"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
Today is the Friday I have been looking forward to for a month.
Today is the begining of my church retreat
Today I hugged my son "good-bye" at his school (he let me get out and hug him, but there were only 5 cars in the parking lot). I don't think he is embarresed to hug his mom, and he kissed my nose before I would let him go, like he has since he was little. The diffenence is that the kiss come from above me, no jumping up to reach my nose.
My ballerina and my archaeologist have left for their day at college. English Muffins and Coffee and their off!!! Like in a road ralley. The little Chaveler purrs out of the driveway.
Now, "Mom you said you will pickup a little before you leave" rings in my head. I told her last week her boyfriend was around enough he could starting helping with chores. Her answer was to go in and clean the bathroom.
I love my kids so much. I don't hold them in my grasp anymore, but God holds them in HIS Hands.
Mary~Diesel Mechanic, Abbie ~ Archaeologist, Johanna ~ Photographer, Dancer, Educator,
Ian ~ Runner, Lego builder, Rambo at heart. I love you all.
Forever Mommie
Friday, September 28, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
New Hope
Our Pastor has spoke the last two weeks on Romans 12: 1 & 2. At the same time I have been reading Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life. Being a living sacrifice means so much more to me than I can ever imagine. Our Pastor quoted the old saying, "The problem with a living sacrifice is that they keep crawling off the alter". I fell I have been crawling off and on the alter all my life and that just makes me a crispy critter with no effectiveness.
Today I was reading through my favorite blogs A Holy Experience. She told the story of a community that did not crawl off the alter. Not to make a world record, not to get in the paper, but just to show worship to God her community gave a field of soy bean to feed the poor. Ann Voskamp is the writer of A Holy Experience and her husband was one of the combine drivers.
120 combines lined up around one field — 160 acres of soybeans.
This weekend I will be leading my church ladies in singing worship at our annual retreat. I have struggled with the use of the word "Worship" for the singing portion of our service. Not because I do not think it is worship, but because it is not exclusively worship. We are to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth. Rick Warren said, "There is no such thing as Christian music, just Christian lyrics." Our tunes are strictly cultural. That statement spoke volumes to me. I want to lead the ladies in worship all weekend in all I do, not just singing.
So, this weekend as I lead the ladies in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs I will know that I am leading them "to" worship. Our worship is, or should be what we are doing all day long. Whatever we do is to bring glory to God. I must continually say it to myself, because my nature has other ideas. God doesn't just want my time when I am singing in my car on the radio or in church on Sunday morning to be "Worship". My spiritual act of worship is honoring God all day long with everything I do.
"...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Today I was reading through my favorite blogs A Holy Experience. She told the story of a community that did not crawl off the alter. Not to make a world record, not to get in the paper, but just to show worship to God her community gave a field of soy bean to feed the poor. Ann Voskamp is the writer of A Holy Experience and her husband was one of the combine drivers.
120 combines lined up around one field — 160 acres of soybeans.
This weekend I will be leading my church ladies in singing worship at our annual retreat. I have struggled with the use of the word "Worship" for the singing portion of our service. Not because I do not think it is worship, but because it is not exclusively worship. We are to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth. Rick Warren said, "There is no such thing as Christian music, just Christian lyrics." Our tunes are strictly cultural. That statement spoke volumes to me. I want to lead the ladies in worship all weekend in all I do, not just singing.
So, this weekend as I lead the ladies in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs I will know that I am leading them "to" worship. Our worship is, or should be what we are doing all day long. Whatever we do is to bring glory to God. I must continually say it to myself, because my nature has other ideas. God doesn't just want my time when I am singing in my car on the radio or in church on Sunday morning to be "Worship". My spiritual act of worship is honoring God all day long with everything I do.
"...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Praying through hard times
6:00 am ~ "Yes, Lord I am awake." (Trying to find my glasses)
The LORD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation;
this is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will exalt him.
(Exodus 15:2 ESV)
7:00am ~ "Bless them in all they do today" (Dropping off kids at school)
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when
he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which
God has promised to those who love him.
(James 1:12 ESV)
8:00am~ "Bless the girls as they rise and shine for you today"
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
(Isaiah 60:1 ESV)
10:00am ~ "Bless this dear friend who calls with her challenges in life"
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing
in the heavenly places... (Ephesians 1:3 ESV)
Noon ~ "Give those (me) who walk with you perfect peace"
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
(Isaiah 26:3 ESV)
Please look at other post on dealing with hard times. Walk with Him Wednesday
The LORD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation;
this is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will exalt him.
(Exodus 15:2 ESV)
7:00am ~ "Bless them in all they do today" (Dropping off kids at school)
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when
he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which
God has promised to those who love him.
(James 1:12 ESV)
8:00am~ "Bless the girls as they rise and shine for you today"
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
(Isaiah 60:1 ESV)
10:00am ~ "Bless this dear friend who calls with her challenges in life"
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing
in the heavenly places... (Ephesians 1:3 ESV)
Noon ~ "Give those (me) who walk with you perfect peace"
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
(Isaiah 26:3 ESV)
Please look at other post on dealing with hard times. Walk with Him Wednesday
Monday, September 17, 2012
week #2 Challenge (Living and Active)
Matthew 6:34
English Standard Version (ESV)
34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
New week, new goals.
Daily goals for daily living:
Luke 9:23 ~ Take up my cross daily (Not for a week or month at a time)
Matt. 6:11~ Give us this day our daily bread
Ex. 16:16~ Gather it daily
New week, new goals.
Daily goals for daily living:
Luke 9:23 ~ Take up my cross daily (Not for a week or month at a time)
Matt. 6:11~ Give us this day our daily bread
Ex. 16:16~ Gather it daily
Ephesians 5:19-20
English Standard Version (ESV)
19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
WOW!!!! Wednesday
The past 3 day's I have been ruminating our Pastor's sermon from Sunday.
Ruminate: : to go over in the mind repeatedly and often casually or slowly
Romans 11:33-36
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been His counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to Him
that He might be repaid?”
For from Him and through him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen. ( ESV)
I do not understand what God is doing...why can't I get a job...what is God up to?
Do not be anxious
Matthew 6:25-34
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. ( ESV)
God you are in control of the universe.
You know what is going on here.
You will provide the job I need in Your perfect timing.
Romans 11:36
Dear Lord,
Make me a Mom of Power. The power of salvation that you are working in me. When I am weak, You are strong. Someday I will know why my life and lives of those closest to me seem "Topsy Turvy", filled with pain, uncertainty, anger, frustration...on that day I will say, "Wow!! God, I had no idea! This is amazing!"
You glory, my good. ~ Amen
Ruminate: : to go over in the mind repeatedly and often casually or slowly
Romans 11:33-36
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been His counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to Him
that He might be repaid?”
For from Him and through him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen. ( ESV)
I do not understand what God is doing...why can't I get a job...what is God up to?
Do not be anxious
Matthew 6:25-34
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. ( ESV)
God you are in control of the universe.
You know what is going on here.
You will provide the job I need in Your perfect timing.
Romans 11:36
36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.(New Living Translation)
Dear Lord,
Make me a Mom of Power. The power of salvation that you are working in me. When I am weak, You are strong. Someday I will know why my life and lives of those closest to me seem "Topsy Turvy", filled with pain, uncertainty, anger, frustration...on that day I will say, "Wow!! God, I had no idea! This is amazing!"
You glory, my good. ~ Amen
Monday, September 10, 2012
Living and Active
Some days when asked, "How are you doing?"
I will respond, "I am here and I am alive".
Today my response is: "I am here and alive, saved by grace alone."
I signed up for a 5 week "Spiritual Fitness Challenge" a couple of weeks ago. On that day I said to myself:
"Sound good, get the body, spirit, mind and strength into shape."
So, today I get the email that we start today. Who will be my accountability buddy?
I will respond, "I am here and I am alive".
Today my response is: "I am here and alive, saved by grace alone."
I signed up for a 5 week "Spiritual Fitness Challenge" a couple of weeks ago. On that day I said to myself:
"Sound good, get the body, spirit, mind and strength into shape."
Matthew 22:37
New International Version (NIV)
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. (Also Duet. 6:5)
So, today I get the email that we start today. Who will be my accountability buddy?
 |
| That is her beautiful Mom on the right |
| (I don't know anyone else who could give me a good verbal "Kick in the Pants" with love live Bonnie) |
The 5 weeks will end on October 17th, which is my 25 wedding anniversary. I can't think of a better way to start the next 25 years than with good habits of spiritual and physical.
Shalom,
Monday, September 3, 2012
Parenting Teens
Most days I wrestle with the privileged of how to best "parent my teens". I'm not alone with that one, I guess, when you Google the phrase you can get About 116,000,000 results. Today I ran I got my daily devotion from "(In) courage". The author Kristen Strong incouraged me with a prayer on her website.
A Prayer for Teenage Kids and Their Mama, Too
Dear Fater in Heaven,
I flat out need You more today than ever. I know I've said this before. But something about
being in charge of teens - young men and women – feels mighty scary.
When a sense of urgency weighs heavy, help me remember You've helped me train my kids all along.
Help me not focus on what I haven't done, but relax in what I have. Help me parent
from Trut not fear, and may the eyes of my heart see Your perspective, promises, and patience.
Please help me remember they are becoming. Don't let a spirit of discouragement settle in
when I don't see progress. Though I want to be clear about boundaries, may my responses to their poor
choices be gracious. May my responses to their good choices be gracious.
If it ain't broke, don't let me fix it.
It seems so much of parenting older kids well is about being hands-off as much
as hands-on. Give me wisdom on when my voice is needed or simply my ears. When my presence
helps and when my presence hurts. Because sometimes parenting well means getting out of the way,
letting them test their wings. Fly or fall, help me remember both serve their purpose. Help me be their
loudest cheerleader when they succeed. Help me be their quiet haven when they fall.
Help me know when to make a big deal of something and when to chill out. Don't
let me turn molehills into mountains, but also give me courage to look real problems straight in the
eye.
Help me understand their fears and emotions and not blow them off. Help me take them
seriously because they seriously need me. And because they are always worth it.
May encouragement not criticism be my default. Now more than ever, unconstructive
criticism makes me an unsafe confidante.
May I give eye contact, hugs, and grace in abundance. May they know they can't outsin or
outrun Your love. May they see their worth in nothing but Christ.
Everyday, please show me something uniquely beautiful about my teens, and may I praise You for
it. For them.
May I always turn to You first for gratitude and guidance. Help me remember you see
all my children's days stretched before them as I see only this one. Thank you for always being for my
children and for filling all my parenting gaps.
In the mighty name of Jesus,
{and all the mamas of teens say}
Amen
© Kristen Strong, Chasing Blue Skies 2012
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