Discipline.........a word that evokes a range of thoughts and reactions, depending on the hearer. When spoken to a child, they may think of punishment or correction. When spoken to a businessman or woman, they may think self-control or order. But when a homeschool, Christian mom hears it, it is convicting. There are so many areas in our lives we feel we are lacking. It seems like the children are always arguing or aggravating one another. The chores are never ending. And if doing the laundry, housework, and playing peacemaker are not enough, we have the added responsibility of educating and training our children. What an awesome compliment God has given us by trusting us with His children! I don't always feel adequate. Quite frankly, I'm not. My adequacy comes from Christ. HE has called me to teach and prepare my children. And HE is the one that equips me. It is from Him that I receive strength. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 Left to myself, I would choose laziness, arrogance, and pride. But in Christ I can be diligent, merciful, and humble. What a contrast!
There are so many times I forget that I am not in control. As a parent, I am used to making the decisions, managing the house, and giving the instructions. (A shared responsibility with the head of house, my husband) I must be careful though, I have to remember that everything I do should be done for Christ. I should desire no personal gain from selfish motives. I must constantly check my heart and keep a clear perspective. All of this is easy to say, but how is it accomplished? By daily feeding on The Word of God. By constantly immersing yourself in the Truth. It is so easy to get caught up in the petty things of this world. The juice spilled on the carpet, the kids arguing who's turn it is, the bathroom sink with toothpaste caked in it, or the thrown together supper because you're late for ball practice. This world and everything in it will pass away, but God's Word is forever! "All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." Isaiah 40:6b-8 We must contend with the "inconveniences" in our day, but we cannot let them dictate our lives. We must keep our eyes on Christ, so that there is no question in our children's minds where our devotions lie. "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Colossians 3:1-2
So, when you're doing that fourth load of laundry, or changing the 33rd diaper of the day, pop in some uplifting music (I love Fernando Ortega) or download a sermon. (Hmmm, like Mark Dever, or John MacArthur) Make 3 x 5 index cards with encouraging scripture and place them in strategic locations so that you can meditate on them throughout the day. (I like putting mine on the bathroom mirror, or eye level at the kitchen sink.) I have some awesome links on the sidebar for places to download sermons, or truth-filled devotions.
Don't get discouraged when you day looks grim. Remember, God has called you to a special task, and He has provided His Word for all your needs. His Word is sufficient! "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." II Timothy 3:16-17
Monday, April 6, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Coffee Filters Make Cents
In this day of trying to make your pennies stretch, I thought I would list a few different ways to use a coffee filter. I came across this several months ago, and just stored it away. Hope it's useful to you. Coffee Filters are super cheap, too. You can get like 1000 for a buck at the dollar store!! How's that for stretching?
1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers.
2. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.
3. Protect China. Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish.
4. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
5. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.
6. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.
7. Hold tacos or sloppy joes. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.
8. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.
9. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter.
10. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters.
11. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. Soaks out all the grease.
12. Use as a bowl for snacks like goldfish, cookies, etc.. Easy clean up.
Please leave comments and tell me your ideas for the coffee filter. I'd love to hear from you.
1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers.
2. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.
3. Protect China. Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish.
4. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
5. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.
6. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.
7. Hold tacos or sloppy joes. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.
8. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.
9. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter.
10. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters.
11. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. Soaks out all the grease.
12. Use as a bowl for snacks like goldfish, cookies, etc.. Easy clean up.
Please leave comments and tell me your ideas for the coffee filter. I'd love to hear from you.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
That "sinful" Pollen
I don't know about you, but I am thankful for the rain. My car is clean, the yellow is gone from the deck, and my grass is growing. My allergies have been such a nuisance lately and it has really left me feeling drained each day. But man, those storms come in and whoooosh, all that nasty pollen is swept away, clear head, open nose, and good rest. So let it rain, let it rain, let it rain! It takes a good storm with strong winds, and hard and heavy rains to effectively clean out the staleness that has accumulated. The winds carry the dust and pollen away, and the rains nourish the soil, trees, plants, and flowers and wash away the bedraggled surfaces.
What a picture of what Christ does for us! We are like the grass and flowers. We are growing, but we sometimes get dry spells. Sin is like that nasty pollen that seems to be on every surface. No matter what we do, it still seems to be wherever we look. Then comes the storm; affliction, hardship, disaster, sorrow, trial. Whatever we call it, it's a storm. The winds kick up, and the rain is so hard it hurts. We take cover. But after we've weathered out the storm, the sky clears, the sun comes out, and there is peace. This is when the new growth begins.
These storms or trials in our lives are ordained by God. They are to clear out that which is sinful or that which is obstructing our spiritual growth. For me, these are the times I come face-to-face with my pride. It's a time of confession and repentance. It is a time to have joy. "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3 We can take cover from the storm, but we can't hide, but God will comfort us. "who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." II Corinthians 1:4 These hardships are meant for our good, and His glory. They are to make us stronger. "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5
So, while it's raining outside, I will read His word and enjoy the "calm" I have inside. Because the next sunny day could bring a storm, and I want to be ready:)
What a picture of what Christ does for us! We are like the grass and flowers. We are growing, but we sometimes get dry spells. Sin is like that nasty pollen that seems to be on every surface. No matter what we do, it still seems to be wherever we look. Then comes the storm; affliction, hardship, disaster, sorrow, trial. Whatever we call it, it's a storm. The winds kick up, and the rain is so hard it hurts. We take cover. But after we've weathered out the storm, the sky clears, the sun comes out, and there is peace. This is when the new growth begins.
These storms or trials in our lives are ordained by God. They are to clear out that which is sinful or that which is obstructing our spiritual growth. For me, these are the times I come face-to-face with my pride. It's a time of confession and repentance. It is a time to have joy. "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3 We can take cover from the storm, but we can't hide, but God will comfort us. "who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." II Corinthians 1:4 These hardships are meant for our good, and His glory. They are to make us stronger. "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5
So, while it's raining outside, I will read His word and enjoy the "calm" I have inside. Because the next sunny day could bring a storm, and I want to be ready:)
Monday, March 30, 2009
What does the Bible say about being green?
Have you ever wondered if being environmentally conscious is biblical? I have. I struggle sometimes as a homeschool mom with the whole, "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." I am not a tree hugger, but I'm not deliberately wasteful either. (I turn off the water while I'm brushing my teeth. Thank you very much.) I just know that mankind is not going to "save the Earth." II Peter 3:10 states, "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." God is sovereign. Praise the Lord! So, with all the talk on the news and TV about the myriad of environmental issues; ozone layer, global warming, recycling, toxic levels of fuels from vehicles/factories, etc.. it is necessary for Christians to know exactly what the Bible states about these concerns, how we are to respond to them, and our responsibilities.
In Genesis 2:15, God established man as the care-taker of the earth. "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." So what does that mean to us now? The obvious, we mow our lawns, weed (or is it de-weed) our gardens. The not so obvious, we keep our vehicles in good repair so they don't leak fluids or gases. The list goes on.
Moving to Psalm 8:6-8, God states we are to have dominion, or to be stewards of His created world. "You (God) have given him (man) dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas." WE are the managers, or stewards. WE, mankind, are the decision makers, not animals, plants, or vapors in the air. This is a huge responsibility. And when deciding how best to steward God’s resources, we must remember, Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.” We don’t want man’s praise to influence our decision making, we want God’s glory to define it!
Finally, according to Jesus, in Matthew 20:28, we are servants. “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” and then again in John 13:15, after He had washed the disciples feet…. “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” We must be willing to serve others with the resources God has entrusted us. Clean up litter off the highway, plant a tree in a park, recycle your Coke cans, or volunteer your time at a local food bank.
Whether you recycle your cans, make your own compost, or carry reusable grocery bags, just remember we are just the caretakers, stewards and servants of God’s creation, not the owners. It all belongs to Him. The best way we can thank Him for the gifts He has allowed us to use it to glorify Him with them.
In Genesis 2:15, God established man as the care-taker of the earth. "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." So what does that mean to us now? The obvious, we mow our lawns, weed (or is it de-weed) our gardens. The not so obvious, we keep our vehicles in good repair so they don't leak fluids or gases. The list goes on.
Moving to Psalm 8:6-8, God states we are to have dominion, or to be stewards of His created world. "You (God) have given him (man) dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas." WE are the managers, or stewards. WE, mankind, are the decision makers, not animals, plants, or vapors in the air. This is a huge responsibility. And when deciding how best to steward God’s resources, we must remember, Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.” We don’t want man’s praise to influence our decision making, we want God’s glory to define it!
Finally, according to Jesus, in Matthew 20:28, we are servants. “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” and then again in John 13:15, after He had washed the disciples feet…. “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” We must be willing to serve others with the resources God has entrusted us. Clean up litter off the highway, plant a tree in a park, recycle your Coke cans, or volunteer your time at a local food bank.
Whether you recycle your cans, make your own compost, or carry reusable grocery bags, just remember we are just the caretakers, stewards and servants of God’s creation, not the owners. It all belongs to Him. The best way we can thank Him for the gifts He has allowed us to use it to glorify Him with them.
Friday, March 27, 2009
6 Ways to Teach Your Child Responsibility
1. Keep them busy -
You don't want a child to be idle for long. Everyone needs down time, and time to play or rest; but too much idle time leads to laziness. Children like the sense of accomplishment and praise they receive when a chore is completed. Give them regular chores and duties. Praise regularly, and always correct in love. An attitude of willingness with many mistakes is worth much more than perfection with resentment.
2. Teach them to work "smarter" not "harder"
This is where supplying the right tools will benefit greatly. Let them use a canister vacuum to "sweep" the kitchen floor, instead of frustrating them by teaching the proper way to use a broom. Besides, it's fun to watch the dirt get sucked up:) Use glass wipes instead of the spray and paper towels. These little short cuts will go a long way when a child is learning to help and be a responsible member of the family. Don't worry, they will learn how to sweep before they move out of the house.
3. Make checklists
By making a list they can check off as tasks are completed, children can have a visual picture of what is to be done, and what has already been accomplished. This is a great way to develop time management skills for them as well. I make lists all the time, and there are many that remain up (like; all the steps to taking a shower, or how to clean a bathroom properly, etc).
4. Give them a reason
Now, I don't mean we must explain why we expect them to clean their room or any other task we expect of them. I do, however, think we should make sure we point them to Christ every chance we get. Our children should know they were created for the same purpose we were; to glorify God. "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31. There should be no mistake as to why they do anything and what attitude they should have while doing it. "Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may become blameless and innocent children of God." Philippians 2:14-15a
5. Hold them accountable
Short and brief.....what you expect, you must inspect. Don't tell them to complete a task and never follow up. You will be setting them up for failure. It's like on-the-job training, they must be constantly evaluated until there is mastery.
6. Model it
The best way to teach you children responsibility, is to show them what it looks like every chance you get. When they consistently see you being diligent in your life, they will understand better what is expected of them.
You don't want a child to be idle for long. Everyone needs down time, and time to play or rest; but too much idle time leads to laziness. Children like the sense of accomplishment and praise they receive when a chore is completed. Give them regular chores and duties. Praise regularly, and always correct in love. An attitude of willingness with many mistakes is worth much more than perfection with resentment.
2. Teach them to work "smarter" not "harder"
This is where supplying the right tools will benefit greatly. Let them use a canister vacuum to "sweep" the kitchen floor, instead of frustrating them by teaching the proper way to use a broom. Besides, it's fun to watch the dirt get sucked up:) Use glass wipes instead of the spray and paper towels. These little short cuts will go a long way when a child is learning to help and be a responsible member of the family. Don't worry, they will learn how to sweep before they move out of the house.
3. Make checklists
By making a list they can check off as tasks are completed, children can have a visual picture of what is to be done, and what has already been accomplished. This is a great way to develop time management skills for them as well. I make lists all the time, and there are many that remain up (like; all the steps to taking a shower, or how to clean a bathroom properly, etc).
4. Give them a reason
Now, I don't mean we must explain why we expect them to clean their room or any other task we expect of them. I do, however, think we should make sure we point them to Christ every chance we get. Our children should know they were created for the same purpose we were; to glorify God. "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31. There should be no mistake as to why they do anything and what attitude they should have while doing it. "Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may become blameless and innocent children of God." Philippians 2:14-15a
5. Hold them accountable
Short and brief.....what you expect, you must inspect. Don't tell them to complete a task and never follow up. You will be setting them up for failure. It's like on-the-job training, they must be constantly evaluated until there is mastery.
6. Model it
The best way to teach you children responsibility, is to show them what it looks like every chance you get. When they consistently see you being diligent in your life, they will understand better what is expected of them.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Movie Night
We watched the movie Bolt with our kids tonight. I love Disney movies; lots of action, good plot, humor for both children and adults, and always a happy ending. One thing I have noticed, however, most of the time, these movies are lacking one thing, a father. There is a mom, but very rarely a dad. And if there is a dad, he's lazy, clueless, or helpless and needs the kids to rescue him. Not exactly the picture God paints in the Bible.
You see, the world wants little girls to know they can do or become anything they want. What a shame it doesn't teach them they are not supposed to be just anything they want. It doesn't tell them the hard truth that they are easily deceived, fragile, and in need of protection. We are not helpless, but fragile. I think of a woman like a fine china cup, and a man like a strong coffee mug. Both are effective and used for the same purpose. But one can take a whole lot more banging around than the other. God designed men and women differently; Equally, but very differently. It is not God's design for a woman to lead a man in a relationship. But instead, it is His design for the wife to submit to the husband. "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church..." Ephesians 5:22-23a Too often, Hollywood portrays the wife as the "smart" and "strong" one in a relationship. She has to figure out or fix all the problems and dilemmas. This is considered normal, and just comes with the territory of being a woman. Plaeeeeeezzzze. Spare me. I am so thankful I don't have to figure it all out. I can mess some stuff up, let me tell you.
Now, before I go on, I know there are single mothers out there, as well as single dads. I believe God equips these special people with what they need to fulfill His purposes. It has to be difficult to play both parenting roles, as well as providing for the family. I think of relatives in my family in this situation, and I stand amazed at how strong they are.
Even being a single mom or dad, you still have the opportunity to teach your children how to submit to authority, or lead a family. Even though both verbs denote action, they are also an attitude of the heart. Submission and authority are responses to an obedient heart, and obedience is a choice.
So, while Hollywood and Pixar continue to keep us entertained, don't miss the chance to use the stories and lives they present to teach the truth to those precious children in your life. The movie may only last an hour and a half, but Lord willing, the lessons will remain a lifetime. "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
You see, the world wants little girls to know they can do or become anything they want. What a shame it doesn't teach them they are not supposed to be just anything they want. It doesn't tell them the hard truth that they are easily deceived, fragile, and in need of protection. We are not helpless, but fragile. I think of a woman like a fine china cup, and a man like a strong coffee mug. Both are effective and used for the same purpose. But one can take a whole lot more banging around than the other. God designed men and women differently; Equally, but very differently. It is not God's design for a woman to lead a man in a relationship. But instead, it is His design for the wife to submit to the husband. "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church..." Ephesians 5:22-23a Too often, Hollywood portrays the wife as the "smart" and "strong" one in a relationship. She has to figure out or fix all the problems and dilemmas. This is considered normal, and just comes with the territory of being a woman. Plaeeeeeezzzze. Spare me. I am so thankful I don't have to figure it all out. I can mess some stuff up, let me tell you.
Now, before I go on, I know there are single mothers out there, as well as single dads. I believe God equips these special people with what they need to fulfill His purposes. It has to be difficult to play both parenting roles, as well as providing for the family. I think of relatives in my family in this situation, and I stand amazed at how strong they are.
Even being a single mom or dad, you still have the opportunity to teach your children how to submit to authority, or lead a family. Even though both verbs denote action, they are also an attitude of the heart. Submission and authority are responses to an obedient heart, and obedience is a choice.
So, while Hollywood and Pixar continue to keep us entertained, don't miss the chance to use the stories and lives they present to teach the truth to those precious children in your life. The movie may only last an hour and a half, but Lord willing, the lessons will remain a lifetime. "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Learning by paradox
Feeling quite rested from my little vacation, I thought it would be a great idea to change the clothes out. (Switching winter clothes with summer) What was I thinking?! I believe I am ready to go back camping now. With my living room, bedroom, closets, etc looking like Goodwill threw up, I decided, in lieu of a regular post, I would post a devotional/prayer from one of my all-time favorite books; The Valley of Vision. I have added a link on the side that takes you to a daily devotion from this book. If this book is not already part of your library, I would highly recommend picking it up. (The best price I've found is at Westminster Bookstore)
Thanks for reading:) Look for new recipe on tomorrow's blog.
Thanks for reading:) Look for new recipe on tomorrow's blog.
The Valley of Vision
LORD, HIGH AND HOLY, MEEK AND LOWLY,
Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,
where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights;
hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory.
Let me learn by paradox
that the way down is the way up,
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells,
and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine;
Let me find thy light in my darkness,
thy life in my death,
thy joy in my sorrow,
thy grace in my sin,
thy riches in my poverty,
thy glory in my valley.
Amen
Friday, March 20, 2009
A Little R & R
Okay, Blogger is NOT cooperating tonight, and it's late. So, pics come first.
Look who caught the 1st fish!
Abby and Jeff in school. Jackie is doing laundry:)
Look, Daddy! I'm fishin'
Just look what smiles a few worms, chicken livers and barefeet can bring:)
The R & R began immediately upon arrival. The kids began fishing with Grandpa, and Grandma and I began preparing lunch. The meal was simple, just some sandwiches, chips, pickles, and fresh fruit. We ate every morsel:) Even after our hearty lunch and despite all the snacking throughout the day, we were all famished at supper time.
Now, when I cook at home, I always plan to over fix so that Chuck can have leftovers for lunch. However, when you're camping, it's a little different. Even though my parents' RV has a refrigerator in it, space is still limited. In fact, most of the time when you go camping, the only storage for your food is in the coolers you bring. You have to keep checking to make sure the food stays cool and does not spoil. For this reason, you try to fix only what you can eat at each meal with few or no leftovers. The kids seemed to anticipate each meal, as if they hadn't eaten for a week. Everyone ate outside together in the fresh air, and savored every bite.
So why is the food so much better when you're away from home? Could it be the fresh air, or maybe the change in scenery? Possibly the fact there are no outside distractions, like TVs, telephones, video games, or errands to run. I think it's a combination of all of them. When your camping, there are so many new adventures, "chores," and activities that you are experiencing; your body gets hungry, seriously hungry. When you're that hungry, food tastes good!
Just as sandwiches and fruit are satisfying to our stomachs; God's Word is satisfying to our souls. With the daily distractions of "life" at home, it's easy to put off the responsibility we have to feed our souls with truth. "Danger, Danger Will Robinson." Be careful. We must be diligent to saturate our souls and thoughts with Christ like attitudes. "Finally, Brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8
While camping, I am feeding my body great, healthy food (ok, and a few snacks). Out here, food is not an after thought, it's an event to be carefully planned. So should our souls' meals be planned. We need to carve out time to satisfy them; daily Bible reading, prayer, meditation of the Scriptures, and audio sermons are just a few ways. Though grabbing snacks during the day are great to keep us level (like quick articles and 5 minute devotions), we can't expect them to keep us healthy and satisfied. We must feast on the the meat God has prepared for us. "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4
So, next time you go camping, don't forget to pack your toys, games, and snacks. But more importantly, pack the one thing that will keep you satisfied, The Living Word of God.
Stay tuned for pictures:)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
What God Would Have For You.....
Contentment=Happiness . . . . . . Happiness=Contentment
Not exactly what is preached by society. The world sounds more like this.." Well, this isn't exactly what I planned on, but since I can't have what makes me happy, I guess I'll be content with what I have." Sound familiar? Contentment is not settling for what your left with, it's understanding that what you have is what God would have for you. Our unhappiness and discontented attitudes are not from what we lack, but from our desire for what we lack. Too often we confuse America's dream talk to God's will for our lives. God has given us exactly what we need, at exactly the right time, and the right amount. We must seek to learn what He would have us learn.
We live in a small house, about 1200 sq ft. I have to admit, there have been times, ok, many times when I have longed for a larger house. Thankfully, God's sovereign plan has kept my family in this home. I have come to understand that He has not finished teaching us what He wants us to learn. For instance, I never would have learned to simplify our household goods, like I have been forced to, by living in a larger space. God is gently teaching me to become an efficient manager of our home by doing "more" with "less." I guess you could say that I am earning my Master's in More Stuff Equals More Work. I'll let you know if I ever get the degree on that one:)
I have also learned being content means being thankful. When I am thankful for all God has given me, I am more content with my life and circumstances. This should be a no-brainer, but it's not. It's very easy, in our selfish ways, to focus on the negatives and forget, or conveniently overlook the positives. Let me explain. See if any apply.....I am ashamed to say many do for me.
What do your pour your energies into.....
*being frustrated because your husband "never listens to you"
*being grateful your husband comes home to you every night
*tired of seeing the laundry pile up
*happy your child finally understood the difference in lay and lie
*wishing you could buy some steaks, but grocery prices are ridiculous
*grateful you found some one-dish meals the kids actually like
*complaining about all the housework to do
*thanking God for the opportunities you have to serve your family
*thanking your husband for providing for your family
*admonishing your husband for neglected house projects
Contentment comes from where we look and what we believe in, not from what we have. We must also be careful not to fall into the trap of comparing our lives with others for prideful reasons. "I should be content with what I have because others have less" or "Look how much they have, and they aren't even thankful." We can always find someone who is worse off than we are. Likewise, we can find others who are better off. We cannot allow this world to skew our perspective. Contentment is Christ. "In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:12-13 Paul learned the truth, that he deserved nothing; he had no rights or claims to anything. We too must learn that, and when we do it will not matter what we don't have, because everything we have will be seen as a gift.
So tonight, in my "small" home, I am thanking God for the big changes He continues to make in my heart. Rest tonight knowing what you have is what God would have for you. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Matthew 5:6
Not exactly what is preached by society. The world sounds more like this.." Well, this isn't exactly what I planned on, but since I can't have what makes me happy, I guess I'll be content with what I have." Sound familiar? Contentment is not settling for what your left with, it's understanding that what you have is what God would have for you. Our unhappiness and discontented attitudes are not from what we lack, but from our desire for what we lack. Too often we confuse America's dream talk to God's will for our lives. God has given us exactly what we need, at exactly the right time, and the right amount. We must seek to learn what He would have us learn.
We live in a small house, about 1200 sq ft. I have to admit, there have been times, ok, many times when I have longed for a larger house. Thankfully, God's sovereign plan has kept my family in this home. I have come to understand that He has not finished teaching us what He wants us to learn. For instance, I never would have learned to simplify our household goods, like I have been forced to, by living in a larger space. God is gently teaching me to become an efficient manager of our home by doing "more" with "less." I guess you could say that I am earning my Master's in More Stuff Equals More Work. I'll let you know if I ever get the degree on that one:)
I have also learned being content means being thankful. When I am thankful for all God has given me, I am more content with my life and circumstances. This should be a no-brainer, but it's not. It's very easy, in our selfish ways, to focus on the negatives and forget, or conveniently overlook the positives. Let me explain. See if any apply.....I am ashamed to say many do for me.
What do your pour your energies into.....
*being frustrated because your husband "never listens to you"
*being grateful your husband comes home to you every night
*tired of seeing the laundry pile up
*happy your child finally understood the difference in lay and lie
*wishing you could buy some steaks, but grocery prices are ridiculous
*grateful you found some one-dish meals the kids actually like
*complaining about all the housework to do
*thanking God for the opportunities you have to serve your family
*thanking your husband for providing for your family
*admonishing your husband for neglected house projects
Contentment comes from where we look and what we believe in, not from what we have. We must also be careful not to fall into the trap of comparing our lives with others for prideful reasons. "I should be content with what I have because others have less" or "Look how much they have, and they aren't even thankful." We can always find someone who is worse off than we are. Likewise, we can find others who are better off. We cannot allow this world to skew our perspective. Contentment is Christ. "In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:12-13 Paul learned the truth, that he deserved nothing; he had no rights or claims to anything. We too must learn that, and when we do it will not matter what we don't have, because everything we have will be seen as a gift.
So tonight, in my "small" home, I am thanking God for the big changes He continues to make in my heart. Rest tonight knowing what you have is what God would have for you. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Matthew 5:6
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sick Day
Well, the inevitable happened.........I got sick :( I ended up with the crud all the kids have; bronchitis and an ear infection. Hmph. I think the worst part is not having a voice. So, I finally broke down and went to the doctor. After the rocket-sized shot I received, I will hopefully start feeling better tonight or tomorrow.
Since I don't feel like writing much, I thought I would take this opportunity to post some pictures from our recent trip to Dauset Trails. We had a blast. My parents, and my niece and nephew were able to go with us. So much fun!! Enjoy.
I loved watching these two otters
Here Kitty, Kitty
Hanging with just one of many pieces of chainsaw art
All the kids at Dauset Trails
This is a picture of Abby dressed up for an American Girl party.
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