Family...the Joy of my Heart

     What is it that brings you joy? What lifts your spirit and energizes you? For me, family does that...especially spending time away from the day to day routine with my family all around me. I recently had the opportunity to spend time in a wonderful, colorful, city in the south where my son and his wife live. My younger son came to join us from college and, of course, we had our teenage daughter with us. It was a fabulous, fun weekend even though we did nothing too extraordinary.
     A crucial part of our "family fun" recipe is...playing board games. We all love a little bit of friendly competition and have such fun laughing, talking, and strategizing around the table as we play. Of course, every now and then "someone" (me) gets a little irritated at "someone else" (my hubby) for taking the game a little too seriously. But it's always fun to kiss and make up at the end!
     We also enjoy sharing meals together, whether at a favorite, familiar restaurant, or a newly discovered one. Again, this is another opportunity to converse and catch up with one another now that we have grown kids who are not living at home. It's time away from television, computers, IPods and phones where we can look one another in the eye and really talk.
     Doing something active outside is another thing we, as a family, like to do. This weekend, as is often the case, it was playing tennis and going on moped rides. Yes, that hereditary competitive drive kicks in a bit during our tennis games, too, but, we have fun  anyway! Don't they say, "The family that plays together stays together?" We'll, I believe that's true! There's nothing like riding on the back of a moped with your son as he flies over bumps and dips maneuvering through heavy traffic while you "hang on for dear life" to bring you close.
     It doesn't take a lot of money to enjoy some family fun and to reconnect with each other...and it is so important to parents and kids alike.
     I am so proud of my children for all they have accomplished so far in their young lives, but, the thing that makes me the proudest is that they are doing their best to walk with God and to give him glory for their accomplishments. They know to whom they owe their lives and their
salvation...JesusChrist himself.
     Of course, my children have a long way to go as they grow into  maturity and gain experience in this life and they will certainly stumble many times along the way. But we have raised them to know and love Christ and to stay close to his people, the church. We have done our best and have placed them in His worthy hands to do the rest. We will always pray for our children, of course, and will love and support them the best that we know how. But Jesus Christ will finish His work in them in His time.
     Right now, I'm just thankful for little things, like weekends away with them playing tennis and board games and laughing our heads off at each other and moped  rides over bumpy roads...

The Master Gardener

My mother is a passionate gardener. She has lovingly tended her flowers and plants for more than 50 years. It is one of the joys of her life. During that time she has won many ribbons and awards for her lovely plants at various fairs and competitions. She has also been a faithful member of the local garden club for much of her life. If  you were to ask her to what she attributes her glorious bounty of blooming buds each and every year, she would probably say: good soil, lots of attention, and a great climate... as these are definitely essential elements of a successful garden.

 I believe we as Christian parents, can learn a lot from these basic gardening principles as we think about how to raise children who will love and honor God when they reach adulthood.

What do I mean by that? Well, I see our job as parents as being very similar to that of a gardener. We have these little sprouts that God has given us to take care of, to nurture, and to protect for a while. We are sort of like his junior gardeners. There are certain things we must do if we are to end up with beautiful, flowering, healthy plants. First, we must:

Prepare the soil

 If our children are to have the proper nutrients they need to blossom and grow then we need to plant in fertile, nourishing soil. How can we best accomplish this? We can:

 Take our children to church.

Not just any church, but a Bible-believing, gospel-preaching, people-loving church, where they can hear the Word of God, learn godly principles and surround themselves with others who love Jesus. They will learn to love the church and it's people and will most likely continue that legacy with their own children. We can also:

 Make sure our home is a loving and supportive place where our children know that they are special to God and that he has a plan for their lives.

 Is prayer and Bible reading a regular part of life in your home? Do you use spiritual principles to navigate life's unexpected and difficult moments? When your children come to you with issues and problems do you go with them to God's Word for the answers? Do you live out your faith in an upright and honest way in front of them? Children will do what you do ...not necessarily what you say. We can:

Surround ourselves with Christian friends who have the same values and desires for their own children.

Who are the people that you like to "hang out" with? Are they people who share and respect your spiritual values and goals? Having a larger network of Christian friends is so important for children. Invite families over that have children the same age as yours and help them to nurture those friendships. A support system of godly friends will serve to enrich the soil in which your children are growing. Another thing we can do is to:

Place our children in an educational environment that supports and upholds a Christian worldview.

Have you considered the environment...or soil...in which your children spend most of their time? That would be their educational environment, where they spend hours upon hours soaking up the  philosophies presented in the curriculum and the worldview and values of those who have a huge influence over them...their teachers and peers. This educational choice shouldn't be taken lightly but should be prayerfully and earnestly considered. Today we, as parents, do have choices in this matter. Whether your children attend a traditional school, a Christian school or are home schooled, they should be in a place where their Christian values are supported and encouraged. Next, we must:

Water, fertilize and weed

 What else is needed to grow a beautiful garden that will bring glory to God? Water, fertilizer...and frequent weeding. We can water our children with words of love and encouragement and with time on our knees praying for them. We can fertilize with calm, loving discipline and consistent training. And we can weed by rooting out bad attitudes and behaviors as they crop up, before they become habits. And lastly, we should:

 Sit back, relax and enjoy our garden

 There's no need to fret over giving just the right amount of water or applying a bit too much fertilizer. We all mess up! We are not perfect. But you see, God, the master gardener is the one ultimately in charge of how our garden turns out. He is the one who sends just the right amount of sunshine to warm our garden. He is the one who provides just the right amount of rain to water it. And he is the one who sends the storms and wind to blow against the fragile stems to strengthen them for what lies ahead.

There has to be a certain amount of faith and trust on our part, as there are things in this life that are out of our control. Fortunately...everything is in His control! We will all fail, time and time again, but the master gardener knows our hearts. He sees our faithfulness to him. He will reward parents whose hearts are turned toward Him, for he loves our garden even more than we do.

If we are faithful, someday we will look out of our window and see a garden in full bloom, having reached it's full potential, spreading it's beautiful blossoms before the world. And all the glory will go to...

The Master Gardener!

This Old House...God's Special Gift

Every house where love abides

And friendship is a guest,

Is surely home, and home sweet home,

For there the heart can rest.

Henry Van Dyke

Recently, during a conversation with my daughter, she reminded me that we had lived in our current home for 13 years, nearly all of her life. We moved into this house when she was just a baby and our two boys were 5 and 11 years old. That started me thinking about what a great house it had been for us and how God is such a genius at orchestrating our lives for our own growth and spiritual development and, ultimately, for His glorification.

You see, over the years, this house ( built in 1983), has at times been a source of aggravation for us. As it is an older home, there are quite a few things that have gone wrong and needed repair. And, we have periodically fallen into a state of discontent, wanting to move to a pristine, new home with a manicured lawn in a neatly organized, lovely neighborhood.

However, the truth is, God led us to the perfect house for us at that time in our lives. I remember talking to my Dad, a realtor, when we were thinking about purchasing this home. He said, " If you want a home that will be a great place to raise your children, then this is a great home." He was right.

Our house is safe, sturdy and warm. It has protected us against the wind, rain, and even hurricanes! As we have traveled to other places around the world and have seen people in countries like Guatemala who have so little, we have developed an appreciation for how wealthy we really are here in America. While on the trip we watched a woman weep as our team built a 10x10 metal shed-type home for she and her children. It was life-changing for her...it meant shelter and safety and ultimately, hope. Our home is a mansion in the eyes of many people in depressed areas around the world. We are grateful.

Growing Into my Spiritual Shoes...Roadblocks to Spiritual Maturity

It has taken me many years to really grow into my spiritual shoes...to begin to be transformed into the woman I was meant to be in Christ. Over the years, my life, like the lives of many Christian women today, has been filled with distractions and pitfalls that have caused me to veer off the path of spiritual maturity and centeredness. Therefore, although I was saved at a young age, I spent much of my life as an ineffective and somewhat unfocused Christian. I was distracted, as many women are, by selfish pursuits and a worldly mindset.

My Story

 

I was nearly in my 40's before I began to settle into and fully embrace my purpose and mission as a woman. There were several events and circumstances that God used to bring my life into focus and to prepare me for the road ahead. One important event was our church's group study of Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life.  His book helped me to understand how my gifts tied into his purpose for my life and gave me a new appreciation for how important those gifts were to the body of Christ. It kind of gave me a jump start...a renewed enthusiasm for service and ministry.

In addition to that book study, I really began to dig into the Word in a new way and to re-engage in women's Bible study groups at our church...eventually fulfilling a desire and burden God had laid on my heart to teach younger women. Through those Bible studies, God opened my eyes to many of his biblical truths in new and exciting ways.

Another very impactful event in my life at that time was the death of my sweet father, who had been a faithful Christian servant for all of his life and a loving and involved presence in our home. I was very close to my father, in fact, he was the most spiritually influential person in my life. During the last ten years of my father's life, before he passed away of lymphoma, he was truly on fire for the Lord and passionate about spreading the gospel everywhere he went. He even traveled to Columbia on a mission trip at 70 years of age, handing out Bibles on the streets of Bogota. When he passed away I almost literally felt the passing of the baton of faith to me. I actually took my first mission trip to the Apache Indians in Arizona the very next year and have taken several mission trips since then. My father's passing impressed upon my heart the urgency of living a purpose-filled life and accomplishing the work he has for us to do during our brief time on earth.

Beware of Distractions

 

So how does the world, or Satan, sidetrack us from effectively ministering and impacting the world for Christ? Well, for one thing, he keeps us focused on ourselves. We want to be liked, admired and accepted by our friends, family and acquaintances. That means we must strive to achieve the world's standard of beauty and worth so that we will be attractive, interesting and loved. This takes lots of time, effort and money and certainly can take our focus off of serving others and growing in relationship with Him.

In addition to focusing on ourselves and trying to fit in, we are distracted as women by striving to prove that we are valuable...that we can do everything a man can do...that we can " bring home the bacon, fry it up in the pan, and never let you forget you're a man!" I don't know about you, but, at this point in my life I am perfectly happy and content to be fulfilling my honorable and high calling as my husband's helper, supporter and encourager. In fact I count it a privilege and it gives me great joy, as well. I no longer feel like I have to dig my heels in and demand my rights. As a matter of fact, the message of the Bible is all about yielding our rights!

Another way that Satan distract us and derails our spiritual growth is by sowing discontent in our hearts and making us want more and more "stuff". Many women are constantly striving to "keep up with the Joneses"...often forgetting that we will not be able to take anything with us when we go. ( to heaven, that is ) If God has blessed you financially...wonderful! Don't keep it to yourself...use it to further his kingdom. And learn to be content with and grateful for what you have.

And lastly, Satan distracts us from our mission by keeping us so busy that we neglect our time in the Word and in prayer. We cannot live a victorious and effective Christian life apart from Him.

Some Practical Tips

 

Don't waste years of your life focusing on yourself or on trying to "be somebody" in the eyes of the world. You already are somebody...a precious and unique woman of God...and he has a job for you to do.

Get back into the Word of God...daily. There you will find help with prioritizing, finding balance, living in peace, accepting and extending forgiveness, and discovering your purpose as a woman of God.

Begin to be others-minded...look outward and open your spiritual eyes and ears to the needs around you. God wants to use you and to bless you as you selflessly meet the needs of those he will put in your path.

Stop worrying about being taken advantage of...try yeilding your rights and see what God will do in your life and in the lives of those around you.

Forgive those who have let you down or hurt you. Don't wait for them to ask for forgiveness...it may never happen. Love them anyway, as God loves you. It is freeing to let go of  grudges, bitterness and malice and to let the Lord deal with those who have hurt or disappointed you...in his own time!

Here are some wonderful books that have helped me to understand God's plan for womankind and his unique purpose and plan for me:

The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
Finding Your Purpose as a Mom by Donna Otto
Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss



How to Have Inner Peace in a Stressful World

Peace...a mind at peace...a heart at peace...a life at peace. Isn't that what we all want? Perhaps you know someone who walks around with a smile on their face and a spring in their step. Even during difficult times in their lives, they rarely seem depressed, worried or angry. There's something about them that says, "I'm at peace and all is right with the world." It may be a friend, a relative or an acquaintance of yours who just seems to have it all together. How does one achieve that inner peace that is so elusive in this fast-paced, competitive, materialistic world in which we live?

                                                   What is the answer?

I believe the answer lies in truly knowing who God is and in realizing who we are in relation to him as believers in Jesus Christ. Most of us tend to live such a defeated existence, not understanding the power and hope we have in Jesus Christ. Another key element is living with a heavenly mindset...embracing the truth and glory of our eternity with God. We have an earthly and temporal mindset as we go about our lives day to day...trying to get by on our own resources and thinking that the outcome is all on our shoulders. The humanistic idea of ourselves being in control of our destiny begins to creep in. We forget that we should be living in light of eternity...what matters is only what will matter then...when we face God himself and he asks us what we did for his kingdom with the time we had on earth.

                                  What does the Bible say about peace?

The Bible has much to say on the idea of peace. In John 16, Jesus is painting a picture for his disciples of his impending death.He wants them to be prepared for all that they will face once he is gone. They seem to finally embrace and understand who he is when they say in verse 30, "This makes us believe that you came from God!". Jesus then tells them in verse 33, " I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  Do you understand, fellow believer, that he has overcome the world?! This world...the one in which we struggle, stress and worry. And...in the end...he wins! We win!

There is a passage in Romans, as well, that speaks to the hope, grace and glory that we have in Jesus Christ. It also addresses another important point about how the trials that we go through in this life are God's way of refining us, growing us up spiritually, sanctifying us...making us into who he wants us to be. The passage is Romans 5:1-5:

Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Are you Making Excuses for Spiritual Stagnation and Apathy?

We humans are masters of excuse. We have an excuse for everything from why we don't exercise to why we lose our temper or why we can't stop smoking. Sometimes we are vocal about our excuses and other times we just rationalize them in our own heads. We often blame others for our faults and issues.

One thing we often make excuses about is why we are not actively participating in God's plan for our lives and for the redemption of the earth. In other words, why we have no desire to grow spiritually or to participate in sharing God's message of salvation to the world.

Let me give you some examples here about what I am talking about:  Maybe you are so focused on making ends meet and assuring the comfort of your own family unit that you haven't in any way considered how you can help spread God's message of hope to your wider community or around the world. Perhaps you are a member of a church but have not really fully engaged in it's ministries by using your gifts within the body of Christ. You are not willing to sacrifice any time, money or your own convenience to do so. How about spending time in the Word of God, the Bible? Is it still sitting on a shelf in your home collecting dust? Have you gotten serious about learning what God has to say about life and his purposes for you? Do you have a desire to grow spiritually?

So many of us waste years of our life on vain and fruitless pursuits that have no eternal value. We are content to stay right where we are spiritually...content to remain as babes in Christ and to never go any deeper. We never take that extra step to engage in God's mission by teaching, serving, leading, studying. We prefer to just show up in church as much as possible and to soak up what we can to improve our lives during that hour on Sunday morning.

Christians Stand Up and Get Off the Fence!

What is it about Christians today that makes us throw our values out the window in order to: go along with the crowd, preserve a friendship, have a chance at fame, make a lot of money, or be popular.

I believe Christians need to take a hard look at who and what they are supporting. We are supposed to look different from the world! No, this won't make you the most popular person in your circle or on the Internet or at work but, it will mean you are living in light of eternity and striving to please the Lord, Jesus Christ and to honor him with your life. 

Are you supporting and praising someone who is double-minded? Someone who is compromising their beliefs for the sake of popularity, attention or glory? Friendship is a blessing, but, it cannot be more important than godliness.

Sometimes we may need to call people out if they are claiming to love Jesus but are disparaging his name in a very public way. 

Some may say that: losing a friend, feeling like an outsider, being excluded from things, being called "holier than thou" or whatever the current insulting term may be, are forms of persecution and are too difficult to handle. I say, "You call that persecution!?"

Think of all of those from days gone by who were jailed, tortured, beheaded and burned at the stake for believing in Christ and preaching the gospel! And not only in days gone by....today, there are hundreds of missionaries and believers around the world who are putting their very lives on the line to possess a Bible or teach the Word of God. That is persecution!

We are soft Christians in America today. We think we are persecuted because we aren't invited to happy hour with the rest of our coworkers or because someone curses at us for having a Christian bumper sticker on our car. If someone is professing to be a Christian and promoting sensual, crude or profane behavior, language or attitudes...call him out on it! We need to hold each other accountable. If you lose them as a friend, at least you will have been obedient to God in defending his name and reputation. 

"Facebook" is a prime example of this. There is a lot of ungodly behavior, dress and attitudes that show up on this site among Christians. There can be a sort of "look the other way" mentality. Let's not be afraid, ashamed or too apathetic to stand up for what 's right!

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."  Ephesians 4:23-24

Also see all of  Ephesians Chapter 5!

"...As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24-15

You know...those Israelites sure seemed to be quite hard-headed at times, didn't they? As they wandered through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses, and then took possession of the "promised land" under Joshua, they couldn't get it through their heads that they were to worship only the one true God. Time and time again they were enticed by the practices of the pagan people groups that surrounded them and would find themselves once again worshipping idols.

This led to disaster for them over and over as God removed his hand of blessing from them. Had they  forgotten the miraculous way God had delivered them from Egypt, parted the Red Sea, provided daily manna and delivered them from their enemies?

Shortly before Joshua died, he proclaimed to the people, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord". He asked them to do the same- to recommit themselves to the Lord God and to turn away from idols for good.

As I read this account and reflected on the history and journey of the Israelites, I began to think about the idols in my own life and how I, too, have turned to them time and time again for fulfillment and temporal happiness rather than turn to the one true God. No, I don't bow and worship a golden calf or a statue of Baal...but, when I look to something other than God to fill up my soul, give my life meaning, bring me peace, or complete me, I am worshipping an idol.

What are some common idols in today's world that have many women in bondage?  Well, the list might include: our spouse, our kids, food, our career, exercise and health, movies and T.V., the "eyes" ( Ipod, Iphone, Ipad ), shopping, perfecting our image or physical appearance or even a volunteer position that we may have. These things are not bad in themselves, however, if they are what you turn to when sad, depressed, frustrated, feeling lonely, etc., that can be a clue that a particular thing is an idol to you. If you are looking to something on this list for your fulfillment, it is an idol. Another clue is when all of your time, energy or money is expended on a particular thing with nothing left for the things of the Lord.

The Bible says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength" God wants our total devotion, dependance and allegience. We are to worship him and only him with our entire being.

I believe that putting away a particular idol in our lives, especially a strong one, requires a daily recommitment and prayer for strength, asking God to break the bonds that this idol has over us.

Just as the Israelites should have remembered all that God had done for them, let's remember what the Lord has done for us. He created us and this beautiful world in which we live, he sustains us to live and breathe another day, he forgives our sins and rains blessings down on us; out of his great love, he sent his Son to die for us. He is mighty and worthy to be praised!

The Joy of...God's Creation!

I've just come home from a beautiful day at the beach with my kids...the first beach day of summer! The beauty of God's creation never ceases to amaze me; whether it be the gentle swells of the ocean rolling onto the sun bleached sand, the mesmerizing sight of a full moon, the cascading power of a mountain waterfall or even the beauty of a backyard garden filled with colorful birds and butterflies. God made this vast and varied earth for us to explore and enjoy as we reflect on his amazing handiwork and give him glory.

If one truly looks with a discerning eye at the complexity and splendor of the world around us, there is no denying the existence of a creator God. In fact, the Bible refers to this innate and undeniable understanding of one greater than ourselves in Romans 2:20. It says: " For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." In other words, no one can see the awesome beauty of God's creation and not know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that there is a God and that he designed this amazing and intricate universe. And in Psalm 19:1 it says: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands". Even creation itself trumpets God's omnipotence and glory.

I have had some of my most reflective and meaningful times with the Lord when outdoors enjoying his creation in any number of  beautiful, peaceful settings. There have been times when something as simple as a walk around my neighborhood under a clear, unclouded, deep blue sky has given rise to tears of gratitude in my eyes. I often praise him for his creation and the ability to enjoy it.

What do I mean by "the ability to enjoy it"? Well, there are many who are so hard at work, either by choice or by necessity, that they do not have even a moment to pause and enjoy the beauty around them. There are many who live in crowded, treeless, big cities where "getting close to nature" takes enormous effort. And, there are those who are physically unable to venture outside or travel too far away to see some of the glorious sights in this great land. Those of us who can, are truly blessed.

Take time to go outside this week and look around you. Take a walk. Go for a bike ride. Work in the garden. How about a trip to the beach, the springs, the lake, or...your own backyard? Try to really see the artistic genius of our God. Meet with him...praise him...thank him.

The Narrow Road...Are You On It?

In the beginning, before the foundations of the earth, God created you and I for this journey called life. His desire was that we would walk side by side with him in fellowship and love. However, he created us with a free will and therefore, we do not all choose to walk the path of life with him.

The fact is...there are only two paths to follow in this life. The path of faith and trust in God and the path of self, apart from God. The Bible calls them the wide and the narrow paths.

Jesus says in Matthew 7: 13-14;

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."




What is so different about these two paths and why is our choice so important? Well, let's first look at the broad path. This path is the one that most choose to follow. It is the easy path because..."everyone is doing it". You will have much company on this path and will not feel different or ostracized in any way. You will fit right in with the world. The people on this path would follow the old adage, "I'm O.K.. You're O.K." The wide path is a very comfortable path.

Living a Balanced Life Part 2

Here is a short personal survey to help you determine if you are living a balanced life:

• Are you spending an excessive amount of time, money and energy on your outward appearance? This would include thinking about, talking about, worrying about, and shopping for...clothing, weight loss products or diets, cosmetic surgeries, gym memberships, etc. Is this really how you want to spend your limited time on this earth? Of course, I believe that we need to be healthy and strong in order to have energy to serve God and that we need to be neat and clean in appearance. I am talking about spending excessive time and money on our appearance. And constantly ruminating over it, as well.
• Are you saying "yes" to nearly everything asked of you? This can lead to frustration, stress, ineffectiveness, and always feeling scattered and behind schedule. Begin to filter these requests through the strainer of God's purpose and plan for this season of your life. Pray about things first. Understand that if God leads you to say "no" to something, then he has someone else to do that task who will get a great blessing from doing it. And, yes, there are other people who can do it as well as you can, maybe just in a different way.
• Are you taking seriously your responsibility as a wife and mother? Your husband should be the #1 priority in your life behind Jesus Christ. Then would come your children. Is there any time left for them in your busy day? And I mean time to touch them, hug them, and listen to their hearts. Do you allow time and set the atmosphere for your children to express their concerns, fears and struggles with you...to share their successes and discoveries? Do you make time to show your appreciation and love to your husband?
• Do you make it a priority to joyfully serve others? When was the last time you helped someone who could not repay you? We shouldn't be so wrapped up in ourselves that we never look outward to see the needs around us. No you can't meet every need...but if you keep your eyes open, God will lead you to someone who needs your special touch or attention. Jesus Christ talked so much about (and modeled for us) humble servanthood for a reason! We are to follow his lead.

Living a Life of Balance...Is it Possible?

On any given morning, busy moms everywhere can be found packing lunches, making breakfast, signing homework, driving the carpool and then heading off to the gym, the grocery store or the workplace. After that, it's home to plan dinner, wash clothes, clean the house and pay the bills. Our lives are packed with activities and we are sometimes on the move all day long. We don't have time to stop and think...never mind having the time to read the Word or pray. We are pulled in so many directions and are often overcommited. We feel we have to be everything to everyone...supermoms, so to speak. It seems there just aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on our to do lists.

Is it really possible for a busy Mom in today's world to live a balanced life?

I believe it is possible to live a peaceful, ordered, fulfilling life even in today's fast-paced and demanding world.

The first step in finding balance in our lives is to understand and embrace the idea that our purpose in life as Christians is to glorify God with our lives. Period. We do this by serving others, using our gifts and talents for him and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. This should be what our lives are about. It is, after all, why we're here.

 In order to live a balanced life we may need to change our priorities so that they more closely reflect God's purposes for us.

As I see it, there are 6 components to a balanced life. They are as follows:

  

 Spiritual growth and training

By spiritual growth and training, I mean spending personal time with the Lord in prayer and Bible study. This should be the most important part of our day. We cannot navigate this life without it. In addition to personal time with him, we also need to be a part of a local body of believers where we can grow, worship, serve and study his Word.

Serving others

If we are to follow the example of Jesus, then our lives must be about sacrificially serving others. Our lives cannot just be all about us. We must open our eyes to the needs around us and then be willing to act. Ask the Lord to put people in your path to whom you can minister ...he will certainly do it. Look around at your circle of influence...your workplace, your neighborhood, your church...you will invariably see many people with needs that you are uniquely equipped to meet.

Working at a job or occupation

(for moms this may entail caring for your children)

Unfortunately, work is a part of life. It's something we have to do in order to put bread on the table. Of course, we can also find joy and blessing in our work. As moms, our work is often in the home, raising our children and providing structure and order. Being a mom is truly a high and holy privilege and calling.

Physical activity

One component of a balanced life is some form of physical activity. We have to stay active in order to stay healthy. The problem is...many people take this to the extreme and become obsessed with exercise or with the appearance of their physical bodies. How much time are you spending at the gym or in training? Does it interfere with family time? Do you spend as much time on ministry or personal Bible study? Are you willing to spend that much time and energy serving others?

Using our gifts and talents to further God's kingdom

As a Christian, you have been blessed with one or more spiritual gifts, as well as, unique talents that you are to use within the church and in the world to glorify God. Don't let these God-given talents go to waste. Use them for the purpose they were intended...to help the body of Christ ( the church) function as it should, to encourage other believers and to draw people to Christ.

Rest

I need to be careful here because if we are to share the gospel to every tongue, tribe and nation...then we have a lot of work to do! We also don't want to become lazy. But our bodies do need a time of rest and refreshing so that we can begin each day and each season of life with a renewed energy to live for him and do his work.


As we take a look at our lives, we need to begin to sift out those activities that have nothing to do with God's plan and purpose for us. We need to be intentional and discriminating as to how we spend our limited time and energy.

The Bible clearly says we are not to "lay up treasures on earth where moth and rust corrupt...", but instead we are to "lay up treasures in heaven". Unfortunately, much of what we have spent our time, money and energy on will one day be blown away like the wind...burned up like hay...useless. Only things done for the kingdom of God have eternal value. What are you doing that will last?

We are to be about the business of reflecting God's love to the world...sharing the gospel...passing on the baton of faith to the next generation.

Living a balanced life with God at the center is both a blessing and a joy. And it is a goal that, with God's help, is attainable by all.

10 Life-Defining Lessons for my Daughter

    1. Understand the importance of spiritual beauty over physical beauty. Reject the world's commercial, self-centered standard of beauty. It is a lie.

    

          "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord

 is to be praised."      

Proverbs 31:30

    

     2.  Begin now to foster an intimate relationship with Jesus. Learn to love His Word. Spend time in prayer. There is nothing you can not take to him. He is truly "a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

2 Timothy 3:16-17

    3.   Find your fulfillment and validation in Jesus Christ alone. Don't look to others opinions of you for your self-esteem or worthiness.

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints , to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." 

Ephesians 3:18-19

   4.  Be bold for Christ. Invite non-churched friends to youth group. When they ask why you always  have a smile or why you seem different, tell them it's because of Jesus living in you. Tell people about Jesus whenever you have the opportunity.

"If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."
 Luke 9:26

   5.  Be helpful, kind, and compassionate to others. Help people less fortunate than yourself. Always show people respect, especially senior citizens.

" Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
 Colossians 3:12-14

   6.  Appreciate all the things you have. See them as blessings from God. Reject the materialism of the world and do not covet what others have...whether it be their homes, clothing or the latest technology.

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you' "
Hebrews 13:5

   7. Love God's church. Attend. Serve. Participate. Invite others.

 " Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the day approaching."
Hebrews 10:25

   8. Make big decisions based on God's plan and purpose for your life. Seek his will and the counsel of godly Christians in your life when necessary. Let him lead. ( college, future spouse, job, etc )    There is no better place to be than the center of God's will.

" For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and

not to harm you,

   plans to give you a hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

    9. Surround yourself with godly, Christian friends. Be a true, honest and faithful friend and an example of doing what is right.

" A friend loves at all times"
Proverbs 17:17

  10. When faced with a difficult situation, always choose obedience over temporal happiness or self- satisfaction. We show our love and devotion for God through obedience. Make the hard choice. Take the narrow road. Be obedient.

"We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says "I know him" but does not do what he commands is a liar and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him."
1 John 2:3-5

The Joy of...Serving Others!

When was the last time you did something for someone who could in no way repay your service or return the favor? Someone helpless or disadvantaged in some way? Look around you. There are hurting, lonely people everywhere...many who cannot help themselves.

Unfortunately, our motivation for helping others is often impure. We help because we want to be thought of as generous and service-minded. We want  people to think of us as extraordinary Christians. We want  to hear our name mentioned from the pulpit or see it printed in the paper. Or.. we just serve with the understanding that whoever we help will repay the favor at some point.

The world is all about volunteerism these days...from high school students working for service hours in order to graduate , to Oprah's "Angel Network" which millions of people bought into when her show was on the air. It's cool to volunteer...for the right cause, that is! But again, what is the motivation behind the volunteerism? And, is it being done in the name of Jesus Christ?

When Christians volunteer, it should be with the goal of sharing not only the love of Christ, but the gospel of Christ with those whom they serve. Otherwise, it is futile.

Do you realize that there is a small army of humble and tireless volunteers in our churches who serve quietly and without fanfare carrying out the mission of Jesus in the world? Look around...check out the "We need people to..." section in your bulletin...hang out at the church for a few hours during the week...talk to some of the senior citizens in your church. These volunteers are sometimes hard to find...intentionally so...as they do not want accolades or recognition. But, they are there. They are raking and weeding in the church yard, stuffing bulletins in the office, driving the elderly to appointments, visiting the sick in the hospital and delivering flowers to the many nursing home residents and home-bound people on the church rolls.

My daughter and I recently had the privilege of riding along with an amazing, energetic (we could hardly keep up with her) and godly woman who volunteers at our church. Her name is Bobbi. I had recently discovered that Bobbi was involved in delivering flowers to home bound and sick people in our congregation and felt led to help out with this ministry. When I found out that Bobbi was one of the volunteers who did this, I was thrilled. I have long admired her from afar as a godly, joyful and faithful servant of God and a prayer warrior. I wanted the opportunity to "shadow" and learn from her. In addition, I had felt a real leading from God to get more involved in ministry with my daughter. I wanted her to develop a heart for helping others who can't help themselves.

The Untimely Death of a Child:

The Journey from Unfathomable Grief to God's Peace

This morning as I listened to a dear friend recount the story of the tragic and sudden loss of her 16 year old son, I found myself wondering just how a person is able to walk through such grief and come out whole on the other side. My friend had lost her son, the oldest of four children, a little over two years ago when he suddenly collapsed while exercising with his dad at the local gym. It was later determined that he had a heart condition of which they were unaware. His death was totally unexpected, sudden, and life-altering for this dear family. In addition to the loss of her son, my friend had just lost her mother, a faithful and godly woman with whom she had an extremely close relationship... only 4 months before.

Many people, having experienced such unexplainable and devastating loss would have certainly turned away from God...asking questions like, "God,why did you do this to us?" or "What have I done to deserve such punishment?" It is so hard for us to understand what possible good could come from such a catastrophic loss. A young man's life was cut short...an older brother is gone forever...a son with great potential will never see it fulfilled.

My friend, however, did not turn away from God. She turned towards him! Make no mistake...she grieved deeply and passionately and will never be "over" her loss. But, my friend knew that only turning toward God would bring the healing, strength, and peace that she desperately needed. You see, my friend had been raised in a Christian home by a godly mama and had known the Lord for many years. She was well grounded in the faith and she had a strong Christian husband for support.

In the following months after her son's death, I watched my friend walk through her grief with strength, grace and faith. I saw her dig deeper into the Word, pray more, attend Bible study with a renewed vigor, and turn to Christian friends for comfort. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was her refuge and strength. She understood Isaiah 55:8-9, "For my ways are not your ways, neither are your thoughts my thoughts. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." She knew that although she may not be able to understand "why"this had happened...that God did have a purpose and a plan and her son's days on earth were ordained by the hand of God. She knew that God was, is and always will be, in control and on his throne.

What Matters Most?

The message of the Bible describes a way of life that is contrary to today's typical lifestyle. In fact, it is the antithesis of the way most people today live. As you read the Word of God and study the life of Jesus, several ideas stand out. These ideas include: humility, service, selflessness, generosity, inclusiveness, obedience, submissiveness, and unconditional love. In addition, we are called to pass on the torch of faith to the next generation and to share the gospel so that others may come into the kingdom of God.

If we are to truly live out these principles in our every day lives we must make some difficult choices and be willing to "swim upstream", so to speak, against the tide of popular culture. Our priorities and our focus will be much different than the world's. In fact, we may seem a little "odd" to them. If we are doing the Christian life right, however, people will end up being drawn to us for our love, humility, kindness, and peace in the face of adversity.

In order to live a life that is pleasing to God and effective in furthering his kingdom, we may have to reevaluate our priorities and ask ourselves...what matters most?

My physical appearance, clothing and image or... my heart and spiritual condition

Collecting and purchasing more and more stuff or... being content, thanking God for what I have and sharing it with others

Using my abilities in order to receive admiration and recognition or...serving quietly and humbly for an audience of one

Spending endless hours and energy on building and maintaining a career while my children are young or...positioning myself as the "heart of the home" investing in my family as I pass on the torch of faith. ( having a job of some kind does not necessarily exclude a woman from being the heart of her home)

Spending all of my free time on worldly entertainment, relaxation and hobbies or..."laying up treasures in heaven"; giving of my time and energy to serve someone in need or less fortunate than I and teaching my children to do the same.

Emphasizing only monetary success, educational achievement and prestige as I direct my older children toward their future or...raising children who will seek God's direction for their education and career, whatever it may be, and will love and honor God with their lives.

Maybe it's time we adjusted our lifestyle to reflect more Christ-honoring values and priorities. We all need to do a life check every once in a while to make sure we have not become the proverbial "frog in boiling water" and allowed the world to subtly influence our values and priorities without us even realizing it. It's something to think about.

     
               

10 Things Happy People Know

   1) Happiness and positivity are a CHOICE. God can give you the strength to make that choice.

 2) God KNEW what was going to happen in your life and he is in total control. He will use your particular trial or situation to:

Shape you.  Sanctify you. Grow you. Change you.

3) Heaven is a real place and as a believer in Jesus Christ it is my future home. Jesus has gone ahead to prepare a place for me there...and it will be GLORIOUS! Nothing can pluck me out of his hand.

4) Other people do not have the power to destroy my peace and joy unless I LET them. I can always choose to:

Let things go. Resist jumping to conclusions. Not assume a sinister ulterior motive. Give people the benefit of the doubt.

5) There is great joy in SERVING others. It always helps to get our eyes off of ourselves and to focus on other people and the needs around us. When we do this, we're much less likely to dwell on our own problems.

6) It is my responsibility as a believer to be SALT AND LIGHT in the world. I should be an example of inner peace and enduring joy in times of testing. Your response to trouble and hardship will be watched by the world.

7) EVERYTHING will eventually pass. If you can look ahead to a week...a month...a year, down the road, you will realize that things will eventually:

Change. Get better. Heal. Be forgotten.

8) It is much wiser to say "no" than to over commit. Having too many irons in the fire does NOT a happy person make. You cannot do it all...regardless of what worldly wisdom says. SEEK THE LORD and do only what he is leading you to do.

9) Living to please people or to be accepted by the world will NEVER bring contentment and true peace. Live only to please God. Get over having to:

Look like. Dress like. Perform like. Shop like. Mother like. Volunteer like...

everyone else.

10) Starting the day with prayer is ESSENTIAL. As is spending time in the Word of God daily!

A Life Well-Lived...A Tribute to my Father

Today is the 4th anniversary of my father's death of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was the the person I most admired and an invaluable example of Christ's love to me. I would like to share with you an article I wrote shortly after his death. I pray that it will inspire you and perhaps, in some way, strengthen your walk with the Lord.

A Life Well-Lived...A Tribute to my Father

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold” Proverbs 22:1

 My father’s funeral was not like anything I could have ever imagined. There were over 500 people in attendance, many of them standing in line for over an hour to give us a hug and words of condolence after the funeral. We stood there smiling and nodding as a lifetime of friends and family paraded by, reviving fond memories of our childhood. It felt surreal as my mother, brothers and I stood there receiving words of comfort and thanking people for coming. Could my Dad really be gone? Was that lifeless body in the casket really him? Or would Dad come bouncing up to us any moment with a cup of coffee in his hand wondering what all the fuss was about? In fact, we knew that since my Dad was a Christian, he was already in heaven sitting at the feet of Jesus, free from pain and full of joy! But still, we couldn’t help but grieve for the one we missed so deeply. So, we stood there in the receiving line, tears brimming in our eyes, as our friends, neighbors, Sunday school teachers and childhood playmates passed by, each one expressing what an impact Dad had made on their lives.

From the time that we found out  my Dad had non-Hodgkins lymphoma, my mind would sometimes drift to what this day might be like. But, I couldn’t think of it without crying.  The whole idea was heartbreaking .The fact was, my Dad and I were like “two peas in a pod”. We had similar views on so many issues, political, spiritual, and cultural. I also have a personality much like my Dad’s… easygoing with a positive attitude most of the time, but yet, opinionated when it came to something we were passionate about. We always seemed to be on the same side of any family discussion and had the same persistent way of arguing a point. Dad was my friend, my mentor, my spiritual advisor and my inspiration. I remember spending many hours during high school and college talking with him about life as we walked around a little lake in our neighborhood. I’ll never forget those special times.

Dad began his battle with cancer back in 1998. For ten years he went through radiation and chemotherapy, trying some of the latest cancer drugs and seeking treatment at several cutting edge cancer centers. He handled the cancer treatments incredibly well and continued to take his yearly hunting trips out west with his brothers where he would out-hike his younger siblings through the rugged mountains hunting for elk and big horn sheep. My Dad believed in hard work and he continued doing physical labor until the very end of his life, which came ten years after he was diagnosed. He was 80 years old when he finally lost his battle with cancer.


From the size of the crowd at the funeral you would think that my Dad was a man  of wealth, power and influence. The funny thing is…he was just the opposite. He left this world with a very modest amount of money from his real estate business and had never been in a position of political influence. So why did he have such an impact on so many people? It’s simple. Besides being the ultimate “people person”… my dad lived a life of service, love and compassion for others. Dad always lived as though people and relationships were more important than material things and tried to impart this bit of wisdom to us, as well. He would never hesitate to stop and help a “down and out” person who needed food or clothing. Or to help a widow who needed work done around her house. Of course, his ultimate goal would be to share the gospel message with them. For he knew that the answer to any problem could be found in Jesus Christ and that a relationship with Christ was every man’s greatest need.

The Biggest Danger Facing Christians Today

The biggest danger facing Christians in America today is not global warming; it's not chemical additives in our food; it's not even terrorism, as bad as that is. You see, as Christians, we know that when our physical life is over we will end up spending eternity in heaven with God himself. The grave does not mean defeat for us...in fact, it is the next phase of our eternal life in Christ. No... the biggest danger facing Christians today is a spiritual one...it's materialism.

For Christian families today, the lure of the world is great. It entices us with it's glittery, "feel-good" treasures that promise happiness, admiration and fulfillment. Why are we even tempted to go after these material trophies? Well, that's easy...we long to be accepted, admired and esteemed by the world. We want respect from our peers. We desire a lifestyle that is comfortable and exciting. We want to "keep up with the Joneses"! Basically, we believe in the world's definition of success...that is...having money, power and influence.


The problem is, once we jump on that roller coaster of acquiring things it's very hard to get off. We end up wanting more and more. Our possessions begin to take priority over everything else in life including people. That powerful position you've attained may distract you from God's true calling on your life. Pride may become a stumbling block in your relationship with the Lord and others. Those things you worked so hard to own, may end up owning you!


As Christians, we need to look to God's Word for our standard of success. If we look closely at what the Bible says ,we will see that it is polar opposite of the world's view.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 6:19-21

What does it mean to "store up our treasures in heaven", as mentioned in the verse above? Loving and serving others, giving our time, money and energy to further his kingdom, raising our children in the Lord and sharing the gospel with those at home and abroad fit into this category.

"People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

1 Timothy 6: 9-10

A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Adoration

Thank you Lord for moving me closer to you in my life over the years.

You have wanted me  to be in this place for so long but, you must have known I was not ready to be totally yielded to you. It took half a lifetime for me to give up trying to make my life and my family what I thought they should be. To give up my will, my desires, my plans... for your plans. You had to deal with, among other things, my pride, my selfishness and my desire for control.

I am so thankful for your peace...your contentedness...your joy...your hopefulness and your strength.

 I am thankful for faith, to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that everything is going to turn out O.K.

In the end...you win...evil is defeated...all are healed...relationships, too. Faith is a truly wonderful gift. It allows me to keep things in perspective here on this fallen earth and to deal with others with grace and mercy.

The little things we worry about won't mean a thing. We will be in the presence of God. What a great reunion day it will be when we join our beloved family members and brothers and sisters in Christ around the throne.

Thank you for teaching me that, when in doubt, I should err on the side of love.

Thank you for helping me to understand the importance of training my children in the Lord and for allowing me to grow a little in this area with each child. I have placed them in your hands and would not want them anywhere else, for you love them even more than I.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you with my gifts and talents.

Whatever little talent you have given me, I pray that you would use it...enhance it and bless it to your glory. May the ministries in which you have placed me be fruitful....bringing people into the kingdom and drawing believers closer to you.

I love you Lord with all my heart. I praise you for your wondrous works. I thank you for the ugly parts of my life that you used to teach me and refine me. I am truly overwhelmed by your goodness. May you urge me more towards holiness every day.