It's not long before the lies start creeping in....those "non-truth" lies that start infiltrating our lives and before we know it we're down a slippery path of destruction. We're not sure how it started or happened except that we are now in a position where we enjoy the pity party and sulk in our negative thinking. In our heart of hearts we know this to be destructive...but we have been deceived into thinking it's ok.
We need a good kick in the rear end by the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the situation we are in and I am currently finding myself in the "rear end kicking" spot. What lie are we believing in our lives that is tearing us down? The Word of God says to cast down every negative imagination - and bring your thoughts into the obedience of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 10:5 KJV. But here's the issues, we have to CHOOSE to believe the truth of what God says about us through His Word. When my children are dealing with others their age and hearing hurtful things, I remind them...are you believing the Truth or the lie? What does God say about you, son? As a daughter of the King of Kings, He's asking me the same thing. What have I chosen to believe? The enemy waits around to pounce on our weaknesses and by choosing to only believe the Truth, we know that he is defeated.
We must change our thinking before we can change our behavior. So, I ask you this...what are you choosing to allow your thoughts to pursue? Are you believe the Truth of God's Word and what HE says about you or are you believing the lies? For the Word says, "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worth of praise." Philipians 4:8
So, make a decision today to not let your mind and thoughts go to the lies, but CHOOSE to believe the TRUTH about what Christ and His Word says! It will change your life...you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Airplane wind
I recently went on a vacation all by myself to visit my best friend in California. A once a year event, you can only imagine the anticipation and excitement I felt! I boarded the plane and of course they sat me right over the wings. No beautiful scenery, just wing. As we were taking off I was looking out my window seeing the different parts that move at just the right time to keep us safe and get that extremely heavy piece of metal into the air. And at one moment I saw what looked to me like wind. Be it the g-force rate at which we were going, I'm not sure, but it's almost as if I got a glimpse of what air looks like. I felt this excitement inside that I might have "seen" the air. Not sure if that was accurate or not, but never the less it was how I felt. It was at that moment that I thought of the timeless analogy of "we can't see the air but we know it's there...same with Jesus". We might not see Him but we know He and the Holy Spirit are there.
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, we will one day see Jesus face to face. But until then we know that He is always with us, even if we don't see Him....but we feel His presence in our lives and believe He's with us. But, just like on that airplane every once in awhile we get to "see the wind" and experience a moment of Jesus that doesn't always happen in the day to day. And it's in that moment that we realize that even though we mostly just feel the wind we know He's there and we're awaiting another airplane moment when we might glimpse Him in a new way....in a view we've never seen before....perhaps it might be face to face.
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, we will one day see Jesus face to face. But until then we know that He is always with us, even if we don't see Him....but we feel His presence in our lives and believe He's with us. But, just like on that airplane every once in awhile we get to "see the wind" and experience a moment of Jesus that doesn't always happen in the day to day. And it's in that moment that we realize that even though we mostly just feel the wind we know He's there and we're awaiting another airplane moment when we might glimpse Him in a new way....in a view we've never seen before....perhaps it might be face to face.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A Father Moment...
My 4 year old son was drowning at the pool this past weekend. To this day the image still haunts my mind as I see my little man gasping for air and struggling to come to the surface. While holding on to my younger 2 year old son, I turned for one moment and my 4 year old slipped from the step he had been standing on, to the deep end that caused him to fight for life. Since I was trying to keep my 2 year old above water I screamed out my husband's name & in a split second he was there, pulling Benjamin out of the water. Funny how the life guard was just sitting calmly along with another grown man right in the hot tub. Come on people, my son was drowning!!
As I've been haunted by this image for days now and I realize how the Lord protects our little ones and watches over them completely & I'm SO thankful. I sometimes feel like I'm drowning in the responsibilities and things of this life. I can't get above water & I'm grasping for air. In our drowning the Lord is desiring for us to yell for Him to save us. For others might be sitting around and watching us because ultimately the Lord is the only one who can be our Savior. The Lord desires for us to call on His name in HELP! I realized that Benjamin's Daddy came to the rescue and grabbed him from a moment of panic. I yelled my husband's name & he was there, without hesitation. That's what the Lord wants to be for us. We might be drowning in this life, but the Lord is ready to grab us from the waters that at times can overtake us. It's ONLY the Heavenly Father that can save & rescue us. He wants to help us in every situation of life.
For I yelled out my husband's name to save my son while I was unable...and Benjamin's father saved him. For those of us who call out on the name of Jesus and "scream" for his help, He will save us.
Romans 10:13
"For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
As I've been haunted by this image for days now and I realize how the Lord protects our little ones and watches over them completely & I'm SO thankful. I sometimes feel like I'm drowning in the responsibilities and things of this life. I can't get above water & I'm grasping for air. In our drowning the Lord is desiring for us to yell for Him to save us. For others might be sitting around and watching us because ultimately the Lord is the only one who can be our Savior. The Lord desires for us to call on His name in HELP! I realized that Benjamin's Daddy came to the rescue and grabbed him from a moment of panic. I yelled my husband's name & he was there, without hesitation. That's what the Lord wants to be for us. We might be drowning in this life, but the Lord is ready to grab us from the waters that at times can overtake us. It's ONLY the Heavenly Father that can save & rescue us. He wants to help us in every situation of life.
For I yelled out my husband's name to save my son while I was unable...and Benjamin's father saved him. For those of us who call out on the name of Jesus and "scream" for his help, He will save us.
Romans 10:13
"For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Happy Mother's Day...
The end is in sight...and I can't believe it. My oldest son is almost a first grader. Where did his first school year go as it was flying by! I listen to him tell me all the things he's learning at school and where I've gone wrong in my own opinions about things (hmm...who's the adult here?). I listen as he quotes me long scripture verses he's had to learn and wonder..when's the last time I memorized a verse. I've watched him make new friends & praise God at the love he has for his new buddies. I've marveled at his mind and what a sponge it is as he's learning more than I ever thought possible at this age....And pride indwells within.
I think of my children all the time, but Mother's Day is approaching this weekend and I think even more about them and the honor I feel in being their Mama. I marvel as it seems like just yesterday that I started this journey with having my precious children - training & teaching them. But what even touches me deeper is the fact of how much they've taught ME. As mom's we know that when you have children life no longer becomes about you - for you lay your life aside for the love of a little heart. But in that laying aside of myself I find that an immense part of me grows - so self dies and eternal value flourishes. And all through my little loves....
So, I watch as my children grow and change & marvel at the Lord's faithfulness in my life. Being eternally grateful that I'm a Mama, for I was loved by one who put self aside for me and now it's my turn to be a model of her undying love for me.
Happy Mother's Day to all you Mamas out there!
I think of my children all the time, but Mother's Day is approaching this weekend and I think even more about them and the honor I feel in being their Mama. I marvel as it seems like just yesterday that I started this journey with having my precious children - training & teaching them. But what even touches me deeper is the fact of how much they've taught ME. As mom's we know that when you have children life no longer becomes about you - for you lay your life aside for the love of a little heart. But in that laying aside of myself I find that an immense part of me grows - so self dies and eternal value flourishes. And all through my little loves....
So, I watch as my children grow and change & marvel at the Lord's faithfulness in my life. Being eternally grateful that I'm a Mama, for I was loved by one who put self aside for me and now it's my turn to be a model of her undying love for me.
Happy Mother's Day to all you Mamas out there!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Self-control
Have you ever realized how much of your life is about "self"? So many things we do and motives we have are really indulged in how it will affect us. I recently have been extremely convicted about this in my life, realizing so many areas and my lack of self control.
Galatians 5: 22-23
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
As believers we don't often view a lack of self-control as sin....at least I didn't view it much that way until recently. For my frequent readers you know that I struggle with weight issues, have all my life. In the past few months I've really desired a break through in this area and a victory over a battle that has been mine for so long. What I realized though is that all my life I wanted to lose weight to look better on the outside and yes, yes...ultimately be healthy & take care of this body God had given me, but pridefully I wanted to look good! I think as the human race we can all relate. It wasn't until a rash broke out on my body after having strep throat & taking awhile to go away that the Lord started to work in me through this, or I should say I started to listen to what God wanted to teach me in this area. You see, it's not about the outward appearance but the eternal motives that God wanted to work on, but all I could get focused on was losing weight to look good and I was failing every time.
So, here I was...a fun rash all over and still not losing weight and I went into a period of anguish and questioning. Why would God allow a double whammy into an area that He knows is already difficult for me? But then my sweet Lord revealed Himself in a way I hadn't seen before. He spoke to my heart allowing me to realize that it wasn't about will power, or losing weight, or being healthy, or ultimately trying to do everything in my own strength...it was about addressing the sin in my life of my lack of self-control. Do I have self control even in indulging in 2 or 3 helpings of what I might consider healthy/good food? Does everything I put into my mouth bring glory to Him? Do I have self-control in every area of my life? Does everything I do bring glory to Him?
Self-control is a by product of having the Holy Spirit dwell inside me and that comes only by accepting Christ into my life and surrendering it to Him. We can not do anything other than through the power of the Holy Spirit. Oh, we might attempt it and "think" we've succeeded but we haven't because self is glorified or we eventually fail. Realizing the fact that I don't go into eating and exercise to look good but to address the sin in my life in not having self control and the fact that I desire to surrender every part of my heart and life to Him, not just my selected sins.
Taking up my cross daily....it's a daily & sometimes moment by moment journey for me. For truly this heart of mine desires Him and Him alone...I am nothing-He is everything and all I desire is more of Him. Self-control....putting aside self to glorify Him.
Galatians 5: 22-23
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
As believers we don't often view a lack of self-control as sin....at least I didn't view it much that way until recently. For my frequent readers you know that I struggle with weight issues, have all my life. In the past few months I've really desired a break through in this area and a victory over a battle that has been mine for so long. What I realized though is that all my life I wanted to lose weight to look better on the outside and yes, yes...ultimately be healthy & take care of this body God had given me, but pridefully I wanted to look good! I think as the human race we can all relate. It wasn't until a rash broke out on my body after having strep throat & taking awhile to go away that the Lord started to work in me through this, or I should say I started to listen to what God wanted to teach me in this area. You see, it's not about the outward appearance but the eternal motives that God wanted to work on, but all I could get focused on was losing weight to look good and I was failing every time.
So, here I was...a fun rash all over and still not losing weight and I went into a period of anguish and questioning. Why would God allow a double whammy into an area that He knows is already difficult for me? But then my sweet Lord revealed Himself in a way I hadn't seen before. He spoke to my heart allowing me to realize that it wasn't about will power, or losing weight, or being healthy, or ultimately trying to do everything in my own strength...it was about addressing the sin in my life of my lack of self-control. Do I have self control even in indulging in 2 or 3 helpings of what I might consider healthy/good food? Does everything I put into my mouth bring glory to Him? Do I have self-control in every area of my life? Does everything I do bring glory to Him?
Self-control is a by product of having the Holy Spirit dwell inside me and that comes only by accepting Christ into my life and surrendering it to Him. We can not do anything other than through the power of the Holy Spirit. Oh, we might attempt it and "think" we've succeeded but we haven't because self is glorified or we eventually fail. Realizing the fact that I don't go into eating and exercise to look good but to address the sin in my life in not having self control and the fact that I desire to surrender every part of my heart and life to Him, not just my selected sins.
Taking up my cross daily....it's a daily & sometimes moment by moment journey for me. For truly this heart of mine desires Him and Him alone...I am nothing-He is everything and all I desire is more of Him. Self-control....putting aside self to glorify Him.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The ugliness of being sick....
It never ceases to amaze me the feelings that accompany my heart when my children are sick. Worry, stress, anxiety, frustration, love, sadness. How can so many different feelings come all together as a package deal?
I hate when my kids are sick. Mostly, I feel so badly for them as they are completely lethargic and hurting. But, selfishly I am bummed for me too, for my plans for that time period are pretty much erased and we do nothing but stay home. I like being home, but I'm also a "get out & about" person. Then...all the feelings begin & what I find is that this is the life of a mother.
As moms we have to be flexible for things change for us in a flash. Kids get sick and you can't meet that friend you've been planning to meet for a month now. You can't attend church functions or Bible Studies because you don't want to expose the other kids or your own kid to more germs for that matter. You can't go do fun things over the weekend with the rest of your family because your child is still running a fever. Then you can't really do things around the house because all they want to do is be held, although this is not necessarily a bad thing & what I like to call one of the perks of your kids being sick. But, life just changes for a moment....
We as humans can have such a controlling nature and I find it interesting that just a momentary change like that can really reveal a true nature in me. I want things to go according to my plan...according to my agenda...according to what I WANT TO DO! I find that I also try to mold God into my same "plans & agenda". "Here God, this is what we should do. This is how I want my life to go." And I'm sure God is just up there chuckling and thinking...."Do you really think you have control over anything really? Didn't you surrender your life to me?" Ahh...yes, I sure did.
I did surrender my life completely to Him. Deep down, I don't want control...I want Him to direct my days. Although the sickness in our home has not been fun, maybe God wanted us to slow down, re-evaluate some previous decisions I had made & how "busy" I like to be, and just sit and hold my son. He does have the best for us and desires that I take up my cross daily and follow Him...putting aside all that is ME and trusting His plan.
For maybe the Lord just wanted to hold me for a couple days, resting in His arms...releasing yet again my human control.
I hate when my kids are sick. Mostly, I feel so badly for them as they are completely lethargic and hurting. But, selfishly I am bummed for me too, for my plans for that time period are pretty much erased and we do nothing but stay home. I like being home, but I'm also a "get out & about" person. Then...all the feelings begin & what I find is that this is the life of a mother.
As moms we have to be flexible for things change for us in a flash. Kids get sick and you can't meet that friend you've been planning to meet for a month now. You can't attend church functions or Bible Studies because you don't want to expose the other kids or your own kid to more germs for that matter. You can't go do fun things over the weekend with the rest of your family because your child is still running a fever. Then you can't really do things around the house because all they want to do is be held, although this is not necessarily a bad thing & what I like to call one of the perks of your kids being sick. But, life just changes for a moment....
We as humans can have such a controlling nature and I find it interesting that just a momentary change like that can really reveal a true nature in me. I want things to go according to my plan...according to my agenda...according to what I WANT TO DO! I find that I also try to mold God into my same "plans & agenda". "Here God, this is what we should do. This is how I want my life to go." And I'm sure God is just up there chuckling and thinking...."Do you really think you have control over anything really? Didn't you surrender your life to me?" Ahh...yes, I sure did.
I did surrender my life completely to Him. Deep down, I don't want control...I want Him to direct my days. Although the sickness in our home has not been fun, maybe God wanted us to slow down, re-evaluate some previous decisions I had made & how "busy" I like to be, and just sit and hold my son. He does have the best for us and desires that I take up my cross daily and follow Him...putting aside all that is ME and trusting His plan.
For maybe the Lord just wanted to hold me for a couple days, resting in His arms...releasing yet again my human control.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A spiritual detox.....
The new year brings in with it new year's resolutions and aspirations to change in many areas of my life. Most years I don't really make any resolutions because I don't seem to be much of a goal oriented person and sometimes I just lose steam.
But, it wouldn't be a new year for me without at least one goal....losing weight. The clinging chain of fat that seems to be a stronghold for me....one in which I'm determined with the Lord's help to conquer and break down. So, this past week I did a food detox. For five days I consumed only fruits and vegetables and let me tell you...I was miserable. It affected every part of me..my attitude, mood, parenting, and ultimately outlook on everything. And as torturing as it was for me, I was proud of the discipline I maintained in communicating to this addiction to food that it has no power over me.
One particular day I was having a hard time and getting angry at what I had committed to. My husband asked me, "Have you talked with the Lord about it today?" I promptly said - "no." I needed Him and I neglected to include Him in this process...thus the reason it was probably more difficult for me. In fact...I neglected my time with Him almost all week.
I physically felt really badly all week. Tired, headache, emotional, almost ill....it was hard on my physical body. As I was sitting in church today, I had thoughts about this food detox in relation to my time with the Lord. For while I felt awful physically for lack of food, even more devastating to my life was how I had also been torturing my spiritual life and relationship with the Lord from my lack of time with Him and in the Word....my spiritual food. If I felt terrible from lack of physical food, how much more is my life affected when I don't give it spiritual food.
The most important feeding I can receive is the Word of God...so now I re-visit my spiritual discipline and make sure my time with the Lord never goes through any detox.
But, it wouldn't be a new year for me without at least one goal....losing weight. The clinging chain of fat that seems to be a stronghold for me....one in which I'm determined with the Lord's help to conquer and break down. So, this past week I did a food detox. For five days I consumed only fruits and vegetables and let me tell you...I was miserable. It affected every part of me..my attitude, mood, parenting, and ultimately outlook on everything. And as torturing as it was for me, I was proud of the discipline I maintained in communicating to this addiction to food that it has no power over me.
One particular day I was having a hard time and getting angry at what I had committed to. My husband asked me, "Have you talked with the Lord about it today?" I promptly said - "no." I needed Him and I neglected to include Him in this process...thus the reason it was probably more difficult for me. In fact...I neglected my time with Him almost all week.
I physically felt really badly all week. Tired, headache, emotional, almost ill....it was hard on my physical body. As I was sitting in church today, I had thoughts about this food detox in relation to my time with the Lord. For while I felt awful physically for lack of food, even more devastating to my life was how I had also been torturing my spiritual life and relationship with the Lord from my lack of time with Him and in the Word....my spiritual food. If I felt terrible from lack of physical food, how much more is my life affected when I don't give it spiritual food.
The most important feeding I can receive is the Word of God...so now I re-visit my spiritual discipline and make sure my time with the Lord never goes through any detox.
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