Burden or Blessing? Bitterness or Joy?

It's really easy to overlook the blessing in our daily work if there is bitterness rooted deep in the heart. All burdens are responsibilities, some are lighter and some might be significantly more stressful, but how we view those "burdens" can result in joy or bitterness.

Read Matthew 25:14-30 where Jesus gives the Parable of the Talents as a way to describe what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.

(Did you read it or skip it?) The master entrusted three of his slaves with his possessions. Two of whom did some leg work, acted with wisdom, counted the risk and made a profit for their master. Hear what the master says to each of these two trustworthy, hardworking slaves upon the report of their success, "Well done, good and faithful slave."

Do you labor hard to please our God in heaven for His glory?

Don't you want to hear Him look you in the eye, with His arms wrapped around you, and say these words to YOU?!

Of course!

Then you know that all these hard days here on earth in the presence of sin,

striving day after day in the war between our born-again spirit & sinful flesh,

losing sleep,

being a good steward,

submitting to your husband,

constantly disciplining disobedience,

faithfully raising your children to fear God,

worshiping Him in your home and with the Church,

ministering to the sick & poor,

showing hospitality to our neighbors,

and tithing from our abundance & our need,

that after all this and our short lives are over

and FINALLY we see our Savior, Jesus Christ, meet us on the other side of the dark chasm of death to embrace us in the light of His glory and tell us that it was all worth it and He is satisfied with the offering of our lives!

Oh, what a moment!

(Relish in that glorious thought for a minute!)

Now notice something else the master says, "You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master." As a result of managing the small things well, He puts us in charge of much more. We are given more responsibilities. If we consider those additional responsibilities as a stressful inconvenience, then it is likely for our hearts to become bitter as a reflection of selfishness.

But before this might have a chance to embitter your heart, read the last phrase again. "Enter into the joy of your master." As the master gives you more responsibilities you become closer to the master. It's like a business corporation. The lowest guy on the totem pole doesn't speak much with the big wigs. But as he proves himself in the most menial of jobs and earns a promotion, his position is now closer to the big wigs.

You will make known to me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Psalm 16:11

For You make him most blessed forever;

You make him joyful with gladness in Your presence.

Psalm 21:6

Many of us have a lot on our plates and I can probably guess that most of us could always use a vacation or dream of retirement. But as I remind myself and encourage y'all not to view our stewardship as an inconvenience, but as a blessing. God will give us more than we can handle so that we are constantly looking to Him for His grace all-sufficient. If we've got everything under control we would have no need to look to God for anything. We could manage on our own. The more we look to Him, the more we pray in the presence of God's glorious throne room, the more fullness of joy we can experience. Let us not be lazy and wicked, but let us labor hard to seek after God and His grace by which we may glorify Him in all that is on our plate.

Great Encouragement!

It is just fine with God if all I want to do is to stay home and make home more heavenly. God considers it perfectly fine if I choose to skip down the street with my seven-year-old rather than help build a corporation.

Softened by Love

by Sherry @ Large Family Mothering

Mommy-couragement

Last week Jeramy and I heard a sermon that really encouraged us from Mark 6:31-44. (The sermon is not yet uploaded on the website, but check back HERE to listen to this great message from God's Word.)

What I noticed in this passage is that Christ recognized their need for rest. Notice that they could not even eat in peace and they were constantly on the go. They were so physically and emotionally drained that they were crying out for rest and Christ recognized that. He even commanded that they go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee to rest. But instead of getting a much needed rest, they were met (or bombarded) with a great group of people. Instead of getting angry or bitter, it says that Christ had compassion on them!

When I need a break from the demands, whining and complaining of raising my children, finding compassion for them when my own physical needs are being neglected is difficult. (And I know that I'm not being pushed nearly as much as they probably were.) But the Holy Spirit encouraged me this afternoon with this passage from John chapter 14:

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.

Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

Because Christ has regenerated my heart and allowed me to have faith in Him, I am able to have compassion in those really tired draining moments. And I will be able to do works "even greater than these"!

Oh Lord, give me grace so that I may obey Your word and glorify Your name.

Book Review: Attitudes of a Transformed Heart

Martha Peace presents a true Scriptural approach to different attitudes that should characterize the believer in Christ. She doesn't beat around the bush or allow excuses when we adopt other ungodly attitudes, although she does show compassion, guidance and truth in love to steer the reader towards repentance of ungodly attitudes. Martha Peace provides the perspective of a High and Holy, Lofty and Exalted God and we as His children who are called to obey, love, honor and take joy in our Creator, Redeemer God. It juxtaposes faulty views that secular and evangelical psychological models provide with that which the Scriptures provide for counseling towards better attitudes .

This book has really been helpful in that it connects the Scripture which we read daily with the application of how it should be manifest in our daily thoughts and actions, much like a sermon or a personal counseling session. It is written from a woman's perspective with the intent of a female audience. Although any man would greatly benefit from such a read, he might be forced to create personal examples to which he can relate.

This book would be a great small group study because of the broad volume of Scripture all throughout the text. Within each chapter there are charts to help show the opposing views between the negative and positive attitudes. At the end of every chapter there are study/reflective questions that could foster group discussion. Also at the end of the book there are Salvation Worksheets that cover the Person and Work of Christ, the Doctrine of Sin, the Assurance of Salvation and the dynamic of Putting Off and Putting On.

My only criticism of this book would be that perhaps it did not pass through the editing process as finely as most other modern works. There are quite a few grammar mistakes, although the intent is not lost in the process.

Overall, I give this book an enthusiastic two thumbs up. And commend it to any other women who seem to struggle with applying the Scripture to a specific area of habitual sin with which they battle daily.

Click HERE for a few quotes from this book.

Her more popular books include: The Excellent Wife and Becoming a Titus 2 Woman.

A Quote on Contentment

Contentment is an inward grace given by God that results in a mindset of being satisfied to stay in your circumstances for as long as God wills.

Biblical Principles on Contentment

1. We can learn to be content no matter how tough things are because God will help us. Phil 4:11-13
2. We are to be content with the necessities of life. 1 Tim 6:8
3. Be content with what you have today. Focus on seeking God and pleasing Him. Matt 6:25 and 33
4. A person who is content does not complain. 1 Cor 10:9-10 and Phil 2:14-16
5. True contentment means we do not have to sin against God. Job 1:20-22 and Job 6:10

Martha Peace. Attitudes of a Transformed Heart. pp 165-167.

Martha Peace on Thoughts & Attitudes

If you struggle with a bad attitude more often than you would like (like me) then the following excerpt may put it in perspective. One of the most impacting things I've learned from this book is that our thoughts have a direct correlation to our attitudes. (That should be a no-brainer, right?!) If our thoughts are holy, good, pure, honorable, positive, etc, then our attitude will follow suit. If not, then the opposite happens. Taking our thought lives captive to the obedience of Christ is the first crucial step toward gaining victory over our attitudes. Remember, God is HOLY and for just one, single, solitary sin Adam and Eve were cast out of God's presence and we find ourselves in our current sinful, "dead in trespasses" state and pass it on to our progeny. It is a serious matter to honor and obey God in this way and if you haven't committed your thought life to the Lord Jesus Christ, I commend you to repent now.

The battle that God's soldiers fight is for their minds to think the way that God would have them think - taking their wrong thoughts captive out of respect and obedience to their Lord, Jesus Christ. Thoughts, ideas, speculations, reasonings, philosophies, and false religions are our battle. It is a battle that is daily and ongoing until we go to be with the Lord. It is a battle that is fought by means of God's power through prayer and study of the Scriptures. The results are a renewed mind that thinks rightly, thus taking "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

One of the ways that, by God's grace, we develop a renewed mind is by preparing ahead of time what we are going to think during a difficult situation.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:13, emphasis added

The apostle Peter wrote his letter (1 Peter) to Christians scattered throughout various Roman provinces. The persecution against Christians had heated up and would eventually become extreme. There is tremendous hope in Peter's letter that must have sent their emotions soaring as he wrote about the "precious blood, as of a Lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:19). There is also a very sobering call to prepare mentally for the coming persecution and in the meantime to live a holy life entrusting their souls to their "faithful Creator in doing what s right" (1 Peter 4:19). Peter was trying to prepare them ahead of time so that when the trials came they would think righty through them and give God great glory. It was as if Peter was telling them, "I have some really bad news and you need to prepare yourself for it - great persecution is coming and God will test your faith to see if it is genuine. He will give some of you a great privilege to suffer for His sake. You need to think about this now so that you will honor our Lord when the time actually comes."

Fearful people do not trust God. Instead of thinking through a possible future difficulty "fixing their hope completely on the grace to be brought to them," they let their thoughts wallow in the negative what-ifs (1 Peter 1:13). "What if this happens? What if that happens? I won't be able to bear it. I can't take it! I just know something horrible is going to happen!!" They worry and fret and panic about things that usually don't happen. Instead they should think that if a difficult or even extreme circumstance occurs, God is all powerful and faithful to keep His promises. Therefore, they can trust God completely knowing He would give them the grace they would need if such a difficulty arose. He is so good. He will not let His children be "tempted beyond what [they] are able to bear" (1 Corinthians 10:13, adaptation added). Therefore (as Peter said), prepare your mind through trusting God, and in the meanwhile live a godly, righteous life.

Excerpt from Attitudes of a Transformed Heart by Martha Peace pages 134-135. Copyright 2002 Focus Publishing, Inc. ISBN 1-885904-28-2. 134-135.

Know Where to Look

Day after day, it's the same thing. Besides feeling like all your daily and weekly work is taken for granted and being emotionally and spiritually drained in trying to remain consistent in disciplining disobedient children, you feel like there are no rewards for all your labor.

Who recognizes your sacrifices? What regular wages do you receive for all your long hours and being on-call 24-seven? You work overtime and are not compensated. There are no days, holidays or weekends off. You are overworked and underpaid. Don't they know that you could have had a successful career? Don't they know how many hours of study you devoted to obtain levels of higher education? And for what? To change diapers, cook meals, fold laundry and sing The Alphabet Song 20 times a day besides listening to relentless whining and crying?

The rewards are there because you're doing ministry in faith.

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Psalm 127:3

What about those giggles when the Tickle Monster attacks? What about those ear-t0-ear tooth filled smiles? What about those words that come unprovoked, "I love you, Mommy"? What about when they come up and beg to sit in your lap for a little "we time"? What about when people compliment you on how beautiful/handsome they are? Or how well-behaved they are? Or how clean they are? Or how smart they are? Or how about when your husband surprises you with your favorite ice cream? Or flowers? Or 10 lbs. of bacon? Or a foot or back rub?

When your children don't have temper tantrums in Wal-mart like other kids - that's a reward. When your children beg you to help you do your tasks and cry when they can't participate - that's a reward. As they've watched you go about all the many things you do, directly and indirectly for them, they see. They learn. It fosters in them already a mentality that they are not supposed to be idle. The helping desire and attitude they already exhibit - that's a reward. Any small little moment of joy that wells up in your heart when you realize that you are doing something right - that's a reward. When your children grow up and come to the point of tears at recalling how much you've done for them - that's a reward. When after 16 or even 18 years you see that you've successfully, by God's grace, reared responsible sanctified adults prepared to start families of their own, who are willing to now care for you when the time comes to do so. That's a reward. And at the end of it all, to hear those words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant," and see the crown and other heavenly rewards that accompany them. There is no greater reward.

A conversation between Eowyn and Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King:

'Shall I always be chosen?' she said bitterly. 'Shall I always be left behind when the Riders depart, to mind the house while they win renown, and find food and beds when they return?'

'A time may come soon,' said he, 'when none will return. Then there will be need of valour without renown, for none shall remember the deeds that are done in the last defence of your homes. Yet the deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised.'

.....

Hang in there. Keep going. Know where to look. Open your eyes - the rewards are there. They won't look like the rewards as the world defines them. They may not be as big, flashy or expensive. They might be small and meaningless in the world's economy. But these rewards are as God defines them and you might be the only one to notice.

The Will to Go On

How do you find the strength and the will to continue doing this role of wife and mother when you have no joy, no appreciation and no rewards? The will comes from the desire to obey God's Word, the hope that one day there will be joy, appreciation, rewards and, selfishly, the hope for relief and help. Even when you struggle in your will to remain faithful in your commitment to others, it is constrained by a greater desire to remain obedient to God - to be faithful to Him - by a fearful dread of His heavy hand of conviction should you decide and actually do escape your role.

In John 16:33 Jesus said,

"In the world you have tribulation, but take courage;

I have overcome the world."

A Poem

This was included in our Sunday bulletin.

A Mother's Day Poem

Written by a Homeschooling Father named Matthew Moran

Your back and your head ache at days end.

And you wonder in silence if there exists just one friend.

One you can talk to who doesn't need a drink,

Or need his mouth wiped or help up to the sink.

And try as you might, sometimes you feel small

And doubt your self-worth, or if it's worth it at all.

For if you have a career, in society's eyes,

You've come a long way, and have proved yourself wise.

But for the mother at home, she thinks less of herself,

For instead of a pedestal, we place her up on the shelf.

And for tasks done in the office a woman receives praise

But what glory do we give mothers for the children they raise?

So for the mother of my children and others I know

A bit of a tribute and gratitude to show.

I know they're not much, these words that you read

But I do know that MOMS are what children need.

So look at those children as they spill once again,

As they fight over toys and bring you to your wits end.

For the day will arrive when childhood is no more

And your shoes won't be sticking to juice on the floor.

And twenty-nine times you won't have to repeat,

"Pick up those socks" (unless your husband is like me).

And while your task as a mother may seem to be through,

Your children, as grown-ups, are still children to you.

And diamonds and gold are little to pay

For what a mother goes through with her children each day.

For her payment isn't seen by the money she earns

But by the adults that she's grown and the love they return.

A Dose of Encouragement

Day after day, you feel like it's the same thing. You get up, take care of the children, cook, clean, do laundry and the dishes. The next day, you do it all over again. Some days may not be as ordinary, repetitive and mundane: you might run errands, go to church and fellowship with other families and such. As wives and mothers we can easily feel like the tasks that occupy our time, day after day, caring for the needs of our families, goes unnoticed and unappreciated. It becomes especially discouraging when you see evidence that your work is taken for granted. You begin to doubt and ask yourself, "Why am I doing this?" Temptation comes to become bitter and listen to the lies of the devil, "You know that the burden outweighs the blessing. You should just give up."

And you get tired. Not just physically tired from the tasks of the day, but the kind of tiredness that carries over each day, more like a mental tiredness or exhaustion. You wake up the next morning still tired from the previous day's, week's and month's tasks, feeling unable to catch up in a way that you would be fully prepared physically, emotionally and spiritually to serve the needs of your family with joy. You cry out for an extended vacation or at least someone to help you bear your load.

Here is a little encouragement that I have received from God's Word.

Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him."

Genesis 2:18

Now the man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all the living.

Genesis 3:20

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Mark 10:45

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against these things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

Ephesians 6:5-8

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands,so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

Titus 2:3-5

Women were created to be helpers as wives and to bear children. This is the will of God for all women (generally) because it is the reason we exist. This is the greatest way that we can glorify God, by taking up our created calling as wives and mothers.

In Christ we are able to put off the works of the flesh and to freely walk in the good deeds for which the grace of God was shown to us. In Christ, we now have the desire to do that which God wants us to do, to glorify God in Christ. His Word has revealed to us what those good works are which He prepared beforehand for us to practice.

Although slavery has been abolished many years ago, we can still feel like slaves to the daily work that we feel must be done. Our husbands are not holding us down, our Master is Christ. It is from Him that we must seek our approval. Although we may feel all our efforts are unappreciated and taken for granted, Christ sees them all. When we do them, we do them as unto Christ and not just for our families. Our families receive the benefits of our labor (read ministry), but in the end, if we remain faithful and gentle in our work, we will be rewarded in the end. Let our desire be to hear Christ speak these words as He looks us in the eye, "Well, done my good and faithful servant." And we may receive some of those awards even in the short-term when our children grow up considering it normal to serve, even desiring to serve others. Let's not grow weary of doing good, but let us persevere in hope. Before we know it these years will be gone and a new chapter of service will open up on our lives. Keep pressing on, looking to Christ.

Joy Is a Fruit of the Spirit

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against these things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

This is no new revelation. But it is easy in this list to start concentrating on the other "harder" fruits like patience and self-control, where we immediately feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit. When we're having a particularly difficult day we can say to ourselves, "Today I'm exhibiting faithfulness and love by persevering in these things and self-control when I'm falsely accused and don't retaliate, vindicate or defend myself."

As we put off anxiety, exhibiting peace becomes more evident, too. The more we trust in the sovereignty of God, that He is in complete control of everything, the less we begin to worry about the small stuff and even the big stuff.

Kindness and gentleness may come more easily as a parent who naturally loves and feels compassion for your own children.

But what about joy?

Especially in those trying and difficult moments of the day or even during seasons of life where joy just seems to escape the expression of our faces and homes, are we convicted that we don't have more joy?

I can't put on a mask for very long. It looks fake and rightly so. If I don't feel it in my heart, I won't express it on my face or in my general dealings throughout the day. I want to have a joy-filled home and it must begin with me. I've heard it said that the husband was the head of the home and the wife is the heart of the home. "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."

Joy comes from Christ and not our circumstances. Can we still have joy when things are not going the way we thought or wanted? Can we have joy despite the worst of times and we are hard pressed on every side trying to meet all the demands of life and complete all our tasks?

Yes. There is joy inexpressible in Christ! He is the only One who can satisfy thirsty souls. He is the only One that can understand whatever current sufferings we endure. And when we need encouragement we can cry out to Him and seek His grace. None of us have had the immense burden of enduring 33+ years of remaining sinless and holy in our actions and thoughts! None of us have had to endure the pain and torture of the cross carrying the sins of the people of God! He holds in His hands the keys of death and Hades!

Let us joy in the fact that, as believers, we are not on our way to utter torment in fire for all eternity! We are not trapped in the futility of our minds, darkened in our understanding and ignorant of the love and justice of God! We have an immeasurable number of blessings heaped upon us - the foremost being Christ Himself, greater than any material or immaterial blessing He could ever give. The amazing grace that He chose us when we didn't choose Him when He could have left our hearts hardened in our desire for sin and rebellion, like so many others who suppress the Truth in unrighteousness. He is perfectly righteous and exchanges our filthiness and inadequacy for His perfect righteousness and holiness that we could never even begin to achieve no matter how hard we try.

Imagine the beauty of His holiness! What it will be like to stand in His presence, face to face, seeing Him clearly and for that moment of sheer bliss to seem like an eternity of wonder - we will never want to leave and we won't have to! All our fears will be cast away! All our painful memories will be erased. All of the longings of our hearts will be sanctified and filled. We will be glorified and removed from the presence of all sin and no longer influenced by it's power.

Imagine that glorious Day of victory! When Christ crushes the Enemy under our feet! We will look down upon him in triumph at last! No more addictions. No more idols of the heart. No more deception. No more subtleties. We won't have to discern between good and bad, better and best. Our Redeemer lives! Death is swallowed up in victory!

Remember this and let it bring a smile to your face! And there are so many other aspects of Christ that can bring us joy! He is infinite. And He should be enough to make us smile when we don't feel like smiling. If we feel we need something more let us fall down and repent of our idolatry. He is more than enough for our weary, hungry, tired, beat-down souls.

Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say, rejoice!

Submission to Biblical Authority

When we come to God's Word, do we allow it to shape our opinions? Or do we allow our opinions to shape the way we interpret the Scripture?

Do we open The Holy Book with open hearts, waiting and eager for what God has spoken to us? Or do we look to justify our actions and opinions with misinterpreted passages?

Are we willing to change our minds and actions when we clearly understand what God has said and it's implications when our minds and hearts might first conflict with what is written there? That is why the world doesn't read the Bible except for a literary or philosophical exercise - they hate being confronted with the reality of their own sin.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

God's not only interested in the conversion of my heart, will and actions, but the conversion of my mind also.

Do we humble ourselves to seek a Biblical interpretation by trustworthy pastors and scholars when a passage is difficult to understand? Even when a passage is easy to understand, are we willing to accept, by faith and obedience, what it teaches and repent?

I will say that my degree at Southern Seminary was in music performance not Theology. But theology is required (praise God!) for all degree coursework and you know that some things do rub off on you when you're in that kind of environment. One of the most important things I learned while I was there was that the Word, Living and Active, who is Christ, is above all things Lord of everything. To Him we owe our allegiance, first and foremost. And the Word is all that God has spoken to us - we need nothing more.

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

Hebrews 1:1-2

I heard the DJ on the Christian radio station this morning allude to the words in red as though they were more important than the black ones. Christ is the Word - the whole Word. They are all important.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1 & 14

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord

Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word

What more can He say than to you He has said

To you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

What a great and glorious day it will be when all the children of God, adopted by the Father, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, obedient to the faith and kept by the grace of God, forsakers of lawlessness, will be united with Him in the heavens and we all will be of one heart and one mind in Christ Jesus! Having seen Him face to face, beholding the glory of His presence, will be purged of the presence of sin and all it's myriad of influences from worldly philosophy, heresy and misconception. We will be one in Him as Christ and the Father are One.

Satisfaction for a Dissatisfied Heart

It struck me today as I was able to remain in 'bed' through the late morning hours, meeting no immediate needs: it is so easy to make idols out of what is experienced through our senses.

This is evidenced by the fact that often my heart is met with frustration, discontentment, bitterness and the like, none of which are any form of spiritual worship for a Holy God. Really, most people just want things to go their way: smooth commute to work, no unusual demands from the boss man, satisfying lunch, smooth commute home to a prepared meal and happy family with plenty of time to relax and go to bed at leisure.

Well, it might be different for me: uninterrupted night of sleep whereby I can get up at 5 or 5:30 a.m., have some quiet, private time in the Word, have an excellent workout, and shower all before the girls wake up. Then Moriah must not have any accidents, no whining, no hitting, pushing or begging, eating all her food and Lily must likewise be obedient and not poo in her diaper. All the dishes must be kept up with little to no mess on the floor, no pressing laundry or errands, no nausea . . . and this list could go on and on. I'm sure everyone's list of a perfect day would be as unique as the person and their specific role.

And if just one of these things is out of whack, there goes the whole day. All of us walk on pins and needles because things are not right. . . . There always seem to be dirty dishes collecting in the sink, dirty laundry that must be washed ASAP, grocery runs or other errands, whining, complaining, poo in the diapers, accidents on the floor, interrupted nights of sleep, another morning unable to get out of bed to workout or read, another strong urge to vomit, etc.

But things are like that everyday.

And everyday I fight for joy and contentment, for satisfaction and the knowledge that my efforts to raise up a godly legacy are not in vain. Sometimes it can appear that way. It is especially discouraging when I see that my girls have picked up certain ungodly traits when I strongly desire them to grow up and be godly young women, ready for their created purpose and to be satisfied in it. Sometimes it's really discouraging because we can examine ourselves, as Scripture says, and wonder why we don't exhibit more of the fruits of the Spirit. "I've been a believer for this long - why aren't I more loving, patient, kind, gentle, and exhibit more self-control?!" And doubt may begin to cloud our minds.

But then we realize the same thing Peter did, "Where shall we go? You are the One with the Words of Life."

How can we break out of placing all our satisfaction on physical things? How can we realize more fully all of those unseen things in which we should find all our satisfaction and joy?

I'm still learning this. It's easy to forget that everything physical was created by the unseen spiritual realm. There was a point in time where God, who is spiritual, took on a physical form and we were able to behold His glory. There is also a time in heaven for His children to behold His face clearly. But we're removed by time from seeing the Lord in bodily form for a while (unless He comes right now).

I suppose we just use the physical things to remind us of those spiritual unseen things and remember that everything physical is temporal, but everything that is not physical remains forever. The breath in my lungs is a physical evidence of God's sustaining power, love, mercy and grace upon me. The warm house and food in the pantry is another evidence of God's provision and expression of blessing. Not to mention all of the unseen spiritual blessings, God's foreordained knowledge of choosing a people by grace alone who would, as a result, come to faith in Christ Jesus and become His children.

Be satisfied in the unseen. Be a steward of the physical. Be content in the unmoving, unchanging Christ. And take joy in your role as helpmeet. I'm preaching to the choir.

You will make known to me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

In your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Ps 16:11

As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness;

I will be satisfied with Your likeness with I awake.

Ps 17:15

Just Say, "No!"

Today Jeramy and I watched the movie/documentary "Supersize Me". I know that we're behind on the times, but oh, my goodness! This man, Morgan, was a totally healthy man when he started out and after 30 days of nothing but Mickey D's, he almost killed his liver and put himself at serious risk for emergency treatments. He gained about 25 pounds, 12 of which was pure fat and ate about 30 pounds of sugar!!!!! Anyway, you'll have to check out the movie for yourself.

Jeramy and I both used to be overweight. In high school Jeramy lost about 25 pounds or so of fat with smart eating and exercise before entering the USAF Academy. Before entering high school, I lost about 16 pounds which I regained plus some before entering college. After meeting Jeramy, before our wedding, I lost about 34 pounds with true disciplined diet and exercise. Jeramy's motivation was entrance into the Academy, as an unbeliever. Mine was the glory of God and obedience to the Word, after coming to Christ.

In the movie there was one man interviewed who talked about how it is easier for people to confront smokers about the dangers and irresponsibility of smoking than to confront obese people (of which there are now soo many) about the hazards of their lifestyles. It is such a sensitive subject to talk to people about their not-so-healthy eating and exercise habits. It's almost as sensitive an issue as a couple's fertility. Why is this so?

Some say that obesity is not only a physical issue but a psychological and genetic one. My Dad tended toward a more heavy set figure. Does that play a part in my experience with childhood obesity? Yes. But I'll argue from personal experience and observation that it's not a genetic predisposition. A lot of fat parents have fat kids. Kids sit with their parents at the dinner, lunch and breakfast table (and every snack in between) and learn the same eating habits as their parents. They learn to make the same choices their parents make. I give my babies part of what I myself eat. I can't count how many times my Dad took me to 7-Eleven for a Slurpee, loaded with sugar, or fed me bacon or fried chicken or took me to Wendy's, etc. People learn to make bad choices because it's what their accustomed to - their appetite has been tailored to crave those things.

As far as psychologically and mentally, food brings comfort. When you're teased for whatever reason (including our obesity), that bag of Dorito's won't mention your shortcomings and it continues the whole terrible cycle. When you've suffered unnecessary hardship, nothing is going right in your day, you know that that bowl of ice cream is reliable and won't let you down. You can trust in the sweetness, saltiness, savory goodness of food and it's so easily accessible. People rejoice over food when things go right - they use food to celebrate (hence birthday parties, retirement parties, etc.). Sometimes, I suppose, people just don't have the right information to make smart choices.

I consider that at the moment, there is no rectification for this situation. How can we confront the people we love (with pure motives) about their harmful eating habits and lack of regular adequate exercise (30 min/day minimum)? I have no clue. I suppose as a believer talking to another believer, it is just as any other sin. You must have an established relationship with mutual love and trust, and for an issue this sensitive a deep level of confidence in the strength of the relationship. We could always take them to the Scripture and show them what God says about gluttony and laziness. And remind them that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit.

Most people will admit that they should seldom, if ever, eat fast food. But why do we consume so much of it anyway? We continue to make bad choices. Instead of preparing fast, good food to go, like a box of raisins or cereal bars or even a sandwich, we stop at BK or Chic-Fil-A (I love CFA) because we didn't come prepared or we see the signs and get a cravin' for a crunchin' munchin'.

Tim Hawkins did this bit (which I couldn't find on YouTube) about it: You're out and you're hungry. You didn't come prepared and you decide to go to a fast food joint. But you're psyching yourself out for ordering something healthy and you chant it to yourself, "A grilled chicken salad, yogurt and water . . . a grilled chicken salad, yogurt and water . . . " But when you get up to the window, it gets thrown out the window, "Yeah, I'll take a double quarter pounder with a slice of fat with a supersized heart attack and a jumbo caffeinated type 2 diabetes on the side."

Let us confront the people we love with this overweight/obesity issue. (Hey, confront me too people! During this pregnancy, my goal is not to gain weight during my first trimester and keep it around 15-20 lbs total. I have some residual from my previous two babies and a little holiday weight. You can keep me accountable.) Let's not make it such a sensitive subject anymore. Our weight is just as much public knowledge as our skin color, clothing styles or the model cars we drive. Let's speak out. Obesity has become America's number 1 (or 2) preventable death-inducing condition.

The Witness of Biblical Manhood & Womanhood

For one year we lived in Norcross, in a triplex of townhouses, where ours was in the middle. When we first moved in we met our immediate neighbors. To our right another inter-ethnic couple in their 40s, both divorced without children. They have been living together for some time and were talking about (and recently did) get married. To our left was a much more mature widow who regularly attended a Presbyterian church.

When we first arrived the man next door and Jeramy were able to become acquainted very rapidly, then when political views came to the surface (this man being a black Democrat didn't understand why he, married to a black woman, didn't favor Obama) then the new relationship was instantly strained. It remained this way for the remainder of our duration there.

However, as the time drew closer and closer for us to leave Norcross, discussion was reopened. This man, Jim, admired our choice of lifestyle -Jeramy working and myself staying home with the babies - and commended us for it. Well, this opened a wide window for a gospel conversation, which ended with prayer! How awesome is that! When we first moved to Norcross, Jim was very opposed to spiritual things and through our regular daily living, even without much conversation, it was very obvious that God had been working in His heart. John 6:44

Praise God!

Sometimes we think that if we're not talking directly with people and always mentioning Christ and the Gospel that somehow we're not doing our Christian duty of missions and evangelism. We can see here that such is not the case. Yes, we always have our speech seasoned with salt and we're always looking for the Spirit's activity, but let us not forget that living the Gospel can speak volumes above our words, especially when there is no opportunity for words.

Live out Loud. :-)

Birthday Card Awards

There were several cards from the girls' birthday party that I wanted to highlight. There were a lot of homemade, personal cards that I loved (all of them, really :-) and a couple of cool, glittery colorful store bought cards. So, without further adieu . . .

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Presenting

The First Annual Birthday Card Awards!

The Award for Most Adorable Relief Textured Card goes to . . .

The Frick family!

Congratulations Sherri, Leah, Abby, Maggie, Joe, Sam and John!

It's so cute; I love it!

--------

The Award for Most Crayon Coverage goes to . . .

The Siyam family!

Congratulations Sarah and Sofia!

Great job! Smiles all around!

---------

The Award for Best Drawing on Cardstock goes to . . .

The Carter family!

Congratulations Rebekah and Will!

I love the balloon, flowers and smiley sun!

---------

The next Award for Most Original Pop-up Card goes to . . .

Maggie Frick!

Congratulations!

This is the coolest card ever! It's awesome!

---------

The Awards for Most Colorful Paper and Most Signatures

goes to . . .

The Jordan Family!

Congratulations Nehemiah, Mordecai, Hadassah, Deborah, Barnabas, Jeremiah and Priscilla!

Smiles abound!

---------

The Awards for Most Elaborate Well Wishes and Unique Characters goes to . . .

Hannah Rose!

Congratulations!

You did a super awesome job! I love the monkey and bunny rabbit! It brought lots of smiles to a wonderful day!

---------

Each card was such a joy to open and read!

This awards posting is in appreciation for all the time you wonderful guests put into creating or searching for such wonderful cards! I couldn't let it pass without recognition. :-D

Thank all of you so much for attending our celebration!

A Life of Transparency

Is anyone among you suffering?

Then he must pray.

Is anyone cheerful?

He is to sing praises.

Is anyone among you sick?

Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.

My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

James 5:13-20

It is for this reason that I'm not afraid to 'let it all hang out'. Neither am I very good at wearing a mask.

For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light.

Luke 8:17

The fellowship of believers is enriched and reveals true biblical love when we are transparent with each other about our sins and when we actually do commit to pray for each other as our minds are renewed by the letter and attitude of the Word of God. And we know that we can reveal our deepest sins to each other because we all have sinned and not one of us has failed to commit an offense that we consider especially heinous against our God that we think is too shameful to admit. Sometimes this can be a test to know who really loves us in the Biblical sense (when used with discretion). The blood of Christ covers all sins, no matter what they are, when confessed before God with an obedient turn of repentance away from it.

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

Romans 8:1-2

I used to think that if I shared my most shameful sin to another believer in confidence that they would then hate me and think less of me, judging me, accusing me like Satan does. But I've seen that this is just another lie from the devil and the opposite has been true.

One thing I will note though, it is easy to be transparent about the sins the Spirit has convicted me of but sometimes it is not so easy to admit the sins that others bring to my attention. But don't let that stop you from telling me sinful things you see. :-)

Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed.

Proverbs 27:5

The Return of Joy

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

So are the children of one's youth.

How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;

They will not be ashamed

When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:3-5

Last week, I was really struggling with unbelief in relation to this passage. Sometimes it is easy to forget the spiritual battle that is constantly raging on in the unseen realm: angels and demons constantly fighting back and forth for influence over the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual states of people everywhere. That's an overwhelming thought.

One night of sleep was again interrupted and when it came time to wake that morning to face the demands of the day, deep depression loomed overhead. Depression gave way to near hopelessness which eventually over a few hours or days became self-pity. "Gift," "reward," and "blessed" were not the words I would have described the parental state at that time.

Help was graciously given over a couple of days that allowed my body, mind and spirit time to rediscover the Biblical perspective. Yesterday as I remained home with my daughters, the Holy Spirit reminded me of some of the cute things they do and caused me to realize those things I would miss had they not entered our family: no little language, smiles, laughs, happy squeals, running, crawling, little kisses and hugs, and all the rest. And so . . . joy returned.

I guess, as with any responsibility, we have to take the good with the bad and the ugly all together. And I remembered, as it is sooo easy to forget, that they will not always be in diapers, make messes, speak unclearly, cry, whine, disobey, etc. They will grow up and be young people and adults one day, Lord willing. This time of their infant years will pass.

One other thought: there are people of every age who think and act like they don't know what God wants them to do. So they pray and fast, groping for God trying to grasp some mystical sense of God's will for the direction of their lives. "If God could just tell me - write it on the sky - then I would do whatever He wants with my life." But God has made it clear - at least what His will is generally across gender differences: women are to work at home, helping their husbands and nurturing the next generation. Passages like Proverbs 31, Titus 2, 1 Peter 3 all apply. There is no need to grope in fear and uncertainty, knowledge has been revealed. And there is great comfort and joy in that too.

Scriptures For Saturday

I will cry to God Most High,

To God who accomplishes all things for me.

Psalm 57:2

This passage hit me today as I was reading along. Notice the utter dependence on God, looking to Him only, resting on His power and ability to accomplish all things. See that this verse is not speaking of the health/wealth prosperity "gospel" preached today in some churches, but in the context of the remaining verses of the Psalm and the book as a whole, it speaks of spiritual things: refuge, salvation, mercy, lovingkindness, grace, strength, vindication, the application of righteousness and holiness. This verse reminded me of the following two passages:

Bless our God, O peoples,

And sound His praise abroad,

Who keeps us in life

And does not allow our feet to slip.

Psalm 66:8-9

In Him you also, having heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation - having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise who is given as a pledge of our inheritance with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 1:13-14

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:4-6

Salvation is a work completely begun and finished by Almighty God. God's grace for salvation is not a reward for repentance, it is the cause. And likewise the application of sanctification and perseverance in the faith. We can rest in the accomplished work of Christ on the Cross knowing that God is the one who keeps us from straying out of His hand.

"My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."

John 10:29

Fearless Friday

When I am afraid,

I will put my trust in You.

In God, whose word I praise,

In God I have put my trust;

I shall not be afraid.

What can mere man do to me?

Psalm 56:3-4

"Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

Matthew 10:28