A Reason to Rejoice!

Read Romans 5:6-11

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us... Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Romans 5:7,11)

Last week when my girls were playing school, they moved the dry-erase board easel out from the wall. I know this because its location is right in the middle of our entryway. (In our small home our entryway doubles as our play-room.) The easel had been moved out slightly from the wall at an angle so as to better serve the “students” in my daughter’s “class.”

For whatever reason, it stayed that way. The walkway is still large enough for a regular person to get thru. However, when a regular person (like myself) is carrying a large baby-carrier - getting past this easel becomes a challenge. When I have my hands full and I’m trying to get out, I have not done the smart thing: Put everything down, move the dumb easel, and save myself future frustration. Instead I literally swing the carrier past, putting myself and my children in danger, and grumble as I dash out of the house.

Finally today, in the midst of a rushed and equally frustrating morning, I did my one smart thing today - I stopped and moved what was in my way.

What a difference it immediately made. I laughed as I walked down the stairs - with ease - and thought to myself, about how such a slight change could make such an enormous difference.

These days I’m stressed. Like my fellow moms, I have a lot going on, my house is a mess, and I just can’t seem to find enough hours in the day. Any sort of balance to life has been slipping away these last few weeks. Struggling to fix it, I've been trying to get a hold on how my day should look... making lists and rearranging priorities... creating a new “schedule” to help me get on track. But instead of progress, I’ve felt like I’m drowning in all I have to do.

I know I’ve not been spending enough time in God’s Word - daily - like I should. While I keep telling Him he’s at the top of my list, it sure doesn’t look like it. My worries have taken over. My day is spent more in grumbling than in prayer. If I would just stop and refocus with Him, I’d probably feel a lot better.

It wouldn’t change my circumstances or “fix” all my messes like magic. I know those things aren’t part of the promise.

But just that slight move - pushing the easel back against the wall; opening my Bible before jumping in the shower (yes, I hope to get a shower tomorrow) - might change my entire day. I need a change in perspective and it might not require much time or even that much energy. I need to stop and move what’s in my way: Me.

Because it turns out Jesus didn’t die for me so I could spend my day beating myself up. He didn’t offer himself as a sacrifice so that I can be free to complain. His death gives life - a life of joy! His offering means I can celebrate, EVERYDAY! Because it’s not about ME and all the things I can’t get done. It’s about Him and all that He can do.

My kids will only be little for so long, I was reminded today. My house will no longer be messy, and the laundry will not be so overwhelming. After refocusing with God, I know He wants me to find joy in the midst of my messes. I can see that I will be a better Mom to my babies if I can praise the Lord in my messy kitchen. If I can give thanks at the end of the day when my to-do list is incomplete. If I can focus on my Savior and not my shortcomings.

Lord, help me focus on your gifts, instead of my weaknesses. Give me joy and thanksgiving today, no matter how much I get done, or leave undone. Your salvation is all me and my family need to celebrate today. Thank you for this day.. and this crazy life. Amen.

Quit that bellyaching!

Do everything without grumbling or arguing.  Philippians 2:14

"Quit that bellyaching!"  I remember hearing that phrase often while growing up.  Usually it came while I was cleaning my room, working on memory work for Sunday School or picking beans in the garden.  You know, whatever task that a normal kid hates to do.

And now I'm a mother myself.  Just this weekend I found myself telling Ethan that same thing.  "Quit that bellyaching!"  He complained about taking out the garbage, about mailing a letter for me, about playing with his brother.  It just seemed that old mom couldn't get it right--that all he wanted to do was bask in front of the TV all weekend.

Don't you wonder if God doesn't want to say that to us from time to time?  "Quit that bellyaching!"  He might want to say that on a Sunday morning, when  all we want to do is turn off the alarm and go back to sleep.  Or that time when you don't feel like volunteering at the church bake sale because it takes away a free Saturday.  Even when you're so tired of fighting with the kids over learning memory work you just don't think you can stand it anymore.  "Quit that bellyaching!"

We are sinful people, after all.  Complaining and arguing comes to us as natural as breathing.  From childhood on, we would rather do what WE want to do, unlike what we were TOLD to do.  But that's why our God sent His Son to die on the cross for us.  He went to that cross, without complaint, without argument, to forgive us for all the times that we complain and argue.  It's something to remember the next time we feel like complaining.

Dear Father, it's hard to get through this life without complaint.  There seem to be days when nothing seems to go right.  Thank you for sending Your Son to the cross.  We know He did that without complaint or argument.  We praise you for washing us of our sins.  Help us to be without complaint, and to live our lives for you.  Amen.

Settling the Score

O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

The tears start flowing not long after the realization hits. I’m not sure if it has to do more with the competitor, or the type of competition, but losing at board games is a tough pill for a certain ten year old boy to swallow. A well fought battle, an ingenious strategy, a lucky roll, none of these seem to matter. It is definitely not about how you play the game with my son. It’s all about that win or loss column.

I too am more competitive than I like to admit, so when it comes to confessing my mistakes, my weaknesses, my losses, I dig my heels in, and at any time the tears could start flowing.

But here’s my score sheet; as a sinner, I know that before my feet even hit the ground this morning, I have to mark this day down as a loss. I know that no matter what my strategy, my thoughts, words, and deeds are no match for my competitor. Sin, death, and the devil greet me with their dance of victory before I even get to make my first move. I can play my best game every day, and still have to put that tally mark in the loss column.

Take heart child of God, though it may appear to be, the game isn’t over. Get your eraser out, and get ready to do your own dance of victory.

We don’t play by the devil’s rules! In fact, it’s not even our game to win or lose. Christ has won the victory for me, and for you, and for all people! Thanks be to God! It’s not about how we play the game; it’s about how Christ played it for us. It is indeed all about that win or loss column, and because of His life, death, and resurrection, we are winners every time.

Confess your mistakes, your weaknesses, and your losses to your Savior. Help your children to do the same, and then dance! Dance with your children today, (background music optional,) and celebrate your victory in Christ.

Jesus Our Victor,

You took my sins to the cross, and settled my score. I praise you for the forgiveness I receive each day because of your sacrifice. May my dance of victory point others toward the salvation you won for all people.

In Your Name Alone, Amen

Got Milk?

NOTE: After I wrote this post, I went back to look at past blog entries and noticed that this topic has come up a couple of times already. It must be something that mommies struggle with on a regular basis, so I decided to go ahead and post this one. To read more about this topic click here and here.

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,”

1 Peter 2:2

In addition to Growing His Kids, I subscribe to several other blogs that I keep up with on a regular basis. Most of them are written by other Christian moms, and while they are often inspiring and uplifting, if I’m being honest, they can also leave me feeling inadequate or lazy in my vocation as a wife and mother. Who has time to make 3 meals a day from scratch?? Apparently lots of moms do. I am not one of those moms. I’m sure the intent of the writer is not to make me feel like less of a wife or mother, and I’m also sure that these moms wouldn’t tell you that they have it all together either, but it sure appears that they do sometimes.

One area of my life where this really hits home is in my personal time with God. It wasn’t so very long ago that I just couldn’t seem to find the time to read God’s Word on a regular basis beyond reading Bible stories to my babies. I would read these blog posts from moms who wake up with the sun so they can have their coffee and devotional time before anyone else in the house wakes up. Some of these amazing super moms even get a workout and a shower in during that time as well! What a great idea! On paper. In real life, at least in my real life, that is just about as practical as making every meal from scratch with a 27 month old and a 9 month old at my feet. But just like the verse from 2 Peter says, as our babies need milk to grow and thrive, we need milk too; spiritual milk.

There is nothing more important than our relationship with our Heavenly Father. There are numerous times in Scripture that Jesus goes off somewhere by Himself, often to a mountain, to spend time with His Father (Luke 6:12, Mark 1:35, Matthew 14:23). If Jesus needed time alone with God, how much more do we? This was something I so desperately craved and needed, and I had to get over my perfectionism and belief that if I couldn’t be like those super moms, then I had somehow failed. The important thing for me was to make the time no matter when it happened. So, I have found my “mountain,” my solitary, quiet place where I can spend time reading and meditating on God’s Word. After the children are asleep for the night and the chores are done, I go to my mountain and spend time with my Heavenly Father. If I can’t start my day in this manner for now, at least I can end it this way. When I miss it for whatever reason, I can really tell a difference. Mommies really do need milk too!

Gracious Lord,

Thank You for the gift of Your Word that nourishes us in our faith and in our relationship with You. Forgive us when we don’t make time for You in our busy days, and send Your Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with a craving for pure spiritual milk that only You can satisfy. In the name of Your Son, Jesus,

Amen.

Barbies In My Bathtub

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7, NLT

Most every day ends with a relaxing soak in my bathtub. It is my way of winding down, being by myself to think and pray, and to let go of the tension of the day. Not only am I protective of my time to relax, but I am protective of the actual tub itself. As a mother, so many things are not my own. I can't sit down to watch the news without someone asking to watch Yo Gabba Gabba or Max and Ruby. I recently got a new phone, and my daughters ask me over and over if they can play games on it. And after having my third baby, I don't recognize my body anymore and wish I could have younger version back. But I have my bathtub.

Or HAD my bathtub.

After we moved into our new house, my girls repeatedly asked me if they could take a bath in my tub, which is one of those big, soaking tubs. I always said no because it was mine--the last thing I didn't have to share with anyone. I was determined to protect my tub from a little girl invasion. But in one weak moment, I allowed them to use it, and now the tub is no longer mine. There are Barbies and rubber duckies and Dora dolls surrounding my tub. I let them in and they have taken over.

I tried to control the one thing that I didn't want to share with anyone. The tub was mine and no one was getting in. Isn't that how our relationship with God can be sometimes? We have one (or sometimes more) area of our lives that we don't want God anywhere near. Maybe it is too painful. Maybe it is too embarrassing. Maybe we aren't ready to deal with it. Or maybe we think we can handle it on our own.

Whatever the case may be, God wants all of you. He wants to heal the places that hurt. He wants to repair the brokenness and He wants to shed light on the darkness. Instead of relying on ourselves and laying claim to certain territories in our lives, God wants us to lay those at His feet and ask him to enter.

God probably won't leave Barbies all over your bathtub, but I promise that He will leave hope and grace and love and peace . . . and you will never be the same!

Dear God, Sometimes I try to control areas of my life and don't let you in. But I am trusting you and asking you to overwhelm me with your love and grace. Help me to trust you more each day and to allow you into all areas of my life . . . even the ones I don't want anyone to see.

I need to Praise the Lord

Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord.  

Psalm 150:6

One of the sure signs of spring, at least in rural farmland where I live, is birds singing early in the morning.  As I've awakened to that several times recently it brings to my mind the verse above.


How often do our children and husbands hear us nag, criticize, complain, gossip, etc?.  These things are easy to do!  But along those same lines how often do they hear us praising the Lord?  There are so many things to praise  God for each and every day!  Our children need to learn from us to Praise him for both the big and little things in life!  Let's face it, there are days when I am just as thankful for not burning dinner as I am for beautiful weather.  


Today I am going to try to Praise God more for the blessings he gives us and I'm going to encourage my family to do the same.  I'm going to make a conscious effort to Praise God out loud each hour today, will you join me?


Heavenly Father,
You bless my family beyond measure each and every day.  Forgive me when I don't acknowledge those blessings.  Thank you for the greatest of all blessings, your son Jesus!

Faithful God

Who is like you, LORD God Almighty?

You, LORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

Psalm 89:8

We pulled onto the interstate. Our family was exhausted from a day of shopping. I was ready to enjoy a quiet ride home.

“Lightening!” my 7 year-old calls out. Chaos quickly overtakes the back of the van as my daughters begin the hysteria. I try to calm them and reassure them. They are somewhat satisfied - momentarily - but then the 3 year-old just can’t let it go.

“Oh no! I saw it again! Mommy! Lightning!” Then she begins the questions...

“What if Abraham and Jesus and God are getting rained on!?”

“Why will they not be hurt?”

“Why is lightening a part of thunderstorms, Mommy?”

“Why is that the way the earth was made to work?”

“Find a way to cheer me up fast!” she begged.

It was sweet how much faith she had in me to answer her questions and make her feel better. But I just felt like I didn’t have much to give. She was finally quiet if I would hold her hand. (You know how easy that is to do from the front seat.) And I knew I didn’t have very good answers for her questions. All I could think about was how tired I was and how sore my feet were. Can I answer these questions tomorrow? I needed a Time-Out that turns into a nap. My kids get away with that all the time and I wanted one too.

Thank you, Lord, that my Heavenly Father is never too tired to listen to MY questions. So glad that my Jesus will never check-out for the day, as I have occasionally been tempted.

At any time of day I can offer up my fears – lightening storms or otherwise.

At any moment, I can pray a prayer of perseverance to get me thru a grocery shopping trip or a doctor visit.

At every turn, I know my God is listening with a loving ear. He is happy to hear from me. His patience is never-ending.

And maybe even more comforting, is that he knows the answers to my questions. Unlike my pieced-together answers and - let’s face it – guesses about the way the world works, God’s plan was carefully crafted and He knows how it all fits together. He is in control, no matter how crazy my day. No matter how frightening that lightening is, or how it seems to be surrounding me – He holds me in his loving arms.

THIS is what I want my children to learn from me. I might not be able to answer their questions. I might be falling asleep as my 3 year-old explains how Abraham and Jesus ARE in the rain and they are getting wet. But I hope that when push comes to shove, they can see who I trust with my questions and fears. My God who never sleeps. My Jesus who knows the answers. My faithful, mighty God.

Lord, Thank you for being a mighty, faithful God who will always be there for me.. and my children. Thank you for your consistency. Forgive me for my inconsistency. Forgive me for not turning to you when I should. Reveal to my children the loving Father that you are, and teach our family to seek you and find peace in your arms.