Merry Christmas!
Is December an enjoyable month for you or stressful? If it is fun, perhaps you could share with us what it is that you enjoy and how you keep it from being stressful. If it is stressful perhaps this is a year that you/we could begin to learn how to keep Jesus Christ forefront and our plans in the background so that we can have peace in our lives.
Do we realize the Lord is always there with us, desiring that we would be in communion with Him? "You will keep in perfect peace Him whose mind is steadfast, because He trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3 Do we keep our minds steadfast (fast in place, firmly established, unchanging, unfickle or wavering) on the Lord, knowing He is there? Do we realize that is where true peace can be found? Are we choosing what He would have us to do each day, or have we made a list of things to do that cause us to forget the LORD and run our own way, which ends in total exhaustion and stress?
Let's take a moment to steadfastly turn our mind to the LORD in prayer for today, where we will find His peace. "the peace that transcends all understanding."
"Father, I come before you, you are the God of peace and you desire my communion with You, that my heart and mind would be fixed on You. I admit that I have been running helter skelter, being fickle in many ways and not trusting You. Would you help me to set my mind on You, to seek You and Your will in my day? When you send reminders to me that you are there and that it is in You I find peace of mind, help me to heed the reminders. I desire to live for you today, rejoicing in your love and basking in your peace. In the powerful name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Good morning!
Today I have been thinking about the creativity of God, that He created so many beautiful things for us to enjoy, including the people around us. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." Psalm 19:2
For those of us who have children they too are a special creation of God with gifts and talents specifically given by Him. Once they come to know the Lord as their Savior, He has plans for their future and for the using of those gifts and talents. See Ephesians 1:3-11 "so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory." Our children were created to be to the praise of His glory. He has special plans for each one of them. They are His creation! Ephesians 1:12 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
As mother's and grandmother's and aunts we have the blessed privilege of encouraging the use of those gifts and talents for the Lord. Do they like to read, let's encourage the reading of God's Word, though books that are sound. I am constantly saddened by the children (and mother's) who know so much about the world's books and entertainment and so little of the Bible and the beautiful true Bible stories. Perhaps for birthday and Christmas gifts you could choose stories that would bless them spiritually? Are you reading Bible stories to your children? Which Bible character is their favorite?
Perhaps they like to draw? Encourage them to draw nature and point out that God is the Creator. Perhaps you have a child that is physical, they love sports. Encourage them in solid physical activity and godly actions whether they win or loose. Some children have a natural bent toward hospitality, they enjoy serving people who come to visit. As a mother this is an area that can be developed in the child. They can learn to set the table, prepare simple foods, and serve others.
This will take time and some observation of our children to "see" their God given talents but it can be a joy as we see them growing in these areas. We can encourage them in positive character traits and in the abilities that God has given them. They are not all the same so we have the privilege of getting to know them and guiding them when they are young. Thankfully they are God's children and He will have a greater influence if we don't do it perfectly.
Today I have been thinking about the creativity of God, that He created so many beautiful things for us to enjoy, including the people around us. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." Psalm 19:2
For those of us who have children they too are a special creation of God with gifts and talents specifically given by Him. Once they come to know the Lord as their Savior, He has plans for their future and for the using of those gifts and talents. See Ephesians 1:3-11 "so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory." Our children were created to be to the praise of His glory. He has special plans for each one of them. They are His creation! Ephesians 1:12 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
As mother's and grandmother's and aunts we have the blessed privilege of encouraging the use of those gifts and talents for the Lord. Do they like to read, let's encourage the reading of God's Word, though books that are sound. I am constantly saddened by the children (and mother's) who know so much about the world's books and entertainment and so little of the Bible and the beautiful true Bible stories. Perhaps for birthday and Christmas gifts you could choose stories that would bless them spiritually? Are you reading Bible stories to your children? Which Bible character is their favorite?
Perhaps they like to draw? Encourage them to draw nature and point out that God is the Creator. Perhaps you have a child that is physical, they love sports. Encourage them in solid physical activity and godly actions whether they win or loose. Some children have a natural bent toward hospitality, they enjoy serving people who come to visit. As a mother this is an area that can be developed in the child. They can learn to set the table, prepare simple foods, and serve others.
This will take time and some observation of our children to "see" their God given talents but it can be a joy as we see them growing in these areas. We can encourage them in positive character traits and in the abilities that God has given them. They are not all the same so we have the privilege of getting to know them and guiding them when they are young. Thankfully they are God's children and He will have a greater influence if we don't do it perfectly.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Training children to see God's handiwork
Hello There!
This morning I was challenged to think about God's creation. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge." Psalm 19:1-2
Thinking back to raising our children, I sorry that we didn't spend even more time in God's creation, marveling at His handiwork and thanking Him for it. There was the occasional camp where we all went to look at the stars or those days when you saw a particularly beautiful sunset or rainbow but there could have been more days or nights enjoying God's handiwork and enjoying the glory of God.
It is interesting to note that at the time of creation the complete God head was at work creating. "in the beginning God created." Genesis 1:1 The word for God here is: Elohim: a plural word for the God-head. Plural- more than one. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit working together in creation.
Do you take the time to really look at Elohim's handiwork? When I was younger people would say, "take time to smell the roses." You would think this wouldn't take effort but it does. It would be stopping, focusing on something and enjoying it or taking it all in. His creation is amazing but do we take the time, those few precious moments to really enjoy it?
In our fast paced world you rarely see someone taking the time to stop, examine and acknowledge the great Creator and His creation. Can you think of something in God's creation that you enjoyed and then did you take the time to thank Him for it?
Let's put down our smart phones and other electronic devices today or tonight and look at God's creation. Then if we are responsible for children or others, let's turn their eyes to look upon God's handiwork as well. They may be able to point out something you didn't notice. Then be sure and take time to thank Him for what you saw.
You will be training someone else to declare the glory of God in a world that forgets God.
This morning I was challenged to think about God's creation. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge." Psalm 19:1-2
Thinking back to raising our children, I sorry that we didn't spend even more time in God's creation, marveling at His handiwork and thanking Him for it. There was the occasional camp where we all went to look at the stars or those days when you saw a particularly beautiful sunset or rainbow but there could have been more days or nights enjoying God's handiwork and enjoying the glory of God.
It is interesting to note that at the time of creation the complete God head was at work creating. "in the beginning God created." Genesis 1:1 The word for God here is: Elohim: a plural word for the God-head. Plural- more than one. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit working together in creation.
Do you take the time to really look at Elohim's handiwork? When I was younger people would say, "take time to smell the roses." You would think this wouldn't take effort but it does. It would be stopping, focusing on something and enjoying it or taking it all in. His creation is amazing but do we take the time, those few precious moments to really enjoy it?
In our fast paced world you rarely see someone taking the time to stop, examine and acknowledge the great Creator and His creation. Can you think of something in God's creation that you enjoyed and then did you take the time to thank Him for it?
Let's put down our smart phones and other electronic devices today or tonight and look at God's creation. Then if we are responsible for children or others, let's turn their eyes to look upon God's handiwork as well. They may be able to point out something you didn't notice. Then be sure and take time to thank Him for what you saw.
You will be training someone else to declare the glory of God in a world that forgets God.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Good morning!
Today's reading of the Bible led me to the verse: "You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3 God was giving the 10 commandments to Moses to deliver to the children of Israel. When Moses arrived back at the camp where he had left them, they were worshiping an idol they had made from their gold jewelry. They had come from Egypt where idol worship prevailed and they had taken the idols and these idols supposed abilities with them in their hearts.
What does the New Testament say about idol worship? I found two corresponding verses in the New Testament when Jesus was teaching the people: Matthew 4:4 "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve." Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
We live in a world very much like the Egypt of the O.T. It is full of idols and not necessarily the statue type that one might bow down to. We are so very wealthy in this nation that we've made all sorts of things idols, clothing, cars, houses, movie stars, computers, I pods, kindles, books, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. I've heard it said that an idol is anything you put ahead of the Lord God in your life. For each one of us it couldn't be a different item.
This is a challenge for me today and perhaps for you as well? What are the idols in my life? What am I bowing down to and serving? What am I putting ahead of the Lord Jesus in my heart and soul? What does my mind dwell on rather than on His love and my service for Him? What am I going to do about these idols?
How far reaching of an effect do idols have in my life? Do my children and others younger in the faith, look on and learn from me? Am I causing them to stumble? How will I help them deal with the idols in their lives?
Blessed are those who put the Lord first in their lives. Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." When we are chasing after or bowing down before some "god" in our life could it be that we aren't satisfied. If we really want to be satisfied, to have true satisfaction, we must put the Lord first, and we do what is right.
Today's reading of the Bible led me to the verse: "You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3 God was giving the 10 commandments to Moses to deliver to the children of Israel. When Moses arrived back at the camp where he had left them, they were worshiping an idol they had made from their gold jewelry. They had come from Egypt where idol worship prevailed and they had taken the idols and these idols supposed abilities with them in their hearts.
What does the New Testament say about idol worship? I found two corresponding verses in the New Testament when Jesus was teaching the people: Matthew 4:4 "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve." Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
We live in a world very much like the Egypt of the O.T. It is full of idols and not necessarily the statue type that one might bow down to. We are so very wealthy in this nation that we've made all sorts of things idols, clothing, cars, houses, movie stars, computers, I pods, kindles, books, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. I've heard it said that an idol is anything you put ahead of the Lord God in your life. For each one of us it couldn't be a different item.
This is a challenge for me today and perhaps for you as well? What are the idols in my life? What am I bowing down to and serving? What am I putting ahead of the Lord Jesus in my heart and soul? What does my mind dwell on rather than on His love and my service for Him? What am I going to do about these idols?
How far reaching of an effect do idols have in my life? Do my children and others younger in the faith, look on and learn from me? Am I causing them to stumble? How will I help them deal with the idols in their lives?
Blessed are those who put the Lord first in their lives. Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." When we are chasing after or bowing down before some "god" in our life could it be that we aren't satisfied. If we really want to be satisfied, to have true satisfaction, we must put the Lord first, and we do what is right.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Good morning!
Our children are no longer children. This is a change that we are slowly learning how to handle, though the change started about junior high school. We are learning that they need a listening ear now more than ever before and we want to provide that listening ear but how much more does the LORD want to listen to their needs and requests?
Have we taught them to run to the LORD when they hurt or just need someone to listen? Are you teaching your children to run to the LORD? It's special to know that your children or young people want to run to you when they have a concern but how much more valuable to direct them to the One who can really answer their concerns, to the One who can provide safety when they need it.
Do we as adults know to run to the LORD who is our strong tower? Are we setting a good example for our children or teaching them to fret and worry?
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." Proverbs 18:10
When your little ones come to you, it is powerful to pray with them about their concerns and then when the answer comes to thank the Lord with them for that answer. They will slowly learn to trust the Lord and to run to Him when they are in need. They may even suggest times when you need to run to Him in prayer.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Anxiety is a killer in many ways. Stress can cause all sorts of physical problems, mental problems and spiritual problems that could lead to death. "The wages of sin is death..." I read recently that anxiety or worry is sin, so I can only conclude that anxiety or worry leads to death. Are we giving our children the tools they need to survive in a stressful world? Paul tells us in Phil. 4 that we keep from being anxious by prayer and petition to the LORD but let's not forget the thanksgiving. When we look at our problems, can we find something to be thankful for? Can we alter our thinking to look at problems and concerns as challenges that will mature us and draw us closer to the LORD?
Let's run to the LORD today with our concerns and be thankful.
Our children are no longer children. This is a change that we are slowly learning how to handle, though the change started about junior high school. We are learning that they need a listening ear now more than ever before and we want to provide that listening ear but how much more does the LORD want to listen to their needs and requests?
Have we taught them to run to the LORD when they hurt or just need someone to listen? Are you teaching your children to run to the LORD? It's special to know that your children or young people want to run to you when they have a concern but how much more valuable to direct them to the One who can really answer their concerns, to the One who can provide safety when they need it.
Do we as adults know to run to the LORD who is our strong tower? Are we setting a good example for our children or teaching them to fret and worry?
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." Proverbs 18:10
When your little ones come to you, it is powerful to pray with them about their concerns and then when the answer comes to thank the Lord with them for that answer. They will slowly learn to trust the Lord and to run to Him when they are in need. They may even suggest times when you need to run to Him in prayer.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Anxiety is a killer in many ways. Stress can cause all sorts of physical problems, mental problems and spiritual problems that could lead to death. "The wages of sin is death..." I read recently that anxiety or worry is sin, so I can only conclude that anxiety or worry leads to death. Are we giving our children the tools they need to survive in a stressful world? Paul tells us in Phil. 4 that we keep from being anxious by prayer and petition to the LORD but let's not forget the thanksgiving. When we look at our problems, can we find something to be thankful for? Can we alter our thinking to look at problems and concerns as challenges that will mature us and draw us closer to the LORD?
Let's run to the LORD today with our concerns and be thankful.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Good morning!
A friend recently wrote that we spend much more time thinking about our troubles than we do our blessings. This I found as a personal challenge....how much time do I spend thinking about my blessings compared to my troubles?
So I started this morning thinking about my blessings. Here are a few that come to mind: I was awake, I had slept, I had a nice, warm bed to sleep in. I could get up out of my bed, I could stand and walk. There were 2 loving dogs waiting to greet me. I have a husband who loves me.
I have food in the refrigerator and a warm cup of coffee. I have a Bible, or two or three and encouraging books to read and I know how to read. I have a computer that is working. I have a daughter who has a summer job and two sons who enjoy their jobs. They all love the Lord and desire to serve Him. I have a husband who loves me and provides for me though financial times are tough.
I have girlfriends who care and who pray for me and my concerns. I have a loving heavenly Father and a Savior who have given me a clean heart and conscience. My loving heavenly Father asks me to come to Him with all my cares, He wants me to cast them on Him for He cares for me. I could keep going but....
Now I'm starting to feel guilty that this isn't in some perfect order but you get the idea....blessings! We have so many of them that perhaps the best thing to do would be to start a journal of them, write some down everyday and see how our attitude might change since we are focusing on blessings rather than troubles.
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation." Psalm 68:19
"Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors." Proverbs 8:34
"Blessed is the man/woman who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful, but his/her delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law does he/she meditate day and night." Psalm 1:1-2
Have a blessed day!
Linda
A friend recently wrote that we spend much more time thinking about our troubles than we do our blessings. This I found as a personal challenge....how much time do I spend thinking about my blessings compared to my troubles?
So I started this morning thinking about my blessings. Here are a few that come to mind: I was awake, I had slept, I had a nice, warm bed to sleep in. I could get up out of my bed, I could stand and walk. There were 2 loving dogs waiting to greet me. I have a husband who loves me.
I have food in the refrigerator and a warm cup of coffee. I have a Bible, or two or three and encouraging books to read and I know how to read. I have a computer that is working. I have a daughter who has a summer job and two sons who enjoy their jobs. They all love the Lord and desire to serve Him. I have a husband who loves me and provides for me though financial times are tough.
I have girlfriends who care and who pray for me and my concerns. I have a loving heavenly Father and a Savior who have given me a clean heart and conscience. My loving heavenly Father asks me to come to Him with all my cares, He wants me to cast them on Him for He cares for me. I could keep going but....
Now I'm starting to feel guilty that this isn't in some perfect order but you get the idea....blessings! We have so many of them that perhaps the best thing to do would be to start a journal of them, write some down everyday and see how our attitude might change since we are focusing on blessings rather than troubles.
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation." Psalm 68:19
"Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors." Proverbs 8:34
"Blessed is the man/woman who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful, but his/her delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law does he/she meditate day and night." Psalm 1:1-2
Have a blessed day!
Linda
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Good Morning!
"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 This was one of the first verses I read this morning since it is hanging on the wall in a frame in one of the rooms in our house.
What might this verse mean to me? This is a new day, a day allowed and given to me by the Lord. He made this day, He has plans for this day. I now have a choice to make with this day. Will I rejoice in it or will I go through the day with a complaining heart. looking to Him for His expectations of the day? When twists and turns come into the day will I trust Him? What does this verse mean to you?
Not every day is filled with joyful expectations. We have days that are very straining emotionally. There are trials and temptations but we still have a choice as to how we view and respond to the day, we can "rejoice and be glad in it." We might want to ask ourselves is rejoicing the same as being happy? I don't think so or at least I'm learning that it isn't the same. Rejoicing is deeper, it is something we can do even in the most trying of situations because rejoicing is rooted in our response to the Lord, in response to trusting Him and His perfect work in our lives. Happiness is a feeling that is dependant upon circumstances.
We may not be happy with our life's circumstances but we can still be rejoicing in the Lord. There is always something in our lives that cause us to rejoice in the Lord. Though it might take deep thought and dependence on the Lord to find it.
Perhaps you have a friend that is in a very trying life situation yet they rejoice. What is the secret of their rejoicing? You might take the time to ask them, you will most likely be blessed by their response.
I recently had a friend die of cancer. She found out about the seriousness of that cancer and then purposed in her heart to live more fully for the Lord while she lived. It was said at her Memorial Service that the last two years of her life were the most fruitful and filled with rejoicing of her whole life. She was an inspiration those she came in contact with. She had found the secret of rejoicing, even when she wasn't happy. She was looking up, hoping in the Lord and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ wherever she went. At your memorial service would it be said of you: She knew the secret of rejoicing?
As we think over these challenging remarks will we keep in mind: "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 This was one of the first verses I read this morning since it is hanging on the wall in a frame in one of the rooms in our house.
What might this verse mean to me? This is a new day, a day allowed and given to me by the Lord. He made this day, He has plans for this day. I now have a choice to make with this day. Will I rejoice in it or will I go through the day with a complaining heart. looking to Him for His expectations of the day? When twists and turns come into the day will I trust Him? What does this verse mean to you?
Not every day is filled with joyful expectations. We have days that are very straining emotionally. There are trials and temptations but we still have a choice as to how we view and respond to the day, we can "rejoice and be glad in it." We might want to ask ourselves is rejoicing the same as being happy? I don't think so or at least I'm learning that it isn't the same. Rejoicing is deeper, it is something we can do even in the most trying of situations because rejoicing is rooted in our response to the Lord, in response to trusting Him and His perfect work in our lives. Happiness is a feeling that is dependant upon circumstances.
We may not be happy with our life's circumstances but we can still be rejoicing in the Lord. There is always something in our lives that cause us to rejoice in the Lord. Though it might take deep thought and dependence on the Lord to find it.
Perhaps you have a friend that is in a very trying life situation yet they rejoice. What is the secret of their rejoicing? You might take the time to ask them, you will most likely be blessed by their response.
I recently had a friend die of cancer. She found out about the seriousness of that cancer and then purposed in her heart to live more fully for the Lord while she lived. It was said at her Memorial Service that the last two years of her life were the most fruitful and filled with rejoicing of her whole life. She was an inspiration those she came in contact with. She had found the secret of rejoicing, even when she wasn't happy. She was looking up, hoping in the Lord and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ wherever she went. At your memorial service would it be said of you: She knew the secret of rejoicing?
As we think over these challenging remarks will we keep in mind: "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Sensible
Good morning!
It's a foggy day here, some days are like that aren't they? You feel like your life is full of fog. Someone has said, above the clouds the sun is always shining. God sees the fog, the fog in our lives, and knows exactly why it has been allowed and how it can work together for good.
He asks us to "be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 He is in control and will lift the fog when the time is right. When the fog lifts, rays of sunshine peer through on us, warming our lives.
Until then will we trust the Lord, trust Him to work behind the scenes? How do we handle the fog that gets us down? We focus on His love for us, the good He has planned in our lives and His amazing character. We do this by reading His Word and trusting Him. This is the sensible thing to do but not not necessarily the emotional feeling we may be having at the time. When my life is foggy, I feel like slumping into the fog, rather than praising God and glorifying Him for all He is doing in my life and then asking Him to lift me above it.
A special verse of a song goes like this: "Simply trusting everyday, trusting through the stormy way, even when my strength is small, trusting Jesus that is all."
Today if you are in the fog will you trust God and what He may be doing in your life? Will you find your calm and peace in Him? Will you read your Bible, letting go of your emotions and listen for His comfort and direction?
"There is a life deep hid in God where all is calm and still;
Where listening to His Holy Word, one learns to trust until,
All anxious care is put away and peace the soul doth fill." Author unknown
Aw, the sun is starting to shine through the fog. Enjoy the Lord today.
Love,
Linda
It's a foggy day here, some days are like that aren't they? You feel like your life is full of fog. Someone has said, above the clouds the sun is always shining. God sees the fog, the fog in our lives, and knows exactly why it has been allowed and how it can work together for good.
He asks us to "be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 He is in control and will lift the fog when the time is right. When the fog lifts, rays of sunshine peer through on us, warming our lives.
Until then will we trust the Lord, trust Him to work behind the scenes? How do we handle the fog that gets us down? We focus on His love for us, the good He has planned in our lives and His amazing character. We do this by reading His Word and trusting Him. This is the sensible thing to do but not not necessarily the emotional feeling we may be having at the time. When my life is foggy, I feel like slumping into the fog, rather than praising God and glorifying Him for all He is doing in my life and then asking Him to lift me above it.
A special verse of a song goes like this: "Simply trusting everyday, trusting through the stormy way, even when my strength is small, trusting Jesus that is all."
Today if you are in the fog will you trust God and what He may be doing in your life? Will you find your calm and peace in Him? Will you read your Bible, letting go of your emotions and listen for His comfort and direction?
"There is a life deep hid in God where all is calm and still;
Where listening to His Holy Word, one learns to trust until,
All anxious care is put away and peace the soul doth fill." Author unknown
Aw, the sun is starting to shine through the fog. Enjoy the Lord today.
Love,
Linda
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Learning to keep up the home
Good morning!
I've been enjoying reading in the Proverbs these past few days. The first chapters are written to "young men" in specific, but it is easy to see that the wisdom written here is for women, young women and girls as well. "Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life." Proverbs 4:13
Do you have anyone to thank for teaching you "instructions" in your life that have been very helpful to you? I do!
Recently I visited with an older sister who is near the end of her life here on earth, she has been a blessing in my life. I lived with her and her husband when I moved to California. She spent hours teaching me things...instructing me in the ways of keeping up a household. Most of this instruction was done quietly without a word, by setting an example for me. She loved to read but she taught me not to read or do anything my heart might desire until the daily chores were completed. She had a strict schedule she kept in maintaining her household.
She had certain things she did on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc. and she would set about doing those specific things before she took time to do her pleasure reading. Her house was always in order, "everything had a place and everything was in it's place" was another of her instructions.
I've found it these were valuable lessons for my life. If we set a schedule like laundry on Monday, grocery shopping on Tuesday, house cleaning on Wednesday etc. we will find that the basics in keeping up a house will get done, if we set our minds, hearts and hands to keep the schedule. There were times that the Lord seemed to have plans for me that didn't include my schedule and it is good to be sensitive to His plans, we do want to be in His will. "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9 Some days things may get out of order in your schedule but then you simply pick up the next day and go on. This "takes discipline"...this was instruction for my life that I needed too.
I had to admit that I was undisciplined and my life was often out of order. Just look at my bedroom at the time and you would see this was true. When household things were in order, my life "felt" in order. As a young mom I made up a list of things that I felt needed to be done each week and then I divided up the days of the week and put specific items in each day. Then it was up to me as to whether they were accomplished or not. I learned to enjoy a clean house, food in the refrigerator, clothes that were ironed and ready to wear etc. etc. This took diligence but it was worth it.
You might need to seek out an "older woman" to help you with the list or teach you what you need to know. I'm amazed too at the instruction I can find on the Internet....web sites that teach practical ways to clean, cook etc. etc. but don't get stuck on the computer!
How about with the reading of the scriptures and praying? Are you setting aside time each day to do this? How very important this is to connect with our loving God each morning and to realize that He is always with us, He never leaves or forsakes us. He will give us the energy to keep up with our household. This is another lesson I'll share with you some other day. The Lord bless and keep you!
I've been enjoying reading in the Proverbs these past few days. The first chapters are written to "young men" in specific, but it is easy to see that the wisdom written here is for women, young women and girls as well. "Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life." Proverbs 4:13
Do you have anyone to thank for teaching you "instructions" in your life that have been very helpful to you? I do!
Recently I visited with an older sister who is near the end of her life here on earth, she has been a blessing in my life. I lived with her and her husband when I moved to California. She spent hours teaching me things...instructing me in the ways of keeping up a household. Most of this instruction was done quietly without a word, by setting an example for me. She loved to read but she taught me not to read or do anything my heart might desire until the daily chores were completed. She had a strict schedule she kept in maintaining her household.
She had certain things she did on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc. and she would set about doing those specific things before she took time to do her pleasure reading. Her house was always in order, "everything had a place and everything was in it's place" was another of her instructions.
I've found it these were valuable lessons for my life. If we set a schedule like laundry on Monday, grocery shopping on Tuesday, house cleaning on Wednesday etc. we will find that the basics in keeping up a house will get done, if we set our minds, hearts and hands to keep the schedule. There were times that the Lord seemed to have plans for me that didn't include my schedule and it is good to be sensitive to His plans, we do want to be in His will. "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9 Some days things may get out of order in your schedule but then you simply pick up the next day and go on. This "takes discipline"...this was instruction for my life that I needed too.
I had to admit that I was undisciplined and my life was often out of order. Just look at my bedroom at the time and you would see this was true. When household things were in order, my life "felt" in order. As a young mom I made up a list of things that I felt needed to be done each week and then I divided up the days of the week and put specific items in each day. Then it was up to me as to whether they were accomplished or not. I learned to enjoy a clean house, food in the refrigerator, clothes that were ironed and ready to wear etc. etc. This took diligence but it was worth it.
You might need to seek out an "older woman" to help you with the list or teach you what you need to know. I'm amazed too at the instruction I can find on the Internet....web sites that teach practical ways to clean, cook etc. etc. but don't get stuck on the computer!
How about with the reading of the scriptures and praying? Are you setting aside time each day to do this? How very important this is to connect with our loving God each morning and to realize that He is always with us, He never leaves or forsakes us. He will give us the energy to keep up with our household. This is another lesson I'll share with you some other day. The Lord bless and keep you!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Loving your children
Good morning and it really looks like a beautiful morning, even outside!
Today's reading for me was in Proverbs 4. The verse that stood out to me was Vs. 4 "Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live." Earlier in the morning I had read: Eccl. 12:13-14 from another study that scripture says: "The end of the matter; all has been heard. "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil."
It looks as though Solomon really wanted to get this point across concerning knowing and keeping God's commandments since Solomon wrote it two times and in two separate books. He seemed to be learning in his life that fearing God is of ultimate importance, acknowledging who God is in all His amazing character: Holy, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient, Righteous and on and on we could go with His divine character, a character that should get our attention and cause us to fear.
Since He really is the author and finisher of our faith do we hold fast to His words in the Bible? Do we realize this is the whole duty of man to keep His words. In order to keep them, we must know them. Are we reading our Bibles? Are we teaching the Word to our children? How helpful it was that our children attended a Sunday School where each child was encouraged to learn a verse each week and that verse was provided for in a Sunday School paper. But you may not have a Sunday School paper where verses are listed. Might I suggest they memorize the 1st verse of each chapter of the Proverbs, then the Psalms, then in Matthew, etc. etc. Even this would take years to do :).
When the children were very young it took time to teach that verse. Often it was done after dinner around the table for a few minutes. By the end of the week they usually had it memorized. As they got a bit older the practice of memorization was turned over to them. You will need to choose a consistent time to work on the verse with your children.
The verse in Proverbs says that if we hold the Word fast, keep it we will live. I'm thinking the "live" here, means a fulfilled life, it won't necessarily be easy but it will be full of blessing. We don't just want memorization but the actual carrying out of God's Word in our lives. Ecclesiastes goes on to point out that what we do, every deed, secret or not will be brought into judgment, whether good or evil.
Do we want our children to really live? Then they need to be in the Word of God, and we need to be setting an example of how to do that. I'm hoping if you have children, that they are seeing that you fear the Lord. That you love His Word and read it everyday. That you pray to God and anticipate His answers to your prayers and that you praise Him for those answers. That you keep His Word in your life and ask forgiveness when you are wrong. He is so worthy. Keep teaching the Word to your children.....you won't regret it!
Today's reading for me was in Proverbs 4. The verse that stood out to me was Vs. 4 "Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live." Earlier in the morning I had read: Eccl. 12:13-14 from another study that scripture says: "The end of the matter; all has been heard. "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil."
It looks as though Solomon really wanted to get this point across concerning knowing and keeping God's commandments since Solomon wrote it two times and in two separate books. He seemed to be learning in his life that fearing God is of ultimate importance, acknowledging who God is in all His amazing character: Holy, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient, Righteous and on and on we could go with His divine character, a character that should get our attention and cause us to fear.
Since He really is the author and finisher of our faith do we hold fast to His words in the Bible? Do we realize this is the whole duty of man to keep His words. In order to keep them, we must know them. Are we reading our Bibles? Are we teaching the Word to our children? How helpful it was that our children attended a Sunday School where each child was encouraged to learn a verse each week and that verse was provided for in a Sunday School paper. But you may not have a Sunday School paper where verses are listed. Might I suggest they memorize the 1st verse of each chapter of the Proverbs, then the Psalms, then in Matthew, etc. etc. Even this would take years to do :).
When the children were very young it took time to teach that verse. Often it was done after dinner around the table for a few minutes. By the end of the week they usually had it memorized. As they got a bit older the practice of memorization was turned over to them. You will need to choose a consistent time to work on the verse with your children.
The verse in Proverbs says that if we hold the Word fast, keep it we will live. I'm thinking the "live" here, means a fulfilled life, it won't necessarily be easy but it will be full of blessing. We don't just want memorization but the actual carrying out of God's Word in our lives. Ecclesiastes goes on to point out that what we do, every deed, secret or not will be brought into judgment, whether good or evil.
Do we want our children to really live? Then they need to be in the Word of God, and we need to be setting an example of how to do that. I'm hoping if you have children, that they are seeing that you fear the Lord. That you love His Word and read it everyday. That you pray to God and anticipate His answers to your prayers and that you praise Him for those answers. That you keep His Word in your life and ask forgiveness when you are wrong. He is so worthy. Keep teaching the Word to your children.....you won't regret it!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Hi Ladies,
Today I'm in the mood to give you a recipe. The thought just keeps coming to me. It's a recipe for one of those days when you are having friends over for a cup to tea, or coffee, or hot chocolate or whatever. This recipe tastes good even with ice cold lemonade or ice tea!
"...Seek to show hospitality." Romans 12:13
I call the recipe: Jan's French Pastry Puffs (Though Jan would tell you she got the recipe out of a Betty Crocker cookbook) Jan is an older friend who pointed me to this recipe many years ago when I was a young mom wondering what to serve guests.
Jan's French Pastry Puffs
1/3 c. shortening
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
Mix these ingredients together.
1/4 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 t. baking powder
Mix together and add alternately to the sugar mixture with 1/2 c. milk.
Put into 12-15 medium size muffin cups.
Bake 20-25 minutes at 350*.
After cooking, dip each muffin top in 1/2 c. melted butter and then roll in 1/2 c. sugar mixed with 1 t. cinnamon.
Note: These can be cooked in mini muffin pans for 11-13 minutes if you want to share them at a larger tea.
Enjoy your day and sharing the love of the Lord with someone today!
Psalm 119:27 "Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works."
Today I'm in the mood to give you a recipe. The thought just keeps coming to me. It's a recipe for one of those days when you are having friends over for a cup to tea, or coffee, or hot chocolate or whatever. This recipe tastes good even with ice cold lemonade or ice tea!
"...Seek to show hospitality." Romans 12:13
I call the recipe: Jan's French Pastry Puffs (Though Jan would tell you she got the recipe out of a Betty Crocker cookbook) Jan is an older friend who pointed me to this recipe many years ago when I was a young mom wondering what to serve guests.
Jan's French Pastry Puffs
1/3 c. shortening
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
Mix these ingredients together.
1/4 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 t. baking powder
Mix together and add alternately to the sugar mixture with 1/2 c. milk.
Put into 12-15 medium size muffin cups.
Bake 20-25 minutes at 350*.
After cooking, dip each muffin top in 1/2 c. melted butter and then roll in 1/2 c. sugar mixed with 1 t. cinnamon.
Note: These can be cooked in mini muffin pans for 11-13 minutes if you want to share them at a larger tea.
Enjoy your day and sharing the love of the Lord with someone today!
Psalm 119:27 "Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works."
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Good Morning!
Have you ever memorized the 23rd Psalm? This was one passage I memorized at an early age. In fact it was one of a set of verses I kept saying over and over again in my mind as I was in delivery and labor with my children, as at that time they were encouraging "focal points" and I couldn't think of anything better than focusing on scripture. It's good to have a store house of verses in your mind and heart at that time of your life or at other times when things are rought.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Today in reading that verse I was struck by: I shall not want, I shall not want, I shall not want....
This causes me to ask myself "Are there things that I want?" In the Hebrew, the word "want" here is #2637 in the Strongs Concordance, "chucer" which means "lacking, have need".
Am I lacking anything in my life that is necessary to sustain my life? The answer to that would be a resounding, No! I'm not lacking a thing. I have food in the refirgerator and on the pantry shelves. I have clothing to cover my body. I have a car, which really is a luxury, and on and on. What about you are you lacking or really "wanting" anyting? It is said that American's, Canadians, and others are the richest people on the earth. We really don't lack or "want" in that sense of the word, rathere we "desire and then intend to consume it with our lust" You've probably seen that poster on FB or elsewhere that tells us how rich we truly are in comparrison to the countires around us. Jesus told his disciples "with food and clothing be content." We really can be content with food and clothing.
Today may we really think about the small phrase, "I shall not want." May we thank God that He has supplied all of our needs and thank Him for that. Let's let our children and other loved ones know that we are thankful to God that He provides our needs, that we are not "wanting." After we thank God for His provision in our lives may our hearts turn to those who are really in need.
Perhaps then we can share some of things we have with others, which is another great lesson to be teaching our children. Let's set an example so that others will not truly be in want.
Have you ever memorized the 23rd Psalm? This was one passage I memorized at an early age. In fact it was one of a set of verses I kept saying over and over again in my mind as I was in delivery and labor with my children, as at that time they were encouraging "focal points" and I couldn't think of anything better than focusing on scripture. It's good to have a store house of verses in your mind and heart at that time of your life or at other times when things are rought.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Today in reading that verse I was struck by: I shall not want, I shall not want, I shall not want....
This causes me to ask myself "Are there things that I want?" In the Hebrew, the word "want" here is #2637 in the Strongs Concordance, "chucer" which means "lacking, have need".
Am I lacking anything in my life that is necessary to sustain my life? The answer to that would be a resounding, No! I'm not lacking a thing. I have food in the refirgerator and on the pantry shelves. I have clothing to cover my body. I have a car, which really is a luxury, and on and on. What about you are you lacking or really "wanting" anyting? It is said that American's, Canadians, and others are the richest people on the earth. We really don't lack or "want" in that sense of the word, rathere we "desire and then intend to consume it with our lust" You've probably seen that poster on FB or elsewhere that tells us how rich we truly are in comparrison to the countires around us. Jesus told his disciples "with food and clothing be content." We really can be content with food and clothing.
Today may we really think about the small phrase, "I shall not want." May we thank God that He has supplied all of our needs and thank Him for that. Let's let our children and other loved ones know that we are thankful to God that He provides our needs, that we are not "wanting." After we thank God for His provision in our lives may our hearts turn to those who are really in need.
Perhaps then we can share some of things we have with others, which is another great lesson to be teaching our children. Let's set an example so that others will not truly be in want.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Loving our children- fearing the LORD
Good morning!
Today I was wondering where to read for part of the summer and I decided to read through the Proverbs of Solomon. One verse stuck out to me as I read Chapter 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
It seems the whole 1st chapter of Proverbs is about wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom being the truth and knowledge knowing how to apply the truth to our lives. This verse tells us we need to start with fearing the LORD. The Hebrew dictionary says this word LORD means: the self -Existent or Eternal, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God: Jehovah, the Lord. Does it mean to be afraid of the LORD or might it mean to have a healthy respect for Him, the One who created the universe? In order to even begin to attain wisdom we must have some sort of realization who He is and who we are.
Who do you think the LORD is? What is His character? Is He in control in this world, in your life? These are some questions I ask of myself. Does He have good planned for me? To begin to understand and have knowledge, we start with the LORD and who He is. When we have some sort of clue as to who He is, how majestic and powerful He is, how able He is to answer our prayer then we begin to open our hearts and minds to His working in our lives. It is our beginning to attain knowledge.
Those who won't start with the LORD are called "fools." They despise wisdom and knowledge because they refuse the LORD and His Word. They refuse to know what true wisdom and knowledge are. How about you, do you have a healthy fear of the LORD?
Are you reading His Word, the Bible daily to know wisdom and knowledge. If you are a mom, are you instilling in your children a healthy fear of God, love for the Lord Jesus in the lives of your children. What a privilege you have! Don't miss out on it!
There are so many wonderful Bible stories that can be taught in a simple way to your children/grandchildren/neighborhood children and then applied to their lives. I would recommend starting in the book of John, read a passage about the life of Jesus, let the children know what you learned from the passage and then pick out a way it could apply to their life, a way it applies to your life. Sing a song that may reflect the truth you find in the passage and enjoy the time with your children. This is time you will never regret. Have a wonderful day!
Today I was wondering where to read for part of the summer and I decided to read through the Proverbs of Solomon. One verse stuck out to me as I read Chapter 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
It seems the whole 1st chapter of Proverbs is about wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom being the truth and knowledge knowing how to apply the truth to our lives. This verse tells us we need to start with fearing the LORD. The Hebrew dictionary says this word LORD means: the self -Existent or Eternal, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God: Jehovah, the Lord. Does it mean to be afraid of the LORD or might it mean to have a healthy respect for Him, the One who created the universe? In order to even begin to attain wisdom we must have some sort of realization who He is and who we are.
Who do you think the LORD is? What is His character? Is He in control in this world, in your life? These are some questions I ask of myself. Does He have good planned for me? To begin to understand and have knowledge, we start with the LORD and who He is. When we have some sort of clue as to who He is, how majestic and powerful He is, how able He is to answer our prayer then we begin to open our hearts and minds to His working in our lives. It is our beginning to attain knowledge.
Those who won't start with the LORD are called "fools." They despise wisdom and knowledge because they refuse the LORD and His Word. They refuse to know what true wisdom and knowledge are. How about you, do you have a healthy fear of the LORD?
Are you reading His Word, the Bible daily to know wisdom and knowledge. If you are a mom, are you instilling in your children a healthy fear of God, love for the Lord Jesus in the lives of your children. What a privilege you have! Don't miss out on it!
There are so many wonderful Bible stories that can be taught in a simple way to your children/grandchildren/neighborhood children and then applied to their lives. I would recommend starting in the book of John, read a passage about the life of Jesus, let the children know what you learned from the passage and then pick out a way it could apply to their life, a way it applies to your life. Sing a song that may reflect the truth you find in the passage and enjoy the time with your children. This is time you will never regret. Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Hospitality
Goodmorning Ladies... How long has it been since you've had a guest in your home? In the scriptures
christians were challenged to be "given to hospitality." In our fast paced world it is often a conflict in my mind as to when do we fit hospitality in the schedule? I think the answer is when it is before you....when the occasion arrises.
It is true that some ladies just find it easier than others to have people in their homes but hospitality doesn't have to be complicated. Simple is best. A cup of tea and a cookie are enough to bless someone who hasn't been invited anywhere in ages.
Perhaps you can think of someone you'd like to visit with. Perhaps someone with children the ages or yours or an older sister that seems to be so full of wisdom. Invite them over and remember to keep it simple.
We've had a few visitors lately. One is a group of 10, a Bible study group we meet with once a month. We take turns going from house to house. We have a simple meal together, each one brings a part of the meal so it isn't a real burden on anyone. When our children were younger we'd bring them too and they'd had a great time playing together in another room of the house. After eating we sing, study, and pray together. It is such a blessing and we've come to realize we've been doing this over 15 years.
In order to prepare I'd clean the areas of the house they would be in, plan a meal, send an email out to let the ladies pick what they would like to bring and I'd be responsible for the main part of the meal and the beverage. I'd set the table, sometimes with paper plates and we would eat together. Some of the families set up outside and we'd barbeque. Others had a small dining area and we'd eat in the living room in a circle together. The childern had a place to eat together as well and was set up so that spills weren't a diasaster.
We've also recently had a missionary in our home for a couple of nights. It was a blessing to talk with him and to hear of his work. Mostly he just encouraged us in our faith. The Lord helped me to get the room ready and a couple of breakfasts as he was invite other places as well for meals. It was all very simple.
Won't you consider blessing someone this week with hospitality? The example you set in this will pass along to your children and if they are like mine, they will do a much better job of it! :)
christians were challenged to be "given to hospitality." In our fast paced world it is often a conflict in my mind as to when do we fit hospitality in the schedule? I think the answer is when it is before you....when the occasion arrises.
It is true that some ladies just find it easier than others to have people in their homes but hospitality doesn't have to be complicated. Simple is best. A cup of tea and a cookie are enough to bless someone who hasn't been invited anywhere in ages.
Perhaps you can think of someone you'd like to visit with. Perhaps someone with children the ages or yours or an older sister that seems to be so full of wisdom. Invite them over and remember to keep it simple.
We've had a few visitors lately. One is a group of 10, a Bible study group we meet with once a month. We take turns going from house to house. We have a simple meal together, each one brings a part of the meal so it isn't a real burden on anyone. When our children were younger we'd bring them too and they'd had a great time playing together in another room of the house. After eating we sing, study, and pray together. It is such a blessing and we've come to realize we've been doing this over 15 years.
In order to prepare I'd clean the areas of the house they would be in, plan a meal, send an email out to let the ladies pick what they would like to bring and I'd be responsible for the main part of the meal and the beverage. I'd set the table, sometimes with paper plates and we would eat together. Some of the families set up outside and we'd barbeque. Others had a small dining area and we'd eat in the living room in a circle together. The childern had a place to eat together as well and was set up so that spills weren't a diasaster.
We've also recently had a missionary in our home for a couple of nights. It was a blessing to talk with him and to hear of his work. Mostly he just encouraged us in our faith. The Lord helped me to get the room ready and a couple of breakfasts as he was invite other places as well for meals. It was all very simple.
Won't you consider blessing someone this week with hospitality? The example you set in this will pass along to your children and if they are like mine, they will do a much better job of it! :)