As moms we often feel like what we are doing- wiping bottoms, wiping noses, and making lunches- is not very significant. I know I have those days. But what we are really doing is nurturing eternal souls. Now that IS important! Here is part one of a two part series from Focus On The Family with guest speaker Dee Brestin. Her message will encourage you and make you laugh. I hope you find time to take a listen!
http://listen.family.org/daily/A000001778.cfm
a daughter of the King,
Jena
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Are you...angry?
I wanted to let you all in on a little secret. I have struggled with anger. And since I have become a mom that anger has sometimes been unleashed on my children. Sometimes it's been unleashed on my husband. Sometimes on my own self. Does this sound familiar to any of you? Maybe you struggle with controlling your anger? Or is your anger controlling you?
Here is a link to a broadcast Family Life Today aired earlier this month. It is called Battling Our Monster Desires. It is part one of a two part series in uprooting anger. It may help explain where your anger is coming from and how you can be victorious in the battle. I encourage you to take the time to listen during your kids naptime, after everyone is tucked in for the night or even on your ipod/mp3 player. This is one you don't want to miss!
http://www.familylife.com/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=dnJHKLNnFoG&b=3577143&content_id={5593F3ED-2925-4FFC-82D4-8F7C10060D09}¬oc=1
Remember these words as you surrender the issues that bring you to the boiling point and know that we live to serve a God who is overflowing with tender mercies and loving compassion!
Everyone needs compassion love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness the kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations
Saviour he can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
So take me as You find me all my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow everything I believe in
Now I surrender
Mighty To Save by Hillsong
a daughter of the King,
Jena
Friday, January 9, 2009
New Years Resolutions
I have a list of resolutions written by a mom I want to share. She is an author that writes for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I read this last year and saw such wisdom in her words.
Real Resolutions for Moms
By Karen Ehman
“… But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13b-14 (ESV)
It’s that time when many of us are making New Year’s resolutions, so how about some resolutions for mothers? Here are mine:
I will put my Bible before the television, the radio, the telephone, and even before good Christian books, for my children will know my priorities by the way they see me spend my free time.
I will make my prayer requests known before God and my children, enlisting their help in the process and informing them of the outcome, for by letting them help when I petition our Lord will they learn of a living God who still answers prayer.
When times of crisis, conflict or confusion arise, I will hit my knees before I hit the phone knowing that by my example my children will discover that although friends are important, God alone is the one who holds the solution to life’s every problem.
I will erase the words “luck” and “lucky” from my vocabulary and will instead by my speech point my children toward the One who orchestrates every detail of our lives and brings all good things to pass, for by this my children will learn of an omniscient God.
When bad things happen, I’ll neither grumble nor complain, but will instead help my children see that in the scope of our lives even the bad times are allowed for a reason, for by this my children will learn quiet trust in their Maker.
When normal childhood mishaps occur, I will remember that although difficult, it is still easier to remove grape juice from off-white carpet than to erase harsh and unloving words hurled at a child whose chubby little fingers have failed her, for by this my children will see a God who understands when our best efforts fall short.
When my children have witnessed something ugly in me - unkind words, an angry temper, “harmless” gossip, biting sarcasm or even my infamous “mommy pout” when things don’t go my way - I will confess it as sin before them seeking their forgiveness, for by this my children will develop the much needed habit of wiping their spiritual slate clean before God and man.
I will teach my children the importance of cleanliness and order while at the same time remain sensitive to the fact that a skinned knee or hurt feeling is more crucial than a spotless floor or uncluttered counter, for by this my children will learn to value people above things.
I will make time for the lonely, the sick, the elderly, the difficult to love, and will bring my children along, for with each afternoon visit, each ride to the doctor, each raked lawn or washed window they will have opportunity to serve Jesus by serving the “least of these.”
I will make our home a haven of rest and retreat from the outside world and a welcomed place for my children’s friends, for with each impromptu backyard soccer game, each video viewed on a rainy day, each cup of hot cocoa or chocolate chip cookie, my children will have opportunity to practice the art of Christian hospitality thereby learning to share all God has given them.
I will by my actions and my speech let my children see a mom love their dad, for by this will my children sense family stability at a time when marriages all around them are crumbling.
I will not require of my children obedience, honesty, patience or kindness without first being willing to submit to the same rules whether in speed limit, in miscounted change from the grocery store or when answering a toddler for the fourteenth time, for by this my children will see a mother who is also learning and not a perfect parent to whom they’ll never measure up.
In all things will I remember that more is caught than is taught.
There are little eyes upon you, mom. You are the first Bible your children will ever read.
Dear Lord, may my goals this year spring from a right relationship with You and may carrying them out point others heavenward. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Real Resolutions for Moms
By Karen Ehman
“… But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13b-14 (ESV)
It’s that time when many of us are making New Year’s resolutions, so how about some resolutions for mothers? Here are mine:
I will put my Bible before the television, the radio, the telephone, and even before good Christian books, for my children will know my priorities by the way they see me spend my free time.
I will make my prayer requests known before God and my children, enlisting their help in the process and informing them of the outcome, for by letting them help when I petition our Lord will they learn of a living God who still answers prayer.
When times of crisis, conflict or confusion arise, I will hit my knees before I hit the phone knowing that by my example my children will discover that although friends are important, God alone is the one who holds the solution to life’s every problem.
I will erase the words “luck” and “lucky” from my vocabulary and will instead by my speech point my children toward the One who orchestrates every detail of our lives and brings all good things to pass, for by this my children will learn of an omniscient God.
When bad things happen, I’ll neither grumble nor complain, but will instead help my children see that in the scope of our lives even the bad times are allowed for a reason, for by this my children will learn quiet trust in their Maker.
When normal childhood mishaps occur, I will remember that although difficult, it is still easier to remove grape juice from off-white carpet than to erase harsh and unloving words hurled at a child whose chubby little fingers have failed her, for by this my children will see a God who understands when our best efforts fall short.
When my children have witnessed something ugly in me - unkind words, an angry temper, “harmless” gossip, biting sarcasm or even my infamous “mommy pout” when things don’t go my way - I will confess it as sin before them seeking their forgiveness, for by this my children will develop the much needed habit of wiping their spiritual slate clean before God and man.
I will teach my children the importance of cleanliness and order while at the same time remain sensitive to the fact that a skinned knee or hurt feeling is more crucial than a spotless floor or uncluttered counter, for by this my children will learn to value people above things.
I will make time for the lonely, the sick, the elderly, the difficult to love, and will bring my children along, for with each afternoon visit, each ride to the doctor, each raked lawn or washed window they will have opportunity to serve Jesus by serving the “least of these.”
I will make our home a haven of rest and retreat from the outside world and a welcomed place for my children’s friends, for with each impromptu backyard soccer game, each video viewed on a rainy day, each cup of hot cocoa or chocolate chip cookie, my children will have opportunity to practice the art of Christian hospitality thereby learning to share all God has given them.
I will by my actions and my speech let my children see a mom love their dad, for by this will my children sense family stability at a time when marriages all around them are crumbling.
I will not require of my children obedience, honesty, patience or kindness without first being willing to submit to the same rules whether in speed limit, in miscounted change from the grocery store or when answering a toddler for the fourteenth time, for by this my children will see a mother who is also learning and not a perfect parent to whom they’ll never measure up.
In all things will I remember that more is caught than is taught.
There are little eyes upon you, mom. You are the first Bible your children will ever read.
Dear Lord, may my goals this year spring from a right relationship with You and may carrying them out point others heavenward. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Friday, December 26, 2008
A Belated Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas Ladies! I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday celebrating Jesus' birth with friends and family. If you are continuing to celebrate today or into the weekend I pray it is a very special time for you and one where you find true rest and peace. Isn't it wonderful that we have already learned from our study where that comes from? I pray we can share that with others who aren't so sure.
I'm sure I am not alone when I say that it has been a crazy year for our family. With the snow and ice we have had several family members cancel their trips to see us and had to re-arrange most of our Christmas plans. Usually by this time in the season we are way "Christmased out" and our children have opened way too many gifts. In fact they don't even seem to enjoy it anymore. My Christmas cards are typically arriving at the homes of our far away family and friends and my house is a disaster from dumping off the gifts of one family gathering before we head off to the next. And we have usually been blessed by several church services filled with carols and sermons reminding us about the true meaning of Christmas.
But this year the snow has changed all of that. And actually in some surprising ways. It has allowed us more breathing room between celebrations. Our children have enjoyed opening their gifts and time with family members who are usually the last on our route into the New Year. We were able to spend a few days baking and wrapping gifts as a family instead of the usual last minute, late night mad dash. And although I didn't order my Christmas cards until December 24th, I am reminded that even Christ's entrance into the world wasn't perfectly ordered and neatly arranged. He came in the chaos. He was born in a lowly stable next to cows and sheep. He slept his first night in a feeding trough for the animals. And yet it was all in God's plan. It was done that way for a reason.
So I can cope with the craziness. I can forgive the inconveniences of the snow and ice. I can adjust to the quiet I usually beg for. And I will still get those cards out...someday. It may not be all how I wanted and planned, but amidst the disappointments and unfamiliarity I trust in the purpose and plan of God. A God who knew to send his Son in a way that was not untouchable for even "the least of these." A God who knew that if the circumstances were perfect and the entrance more grand we might never feel like we could connect our lives to His. A God who knew that in times of uncertainty and craziness is where we'll find Him with gifts of peace and rest.
Thank you God... Happy Birthday Jesus!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
A little encouragement
I wanted to post this and allow you to print it up (simply copy and paste onto a word or publisher type document). I thought it was very encouraging and is a great reminder to have by your kitchen sink or bathroom mirror for those times when discouraging and damaging thoughts come into our minds.
Phillipians 4:8
Think about these things…
True... That which is in accordance with reality as God sees it
Noble... That which is dignified, upright, and untarnished
Right... That which is according to what is just, good or proper
Pure... That which is spotless and untainted; without any impurity
Lovely... That which is delightful and beloved
Admirable... That which has a good reputation and is admirable
Excellent... That which is superior, above the norm, and virtuous
Praiseworthy... That which qualifies for commendation and would elicit applause
True... That which is in accordance with reality as God sees it
Noble... That which is dignified, upright, and untarnished
Right... That which is according to what is just, good or proper
Pure... That which is spotless and untainted; without any impurity
Lovely... That which is delightful and beloved
Admirable... That which has a good reputation and is admirable
Excellent... That which is superior, above the norm, and virtuous
Praiseworthy... That which qualifies for commendation and would elicit applause
Monday, December 15, 2008
Tuesday Bible Study 12-16
Well Ladies, the hard decision has been made to cancel tomorrow's bible study due to road conditions. I know that the main roads are fairly clear, but many side streets are not which makes it hard for some of us to get to the main roads. There are also those who can't make it in due to school closures or late starts and how that affects having kids home from school.
So I am sad to say that this will be it for the year. We will resume in January with chapter 5.
I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and New year! I pray that the Lord will bless you richly as you gather with family and friends this Christmas season and remember that the real reason we celebrate is because of Christ's birth. He was born to earth to save us and redeem us and that is the only gift we really need!
a daughter of the King,
Jena
So I am sad to say that this will be it for the year. We will resume in January with chapter 5.
I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and New year! I pray that the Lord will bless you richly as you gather with family and friends this Christmas season and remember that the real reason we celebrate is because of Christ's birth. He was born to earth to save us and redeem us and that is the only gift we really need!
a daughter of the King,
Jena
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
...But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
This week we talked about having the fear of the Lord in our lives. We talked about how in our culture today it is not considered a compliment to be called "God-fearing." Proverbs 31:30 says, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Do we fear the Lord the way we are commanded to? Have we become casual in our approach to worship and respect of who God really is?
We found out that there are essentially two types of fear that we are to have when it comes to the God of the universe. There is the fear that means to tremble, terror, fearful of, even- to be in dread. This fear is mostly for those who do not know God as "Father" and are living a life apart from Him and will, if they ultimately reject him, spend eternity apart from him. But as Christians we too are to have a "healthy fear" of God, knowing that he has the power to judge, condemn and punish sin. There will be a time when we will have to give account for what we have thought, said and done here on earth. Even the things done in secret. (Ecc. 12:13,14 and Hebrews 4:13)
The other category of fear has more to do with reverence and respect, worship and honor. We read in Isaiah 40:12-26 an awe inspiring account of who God is as Creator and the power and might he has displayed in his creation. We learned that fearing the Lord is the foundation for salvation because it is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). It motivates us to do what pleases him and obey the commands he set out for us as protection. And not that we aren't covered by grace but that we desire to please the Lord in all that we do. Just as a child desires to please his/her earthly father and mother.
I hope each of you were challenged to take that personally into your own life and do just what Philippians 2:12 says..." to continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling."
Remember to memorize Jeremiah 6:16 as well as a verse of your choosing. We will be saying these to our neighbors at our next bible study. You can do it!
a daughter of the King,
Jena
We found out that there are essentially two types of fear that we are to have when it comes to the God of the universe. There is the fear that means to tremble, terror, fearful of, even- to be in dread. This fear is mostly for those who do not know God as "Father" and are living a life apart from Him and will, if they ultimately reject him, spend eternity apart from him. But as Christians we too are to have a "healthy fear" of God, knowing that he has the power to judge, condemn and punish sin. There will be a time when we will have to give account for what we have thought, said and done here on earth. Even the things done in secret. (Ecc. 12:13,14 and Hebrews 4:13)
The other category of fear has more to do with reverence and respect, worship and honor. We read in Isaiah 40:12-26 an awe inspiring account of who God is as Creator and the power and might he has displayed in his creation. We learned that fearing the Lord is the foundation for salvation because it is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). It motivates us to do what pleases him and obey the commands he set out for us as protection. And not that we aren't covered by grace but that we desire to please the Lord in all that we do. Just as a child desires to please his/her earthly father and mother.
I hope each of you were challenged to take that personally into your own life and do just what Philippians 2:12 says..." to continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling."
Remember to memorize Jeremiah 6:16 as well as a verse of your choosing. We will be saying these to our neighbors at our next bible study. You can do it!
a daughter of the King,
Jena
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)