutes to go pick up one of the boy's friends. Other than that it was a restful day ending with a nice visit with my husband's parents. (And yes, I love his parents like my own, so visits with them are always nice.) Sunday was much the same. Slept in, then went to church and out to lunch and home for the rest of the day.
Sometimes we need a weekend like that. A time when we can relax and recharge. A time to be quiet and listen for the Lord's voice. It seems like the busier we are the more likely it is that we will miss what He is saying to us.
Rich and I like to have a date night each week. Time to spend with each other without the kids or household responsibilities where we can just focus on "us." I read somewhere that we should "make a date with Jesus." To carve out a quiet time each day to spend in prayer and focus on Him. Sounds like a great idea to me.
Mark 1:35 - Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Pushing through
Yesterday started out well. I knew I was going to be busy, trying to get the paper sent to print a little early so some of the staff could attend the high school graduation that evening.
I got up, spent some time in prayer then made it to work by 6:30 a.m. Things went well until after noon then the stressors started hitting one after another...bam, bam, bam!
Things with the paper, personal issues, a little of everything at once. By mid afternoon I was experiencing a full blown anxiety attack. My chest was hurting, I was dizzy, I was having trouble breathing. I began to wonder if I was going to have to get someone to take me to the hospital.
At that point I called a time out. A little something I call a time out for prayer. I walked out of my office, went outside to a quiet place, took a minute to take in the beautiful sunny day, and turned it all over to the Lord. I asked him to help me through, give me the strength to do all that needed done and to still my heart and give me peace.
Was everything perfect after that? No. In fact a couple more issues popped up. But I was able to deal with them and even laughed by the time the last editorial problem surfaced. And I still managed to get the staff out of the office just a little after 5 p.m.
Then I came home to a husband finishing up dinner, some relaxing time outside, then going out to get ice cream with my husband and the son who usually thinks he's too cool to go anywhere with me these days. And my adorable little niece made it through her surgery to have tubes in her ears and her adenoid removed with no issues and was excited to hear from me when I called to check on her.
What could have been a horrible day ended up pretty great. Maybe the Lord didn't make all the issues just stop when I turned to him but he did give me what I needed to push through and come out stronger for it. He does that with big issues too. Sometimes there are long periods of darkness we have to work through in our lives. Things we can't see an end to anywhere in the future. But if we have faith and trust in the Lord, we will make it through and find the light. He's pretty great like that.
I got up, spent some time in prayer then made it to work by 6:30 a.m. Things went well until after noon then the stressors started hitting one after another...bam, bam, bam!
Things with the paper, personal issues, a little of everything at once. By mid afternoon I was experiencing a full blown anxiety attack. My chest was hurting, I was dizzy, I was having trouble breathing. I began to wonder if I was going to have to get someone to take me to the hospital.
At that point I called a time out. A little something I call a time out for prayer. I walked out of my office, went outside to a quiet place, took a minute to take in the beautiful sunny day, and turned it all over to the Lord. I asked him to help me through, give me the strength to do all that needed done and to still my heart and give me peace.
Was everything perfect after that? No. In fact a couple more issues popped up. But I was able to deal with them and even laughed by the time the last editorial problem surfaced. And I still managed to get the staff out of the office just a little after 5 p.m.
Then I came home to a husband finishing up dinner, some relaxing time outside, then going out to get ice cream with my husband and the son who usually thinks he's too cool to go anywhere with me these days. And my adorable little niece made it through her surgery to have tubes in her ears and her adenoid removed with no issues and was excited to hear from me when I called to check on her.
What could have been a horrible day ended up pretty great. Maybe the Lord didn't make all the issues just stop when I turned to him but he did give me what I needed to push through and come out stronger for it. He does that with big issues too. Sometimes there are long periods of darkness we have to work through in our lives. Things we can't see an end to anywhere in the future. But if we have faith and trust in the Lord, we will make it through and find the light. He's pretty great like that.
Friday, June 3, 2011
The end of another school year
Yesterday was the last day of the school year for my boys. The youngest had an eighth grade promotion ceremony and took home several awards. That boy has always done really well in school just like his oldest brother who graduated from college with a bachelors degree in economics a few weeks ago.
The middle child has a bit more trouble, especially with math. He has never done well in math or on tests which is why when I got the call from his math teacher over the weekend telling me Nick had to pass the semester exam to pass the class for the year, my heart fell. I didn't see how he was possibly going to manage that. So I put his oldest brother to work helping him study and even sent him to his teacher's house, who also happens to be the mother of one of his best friends, for some extra tutoring.
Then I prayed - a lot! I asked God to help him do well enough to pass that test. No, it isn't a big life altering event that was at stake, but I have learned that God listens to all of our needs, even the smallest.
The test was Wednesday morning. I prayed again that morning, "Lord please help him know the answers and do well." Not only did he do well, he made a 100 on that test! Thank you Jesus! I am pretty sure he has never made a 100 on a math test. Not only did the Lord make sure he passed the test but he blew it away! Now, if only I had thought to pray about his Biology exam!
"And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." Matthew 21:22
The middle child has a bit more trouble, especially with math. He has never done well in math or on tests which is why when I got the call from his math teacher over the weekend telling me Nick had to pass the semester exam to pass the class for the year, my heart fell. I didn't see how he was possibly going to manage that. So I put his oldest brother to work helping him study and even sent him to his teacher's house, who also happens to be the mother of one of his best friends, for some extra tutoring.
Then I prayed - a lot! I asked God to help him do well enough to pass that test. No, it isn't a big life altering event that was at stake, but I have learned that God listens to all of our needs, even the smallest.
The test was Wednesday morning. I prayed again that morning, "Lord please help him know the answers and do well." Not only did he do well, he made a 100 on that test! Thank you Jesus! I am pretty sure he has never made a 100 on a math test. Not only did the Lord make sure he passed the test but he blew it away! Now, if only I had thought to pray about his Biology exam!
"And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." Matthew 21:22
Thursday, June 2, 2011
This was written after hearing hurtful gossip
Words have the power to break down or lift up
(Published in The Bay City Tribune June 1, 2011)
We have all been on the receiving end of hurtful comments and, whether intentional or not, we have all been the one to make a hurtful comment at some point.
The child’s saying that “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” may be a good ideal to strive for, but in reality words can hurt much worse than a bump or bruise.
While signs of physical injuries will fade and be forgotten, hurtful words can leave wounds that are never completely healed.
By the same token, the words we can use can heal and comfort, lift up and encourage.
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
When we think of the power of words we realize how important it is to ”think before we speak.”
Before we allow the words to come out of our mouths we should first ask ourselves if what we are going to say is going to be hurtful or helpful, if it is necessary, if it can be hurtful to someone else and how the words will be perceived by the person.
If we are unsure if something should be said we can put it to the test. Ask yourself, “If this was Jesus standing here before me, would I say this to Him?” If the answer is no, you probably should keep quiet.
Maybe we think as long as we aren’t saying hurtful words directly to a person or in their presence it is ok. Not true.
Think of how many people you have known who have had their reputations hurt by gossip, how many relationships have been damaged and friendships lost to gossip. Think of how many people have had their feelings hurt.
Proverbs 11:9,13 says, “With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape... A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.”
But what if we don’t actually say the words? What if we just think the words?
I have learned that when something is on my mind, it is usually going to get said at some time or another. The more negative thoughts you have, the more negative attitude you will have. A negative attitude leads to negative actions.
We must start from the inside, seeing the good in others and letting that view be the one we focus on and share. We must look inside ourselves and see what is missing and what needs to be strengthened, not judge others with our own inadequacies.
Then we can make sure we are using the right words when we speak, the words that build up and strengthen, the words that show love and kindness. This is one way we can show the love of and for God through our words and actions.
Proverbs 23:15-16 says, “My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.”
(Published in The Bay City Tribune June 1, 2011)
We have all been on the receiving end of hurtful comments and, whether intentional or not, we have all been the one to make a hurtful comment at some point.
The child’s saying that “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” may be a good ideal to strive for, but in reality words can hurt much worse than a bump or bruise.
While signs of physical injuries will fade and be forgotten, hurtful words can leave wounds that are never completely healed.
By the same token, the words we can use can heal and comfort, lift up and encourage.
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
When we think of the power of words we realize how important it is to ”think before we speak.”
Before we allow the words to come out of our mouths we should first ask ourselves if what we are going to say is going to be hurtful or helpful, if it is necessary, if it can be hurtful to someone else and how the words will be perceived by the person.
If we are unsure if something should be said we can put it to the test. Ask yourself, “If this was Jesus standing here before me, would I say this to Him?” If the answer is no, you probably should keep quiet.
Maybe we think as long as we aren’t saying hurtful words directly to a person or in their presence it is ok. Not true.
Think of how many people you have known who have had their reputations hurt by gossip, how many relationships have been damaged and friendships lost to gossip. Think of how many people have had their feelings hurt.
Proverbs 11:9,13 says, “With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape... A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.”
But what if we don’t actually say the words? What if we just think the words?
I have learned that when something is on my mind, it is usually going to get said at some time or another. The more negative thoughts you have, the more negative attitude you will have. A negative attitude leads to negative actions.
We must start from the inside, seeing the good in others and letting that view be the one we focus on and share. We must look inside ourselves and see what is missing and what needs to be strengthened, not judge others with our own inadequacies.
Then we can make sure we are using the right words when we speak, the words that build up and strengthen, the words that show love and kindness. This is one way we can show the love of and for God through our words and actions.
Proverbs 23:15-16 says, “My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.”
Written three days after the death of my grandmother
The Lord's comfort overflows onto others
(Published in The Bay City Tribune May 25)
The loss of a loved one is one of the hardest things we go through in our lifetimes.
My first experiences with loss came during my teenage years when I lost both of my grandfathers. Many years later my Aunt Helen, a wonderful woman who was no blood relation but happily took on the role of grandmother to my siblings and me, passed on. Over the summer my brother-in-law’s father left this world after a battle with cancer. We spent many family functions together over the years and I never saw him without a smile on his face.
On Saturday, the Lord called my grandmother home. She was one of the strongest, most loving women I have ever known. She was beautiful on the inside and out. She was the “Queen” of our family, the one who held us all together. She will be greatly missed.
I know that she is now in a better place. I know that she now has a new, strong, healthy body and is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord. I know that there will come a day when I will see her again in Heaven. But still there is that place in my heart that is empty, that feels deeply the loss of her presence here on earth.
I was told by a wonderful woman at church Sunday that it is ok to grieve and miss those that have went on to be with the Lord, that is part of the process. The Lord will bring us through this trial as he does with any other. We don’t have to be strong on our own, we are made strong through Him.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
We are to take the strength and comfort given to us by God and use it to help others. We may wonder how, when we are seeking comfort ourselves, we will be able to comfort family members and loved ones who are going through the same grieving process. But we can. We take what we have been given and we let it overflow onto those around us.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.”
So, yes, I miss my grandmother very much and circumstances have changed the family I used to know. But I know where my grandmother is, I know that she is happy and healthy and just waiting for us to come join her. I know she is looking at her family and saying, “ Stop the foolishness, straighten up, comfort each other, look to the Father and be the family I raised you to be.” Pretty much the same thing the Father is probably saying to today’s world.
John 14:1-4 — “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
(Published in The Bay City Tribune May 25)
The loss of a loved one is one of the hardest things we go through in our lifetimes.
My first experiences with loss came during my teenage years when I lost both of my grandfathers. Many years later my Aunt Helen, a wonderful woman who was no blood relation but happily took on the role of grandmother to my siblings and me, passed on. Over the summer my brother-in-law’s father left this world after a battle with cancer. We spent many family functions together over the years and I never saw him without a smile on his face.
On Saturday, the Lord called my grandmother home. She was one of the strongest, most loving women I have ever known. She was beautiful on the inside and out. She was the “Queen” of our family, the one who held us all together. She will be greatly missed.
I know that she is now in a better place. I know that she now has a new, strong, healthy body and is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord. I know that there will come a day when I will see her again in Heaven. But still there is that place in my heart that is empty, that feels deeply the loss of her presence here on earth.
I was told by a wonderful woman at church Sunday that it is ok to grieve and miss those that have went on to be with the Lord, that is part of the process. The Lord will bring us through this trial as he does with any other. We don’t have to be strong on our own, we are made strong through Him.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
We are to take the strength and comfort given to us by God and use it to help others. We may wonder how, when we are seeking comfort ourselves, we will be able to comfort family members and loved ones who are going through the same grieving process. But we can. We take what we have been given and we let it overflow onto those around us.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.”
So, yes, I miss my grandmother very much and circumstances have changed the family I used to know. But I know where my grandmother is, I know that she is happy and healthy and just waiting for us to come join her. I know she is looking at her family and saying, “ Stop the foolishness, straighten up, comfort each other, look to the Father and be the family I raised you to be.” Pretty much the same thing the Father is probably saying to today’s world.
John 14:1-4 — “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
A thought for difficult days
Turn one of ‘those’ days into one of God’s days
(Published in The Bay City Tribune May 18, 2011)
I have often found myself uttering the phrase, “It’s just one of those days.” Thinking about that phrase makes me wonder just what “one of those days” is and how I can turn it into, “It’s a great and blessed day” instead.
I’m sure “one of those days” means different things to all of us. It also can mean something different to each of us at different points in our lives.
It can be one of those days when all of the little things add up, starting with the alarm not going off and the kids suddenly remembering they need to bring cookies to a class party 20 minutes before school starts and ending with burning dinner after an extra long day at work.
It also can be one of those days when it seems like every direction you turn there is crisis all around you.
You have a loved one seriously ill, one going through a personal crisis, one making choices that negatively affect their life, conflict that divides a family, turmoil every where you look.
In the first case, you know you will wake up the next day with a whole new set of circumstances and a better day.
In the second case, you wonder how you will ever get through everything around you. You look for a break somewhere in the midst of the raging storm where you can break free. The problem is, if you just look in front of you or behind you or to the side, all you see is trouble. The only way out is to look up.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
No matter how much we want to “fix” everything around us, for ourselves and our loved ones, we can’t. Not on our own. I have spent so much of my life trying to fix every problem that comes along, both large and small, even to the point of making myself physically ill. I am a Type A personality. I want everything to go in an orderly and timely manner, for everything to be perfect. When I feel things slipping out of my control I can feel my blood pressure rising and my heart beginning to beat more rapidly.
Well, guess what I learned? When I stop trying to fix everything and turn it over to God, my blood pressure goes down, my heart rate returns to normal and things turn out so much better than they ever would have if I had tried to retain control.
God’s way is so far beyond us that we can’t even imagine what he has planned. We just have to put our trust in Him and know that things will turn out according to His plan.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Now I wake up in the morning and say, “This is going to be one of God’s days.”
I know that whatever is happening, whatever is going on around me, I can just take it to God in prayer and give it to Him. I still find myself wanting to rush in and “save the world” sometimes or asking God, “are you sure about this?”
But, I know that yes, He is sure, only He knows what is best and if I just sit back and listen to what he says I will find a path out of those stormy seas and onto smooth water.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:16
(Published in The Bay City Tribune May 18, 2011)
I have often found myself uttering the phrase, “It’s just one of those days.” Thinking about that phrase makes me wonder just what “one of those days” is and how I can turn it into, “It’s a great and blessed day” instead.
I’m sure “one of those days” means different things to all of us. It also can mean something different to each of us at different points in our lives.
It can be one of those days when all of the little things add up, starting with the alarm not going off and the kids suddenly remembering they need to bring cookies to a class party 20 minutes before school starts and ending with burning dinner after an extra long day at work.
It also can be one of those days when it seems like every direction you turn there is crisis all around you.
You have a loved one seriously ill, one going through a personal crisis, one making choices that negatively affect their life, conflict that divides a family, turmoil every where you look.
In the first case, you know you will wake up the next day with a whole new set of circumstances and a better day.
In the second case, you wonder how you will ever get through everything around you. You look for a break somewhere in the midst of the raging storm where you can break free. The problem is, if you just look in front of you or behind you or to the side, all you see is trouble. The only way out is to look up.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
No matter how much we want to “fix” everything around us, for ourselves and our loved ones, we can’t. Not on our own. I have spent so much of my life trying to fix every problem that comes along, both large and small, even to the point of making myself physically ill. I am a Type A personality. I want everything to go in an orderly and timely manner, for everything to be perfect. When I feel things slipping out of my control I can feel my blood pressure rising and my heart beginning to beat more rapidly.
Well, guess what I learned? When I stop trying to fix everything and turn it over to God, my blood pressure goes down, my heart rate returns to normal and things turn out so much better than they ever would have if I had tried to retain control.
God’s way is so far beyond us that we can’t even imagine what he has planned. We just have to put our trust in Him and know that things will turn out according to His plan.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Now I wake up in the morning and say, “This is going to be one of God’s days.”
I know that whatever is happening, whatever is going on around me, I can just take it to God in prayer and give it to Him. I still find myself wanting to rush in and “save the world” sometimes or asking God, “are you sure about this?”
But, I know that yes, He is sure, only He knows what is best and if I just sit back and listen to what he says I will find a path out of those stormy seas and onto smooth water.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Inspired by my son's college graduation
Worry gets in the way of having a happy life
(Published in The Bay City Tribune May 11, 2011)
Another school year is coming to an end and graduation season is upon us.
High school seniors are celebrating the end of their childhood and are ready to head off to college or trade school.
College students are looking at the end of their school years and the beginning of a whole new life.
While this is a joyful time, a time to celebrate new beginnings, it also can be a scary time.
College graduates, or those high school students who don’t continue on to higher education, no longer have the security of school life.
It is time for them to go out and find jobs to support themselves and a future family.
Some may already have families to support.
My son is graduating from college Friday and is so worried about what is next, he can’t even take joy in what should be one of the happiest times of his life.
He has made it through four years of college by hard work and determination.
He started working his senior year in college and, through scholarships and his job, he will be graduating with no student loans or debts of any kind.
He should be excited about the new beginnings ahead of him instead of worried about what is to come.
While where to go with their lives is a big decision, graduates shouldn’t allow their lives to be consumed with worry about what is to come.
Worry is something all of us struggle with at some point in our lives, almost daily for some of us.
We worry about finding or keeping a job, if we are making the right decisions about where our life should go, where the money to pay for bills will come from during lean times, the decisions our children are making and so much more.
But worry is a useless and wrong frame of mind.
Matthew 6:27 says, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” None of us can.
In fact, worry and stress can affect our health in a negative way and actually subtract time from our lives.
Worry also gets in the way of faith in our life.
When we worry, we assume responsibility for things in our lives we were not intended to handle, we take away from the faith we should have in God to handle all things.
Worrying does not change anything; it only draws away the joy and peace promised to us through our faith in God.
Worry is the opposite of faith, it suggests that God cannot be trusted to provide all we need.
Worry allows fear to take the place of faith.
Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
By taking our worries and turning them over to God we can, through faith, know that everything will turn out according to His will, that we aren’t alone in making decisions and working out problems.
He is always there with us, guiding us.
All we have to do is turn over our cares, listen to His voice and follow where He leads.
Matthew 6:34 says,” Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
We should replace all of our worries and anxious thoughts by offering thanksgiving from our hearts that are full of trust in God as all sufficient, as a provider of all our needs.
Then we can fully embrace joy and peace, two of the Fruits of the Spirit, as promised us by God.
(Published in The Bay City Tribune May 11, 2011)
Another school year is coming to an end and graduation season is upon us.
High school seniors are celebrating the end of their childhood and are ready to head off to college or trade school.
College students are looking at the end of their school years and the beginning of a whole new life.
While this is a joyful time, a time to celebrate new beginnings, it also can be a scary time.
College graduates, or those high school students who don’t continue on to higher education, no longer have the security of school life.
It is time for them to go out and find jobs to support themselves and a future family.
Some may already have families to support.
My son is graduating from college Friday and is so worried about what is next, he can’t even take joy in what should be one of the happiest times of his life.
He has made it through four years of college by hard work and determination.
He started working his senior year in college and, through scholarships and his job, he will be graduating with no student loans or debts of any kind.
He should be excited about the new beginnings ahead of him instead of worried about what is to come.
While where to go with their lives is a big decision, graduates shouldn’t allow their lives to be consumed with worry about what is to come.
Worry is something all of us struggle with at some point in our lives, almost daily for some of us.
We worry about finding or keeping a job, if we are making the right decisions about where our life should go, where the money to pay for bills will come from during lean times, the decisions our children are making and so much more.
But worry is a useless and wrong frame of mind.
Matthew 6:27 says, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” None of us can.
In fact, worry and stress can affect our health in a negative way and actually subtract time from our lives.
Worry also gets in the way of faith in our life.
When we worry, we assume responsibility for things in our lives we were not intended to handle, we take away from the faith we should have in God to handle all things.
Worrying does not change anything; it only draws away the joy and peace promised to us through our faith in God.
Worry is the opposite of faith, it suggests that God cannot be trusted to provide all we need.
Worry allows fear to take the place of faith.
Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
By taking our worries and turning them over to God we can, through faith, know that everything will turn out according to His will, that we aren’t alone in making decisions and working out problems.
He is always there with us, guiding us.
All we have to do is turn over our cares, listen to His voice and follow where He leads.
Matthew 6:34 says,” Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
We should replace all of our worries and anxious thoughts by offering thanksgiving from our hearts that are full of trust in God as all sufficient, as a provider of all our needs.
Then we can fully embrace joy and peace, two of the Fruits of the Spirit, as promised us by God.
Mother's Day column
Mothers should be honored every day of the year
(Published in The Bay City Tribune May 4, 2011)
This coming Sunday is Mother’s Day, a day set aside to honor our mothers. Many children, both those who are still children and those who are already grown, fathers and husbands are scrambling to find the perfect card or gift or deciding on a place to take the mothers in their lives to a special meal on Sunday.
I know I will take advantage of the day to let my mother, stepmother and mother-in-law know how much I love and appreciate them — they have all been wonderful, loving influences in my life. Only I want them to know I appreciate them more than just that one day a year. We should honor our mothers, and our fathers, each and every day of our lives. Ephesians 6:1-3 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise – that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life.”
As a mother, I know what a difficult, exhausting and sometimes thankless job it can be to raise children. I also know what a blessing it is to be given the gift of children to raise. Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” I thank Him every day for the reward He has given me. Not only did He give me three sons of my own, He also gave me three more when He brought my husband into my life. Never will I think of any one of those six boys, three of them are young men now, as any less my son than I will another. They are all precious gifts given to me.
It isn’t always easy. In fact sometimes I wonder what I did to “deserve” such a gift. But then I think about how much they have brought to my life, how much I have learned through raising them and how much better a person I am through them. Without knowing the love a mother has for her children, I wouldn’t even be able to imagine the love the Father has for me. No matter what my boys do, my love for them will never lessen, just as the Father’s love for us never dims.
I have struggled long and hard through my life with patience. There is nothing in the world that can teach you patience like being a parent can. That isn’t a battle that I have always conquered but it is one that, with the Lord’s help, I am much closer to winning than I was before. Selfishness is not even an option for mothers. The children come first, period. Past wrongdoings of the child are put aside and forgotten, anger is overcome by a smile or a whispered word of love and all that is remembered at the end of the day is what a wonderful gift we have been given.
I Corinthians 13:4-7 says, “Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous; is not proud; is not conceited; does not act foolishly; is not selfish; is not easily provoked to anger; keeps no record of wrongs; takes no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.”
That verse says so much. It pretty much describes the love a mother has for her children. It tells us how we should love as parents, as children, as husbands and wives, as brothers and sisters on Earth and as the children of God. We show our love for God through our love for one another.
Proverbs 31:10-12 and 25-31 serves beautifully as a final word on honoring the women in our lives:
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
(Published in The Bay City Tribune May 4, 2011)
This coming Sunday is Mother’s Day, a day set aside to honor our mothers. Many children, both those who are still children and those who are already grown, fathers and husbands are scrambling to find the perfect card or gift or deciding on a place to take the mothers in their lives to a special meal on Sunday.
I know I will take advantage of the day to let my mother, stepmother and mother-in-law know how much I love and appreciate them — they have all been wonderful, loving influences in my life. Only I want them to know I appreciate them more than just that one day a year. We should honor our mothers, and our fathers, each and every day of our lives. Ephesians 6:1-3 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise – that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life.”
As a mother, I know what a difficult, exhausting and sometimes thankless job it can be to raise children. I also know what a blessing it is to be given the gift of children to raise. Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” I thank Him every day for the reward He has given me. Not only did He give me three sons of my own, He also gave me three more when He brought my husband into my life. Never will I think of any one of those six boys, three of them are young men now, as any less my son than I will another. They are all precious gifts given to me.
It isn’t always easy. In fact sometimes I wonder what I did to “deserve” such a gift. But then I think about how much they have brought to my life, how much I have learned through raising them and how much better a person I am through them. Without knowing the love a mother has for her children, I wouldn’t even be able to imagine the love the Father has for me. No matter what my boys do, my love for them will never lessen, just as the Father’s love for us never dims.
I have struggled long and hard through my life with patience. There is nothing in the world that can teach you patience like being a parent can. That isn’t a battle that I have always conquered but it is one that, with the Lord’s help, I am much closer to winning than I was before. Selfishness is not even an option for mothers. The children come first, period. Past wrongdoings of the child are put aside and forgotten, anger is overcome by a smile or a whispered word of love and all that is remembered at the end of the day is what a wonderful gift we have been given.
I Corinthians 13:4-7 says, “Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous; is not proud; is not conceited; does not act foolishly; is not selfish; is not easily provoked to anger; keeps no record of wrongs; takes no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.”
That verse says so much. It pretty much describes the love a mother has for her children. It tells us how we should love as parents, as children, as husbands and wives, as brothers and sisters on Earth and as the children of God. We show our love for God through our love for one another.
Proverbs 31:10-12 and 25-31 serves beautifully as a final word on honoring the women in our lives:
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
How Shelly's Story began
Easter: A time to learn to forgive self and others
(Published in The Bay City Tribune April 24, 2011)
Easter Sunday brings to mind Easter baskets, chocolate bunnies, colored eggs and jelly beans.
Children are eagerly anticipating Easter egg hunts and visits from a giant bunny that hides brightly colored eggs or plastic eggs filled with treats.
As a parent I spent many years filling Easter baskets and hiding eggs.
My children are older now; the youngest will be in high school next year.
While he has still put in a request for a chocolate bunny, “the biggest you can find, please,” the marketing appeal of Easter has been put away to be replaced by the real reason for the day.
Easter, or as our pastor calls it in an effort to remind people what we really celebrate, “Resurrection Day,” is a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice.
Our Father gave his Son on the Cross as our Savior, to forgive us of our sins. 1 Peter 2:24 says, “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness — by whose stripes you were healed.”
After Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb, he was resurrected to take his place with the Father.
As a parent, I cringe and even feel physical pain any time my children are hurt, either physically or emotionally.
One of my sons went through a phase of “gauging” his ears.
The holes in his ears were so big that when he took one of the gauges out you could see through it to the other side.
I couldn’t even bear to look at his ears.
Another son is going through some difficult times emotionally right now that I wish I could just fix for him, but I can’t. I can only be there to support him.
If even these small things are hard as a parent, can you even imagine how the Father felt as his son was beaten and hung on the cross to die?
No, there is no imagining that for me.
My mind won’t even go there. But God did. Why?
For us, to give us forgiveness and salvation through His Son.
If He can do that, who are we that we can’t offer simple forgiveness in our lives?
I know there are hard things to forgive.
Things go on in this world that I can’t even wrap my mind around.
It is something that I struggle with and have to work on each and every day.
Some things are much easier to forgive than others. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Not only must we forgive others; but we must forgive ourselves.
That can be much harder than it seems.
Seeking forgiveness allows us to receive God’s mercy and a forgiving spirit brings blessings from God and good to ourselves and others.
Don’t let the Father’s sacrifice of his Son be forgotten.
Accept the forgiveness given freely to you and extend it to those in your life, including yourself.
(Published in The Bay City Tribune April 24, 2011)
Easter Sunday brings to mind Easter baskets, chocolate bunnies, colored eggs and jelly beans.
Children are eagerly anticipating Easter egg hunts and visits from a giant bunny that hides brightly colored eggs or plastic eggs filled with treats.
As a parent I spent many years filling Easter baskets and hiding eggs.
My children are older now; the youngest will be in high school next year.
While he has still put in a request for a chocolate bunny, “the biggest you can find, please,” the marketing appeal of Easter has been put away to be replaced by the real reason for the day.
Easter, or as our pastor calls it in an effort to remind people what we really celebrate, “Resurrection Day,” is a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice.
Our Father gave his Son on the Cross as our Savior, to forgive us of our sins. 1 Peter 2:24 says, “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness — by whose stripes you were healed.”
After Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb, he was resurrected to take his place with the Father.
As a parent, I cringe and even feel physical pain any time my children are hurt, either physically or emotionally.
One of my sons went through a phase of “gauging” his ears.
The holes in his ears were so big that when he took one of the gauges out you could see through it to the other side.
I couldn’t even bear to look at his ears.
Another son is going through some difficult times emotionally right now that I wish I could just fix for him, but I can’t. I can only be there to support him.
If even these small things are hard as a parent, can you even imagine how the Father felt as his son was beaten and hung on the cross to die?
No, there is no imagining that for me.
My mind won’t even go there. But God did. Why?
For us, to give us forgiveness and salvation through His Son.
If He can do that, who are we that we can’t offer simple forgiveness in our lives?
I know there are hard things to forgive.
Things go on in this world that I can’t even wrap my mind around.
It is something that I struggle with and have to work on each and every day.
Some things are much easier to forgive than others. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Not only must we forgive others; but we must forgive ourselves.
That can be much harder than it seems.
Seeking forgiveness allows us to receive God’s mercy and a forgiving spirit brings blessings from God and good to ourselves and others.
Don’t let the Father’s sacrifice of his Son be forgotten.
Accept the forgiveness given freely to you and extend it to those in your life, including yourself.
Entering a new territory
Have you ever wondered how in the world you end up at a certain place in your life?
If someone had told me 10 years ago that I would be managing editor for a newspaper I would have laughed until my stomach hurt.
If they had told me I would be divorced, raise three children on my own, buy my own vehicle and my own house, before meeting and marrying the wonderful man God had chosen for me, I would have laughed even harder.
But that is exactly how my life has turned out. Now I have been called to do something even more difficult to imagine.
I recently started writing what I call a Christian slice of life column for my newspaper.
While I grew up going to church and knowing God and accepting Jesus as my savior, I was not baptized until I was in my 30s. Even then I was not in a church that taught me how to live a true Christian life. That is something I am still in the process of learning and will continue learning for the rest of my time here on earth.
When I felt the call to write my first Christian column a couple of months ago, I was hesitant. After all, what do I know? What if I got something "wrong"? What if it sounded stupid or people told me I had no business writing something like that?
But the call to write it was even stronger than the fear, so I wrote. Then I wondered if the publisher would even allow me to put it in the paper, but he did. And I got none of the complaints or criticism I was worried would come. Instead people were telling me how much they liked reading it.
After that I began publishing a column every week in the Religion section of the paper. I still am unsure often about what I am writing or how to write it. But I have found a lot of prayer before beginning, for what to write about and how it should be written, is a fail free way to produce that weekly column.
When I stop letting the Lord lead in my writing and try to take control myself I find my hands freezing on the keyboard and the words stop coming. As soon as I turn it back over to Him, the words start flowing freely again.
So now, at 41, I am starting a new chapter in my life. I am even starting this blog, which I have to admit I had no clue how to start a blog before today. But the Lord has given me a talent in my writing and provided me an opportunity to share His word through that talent.
I have no religious training or background other than being one of God's children. I am just a woman looking to Him for guidance in my life and hoping to share some of the ways He has led me through the things we all face in this life.
Maybe by sharing what He has done for me and my family and loved ones it will help someone else who is going through the same type of things.
1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
If someone had told me 10 years ago that I would be managing editor for a newspaper I would have laughed until my stomach hurt.
If they had told me I would be divorced, raise three children on my own, buy my own vehicle and my own house, before meeting and marrying the wonderful man God had chosen for me, I would have laughed even harder.
But that is exactly how my life has turned out. Now I have been called to do something even more difficult to imagine.
I recently started writing what I call a Christian slice of life column for my newspaper.
While I grew up going to church and knowing God and accepting Jesus as my savior, I was not baptized until I was in my 30s. Even then I was not in a church that taught me how to live a true Christian life. That is something I am still in the process of learning and will continue learning for the rest of my time here on earth.
When I felt the call to write my first Christian column a couple of months ago, I was hesitant. After all, what do I know? What if I got something "wrong"? What if it sounded stupid or people told me I had no business writing something like that?
But the call to write it was even stronger than the fear, so I wrote. Then I wondered if the publisher would even allow me to put it in the paper, but he did. And I got none of the complaints or criticism I was worried would come. Instead people were telling me how much they liked reading it.
After that I began publishing a column every week in the Religion section of the paper. I still am unsure often about what I am writing or how to write it. But I have found a lot of prayer before beginning, for what to write about and how it should be written, is a fail free way to produce that weekly column.
When I stop letting the Lord lead in my writing and try to take control myself I find my hands freezing on the keyboard and the words stop coming. As soon as I turn it back over to Him, the words start flowing freely again.
So now, at 41, I am starting a new chapter in my life. I am even starting this blog, which I have to admit I had no clue how to start a blog before today. But the Lord has given me a talent in my writing and provided me an opportunity to share His word through that talent.
I have no religious training or background other than being one of God's children. I am just a woman looking to Him for guidance in my life and hoping to share some of the ways He has led me through the things we all face in this life.
Maybe by sharing what He has done for me and my family and loved ones it will help someone else who is going through the same type of things.
1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
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