Ladies, Is It "Nice"?

"Is it nice?" This is a question I think we need to ask ourselves more on a regular basis. I'm talking about matters of the senses, yes the 5 senses. I happen to believe that we serve a God of beauty, creativity, and order. Being a woman, much of our 'role' has to do with the word 'nice' (not in the complacent casual sense but in the true meaning of the word - pleasant) when it comes to presentation of ourselves, our homes, and our skills for the health, happiness, and benefit of our families. So let's go over a few basics that we (including MYSELF) need to ask ourselves on a frequent basis. 1) Home - is it nice? Is it presentable? If your neighbor across the street shows up needing to borrow cinnamon (that's how it goes in our neighborhood and we like that), is the house a wreck and are you embarassed to let them in? What about JWs or Mormons who frequent homes at the most random times? Is the way our home looks a testimony to the God we serve? Or is our home messy unorganized as though we dont care about our God-given assignment of being a wife? Okay okay before you ladies give me glares and say 'but what about [...]', I'm not saying that our homes need to look perfect and every nook and cranny dusted, but what I am saying is, is your home presentable? Does it look like you care about the house (or apartment) you consider 'home'? It matters that our house is truly a home, a place of refuge and love for hard-working husbands and children in the home (or coming home from school). Our homes say a lot about who we are and where our priorities lie! And P.S. Just because you have children, doesnt mean your homes have to be forever messy. Infants dont make much of a mess and toddlers can learn (and emulate!) early on how to 'help mommy' be neat and tidy. 2) Appearance - is it nice? Now, I realize probably every single woman is going to have a slightly different definition of what she considers to be 'pretty' or 'stylish', but the main thing is - do we actually take the time to care about the way we present ourselves? It is not superficial to want to look tidy and pretty. It doesnt take gobs of money to care about our appearance. When the husband comes home or when visitors 'show up' randomly, is your hair at least combed and you have decent clothes on? A lot of people have the 'sweats [or yoga pants] and a T is good enough' mentality, but in all reality think about it - does it take any more effort to put something decent on? I can pay the same for a few casual but neat presentable clothes as I would for nighties and yoga pants and a t-shirt, it just takes a bit of thrift! How we look also says a lot about us - do we care about ourselves at all? Can we "love our neighbor as ourselves" very well if we dont even show that we take interest in our own bodies? In this category also falls the sensitive issue of weight. I'm not gonna sit here and say that weight can be dropped just like a stack of books. It is easier for some and harder for others, but the real question that only we can answer in our own minds is - am I 'letting myself go' or do I care about my health and appearance enough to make healthy selections, portion sizes, and nutrition on a regular basis? And as far as exercise goes, we dont all need to join an expensive gym. Sometimes just taking care of point #2 (Home) can help shed those extra pounds in addition to those of us chasing kids around! :) 2) Smell - does it smell nice? Yes, this can pertain first and foremost to ourselves and goes hand in hand with appearance. Personal hygiene is important. No, not all of us can afford (both time and money) the luxury of a shower or hot bath twice a day but we can still smell nice. There are stores that carry perfumes and shampoos for just a couple dollars if that and if we need to skip a shower one day, then there's corn starch that does wonders for hair and body odor! But really, it doesnt take more than 10 minutes to take care of the basics of hygiene. And without going into detail, theres many creative ways to keep the infants/young children content and safe whilst getting cleaned up. :) Also, smell when it comes to the home. Laundry AND dishes that pile up can really stink, so get to these things fairly quickly and research a few thrifty tips to make your home smell fresh and pleasant. 3) Sound - does it sound pleasant or is there too much noise? I wasnt even going to include this but I realize that this is a really important point! I'll start with the most obvious one I can think of - my voice! I once heard the quote: "A woman sets the tone for her home" and though it meant more than vocal tone, this quote has a good literal point as well! How do I talk during the day as a wife and mother? Is my tone and attitude harsh and irritable? Or do I talk sweetly and pleasantly, even in matters of disagreement or discipline? How do I talk with my husband both in front of the kids and away from the kids? Another thing about sound is background 'noise'. Am I playing loud music that is disturbing to myself and my family or is the background noise quiet and soothing? I find nothing wrong with blasting praise music that uses instruments (look up Psalm 150!), but I try to be sure its music that does indeed glorify God and I dont have it on all day long, just certain times during the day. And the same goes for the TV, is it on too loud? Is the TV/radio/iPod blasting when the hubby comes home from work? It's not very welcoming. Just a few things to think about! 4) Touch - I'll start with the best kind of touch: affection! Do we give healthy touches of love to our children and husband? Or are we stingy in this department? And when it comes to marital touch, lets not forget that our bodies are not our own but that when we said 'I do' we gave our bodies to each other to share and to love. Touch can also apply to how we feel and how our house feels. Do we take the time to put some lotion on? It truly can be soothing to our children, pleasant to our husbands, and yes soothing to ourselves too to know that we feel nice. And what about things like sheets and bedding and such? Is it fresh and soft? Let's put tenderness and gentleness into everything we do, from our attitudes to our laundry etc. 5) Food - is it nice? Now I realize food isnt just 1 sense but includes mulitiple senses. So a few things to ask is a) Is is healthy for my family b) is it frugal, yet special c) does it look appealing, is it a nice presentation and d) and the obvious one, does it taste good? These things do matter. There's a piece of wisdom my mom gave me concerning food, she remembers that growing up as a child in her parents house her mom always took the time to make food really special for the family. It looked good, smelled good, tasted good. You knew that food was one very special way she showed her love to her family and many many happy memories came from the dining room. I too would like to emulate this with my own family. I dont have to be Julia Child, but it doesnt take much beyond practice and a few good cookbooks (or just looking it up online for free) to find meals that are healthy and yummy and financially practical as well. Well, I think I've said enough and my toddler will be waking up very soon! I write this as an encouragement to all of you ladies - dont forget that your calling as a woman is a very special one! It is a pleasure and priviledge to be able to be hospitible to both family, friends, and the stranger by the way we take care in our appearance, the way we keep our homes, preparing food, etc. All of these are ways that we can bless our families and all who enter our lives. It's all part of our testimony to the beautiful, gracious, and loving LORD we serve.

Concerning Denominations...

I love Y'shua, I embrace Torah, and I'm thankful for the gifts of the Spirit and power. If that goes beyond someone's finite idea of a denomination, then oh well. I wont align my identity with a denomination. God didnt create division anyways. When it comes to denominations whether it's messianic or charismatic or others, I take the good and throw out the bad basically. I'm learning to do that with everything I learn though. I dont cut off a denomination because their theology is not exactly the same, in fact I dont identify myself any longer with any specific denomination either. This way I can be open to the voice of God within various denominations but I also can have discernment and non-bias when it comes to separating the good doctrine (and fruit!) from the bad. I think the problem when we align ourself so strictly with a denomination is that we tend to block out all the others and simply give them the blanket statement of 'your wrong!' which is dangerous because we ignore that God speaks to them too. We also risk becoming isolationists rather than working to bring His people (across denominations) to fuller knowledge of Himself and we risk being so close-minded that nothing is possible outside our denomination's 'borders'. But we must remember God put forth His Word and it is for all who desire to seek and know Him. Anyone who seeks God humbly can find Him, we musn't be like the Pharisees who make it even harder for people to know God and please Him because they have to fit 'our' mold or have the same 'revelation' we do at this time. We have to remember, it's not OUR Kingdom, we can't take ownership of it. It's HIS Kingdom.

Morning Prayer

“I am the LORD; that is my name!
I will not yield my glory to another
or my praise to idols.
See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you.” -Isaiah 42:8-9

Father, have we been so blind as to forget that You are God alone and that You rightly deserve all glory and praise? Have we forgotten Your goodness to us, Your many kindnesses and mercies? Have we forgotten the days where we've seen Your glory in powerful ways? No, I will not forget YHWH my God who has done many great things and who is worthy of all of me, all my love and devotion and obedience and adoraction. I will magnify my God yet again because my life doesn't matter except that I know my God and please Him. Let nothing come before the love I have for the One who has loved me with an everlasting love. Let no idol steal my affections. Let me place no evil before me. But let me live out my days simply doing my best to surrender to the great I AM. He is my everything that I could ever need or hope or desire. He is God my righteousness, my salvation, my deliverer, my healer, my teacher and guide, my comforter and restorer.

I know You're not done with me, I know there is more You have me to do, more You desire to show me, deeper I can go in knowing You. But don't let my days turn stagnant. But let me ever be growing in You in knowledge and character, in the fruits of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. But above all, just let me experience You and know Your presence every day. Even when my days are hectic, even when disappointments arise and life isnt perfect, I know You are my refuge and I will hide beneath the shadow of Your wings. Even if its just a moment, I want to run to YOU before I run to anything or anyone else. Because I look to You from where comes my help, YHWH, the Maker of heaven and earth. I know You are near and I will call on You often. And in the busyness of this life, I know You are there and you see it all, so whether I 'feel' anything or not, let my life be pleasing to You and let my life give You glory in the big things and in the little things. In the consistancies of life and the surprises and changes too.

It's time to start my day, but go before me and be my God in this day and in every day.

It must go back to this one truth...

No matter what we try to do or who we try to be, we in and of ourselves are not enough to 'make it' in the Christian life. I keep coming back to this one simple truth - it's He who completes us. It is HE who started the good work and it is HE who will continue and finish it. The other verse that keeps coming back to me is 'He will perfect all that concerns me'. It always goes back to him, the story always goes back to HIm because He is the creator of my being, the Initiator of this love relationship with mankind. No matter how much I try, I soon stumble and become dry. I keep forgetting that all nourishment and energy and power must come from the Source. It's like Y'shua said in John 15 I think it is, "I am the vine, you are the branches". I pretty much have to cling to Him for my everything in this life, from my daily bread, to carrying out His plan and purposes in my life, to living a righteous life. It has to flow from Him, from knowing Him and from coming to Him and calling on His name.

And not only do I need Him for my everything; I need Him to BE my everything! It's called a life surrendered and it's a daily moment by moment thing.

It's like someone in a hospital on life support, they are completely dependent upon it to live and function. From a medical standpoint, they will die without it. Am I this desperate to be connected to my Source? From a spiritual standpoint, my being fails within me and I dont realize it, but Im gasping for life anew. I think its why the Psalmist David says 'Do not take your Holy Spirit from me!'. It was a cry of desperation. I am crying out for the Living God. Because I know without His presence and power in my life, I am like a dead man and I am nothing. But it is in Him, I desire to live and to move and to have my being. It must go back to this one truth - Have Your way in me; I surrender my whole being to the Living God.

It's a simple, joyful Tuesday!

So it's a Tuesday morning, my little girl is sitting on my lap, and I have the windows open and worship playing on my laptop. I'm not sure what I want to say today except for: I'm content. I'm more content in this one week than I have been in a long time. I can see the LORD working in my life clearly and his blessings are so real to me. What has caused this change in me? I don't know but I'm sure the LORD had the biggest part in my transformation. This doesnt mean life is perfect or that I've suddenly become perfectly perfected. But I'm just loving my life again. I have a renewed hope and joy, and a renewed greater interest in the things of God. It's not that I wasnt interested previously, but that I had allowed negativity to fill my mind rather than good thoughts, but I find that I'm just so much happier when I think happy thoughts! No, I'm not saying positive thinking is everything because positive thinking alone doesn't make life different. But GOD makes all the difference and I have the greatest reason to be happy - because He gives me joy in so many ways!

Learn to embrace the ice!

All right, I won't keep you all wondering what on earth my title is all about, it's merely a very simple yet profound lesson I learned back in birthing class. The instructor had us hold ice in our hands for about 30 seconds to show us how to endure a contraction. She told us not to try to make the discomfort go away, but rather to embrace it as an okay thing that won't truly hurt us. I wish I'd remembered that one during actual labor! But even moreso, I am now realizing that this applies to life in a way.

When we are trusting in God, nothing that happens in life can truly harm us. But that doesn't mean life is a breeze. After all, we were never promised an easy life. But we were promised He'd be with us and we could ask the Father for our daily bread, everything we need to love Him and carrying out His purposes. So I've established that nothing can truly harm those in Christ Jesus.

So having this confidence, what do we do when life gets uncomfortable? When situations don't go our way, or when plans change, or when people disappoint us, or what about the little annoyances of the day? It's so easy to dread and fear things and get frustrated - to want to hurry up through this difficult season, difficult task, or even difficult persons!

This is something I struggle with almost daily, wanting to just hurry up and get done what I need to during the day, looking forward to a specific part of the day or part of the week. It's so easy for me to get frustrated when plans change. It's like I have this expectation that life should go the way I envision it in my mind. Already today, my toddler has erased my writing three times. This weekend I had a change of plans that was personally frustrating. It's easy to say to myself 'I have a right to feel frustrated and be angry'. Do I? Do I have a right to have an attitude when life doesn't go my way? Actually, I dont think I do and even if by chance I do, I dont have a right to dwell in my negative emotions. This isn't productive at all! So what DO I do then? Well, God gave me emotions but if they keep me from responding in a pure manner, then I need to change my thinking.

Mostly, I need to learn to go with the flow. I don't mean go with the flow when it comes to sin or anything. I mean to learn that life is going to throw curveballs, but that God has given me everything I need to deal with life as it comes. I have the Word of God which gives me wisdom for many circumstances. I have the Holy Spirit which produces the fruit of the spirit. I have the ability to enter in to prayer and worship. And I have the mind to choose which way to go, whether for sin or for righteousness.

How am I going to respond? With anger, dread, complaining, and selfishness? Or with compassion, determination, grace, and creativity? I can handle whatever comes my way because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and I know my Father provides my daily bread, everything I need for each day. So what have I to fear, nothing. I will embrace life, I won't push it away because I'm afraid to experience that which uncomfortable. How about you?

By the way, not every change that comes our way need be a difficult challenge to get all huffed about. You know the old saying 'when life throws lemons, make lemonade'? Well, sometimes life's 'lemons' aren't really that sour. It's our attitude that makes it sour. But really, we can make a lot of seemingly frustrating changes into something fun. It just takes a little creativity and a love of life. If the children are a bother, just take a break and enjoy them! They won't be little forever. If a friend calls with a problem while you're working on something, then take a break and minister love to that person! If you found out you gotta work harder or longer, do it to the best of your ability because you were the one picked for the job and you're good at it! I'm sure there are many examples I'm forgetting or that just don't apply to my personal experience, but you know what they are in your life. And what about the mundane things like cooking and cleaning and going to work and such? Why can't we have fun in these things too? It takes a bit of creavity to switch up the pace a little, but we were made with the ability to be creative because we have a creative God. Learn to look at life differently. After all, we have a faithful God. The sun comes up every morning and the sun sets every evening. Life really isn't all that bad when we know there is a God who is good and sovereign in everything. Embrace all of life, be faithful to God and to the tasks He's called you to, and dont forget to enjoy the blessings He gives you!

P.S. Speaking of putting this principle into practice, my words may not flow as well as they could, my toddler keeps interrupting. But that's life and I love it! :)

Trusting in the Nitty-Gritty of Life

It’s days like today that make me ponder just how deep my faith runs. When I say faith, I mean trust. My thoughts may be a little incoherent or out of order but please bear with me for a while. Let me first say, I love my little family. I have a great husband who helps me out to the best he knows how and I have an adorable baby girl who recently turned 1 year old. I love both dearly.

But as all of you who are parents know, parenting isn’t easy! I have to say that it’s been a long-haul with a lot of frustrations. From post-partum depression which made it difficult to bond with baby the first few months, to dealing with colic, to dealing with a 1 year old who weighs only 17 pounds, still wakes up throughout the night, and is a very picky eater/drinker – it leaves my days and nights tired. It seems like the tough phases never end.

Now on the flip side of all this, I have been learning in my Christian walk that we can have victory over our sins and over our negative feelings. God picked me to be the parent of my little flower, not somebody else. God picked me to be who I am where I am doing what He wants me to be doing. So I should be living my life victorious and not letting parenting challenges and frustrations beat me right? I’ll answer that myself – RIGHT! I totally believe this, but when it comes down to the nitty gritty of every day, I don’t always live this trust out. I keep hearing phrases come out of my mouth like “I can’t do this another day” or “I don’t enjoy parenting right now” and while feelings can be legit they don’t always represent truth. God believes that I CAN do this another day and He will show me how to not only endure but enjoy the calling He has given me as a mom. Somehow I know I’ll get through these phases, even if they do come one right after the other in rapid succession. And somehow He will show me how to live victoriously each day, even on the really tough days. That’s what it means to be His – not to live under my circumstances but to push through them in confident victory knowing that I am more than able to do everything He has called me to do by the strength give to me by Him.

I hope seeing me lay out my raw struggles and thoughts can help others who are frustrated with their current life situations. We really need to learn to see how even the challenges are just a result of the blessing and calling He has for us. I feel so blessed to have given birth to a healthy beautiful child and I know one day I’m going to see this little baby turn into a lovely woman of God. How awesome that will be! But for now, I need to take it each day at a time trusting God through all of it – moment by moment!

Father, I thank You that You have given me the beautiful gift of a precious little life that is mine to nurture and train and raise in Your ways. I thank You that You have given me this calling and I know that You will give me the strength, energy, and creativity I need each day. I trust You! Father, who is in Heaven, blessed be Your name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth and in my life as You will it. Give me each day my daily bread and lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and power and glory forever and ever, Amein.

IF clauses, don't forget them!

Below is something I found recently on the internet and it makes sense! Let's not forget who we are and what it means to be His! Salvation is a gift to us, but it requires our whole lives!

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– IF you forgive you will be forgive.
Mat 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you

– IF you continue in the Word then you are a disciple.
Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed”;

– IF you don’t abide in Christ you will be cast forth as a branch.
Joh 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

– IF you don’t continue in his goodness you will be cut off.
Rom 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

– IF you continue in the faith you will be presented holy in his sight.
Col 1:21-23 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamable and unreprovable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

– IF you hold fast unto the end you are Christ’s house.
Heb 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

– IF you hold your confidence steadfast unto the end you are a partaker of Christ.
Heb 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end;

– IF after you are saved you sin willfully there remains no sacrifice for your sins.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

– IF you keep his commandments you know Christ.
1Jn 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

– IF what you have heard remains in you, ye will continue in the Son.
1Jn 2:24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

Set-apart or just like the world?

I'm sitting here currently watching Christian TV. There is a pop Christian music 'star' performance and to be honest, if I can't hear the words I'd say it was just another secular performer. She sounds exactly like the pop music we'd find in today's culture.

Is this really the way we need to reach out to youth? Especially OUR (already Christian) youth? Teach them to be holy (set-apart) by telling them to be just like the world (not set apart)? Something just doesn't feel right about that.

I mean the older men are supposed to train the younger men to fulfill their God-given roles as adults and same with the older women teaching the younger. But I just don't see that as a whole in the Church today. By using the pop culture of our times, it is teaching kids to remain just that - kids! It's foolishness.

Recently I saw an advice question from a mom of a daughter wondering what age she should let her daughter date. The question shouldn’t be about what age kids should be dating as that isn't the real goal. It sorta puts it in the wrong spin/perspective. Dating is what the rest of western society does, but do we really want to subject our sons and daughters to all the emotions of dating? Hardly! It's like saying 'go play with a match, if you try enough times you might figure it out'. Does the thought of our teenage kids kissing multiple boys by the age of 20 really sound appealing or does it make parents uncomfortable? If the latter, then it's normal! God never meant it to be like it is today. It's just silliness and the foolishness of our culture.

The more I see the world in the church, the more I wanna go be a Quaker or something. I say that with some sarcasm, but for reals. Why does pop culture pervade our churches and our thought processes and mindsets? Is this what YHWH, a holy GOD, really intended for His people? From clothing to the music industry to family counseling to youth ministry – just looking too much like the world!

Separate/Obedient - in the little things first!

I have to admit that sometimes I don't like being 'separate' because people think we're strange. But the people of God were never meant to look like the rest of the world. Obeying God is going to mean being 'strange' in the world's eyes at some point whether it's as simple as not eating pork or as big as moving where God tells you when to the world it might look foolish.

This reminds me of the Scripture that says "To whom much is given much is required" which goes along with the idea that we have to be faithful in the little things if God is going to trust us with the big things. If we're willing to be obedient in those seemingly little things such as keeping kosher (according to Torah) and not whine about it or question Him, then He can trust us to trusting in Him with our finances, with our life's decisions, with our families, ministry, etc.

It's just one way to look at it.

Wives & Mothers of Excellence

I think many times as moms, we get so stuck in the routine of being housekeeper and mommy that we somewhat lose our identity. Each day holds the same pattern and challenges. The laundry keeps piling up, we have to figure out the dinner menu as well as the kid’s breakfast and lunches, we hear ‘Moooom!’ seemingly ever 10 seconds, the beds need made, the baby blows out his diaper at least twice a day, groceries need purchased, the dog still isn’t housetrained, the husband leaves sock and underwear on the floor, the kids spilled the juice and knocked over the vase (again), aaaaaaaand the list goes on!

Okay, maybe your list doesn’t quite look like that; I know mine looks a little different too. But for each of us it becomes a necessary routine and many of us can admit that at times it can be pretty mundane. In the chaos of life and the never-ending job of being a wife and mother, it is so easy to let ourselves go. Soon we discover that we’re entirely overweight and can no longer blame it on postpartum pounds or pregnancy cravings. We no longer fancy up a bit when the husband comes home. We lose all sense of style and get into the frumpy mama look. Oh, and make-up? Who has time for that? We become so engulfed and swallowed up by the routine each day that we take no thought to ourselves, to our appearance, to our health, to our general well-being.

Being a wife and mother is something most of us have dreamed about since we were little girls. And now that it’s finally happened, it’s SO much more chaotic and ‘treadmill’ like than we ever thought possible! It’s like we become resigned to the routine in such a way that we just learn to deal with it in the quickest, most efficient way possible. And in that process, we lose ourselves. But being a wife and mother is SO much more than a list of chores. It is about respecting and adoring our husbands and cherishing and nurturing our children. It takes a lot of out of us.

So I have to ask, how can we truly love our husbands and children if we are too run-down and don’t even care about our own upkeep? Our families need us and we know that all too well, so why are we burning ourselves out? We lose so much focus when we simply do the daily routine and try to get through the day.

Take a minute and think about what you’re really doing, or better why you’re doing it. It’s all because of love. But when we lose our sense of identity and purpose, then unfortunately many of our efforts are in vain. Being a mom is a hard job, but being a tired frumpy grumpy mom isn’t any help to anyone!

This isn’t a post saying to go to the spa, go on a private vacation, or going on an elaborate shopping spree, or abandoning the family. This is about refinding who you are as a wife and mother. God created us to the purpose excellence in everything we do. It doesn’t mean that we have to be perfect at everything, but it does mean that the things we are called to do should be done in excellence. The first step is kicking out the burdens that we really do not need to take on. This leaves room for the things that really matter.

The next thing is a rather touchy subject from what I’ve noticed but I’ll go ahead anyways. There is no reason why a woman called by God to be a wife and mother has to go around frumpy, grumpy, moody, and miserable. There just is no reason for it. It takes 10 minutes to do a simple hairstyle (I know cuz I discovered a few out of necessity!), and 5 minutes to do a quick make-up job. It doesn’t take a shopping spree at the mall to find stylish clothes. I get most of my clothes second-hand for unbelievably low prices. And as far as weight loss? Making (or getting at the store) healthy meals for the family and moving about in the daily routine is a good start!

And most importantly is our spiritual lives. Too many times I've gotten so bogged down and gone throughout my whole day without spending time in worship or prayer or anything. Maybe I'll listen to music, but listening to music and worship are two different things. Even if I can actually pray and worship while folding laundry or taking the time to pray over my child as I'm putting her to sleep or study while baby naps (or in some cases, while children are at school or what-not), these are the things that put that spiritual zest back in our day. I know that listening to my iPod as I go to sleep or starting my day listening and truly worshipping while doing morning chores, these things really make my day so much more fulfilling and my mood is much better. Praise is like getting dressed for the day, it really makes a difference!


Did I mention it’s around 1am and I’m in pjs with the TV flipped on? We all have bad days, we’re going to have bad days since we belong to that race of human. But instilling healthy patterns is a start. The general statistic is that it takes 21 days to form a habit, so let’s start forming some healthy patterns. Our families need us, God gave us the husband and child(ren) that we have and He knows in Him we’re more than capable of being excellent wives and mothers. Let’s trust that He knew what He was doing when He made our dreams come true. Feel confident about who you are and show it! For you, for your husband and children, and for the glory of God. Let’s be women of excellence!

A day in the life of me!

So it’s time to talk about the main theme of my blog – marriage, motherhood, and more! Today is a good day! Please bear with me whilst I elaborate!

I woke up this morning to my baby’s sounds as always, she wanted to play and I wanted to rest. So I did the natural thing, I took her into bed with me to cuddle and let her play before I got my day started. I love hanging out with my baby girl, she’s fun to have around! So after at least a half hour of relaxing while baby played, I finally dragged the both of us out of bed and got my day started.

And boy did I have a long productive day ahead of me! It’s 12:55 as I write this and so far I’ve made stuffed peppers (spoiler-alert if my husband is reading this!), brownies are in the oven, and I made a Wal-mart run for some much needed cooking items. I actually feel beautiful today as my hair turned out great, I decided to dress up a bit, and baby is all pinked out today!

Why am I writing all this seemingly unimportant nonsense about my day? Who cares, right? Well, it’s the little things that make being a wife and mother what it is. I had fun making dinner and dessert (will be sharing that dessert as some of you know!) because it’s part of loving and giving. I take pride when I have success in my calling and hospitality and giving is part of that vocation. It’s not a ugly kind of pride, but the kind that says “Hey, I like what God has given me to do and I know I’m doing my best”.

So that none of you presume that I’m ‘Suzie homemaker’, my kitchen is an absolute mess and I’m sitting at the breakfast bar eating peanut butter M&Ms. But besides that, I just wanted to say – I’m happy today! I feel like I’m right where God wants me to be today doing exactly what He wants me to be doing – loving my family and loving my life!

Let's Be Family!

I’m going to skip right to the point this time and be so bold as to say, fellowship and accountability is a necessity in the family of God. We just simply aren’t meant to be isolated in our own walk with the Lord. He has placed people in our paths who can encourage us and build us up and we are called to do the same for our brothers and sisters. Part of that fellowship includes accountability. It’s not a word we like, but deep down inside many of us know that we need it.

Maybe right now, you feel you’re okay. You’re not struggling with any big sins and life is great. What about accountability of pride and complacency? Maybe there are hefty sins you’re struggling with, a mature believer can help hold you accountable in that area and push you towards repentance. It might not feel good at first, but there is so much refreshing for the person who gets right with God. We need accountability in so many areas. Our spiritual life is certainly the biggest one that comes to mind, but what about our marriages, the parenting and training of our children, our ministries, etc? There are too many times where people deliberately cut themselves off from all accountability among the brethren and things fall apart. Too many times we see spiritual leaders fall because pride got in the way and they wouldn’t submit one to another? However, the same can happen to the leaders of the home, wives, children, people in ministry, etc.

I just can’t emphasize it enough right now, people need people. I hope that as a family of God, we can be mature enough to be available when people need us and also mature enough to know when we need help too. If you don’t have mature believers whom you can trust, pray to God that He place people in your path who will walk along beside you, uplift you, and push you to a higher place! The answer could come through a church, a small group, another couple, another single parent, or that even that neighbor across the street. And you may be the answer to someone's prayer for help too! Maybe I can pray with you or help in any way, or maybe someone else. Maybe I’ll need to lean on you too. Let’s be family, truly this is what we’re called to be in Him!

Life Moves On, Be Steadfast and Diligent

So you think the world revolves around you, huh? No? Well, most of us sure do act like it don’t we? Well, there’s news. Life moves on and you can’t stop that. Sure you are in control of some things, but life as a whole will move right on. Even when you die, this planet will still keep right on spinning without you. So you see, you are not the center of the universe, just a little tiny speck in a world of billions of people and thousands of years. You can die anytime, people will mourn but the world as a whole won’t care. You could die today by murder, by car accident, by heart attack, or even by choking on your lunch. Pretty morose you may say? Is it really? Isn’t it reality that any of us could die any moment?

We have too much time on our hands. We worry about how we look, about how that person thinks about us, the perfect job, the perfect vacation, we worry if we have the latest gadget, we worry about such high and lofty things. And usually the high and lofty matters of society are the least in importance. While we’re worrying about if that person will notice our new hairstyle or like us, do we have any clue what is really happening around this vast globe? Do we care that children are dying of malnutrition? Do we care that missionaries in foreign lands are being persecuted in the truest sense of the word? Do we care that the old rugged man in the streets desperately needs to see that God still loves him? Do we care that the people in our churches wear masks that hide their true problems?

So you see, there’s so much more to this life than just you. Look around you, there’s a hurting dying world. Everything is passing by so quickly, time escapes us every day and minutes turn into years and then they are gone. And then we are gone.

You may have years yet, you may only have today. One day we will cease to exist as we now know it. We will fall asleep and we will wake up – to the destruction of our souls or to everlasting life and bliss. If you automatically assume it is to bliss, think again. Make sure you’re right before our God and following in His ways. If you are assured of salvation, then don’t be satisfied with that but do what you’re called to do. Every day counts and it’s not just for the sake of your blessing. Think larger than your own personal blessing, look beyond yourself. What is God doing in the earth? What is He speaking to this generation? What is He tearing down and building up? And when you seek to know, seek to know where He wants you in all of this.

Be humble before Your God and let the cares of this world fall to the side. Who cares about what this person and that person thinks; it is the approval and pleasure of the Father that matters in this life. Don’t be afraid of this life or even of death, but fear the Lord and serve Him. Work diligently in your calling and with joy, knowing that one day you will have rest and be awakened to pleasures forever in eternity and what pleasure it is when He say “Well done, my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master.”

Life moves on, quicker than any of us ever realize. So be steadfast always in His love and purposes.

Disappointment and Discernment

I have mixed feelings right now. This week I feel as though God is moving us into the next step for our lives, specifically our spiritual lives. I’ve felt this during the past couple days. I want more than anything to experience more of God in greater fullness and truth. But I know at the same time, this does not mean running around everywhere looking for a word of knowledge or new prophecy for our lives. Honestly, looking for a word or new ‘move’ of God can be dangerous if it is not founded on spiritual discernment and foundations of truth. As much as I don’t like the word ‘skepticism’ when it comes to churches and movements, I do know that we have to be careful and discerning and when something is in question, we do need to check the Word of God to see if it’s a sure word.

I’m disgusted by emotionalism and hype. Plain and simple. Humans have emotions, God has emotions and often enough I’ve felt His presence strongly and my emotions are most certainly involved. But we need to be so careful that our emotions don’t trump discernment of truth and whether His Word and works are really evident.

Recently, I was reminded of the account in Scripture about Elijah and the pagans at Mount Carmel. Not that I’m referring to anyone as pagans here, I’m not! Just thought I’d clear the air on that. However, the pagans were shouting and repeating things over and over trying to get their god(s) to move. But Elijah simply and directly called fire down from heaven and *bam!* - it happened! I specifically recall (and with amusement) Elijah mocking them saying “Maybe you should call out louder, maybe you’re god is sleeping and doesn’t hear you”. Yet, haven’t some of our churches and ‘movements’ been doing the same? Y’shua said in one of the Gospels that we needn’t babble like the pagans with many words so that He hears us. ­­I see a lot of this all over the place and to be honest, it kinda creeps me out!

I know my post may sound judgmental or harsh, I don’t intend it to be. I really do want to see Him working in our churches with deeper understanding of the Word and with power. I want our churches to be all about Him and I go to various meetings hoping to see the real deal. But more than not anymore, I find myself disappointed. Yet in this disappointment, there is wisdom to be gained. It stirs up a lot of questions and searching of Scriptures and that’s a good thing. It also teaches me just how important discernment is and I pray more diligently for His wisdom, presence, and power to be ever stronger in me for the sake of His Kingdom.

I know that my husband and I are called to be testers of the people, specifically God’s people. We both know this and it is a difficult calling at times. It is so much easier to just let things go as they are. But sometimes we are (and have been) called to address matters as they arise. I am aware that there is a time to speak and a time to be silent. This too takes discernment. Really, it would seem everything takes discernment and that’s not a bad thing, but it does take being developed by Him and being developed means spending a lot of time in His presence which in turn means simplifying my life in such a way that my life is about Him. I truly want to live according to the verse: “In Him, we live and move and have our being.”

Our spirituality on an individual level and as churches do need to be based on the truth and power of the LORD. We can’t count on our emotions, we can’t count on numbers, and we can’t even count on signs and wonders, because not everything we hear and see is of God. But I pray that the LORD purifies His church, my family, and myself included and that we truly see the move of God in which “the blind see, lame walk, dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them” (Matthew 11:5). It’s not a ‘new’ move, but it’s simply what being in the Kingdom is all about – truth and power!

Holiness in Living

If we say we desire greater glory as seen in the days of the Acts of the apostles, then we must also accept a higher standard. For when great glory was poured out, so was the fury of the Lord upon the sins of Ananias and Saphirra. It has always been this way throughout the Scriptures, where there is great glory and revelation, where there is great responsibility and authority, there is also greater expectation for holiness and intolerance of sin and rebellion on God’s part. If we desire to walk close to Him, to hear His voice more, and for signs and wonders to abound – can we handle it? Truly, I’m being serious.

He has called us to be His, a people of the LORD – a people who know Him and obey His voice. There is so much He desires to pour into His people – revelation, understanding, power, words of knowledge, healing, etc. Will you say ‘Yes LORD, I desire to be a part of what You’re doing in the earth!’? Let's not be so easily entangled by this world and it’s lusts and passions. Promotion is given to the overcomers. Let's be diligent that we may be a pleasing fragrance to the Lord.

Let’s be careful how we live, not living carelessly for we serve a holy God. His love is jealous and His glory and power terrifying. My friend, let us never forget the fear of the Lord. Seek out the Lord with fear and trembling. Is God big in our eyes or is He small in our eyes? I think many times we treat Him as though He was insignificant in our lives and not all that important. But if we really do see Him as the great God He is, then wouldn’t our focus be on loving and obeying Him be greater than the lusts of our flesh and the pride of life?

If we want more of Him, I mean truly yearn and thirst for His presence and power in our lives, how then shall we respond? With prayer? Fasting? Worship? Those things that are purposeful in the Kingdom and our walk with Him? Or by wasting our evenings and days with the meaningless things in life, those things that draw us away from Him and His calling on our lives? Every man must choose which way he will go, what will you choose?

What Is A Servant?

What is a servant and if we consider ourselves servants of the Most High, do we hold attitudes as such? In various church circles one will hear someone refer to a preacher or prophet as a ‘servant of the Lord’, but do we really act like it or grasp its meaning? When I think of a good servant, I think of one who obeys all his master’s commands and does so in proper attitude.

Firstly, do I actually obey the commands He has given me? I know there are many specifics concerning His will for my life that I have yet to discover, but that doesn’t leave me without responsibilities each day. He has spoken in His Word what is good and what He has required of me (reference to Micah 6:8). Also the blessings and gifts He has given me are not without obligation since to whom much is given, much is required (reference to Luke 12:48). Hence, I have no time to be lazy and useless as the Master does have need of me.

Next is my attitude concerning my work, am I cheerful concerning the tasks at hand and I do I give glory and praise to God? Or do I mumble and complain about what I am doing or what I have yet to do? Do I obey quickly or do I procrastinate and question Him? Do I serve in humility knowing that what I am doing is merely what I am required? After all, a master doesn’t give the servant special praise merely for carrying out the expected work (reference to Luke 17:9-10).

There are many references to servants within the parables of Master Y’shua and He does not mince words. There are faithful servants, lazy servants, vengeful servants, sly servants, financially wise servants, complaining servants, and even wicked servants. Yet they all have something in common – they are considered servants. This is key because the servant signifies believers, those in the kingdom.

Being a servant of the Most High requires much – it requires my whole life, mind soul and body. But who could ask for a better Master? He is THE Best! Today’s culture as a whole does not correctly understand or embrace the concept of servitude, there is nothing shaming about being a servant. There is actually nothing greater than being a servant, even slave, to the most loving and good Master. I only pray that I too can be a faithful servant, obedient in actions and in my heart of hearts.

Master YHWH, I pray that I am faithful to You in all matters. I desire to be faithful in all the blessings You have given to me. I also pray that I am faithful in obeying Your commandments as described in Torah. And I pray that as Your will and direction for my life unfolds, that I will be faithful in that as well. You are so good and I want to serve You well, so that You are glorified. It's not about making myself look good before men, but rather giving glory to Your name. Help me to be faithful, each and every day. Amein.

An Object Lesson - July 28, 2011

In writing this blog entry, I was almost as a loss on where to begin. I had nearly forgotten that I really wanted to remember a profound (to me at least!) concept I learned this morning. It is an object lesson of sorts. I was in conversation with an [unnamed] individual and was attempting to give specific instructions, but in the midst of my multiple attempts I was more than once interrupted with complaints and had to repeat myself several times. Though this minor incident hardly bothered me, it really did cause me to ponder something in a wider context.

So often we pray for the Lord’s direction in our lives and this is a good thing. We should certainly seek out the will of the Lord for our lives. But in doing so, are we waiting for answers or is it more of a series of complaints? You know I really do think we can be so busy complaining about where we are in life and what our current assignment might be that we unintentionally block out His attempts to give instruction and guidance. Or maybe we caught a glimpse of what He said and we don’t like it, so we keep praying hoping that the instructions are different. Hmmm! Maybe I’m just full of nonsense, but maybe I might actually be on to something here! Well, these are my thoughts for the evening. I’m sorry I have no kept up with my blog and my apology is more for my sake as blogging helps to clear my mind and refocus, so as always ‘Thanks for listening!’

BiRtHdAy bLoG!

So tomorrow (or today depending on when you’re reading this) is my birthday and I will be a whopping 24 years old! In some ways, it just feels like another year to me. I mean, no big numbers there! I’m not the sweet 16, not legal 18, and even beyond the ultra-special age of 21. On one hand, I could say ‘It’s just another year!’

But I am excited about my birthday, maybe even moreso than last year and even though I’m not doing anything incredibly adventurous for my big day, I have great anticipation. I want this year to be different, I’m praying this year is different. I really don’t want it to be ‘just another year’ because I know that’s not how God sees it. Each year holds so many changes and occurrences, especially in the last few years. In just the matter of a few birthdays, I’ve been engaged, married, moved to another state, pregnant, miscarried, pregnant again, now with a 9 month old – all in the timespan of a few short years.

But I guess the big excitement and anticipation I sense for this year is slightly different. I have no idea what adventures or circumstances will come my way this year, but I do greatly desire to see the Lord’s purposes come to greater fruition in me. It’s not so much that I desire to move into something huge like full time ministry or anything like that, but I want to know by the end of this year that I’ve made definite progress in my spiritual life, specifically hearing from God and obeying God. Without going into a huge spiritual blog, I have narrowed down my main goals or themes that I’ve been running into the last few days.

The first is thoughts. I desire my thought life to be established and patterned after the Word – what God says about my life and life in general, about who I am, about what I should be doing, etc. I am really desiring to actually see myself move out of the sphere of fear into the sphere of love, His love; going from fear-based thinking and acting into a Love-based thought life and actions.

The second is the realization and application of YHWH as the “I AM”. He is who He is and that is good enough for me. He is everything I need, for this day, for tomorrow, for every day, and the rest of my life. And as much as I am praying for more of Him in tangible ways, I need to be faithful whether I hear from Him each day or after many days. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever and I will trust Him in that.

And lastly is something small, but unique that I thought of within the last maybe hour or so. Tomorrow I’ll be 24 years old. There are 24 hours in a day. I desire that the LORD order my life and my time according to His purposes in me. That when I’m at work, I’ll be doing it to the best of my ability for Him. And when I’m at rest, it will be in His presence. Whether I’m housekeeping, taking care of my child, cooking for my husband, doing some type of ministry, or simply resting – I do NOT want to waste time as I have so many times. But rather I am seeking to spend my time in a way that will best glorify Him, minister to others, and edify myself.
Anyways, I think that’s about all I have to say right now. As always, thanks so much for reading!

“Lord, thank You for another year. In this year, I pray You hear my prayers and fulfill Your purposes in me to Your glory, to bless others, and to develop Your changes within me. And I know that “He who began a good work in me will bring it to completion”.

[Added] Did I mention I have other goals that intertwine with what I’ve already stated above? I definitely want to diet consistently and lose my extra ‘baby-fat’! I also want to live out the golden rule – to do unto others as I would wish them to do unto me. This year sounds like it’s going to be a tough, challenging course with much homework and concentration, but it will be so worth it! I know I can’t do these things of my own willpower and strength, thankfully I have the comfort and aide of His Spirit readily available at all times prompting me, convicting me, guiding me, and always pointing me back to Him. Oh, I also would like to develop a much more developed prayer life including greater intimacy with the Lord and deeper intercession for the saints and the lost alike. I can't wait for this new year and new season! Bring it on!

Fear-based or Love-based?

FEAR-BASED OR LOVE-BASED THOUGHTS
Let's think about thoughts for a moment! Recently I watched Dr. Caroline Leaf on Sid Roth and she was discussing how many diseases (both physical and mental) derive from our thinking and thought patterns that we've established over time. The good news is that we can fix the 'damage' that was done. It's too technical for me to describe in a mere blog, but she did have science to back it up. Now this isn't just 'positive thinking changes everything', but I do believe that renewing our minds with the Word is a similar concept. She also explained that our thoughts were either fear-based or love-based. I thought about it and she is really onto something. I mean, think about it! Insecurity is based from fears that we don't measure up or by comparing ourselves to others or by fear of something or someone! Pride is also typically derived from a false sense of identity but if we relied on the love and of the Lord, we'd be secure in who we are [and are becoming] in Him! Jealousy/covetesness is similar also, fear that we don't measure up or won't be successful. Even lying and deceit often comes from a type of fear, especially fear of conseqences. Anger too because we fear we don't have control of a situation (or person!). But what about love? God's kind of love produces a sense of worth, purpose, love for others, contentment and joy in His presence, wisdom and focus, etc. So from here, I really want to let the sponge of my brain soak up the Word of God - what He says about me, my situation, my purposes, etc. I wish I could touch more on this, but I have to go for now. But I want to leave you with a copy of the list I've been working on today! Be blessed and choose life n love!

 I am taking every thought captive to the lordship of Master Y’shua!
 I am strong in the LORD and in the power of His might!
 He has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power love and a sound mind!
 Now the LORD is Spirit and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is freedom!
 Bless the LORD, oh my soul, and forgot not all His benefits!
 This day He has set before me life and death, blessing and curse. I will choose life that I and my descendents shall live!
 Life and death is in the power of the tongue!

(I felt the Lord speaking this to me one evening in prayer)
 There is a place just for me at His table!
 There is a place just for me in His kingdom!
 There is a place just for me in His heart!