Coming Clean

A few days ago, I participated in a FB conversation about how to clean up a house where kids live.  I must admit this is a struggle for me!   A few people asked me to share what we do... so here goes.... I get easily discouraged because nothing stays done.  Clean dishes, clothes and floors never stay clean.  When my kids were smaller I use to think, ok this isn't too bad for a mom of four kiddos all under 5, but when they range in ages of 13 to 8 and the house still looked like I have four under 5 I was very discouraged!  I began to pray about this and ask God to help me come up with a plan to get the chaos under control. 

I have a confession....I AM A PERFECTIONIST!  Not a good one, not the kind that gets everything done because I like perfect but the kind that gives up because I can't make it perfect.  This was my first obstacle to overcome.  God began working on this one many, many, many years ago.  Right after Josh was born, Tim pointed out to me that I was going to be miserable if everything had to be perfect because this life is messy and I'm not going to be able to reach perfection.  He did this as lovingly as a husband could. And, in time this truth sank in and took roots.  So my first piece of advice would have to be DON'T AIM FOR PERFECTION!  Even in the "clean" state my home will never be considered perfect, and that is just fine.  It is my hearts desire to have an open door policy.  God has given us this house to minister to people in need and to love on those who need some love.  So my goal is to have a house that is warm, welcoming, and loving not dust free and freshly mopped (although that'd be AWESOME too :-D)

So.............here's what I did. 

1.  I prayed that God would change my attitude about cleaning.  That He would help me to work as unto the Lord and to teach my kids to do the same. I prayed that He would help me to see that I wasn't doing chores but that I was serving where He placed me.  I prayed that He would bless our efforts, help us to be thankful for what was accomplished, and to see clearly what needed to be done to maintain the house after we got the chaos under control.

2.  I started laundry.  My first load was all curtains. After each load we all stopped what we were doing and folded, and put away what ever was in that load.  This also was a timer for a break for us.  every 55 minuted the kids got 15-20 minutes to do whatever they wanted.  This gave me time to plan and think and pray.

3..  I started in our living room.  We had a box for every other room in the house and a GIVE AWAY BOX.  I did this so that we would not get distracted in other rooms while we were putting stuff up.  Everything went into the box of the room that it belong in and then the boxes were moved to the next room we were going to de-chaos-ify.  Then we dusted everything from top to bottom.  We swept the whole living room and vacuumed the couch. We wiped down all switches, and knobs.  After this room was completed we declared it a NO DROP ZONE!  From this point on we just had to maintain this room and that only takes about 10 minutes a day. 

3.  We moved on to the next room, our kitchen  the box marked kitchen was emptied first.  We didn't make a box for the living room because it was a NO DROP ZONE so everything that belonged in there was put in the proper place.  We continued through the house in this manner until every room was completely cleaned.  It took alittle over a week.  I had to remember that our house didn't get in the shape it was in overnight and I wasn't going to fix it overnight.

****Side note:  Encourage your children to be a blessing to those who may not have by giving away stuff they no longer need.  Tim and I are not "stuff" people.  I'm NOT bragging about that, it is just the way God made us so we have no right to brag.  We want to teach our children that God uses His children to bless those in need.  I can't begin to tell you how very blessed we have been by gifts of unselfish people.  I have on many occasions prayed for something and been either given it or was able to find it at an amazing price used.  This is an opportunity to teach your kids that God blesses others through our unselfishness.

OK, so once you have the chaos under control you have to maintain it daily.  We set aside about 1 hour (it can be all at once or broken down into 15 min slots) to maitian.  Each day has a FOCUS room and then the rest is just TIDY TIME.

Here's my weekly list

DAILY:  2 loads of laundry completed and put away.  Dishwasher unloaded and reloaded.  Straighten up our bedrooms and sweep (we have concrete floors so each room is swept each day, when we have carpet only the living room and kitchen had to be done each day the other rooms were vacuumed once a week).

Monday:  FOCUS: Kitchen.  We sweep, mop.  Move everything off the counters and disinfect.  We clean all cabinet doors .  We clean all windows, and glass. We wipe down the outside of all appliances. Then we do a once a month chore: Wk1 wash all curtains and wipe down all window sills.  Wk2 clean all switches, door jams, and knobs.  Wk3 Clean out fridge Wk4 wash the garbage can and ceiling fan
Then we tidy up the living room, bath room, hall and our bed rooms.

Tuesday: FOCUS: Living Room.  We sweep, mop.  Move everything off the book shelf, table and entertainment center and dust.  We clean the windows, tv screen and all glass.  We vacuum the couch and the area rug.   Then we do a once a month chore.  Wk1 wash all curtains and wipe down all window sills.  Wk2 clean all switches, knobs and door jams.  Wk 3 clean the ceiling fan  Wk4 we clean baseboards and corners.
Then we tidy the kitchen, bathroom, hall and bedrooms

Wednesday FOCUS: Bathrooms.  We have 3 bathrooms so each job is done in each one.  Clean tub, toilet, sink and mirrors.  We sweep and mop. We empty the trash.  Then we do a monthly chore.  Wk1. wash the shower curtains.  Wk2 clean and disinfect the trash can.  Wk3 Declutter any drawers and under the cabinet. Wk4 clean all switches, door jams and knobs.
We tidy the living room, kitchen, hall and our bed rooms.

Thursday:  FOCUS: Bedrooms.  No one has their own room here.  So the partners all work together but we all do the same task to stay focused.  We put away all stuff that has been left out (there is ALWAYS stuff)  .  We dust and sweep and mop.  We change sheets and remake all beds.  We empty trash can.  Then we do a monthly chore.  Wk1 clean all switches, door jams and knobs.  Wk2 we wash all curtains, and clean all windows and sills.  Wk3 we make sure we are using what we have if not it goes to give away.  Wk4 we clean ceiling fans and any mirrors in room.  (this is the day that takes the longest, our kids haven't quite mastered the idea of keeping their rooms clean just yet but I have faith that we will one day.
We tidy the living room, kitchen, hall and bathrooms.

Friday: FOCUS: School room.  We make sure all school stuff is put away.  We empty the trash and vacuum.  We wipe down the school table and load any give away in the van.  Then we do a monthly chore.  Wk1 clean all switches, door jams and knobs.  Wk2 wasll curtain, and clean all windows and sills.  Wk3 &;4 we use as make up days for any jobs we missed due to schedule issues or sickness.

Saturday:  Clean out our van and  do jobs that we missed during the week.  This is great incentive to get it done so we can have a family day.  We only have to tidy all the rooms if we have done our work through the week.

Sunday: REST

This plan won't be perfect for you but hopefully it will help you come up with a plan that will work for your family.  I admit fully that we have not been able to get to Saturday and only have to clean out the van.  I will tell you, there have been times where we had to start over and get the chaos back under control.  But it was way easier and then we start the maintenance again.  Last week we didn't do any of our FOCUS plan, we just cleaned went to doctors, cleaned and got sick and cleaned and got sick again, and cleaned and went back to the doctors.  Life still happens and things still get backed up.  But this plan has helped me greatly. 

Heavenly Hugs

Ever have one of those days/week were everything is HARD?  Just seems like everything you try requires a second try because something goes wrong?

These days ALWAYS seem to happen to me when I am tired.  I seem to trust my feelings alittle more than I should on days like these, and get discourage that life is hard.

Yesterday was one of those days............and then God showed up and He showed off with some Heavenly Hugs.

What are Heavenly Hugs?  Well, I'm glad you asked.very good question!  Heavenly Hugs are when God takes the time to whisper that I am loved and not forgotten, and that He not only sees but cares about all the stuff in my little world.

Sometimes it's through a song, sometimes it's through a friend, sometimes it's from an unrevealed source but it is VERY clear that God has orchestrated this HUG and it speaks "you are created, wanted and loved by me".

I want to share with you my HUG in the hopes that  it will help you sense when you are being hugged, cuz sometimes you'll miss it due to the noise of the storm or the distractions of life and Heavenly Hugs are too AMAZING to go unnoticed.  When the God of all creation takes time to hug me I want to STOP and soak in all the love He sends my way

Soooooooo, back to yesterday.........it was a day filled with dropped items, failed attempts, and frustration.  Nothing uncommon and not earth shattering just annoying and extremely frustrating.  Honestly I can't ever remember most of the little fires that were put out yesterday but in the moment they seem to be bigger and harder.  The last straw was when I went to take Josh and Emily to choir and the van wouldn't start......not uncommon for us to have problems with our van, it is old and falling apart.  I finally got it to start but couldn't get it to stay cranked after I put it in gear.  Tim was in Memphis and unable to help, so we were stuck.  I knew I needed to get gas but the gage said there was enough gas to make it to Millington.  Josh suggested that maybe the van couldn't tell there was gas, and that we could use the gas we had for the lawn mower.  I said (in a clearly frustrated and totally annoyed voice)good idea, we can try it, but might not work.  As I was pouring the gas in to the van (HUG #1, cuz we never have extra gas here, but this one slipped by me until I had some time to reflect)  Jacob and I had conversation that went alittle something like:

Jacob:  "Mama, if this doesn't work are you gonna be frustrated?"
Me:  "Jacob, I'm already very frustrated!
Jacob: "Why?"
Me:  "Cuz Jacob, everything has been hard today.  I just don't understand why everything has to be so very hard to do on some days!"

I finished putting the gas in and the van started.  (HUG#2)  Off we went and got to the church with five minutes to spare.  Usually there are several ladies that I can visit with but today there wasno one.  I sat alone and thought about this stinky day and and have alittle pity party.  So I decided I could pour out my heart to God (since, He already knows what's in there, He wouldn't be surprised) So I did.  I whined and I said I really wished life wasn't so very hard all the time!  I knew He would understand how I felt and love me anyway.  I also asked that God would help me to not follow my feeling but to be able to see truth.  Cuz, those two don't always line up. 

As I was sitting there Jay, our student minister, came by and said "Hey!  Fall Retreat (inside I flinched because there just isn't extra for the kids to go this time) he continued "someone in the church came by today and paid in full specifically for Josh and Emily to go!"(HUG#3 God whispered, It isn't always hard, sometimes it's really easy, like a gift handed to you) I couldn't speak, I just sat there amazed!  Jay said "Just know that your family is so loved"  I said, man, we feel extremely loved! 

I was left alone again, this time my prayers were alittle different.  I thanked God for my HUGS and just sat there in His presence as truth began to wash away untrue feelings and restore my sound mind.

A few minutes later one of my friends joined me.  She began to share with me how God was blessing her family.  I was so excited for her (cuz I love her lots) and could just see all the HUGS she was getting!  Then she said "soooooooooo, because we are blessed we want to be a blessing and handed me an envelope with money in it. (HUG#3 God whispered again, everything isn't always hard! I love and see you.  You haven't been dropped or forgotten.)  I couldn't speak for several minutes I just sat there wrapped in the arms of my loving Father and soaked in the love that He was showering over me!  I shared with this dear friend how my day had gone and how I couldn't believe how much God had loved on me in the last forty-five minutes.

So to all who took part in my HEAVENLY HUGS........Thank you.  Thank you for being willing to be obedient to what God has called you to do.  Thank you for loving our family.  Thank you for listening, praying, and rejoicing with us on the journey called life.  We are truly amazed and completely overwhelmed with the goodness of our God and the faithfulness of those we are so very privileged to worship and work  with as a church family.  Thank you!  Thank you! Thank you!

I hope you feel the HUGS given to you during your day!

This is a test......

Most of you know that Tim (my husband) was laid off in Feb of this year due to lack of work.  This is not a new road for us, we are in construction and it is just part of the journey.  Time and time again God has ALWAYS provided a new job for us so I knew soon we'd have another offer and a new company to work for..........and then just as I was getting pretty comfortable on this journey God says "let's go this way." and things that I KNOW to be true get drowned out by the fear of this unknown path.

Tim believed he was suppose to start working for himself.  Self-employed was not a path I thought we'd walk, but I knew that Tim had been praying and I know that I had for many years asked God to bless Tim with wisdom that could only come for God's hand as he leads our family in God's will.  So really there was no fear.

The work just seemed to fall into Tim's lap.  One thing after another happened confirming in our hearts that this was the right choice for us, and so this new journey turns out to be not so hard and my silly little pride say "we've got this new path licked"  So God says "let's go this way for awhile"  Work slowed down......savings was used........work slowed some more.......bills piled up......things broke.........work stopped..........gas prices went up...........school started...........more things broke.......test after test after test after test.........and I lost my step many times.

So in my unbelief I began to fear that we had missed something that was VERY IMPORTANT because clearly God wasn't in this anymore cuz when we obey.....God blesses......which encourages us to be obedient  and God blesses (see the clear cycle?) .  It's a lovely thought, only problem is it is REALLY WRONG.

God's blesses NOT because I have been obedient but because He is a GOOD God who cares for His children. Many times God will allow me to go on a path I'd NEVER choose so He can show me a lesson I need to either learn or be take a refresher course in.  This was one of those times......this was a test.............only a test.............and I am so very thankful that He loves me enough to take me as I am and  too much to leave me that way.

My first reaction to this new tough path was make a plan..........I could get a full time job......I went to Tim and He said, no..........I went to God and I prayed and asked God for a clear word (so I could tell Tim I was right.....Don't judge, you know you've done the same thing.  We think we are right, so we pray that God will help us prove we are right, not in those words but don't forget God sees the heart so He isn't tricked by our christian sounding words.)  God gave me exactly what I asked for.....a CLEAR word.........2 Chron 20:1-26  "15.....Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is NOT yours but it belongs to God............17 You will not need to fight in this battle; set yourself stand still and see the salvation of the Lord with you"   This was NOT mine to fix.  My role in this journey was to set myself in a place, be still and watch God work.  NOT EASY FOR THIS FIX-IT GAL!  Knowing God to be trustworthy I obeyed.  And work didn't pick up.............and bills piled up............and things broke.........and kids needed........and on and on........until I found myself with NO tricks or plans left, afraid and pretty sure that this was gonna be the one time that God forgot to show up.

TRUTH GOT DROWNED OUT BY MY FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN

I only felt lead to share these fears with a few people, who I knew would pray for me to be still and trust, and now here I stood with an overdrawn checking account and lots of bills and an empty bag of  "if this doesn't work we can try this".....and I was scared.

I said to my husband, what if we missed it, what if this isn't God's plan for us and we made a wrong turn, how bad is it gonna have to get before we turn around?  And here's what He said to me.......LaDonia, God's words say that if I acknowledge Him, He is gonna direct my path.....you are praying, I am praying and God always keeps His word....and that was enough for him.  I knew He was right.  I knew that He was seeking God's face and I knew that I was praying for Tim and I knew that God NEVER fails

So I began to pray differently.  I began to seek out verses that reminded me that my hope was in God and GOD DOESN'T FAIL and that when we wait we see the faithfulness of the MIGHTY GOD.

Here are a few.........
* Lam 3:24 "The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him."
* Psalm 5:3 "My voice shall thou hear in the morning, O LORD in the morning will I direst my prayer unto thee, and will look up."
* Ps 27:14 "Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say on the LORD"
* Ps 33:20 "Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield"
* Is 33:2 "O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.
* Is 40:29 " He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength."
* Is 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and the shall walk and not faint."

So God began a work in me to grow my faith.  It is work in progress.  I didn't have any answers to any of the problem that we faced but I did have a renewed hope that God had every answer to every problem we faced.  Many times I go to a quiet place and pray that God will help me to lead my heart and cling to TRUTH not feelings.  And HE is FAITHFUL!!

God has blessed our family thru gifts and work for T.H.I.S. Co. (Tim's business) to pay EVERY BILL THAT IS DUE!!!!!!!  The gifts alone almost completely covered our bills!  GOD IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and I stand, mouth gaping wide open, in total amazement as He works in my life.  Not because of anything I am but because of everything He is.

If you were a part of this wonderful work that God is doing I want you to know how very much we appreciate your willingness to give.  Words can't express how much I appreciate your faithfulness to our faithful Lord and Savior.  And to my husband I say thank you for not losing site of truth and for helping me get back up when I stumble.  I am so very thankful for you and I love very much.

Testing in progress.............but it's ok cuz I have the answer key......God's word!

Simple Blessings

Each day the children of Isreal were instructed to collect enough manna for the day, but no extra.  Only enough for the day that set before them, no extra.

I am learing to collect enough manna for this day.  No, my manna doesn't show up on my lawn each morning but it does come from the hand on God.  This is a work in progess for me,  sometimes I put my trust in temporary treasure instead of the giver of all I need-God.

I was at the grocery store, being very careful to stay on budget and I wanted something, that wasn't on the list, not in the budget and not a need, but we all like it and it yummy and I use it alot, but not a need...velveta..  I picked it up looked at it, tryed to justify why I should just go ahead and get it, but in the end I put it back on the shelf, tried not to pout and moved on.  I stayed on budget and got what we needed and left the store,... alittle blue.

After a few minutes, The Holy Spirit reminded me that ALL my needs were met, and that we had our manna for the day and that was a blessing!  So I stopped my inner whinning and thanked God for meeting the needs and for loving me enough to correct my attitude.  Got home unloaded my groceries and forgot all about the item that I longed for in the store.

Later, my husband had to go by a customer's house to collect payment for a completed job.  while we were there the customer said I have some stuff that I won't use would your wife use these things?  Tim said, sure thank you.  He came out to the car with several things.  I picked up this box and teared up...velveta!  God's whispered I love you, I've got you, and I will NOT fail you!

I know this may not seem like such a WOW moment for you and that's ok, cuz it was to me.  It sure felt like a hug from my Father who loves me and sees me and gives me the desire of my heart...sometimes.

Asleep,....REALLY!

I listened to James McDonald on Walk in the Word teaching Acts 12 this morning. I really like the way he teaches and I almost always leave with a nuggget of truth to tuck into my heart. Today my nugget was verse six..... "And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter WAS SLEEPING between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison." Acts 12:6.... This may not mean much to you unless you know the rest of the story. Peter was to be put to death in a short time, he was in prison surrounded by sixteen soilders and bound in chains and yet he slept. HE SLEPT!!! SNOOZED...SAWED SOME LOGS...HE SLEPT!!!! I am utterly ashamed of the things that rob me of my peace in Christ. I have never been placed in anything as fearful as Peter, and yet I allow lies to steal from me the peace that comes from knowing the truth that God is IN CONTROL....even when I can't see how things will ever work, or when I don't feel like God is there, or when my circumstances scream that there is no hope.... GOD IS IN CONTROL!!! AND He is REALLY good at His job. So, I can sleep soundly while God works and trust that whatever He does will be a hundred thousand times better than anything I could do on my own. It is my prayer that God will continue to grow in me and that I will learn to shine brighter for Him! And that I will trust more fully in Him and cling to Him as the sustainer of this simple little life I lead. I like to share what I learn with people I love in the hopes that it will encourage someone, somewhere.

Time Flies When Life is CRAZY

I think I prefer the original quote..........
"Time flies when you are having fun" .......alittle more than my title... but the truth is life isn't always fun!

The last few weeks have been crazy here. Tim was laid off at the end of February for the eighth time in four years, I pulled some ligaments in my foot, our van broke, and I started having major back issues and was out of commission for almost three weeks, Emily dropped a trailer hitch on her foot and Ashley started running a fever late Saturday. And that was just MARCH!

WOW OH WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a month! It is really easy during difficult times to become overwhelmed and discouraged and grouchy. I'd love to say that during all the month of March my outlook was perfect and I never once experienced any of these feelings, but since lying is a sin I can't do that :-D

Truth is I experienced them all! Life is tough and sometimes honestly it gets the best of me. Most of the time when I get discouraged it is because I focus on the temporary situation instead on The timeless Savior.

Everything that happened in March was temporary, and we survived just fine. It wasn't pleasant and at time it seemed like it was never gonna end. The bottom line is difficult times serve a purpose just like pleasant times. Diamonds are just lumps of coal until it's placed under major pressure! Sometimes we don't really find out what is on the inside until pressure is applied, our faith is strengthened during difficulty in a way that can't happen during easy times.

Sometimes during tough times it is easy to be tricked by what is not true, because satan is very good at his job,which is to discourage and deceive. It is during these times we must remember to cling to what God taught before the storm began.

Truth doesn't change! God's Word gives truth to cling to during difficult times. Here are a few of my favorites...............

Jer 29:11 "For I know the thought that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you and expected end."

Psalm 16:1 "Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.

Psalm 25:5 "Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou are the God of my salvation: on thee do I wait all the day."

Matthew 12:20 " A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgement unto victory"

Matthew 11:29 "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

I hope that if you are having a tough time you find comfort in the same place I do, God's Word.

Hang in there, and remember this too shall pass........

Life's Little Victories

Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts Psalm 90:12

If I am not careful my morning blurs into my afternoon, which blurs into night, which blurs into weeks, which blurs into months and before I even know it time has passed and I'm not any wiser in my heart.

Today in the middle of my home school day the sweet whisper was heard in my heart,"don't miss the victory in this day of teaching."

So, I stopped and tucked away some of the sweet victories for this day:

Josh struggles with confidence in math. We are working on it and one day he will believe he is as smart as he really is in math. At the start of our lesson I knew this was gonna be on of those days were he didn't believe that he could. I could see it written all over his frowning face. I explained... he said I can't. I explained again using manipulative......he said I don't understand. I explained again...he shut down. I stopped and prayed, "Lord, please give me wisdom, help me to help him." then I waited until I knew what I was suppose to say and then I spoke truth: "Josh, this is not a new concept, you did it yesterday, I've shown you several times. I think the real problem here is you have decided to flip the switch to the "I can't do this" place and i need you to flip that back to "I can" please. He looked me right in the face and took a deep breath and "OK, mom I'm sorry. Is this right? and I got to say Yes!!! That is exactly right! You did great! VICTORY!!!

Jacob is in the second grade and we are really focusing on neat work. today He sat beside me and wrote every neatly without one reminder from me! VICTORY!!
Ashley is in the third grade and has been learning multiplying more than one digit and she said for the first time today "Hey, this isn't that hard!" VICTORY!!!
Emily struggled today in math but she didn't give up, she didn't say I can't she kept going and she finished her math. VICTORY!!!!!

A few months ago I would have missed these victories......cuz I was too focused on the big picture and I was too distracted with where I was going to enjoy where I was. Alot of sweet victories are overlooked when you travel this way. God is teaching me to enjoy the journey and not just the final destination.

My final destination for our kids is four grown kids that love God with all their hearts, souls, and minds, and that they trust Him and allow Him to direct their paths. It's my prayer, it's my goal, it's my final destination for my kids.

God has granted me the privilege of home schooling our four kids. I must be honest with you and tell you that each day is NOT all fun. Sometimes its alot like dental work with out pain medication. My kids aren't wired to wake up and begin each day with a song of rejoicing because they get to do school on this day-----cuz they are NORMAL KIDS!!!!! But God does allow me days, like today, where the kids try hard and work well and we accomplish much.

And it is VERY GOOD!

Just Enough, but ALWAYS enough

"And the people shall go out and gather the portion of a day in his day."Exodus 21:4

These instructions were given to the children of Israel during their stay in the desert. Gather only enough manna for this day.

God is still in the "enough for this day" business.

Too often we spend our time worrying about what tomorrow may hold or regretting what yesterday held and we live discouraged and broken lives.

This is not the plan God has for you!

If I am not careful I find myself looking at this huge project that I can't possible accomplish and I become very discouraged and just want to give up, instead of taking things one day at a time. In doing this I become bogged down in the big picture and become very overwhelmed! but, if I will just gather for today the things I can do for this day then it doesn't seems so HUGE and SCARY.

God provides all that I need for this day and I receive enough grace and mercy to complete the task set before me on this day.

Just enough, but ALWAYS enough......

It is my hope that this will encourage you to let go of yesterday's regrets and tomorrow's fears and live in this day that God has blessed you with....

Have a good day sweet friends.

Enjoy

About six months ago I wrote on my fridge with a dry erase maker these words:

Don't endure life, enjoy it.

Sound easy enough, doesn't it? Well, I am here to tell you, it is anything but easy. It is worth it but it isn't a short walk on an easy path. It is a journey that takes prayer and time to fully understand.

Paul reveals the secret for this journey in Philippians 4:11

"Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have LEARNED in whatsoever state I am , therewith to be content."

He learned to abide in the place that God put him and to know that when God places, He provides. This is a lesson that cost Paul much. He knew what it meant to have little and to have much and how quickly you can change from much to little. Keep in mind that Paul was Saul, a leader in the Roman army. He had seen his table full of good food, had worn the soft garments under his armor and had rode on fine horses and slept in warm houses. Then he meet his Saviour, and though his physical eyes were blinded for a season, his spiritual eyes were seeing clearly for the first time.

None of that stuff mattered! It was all stuff, that could gone in the blink of the eye. What mattered to Paul was Jesus, and making sure he shared this truth with anyone that God place in his path.

When Paul wrote Philippians he was in jail, with nothing more than the tattered clothes on his beating back. An yet his words were not grumbling and whining,he was practicing what he had preached earlier in this letter (Phil 2:14). He continued to point others to the source of his ability to be content......

Christ!

When you truly understand that God is the giver of all you need and that He decides when and where to place you and for how long, you are better able to live a life that points always to Him. A life that draws onlookers in for a better view of the source that gives you such a peace. A better look at the vine, Christ.

I don't know if you are in little or much during this season of your journey but I do know that if you abide God will supply.

Sweet Encouragement from Abiding in Christ

"In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine. I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day."
Isaiah 27:2-3

This is one of those times when the encouragement didn't just leap off the page for me. It took me a few minutes for this to sink into my heart and bless me with sweet encouragement.

This is the verse for day thirteen in Abide in Christ. As I read today's passage this,first overlooked, word of encouragement took root in my heart and I hope it offers you the same.

I am in that vineyard, attached to THE VINE and God "waters me every moment" and "keeps me day and night". Every moment, day and night! You see my God does no sleep nor does He slumber (Psalm 121:4) which allows perfect peace and rest to settle over me like a warm blanket on a cold day.

This is a promise to believers that if we abide, we will have all that we need and God keeps us every moment. I wonder why so few Christians live in this place? But, then I remember satan is very good at his job. He seeks to deceive and destroy, and because this is true some live in a bondage instead of bounty, in chains instead of in Christ, and in fear instead of freedom.

THIS IS NOT THE PLAN GOD HAS FOR YOU!

God not only plans for you to abide in Christ, He provides all that you need to be able to abide safely in Christ. Andrew Murray explained today that there are different paths to this understanding:

"the way in which souls enter into the possession may differ. To some it may come as the gift of a moment.... it is as if all at once a new revelation comes upon the soul. It sees as in light of heaven, the strong Vine holding and bearing the feeble branches so securely, that doubt becomes impossible.....To others it comes by a slower and more difficult path. Day by day, amid discouragement and difficulty, the soul has to press forward. Be of good cheer; this way too leads to the rest. Seek but to keep your heart set upon the promise: "I THE LORD DO KEEP IT, night and day.Take from His own lips the watchword: "EVERY MOMENT" In that, you have the law of His love, and the law of your hope."

Whichever path you find yourself on in the journey of Abiding in Christ cling to the promise giving today in God's Word. God watches over you every moment day and night! He sees you right where you are and has a good plan to get you right were you need to be... Abiding in Christ......

I love you friends!

Twinkle and Sprinkle

Twinkle and Sprinkle by LaDonia Beam

Twinkle twinkle little light
Point always to what is right
Point to God up above
showing others His sweet love

Sprinkle sprinkle little salt
Season those along your walk
Trust in Him and then obey
Spreading salt along your way

Don't be jealous of my talent:-D

I know this is a cheesy way to remind myself to be salt and light to the world God has given me but the message is very true!

"You are the salt of the earth. but if the salt should lose its taste how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16

God gives each of us people that we can point to him. With this privilege come a HUGE responsibility to not give our opinion about a situation but give God's word.

So often we speak before we pray. In doing so, we miss an opportunity to twinkle and sprinkle.

Our goal as Christians should always be to point always to our Wonderful Saviour.

This is so very easy to say and very hard to do. I am learning to not respond quickly but to pray quickly. There are times when I want to really speak my mind but the Holy Spirit reminds me that most people don't need to hear what's on my mind as much as they need to hear what is in God's word.

Don't take this task lightly because you feel like your world is too small. Be faithful in little, and do what God has set aside for you to do. Do it to the best of your ability and pray for God to bless and be gloried.

The world needs more of God's word and less of people's opinions. That is where they will find salvation and the One that will never leave or forsake.

Twinkle and Sprinkle each day..............

Kaaaaaboooom!

"What we need is the simple faith that the stablishing in Christ, day by day, is God's work- a work that He delights to do, in spite of all our weakness and unfaithfulness, if we will but trust Him for it."~Andrew Murray

Turns out I was gonna need this more yesterday than I first thought. I had a day filled with weakness and unfaithfulness!

I started the day with such good intentions. I was ready for the day and then KAAABOOOM! Everything just seemed to fall apart.

I couldn't do my full workout, because of hip and back issues, I couldn't do laundry because we ran out of laundry soap, my house was a mess and getting worse by the second. I was tired and very distractable (I'm not sure that's a real word, oh well it is today in my little world!) and I ate when I should've prayed, complained when I should've been quiet and gave into defeat.

So I had a pity party and there you go! BAD DAY!

We all have days like this. They stink! No one enjoys day like that and yet the come anyway.

But you wanna know something? The good thing about days like that is they only last twenty-four hours! Then they fall into the past with all the other days gone by. This is encouraging to me. Our bad days don't last any longer than our good days. The problem I face is leaving those bad days in the past and not allowing them to taint today.

A new day filled with new mercies and grace, because of the grace and love of my loving Father. I know that yesterday is gone, all my failures of the day are gone with it and He holds in His hands a new day, new hope, and new strength.

So, I had a bad day......but it's over now and I get to move on to this new day............HIP HIP HOORAY!

I hope that your day is sweet but if not hold on it won't last for long.

School of God

"What we need is the simple faith that the stablishing in Christ, day by day, is God's work- a work that He delights to do, in spite of all our weakness and unfaithfulness, if we will but trust Him for it."~Andrew Murray

"He now knows himself to be in the school of God, a Teacher who plans the whole course of study for each of His pupils with infinite wisdom, and delights to have them come daily for the lessons he has to give."~Andrew Murray

The picture that these examples paint on my heart are priceless. How very special it makes me feel to know that God not only does work in my life but that He delights to do it. How could I feel any less that a treasure? The God of all creation delights in the work that He has planned for me!

DELIGHTS not dreads, DELIGHTS not dutifully does! What a precious glimpse of His love for me.

Here's what I think about when I picture me in the school of God........

Sometimes during a lesson one of my kids will say, I can't do this, as they look at a new concept. I say to them It's ok, I'll teach you how and then you will be able to do it easily. I don't think they always believe me. But sure enough, I teach, they listen, we work together and the Viola! (or as my sweet sister Lori says WALLA!) they do it on their own with full understanding. It is a beautiful thing! To get to see first hand that "ahhhhh" moment of understanding. Just a little glimpse of understanding of how God must feel when I, in childlike faith ,trust Him to teach what I don't yet know.

It brings great joy to the heart of God for me to abide and allow Him to supply all that I need for life. He is the caregiver for the garden and sees that every plant has exactly what it needs to bear much fruit. Not all plants get the same stuff, a rose and a tomato plant don't need the same care to give much fruit. He knows and gives to each plant what it need to grow and bear much fruit. Not all plans are in the same place, some need more time in the sun than other. Rejoice that God know exactly what your vine needs for life and abundant fruit!

Not only does He know but He delights in the preparing and planning and supplying of all things you need to abide in HIM!

A Prepared Place for Me

Just finished day eleven of Abide In Christ by Andrew Murray. This is a very amazing book and I highly recommend reading it. I've been told that there is a newer version of it that is easier to understand but even if you can only get the copy I have it is completely worth reading.

Andrew Murray was a missionary to Africa, and went to school in Ireland. He has over 240 published works. The translation I have is a little hard to read because of a difference in sentence structure but that helps me to focus on each word and not skim flippantly through this book filled with truths and treasures I need to tuck away in my heart. It is going to taking me way longer thirty-one days to complete this book but each day is like a feast and it take a long time to feast.)


In day ten I learned what grafting was. I already shared this in my post Able to be Holy Today He uses this previous lesson to reveal a deep truth that points back to abiding in Christ.

"When a graft is united with the stock on which it is to grow, we know that it must be kept fixed, it must abide in the place where the stock has been cut, been wounded, to make an opening to receive the graft. No graft with out wounding-the laying bare and opening up of the inner life of the tree to receive the stranger branch. It is only through such wounding that access can be obtained to the fellowship of the sap and the growth and life of the stronger stem. Even so with Jesus and the sinner. Only when we are planted into the likeness of His death shall we also be in the likeness of his resurrection, partakers of the life and the power there are in Him. In the death of the Cross Christ was wounded, and in His opened wounds is a place prepared where we might be grafted in"~Andrew Murray

His willingness to be wounded allows me to be grafted. I am the "stranger branch" that He, The Living Vine, takes in and gives all that I need for life.

My life is planted in Him and through Him alone will I have the resources I need to live. If I am removed from my former plant(saved by grace from my sins) and just do nothing but stay there I die because I am not attached to the vine that gives life. But if that little branch is grafted into The True Vine then it has abundant life in that graft.

Christ longs for us to get this....believe in Him for salvation and abide in Him for life. He wants us to have that relationship where all that flows in Him is available to us if we just abide.

Wounded for me, He lovingly provides a safe place on the vine where I receive all that I need for life.

Thank you Sweet Savior!

FOCUS

Like countless others I made the resolution to get healthier in 2012. It isn't easy that for sure. My approach may differ from others but we hope for the same results...healthier bodies.

My approach is about making wise choice, practing self-control and
PRAYER, LOTS OF PRAYER!

I have several scriptures so far that God has place in my life that I am focusing on and a few sweet ladies who are praying for and encouraging me to keep at it cuz IT IS HARD!!! For too long, I have made bad choices and felt bound to those choices. I've said many times satan is really good at his job and he knows exactly which lie will work for me. But remember...............

MY GOD IS SO BIG!!!!!!!!

He is equipping for the task of getting healthy and I hope in 361 days I'll be writing to you about the rewards of my labor. God's faith fullness is unchanging I'm praying my faithfulness to Him will be also. I wanted to share the verses I have so far, in the hopes that it encourages you in your journey to the land of healthy.

Phil 4:13 I can do all things thru Christ who gives me strength

Rom 14:20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.

Gal 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free, stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery

2Pet 1:5a-6a ..make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; ant to
goodness,knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to
self-control, perseverance...

Prov 25:28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without
walls

I don't think for one second that the battle is conquered five WHOLE days into battle but I do believe with my WHOLE heart that God is equipping me for this battle and IN HIM ALONE i am more that a conqueror!!!

Have a wonderful day sweet friends..

My God is SO BIG!

I love this song. I've taught it to every class of kids I've ever had the privilege of teaching.........

"My God is SO big, so strong and so mighty. There's nothing my God can not do. My God is SO big so strong and so mighty. There's nothing my God can not do. The mountains are His, the valleys are His, the stars are His handy work too. My God is SO big so strong and so mighty. There's nothing my God can not do for you!"

I love the picture that it paints in my mind of how great and mighty the God I serve really is. All things were created by Him and in Him all things work! He is absolutely amazing.

In a previous post "Abiding Test" I shared with you how God's peace washed over me during a time of financial stress. We had an emergency room visit without insurance and that equals BIG money. Well, I am reading Abide In Christ by Andrew Murray and this was a test. Would I trust God to do what I could not do on my own? Would I trust Him to keep His word, and provide for my every need, including a hospital stay and all the expenses that brings.

At first, fear crept in (remember who gives fear? Here's a hint it starts with and "S" and rhythms with Clayton) but just a quickly God's word sprang to mind and heart.

Do NOT fear, I am with you....... Abide in me for without me you an do nothing....... My God shall supply all my needs......

Truths that God had revealed in the light shinning bright in the dark! My God is SO big!

Well, today I received our insurance cards in the mail and called to see when our insurance would begin. The very sweet lady said "Your benefits began DECEMBER 1ST!"

The ER visit would be covered we just have to submit the claim!

MY God is SO big!

He knew what I didn't know, He had already provided before there was even a need! He gave peace where fear tried to take root. MY GOD IS SO BIG

Faithful when I am fearful. Mighty when I am weak. Loving when I am scared. Patient when I am doubtful.

MY GOD IS SO BIG!