Our God is Big Enough

"I don't have it in me Lord!"

"I'm not patient enough."

"I don't have the money for______."

"How are we going to______?"

"Will my children ever become mature?"

Do you ever question God with the "how to's" of life? 

It seems to come naturally for us as fallen creatures on this realm of the enemy. Oh, God is still here and God is moving mightily but we are on a battleground and we must not forget it. Our time here is for a purpose. You and I are not here to reach the American Dream or to tickle our every fancy. We are here for heavenly, eternal purposes and you and I are precious to God! He doesn't give us a mission and then leave us to fend for ourselves. He is here!

The demands of our lives are overwhelming and the unknowns are far reaching but the loving provider and Daddy tells us to bring what we have. Bring the "five barley loaves and two small fish". We say, "what are they among so many" needs? What are they God? Really. It's all I have to offer. 

He lovingly commands the multitude of needy ones to sit and rest and Jesus takes our measly offering, our dry bread, our leftovers, our weakness, our pain, our lack and He multiplies it and meets every need. He uses whatever we have and meets every need to the fullest and overflowing. 

As we offer what we have in simple obedience, He takes and uses and gives us back one hundredfold. 

What are your questions for God?

What are you lacking and you think are not enough to offer to God?

Oh, it's enough because our God is big enough to take everything and make it beautiful and fulfilling and wonderful. He meets every need; yours, mine, our children and our husbands.  

We need to surrender our "fishes and loaves" in simple obedience and we will see our great God do mighty miracles!  

Conversing much too loud for  bed time and silliness that would usually bring me to irritation I walked up the stairs. As I reached mid level I saw through our sky light a beautiful, almost three fourth's moon showing forth the glory of the sun. It was almost breathtaking.

 I completed the stair climb to the top and opened the boys bedroom door. In the dark, they hear an excited whisper, "Jadon, come here. Be real quiet. Elijah, come here. Be real quiet." When normally they would hear a warning or rebuke, they knew I had something up my sleeve. "What is it Mommy?", Jadon asks with anticipation. 

"Come look."

We stand near the banister and gaze up, past the ceiling ( I think  they thought I was going to show them a spider), we look into the heavenlies. 

"Isn't it beautiful?"

"Yea Mom. It is," they say with boyish thrill. 

We discuss the shape and marvel for just a few moments before I usher them back to bed.

"I love you Jadon."

"I love you Mom."

"I love you Elijah."

"I love You."

Silence. No more silliness. No more boyish laughter over potty jokes or whatever boys giggle about when they are over tired. No rebukes or warning needed. Just a simple reminder of things greater than ourselves, beauty of creation and beauty of our Creator. I even got an emphasized "I love you" from each of them. 

It was worth the few extra moments. It was worth sharing a moment of beauty instead of a sharp rebuke. 

Now, if only I can remember that tomorrow night when I hear those giggles and conversations past bedtime.  

Moments Divine

Whispers in the dark and cuddling, I finish talking of food likes and dislikes with my second born son and snuggle close to my first born son.

"If you could eat any food you want what would it be?

Any food. Even the kinds you aren't allowed to eat? What would you pick?". (He is limited due to a severe acid problem.)

Pouty faced he says, "I don't want to think about that. It will only make me mad". 

"Yeah but any food Jadon? Even foods that aren't on your list that you can eat? If you could eat anything....."

He pauses and struggles to answer. He likes to eat anything and almost everything. Of course, mushy grapes and bananas are off his list but he loves to eat! Still struggling to answer, with a smurk he says it might take him a few days. 

Laughter and smiles and caresses of the head. Only God could give me words in this quiet moment. 

"Jadon, there is going to be a day that we will sit at the Lord's table, in His kingdom and you will be able to eat chocolate and all the wonderful things God created for us to enjoy. Your stomach won't bother you there anymore. You'll have a new body! We will all sit around the table with our Heavenly Father and celebrate with food. Oh, it's gonna be wonderful!"

Hope. 

Expectation. 

I went on to explain that our time on earth is as a grain of sand on the seashore. It's hard when things don't go our way but how short this time on earth and how wonderful our eternity in heaven is going to be. 

We have hope! 

As I prayed blessings over my sweet Jadon he caressed by hair and face and loved on me. I felt loved. I can tell he felt loved. It was a moment divine. 

As I ponder that moment with Jadon I realize the presence of God when we invite Him. I feel His Spirit minister to my heart as I ministered to my son. Hope! What cares we face today are nothing in comparison to the glory which shall be revealed in that day! What trials we face He will use for good! Oh, how good and sweet is our Heavenly Daddy! 

Quiet moments with Him. Quiet moments with our children. Quiet moments with our spouse. 

We must continually refocus. 

We have an exceedingly great expectation and our hope will come to pass! 

The party date is set in the Father's calendar book. The feast will be prepared and mamas we don't have to cook ;)! Oh, what a joyous celebration awaits us! In the mean time, let us hold fast to Jesus our Peace in the midst of the storms. Let us fix our eyes on the Author and Finisher of our Faith! Let us see our Hope!

To Everything There Is a Season

Tears. Lots of tears. "Bothering" noses, "hurting" heads, weary bodies. Sickness has taken us down like a domino effect. One, then two. Three, then four and now five. Five of us emotional, ready for sunny days, dancing through glimmering lights and water fights and less germs. I'm ready for less germs.

It's only been a few months since we started going to a new church and just as I was beginning to get to know people I'm swept by illness....again! Frustration and irritation creeps in like an unwanted guest. I long for fellowship, Lord knows I love it and need it. The Lord knows my soul longs to be in "my groove" of life and.....he whispers to me. He whispers a reminder "To everything there is a season. (Ecc. 3:1). I'm here. I'm carrying you. Be creative. Reach out for fellowship and take delight in your blessings. It will not be like this forever. It won't be long before that sweet, precious hand will reach elsewhere for comfort. You are her hands of comfort as you wipe her nose, cuddle her and graciously endure her emotional roller coaster. You are her picture of Me. I know you don't feel good. I AM your strength. Rest in Me. I AM your joy. Delight in Me. I AM enough."

Oh, how these days of illness, the days of stomach problems and palpitations and severe allergies are wearying me. I'm so glad I'm not alone in this life. I'm so thankful for my Daddy asking me to dance the dance of life with Him. I'm so thankful He gives me joy and fun and smiles and singing in the midst of the mundane. I'm so thankful He sings songs over me and loves me even when I am unlovable. Oh, my heart is overwhelmed with His love.

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.."

He's going to use the difficulties of this life. He's making intercession on my behalf, on your behalf according to the will of God. And He (the God who created man and woman, stars and light with His very own breath) will work out ALL things for GOOD to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:27-28). Dear Friend, do you love God? He has you here for such a time as this. Are you pursuing Him? He has great plans for you! Do love Him! Do pursue Him! Do seek Him! If you are seeking Him, you will find Him and when you are no matter what you face in this realm of the enemy you will not be overcome. Not illness, not family pain, nothing will separate you from His amazing love and amazing plan for your life.

Jesus speaks to His disciples, "In Me you will have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Sweet friends, we have the God-Who-Overcame and is overcoming living inside of us! Hallelujah! We have much to be full of joy! Now, let's go dance the dance of life in the midst of runny noses, accidents, spills, emotions and pain. Let's go pursue Jesus because He is the Hope that never fails! Let's go!

Sobering

I'm breathing in their smells, enjoying their giggles and smiles, feeling their soft skin and extending cuddling time. 

When you walk through a difficult journey with friends who are struggling it can't but change your life. 

Here is the website for little Phoebe. She is a sweet two year old battling AT/RT cancer. Her parents and I served together in Youth With A Mission many years ago. She is the youngest of four children. Please keep her in prayer as her little body struggles through extreme chemo therapy. Please keep her three older brothers in prayer and her mom and dad, Amey and Nathan Fair. They are missionaries and are currently relocating for the  best care of their daughter.

And for your own sake, enjoy your children, no matter what season of life they are in, enjoy them. Love on your children, affirm them, uplift their hearts and spirits with your love, affection, words and touch. Choose today to love your children and to show them God's love in abundance.

(If you do not know how to show God's love to your children I encourage you to ask Him to show you His love. As you learn of His love for you it will overflow to your children. If you would like prayer, please feel free to send us a message. We would LOVE to pray with you!)

I Can't Do It!!

I can't do this!
I can't tend to everyone's needs, keep the dishes and laundry clean, teach all the lessons, do everything that a perfect mom would do!!! 

I can't do it! 

This reality is really difficult to come to but I think it's really, really good. 

It's good because it brings me to a choice. 

Will I depend on God to do what He has called me or will I strive in my flesh? 

Will I draw from Him or will I dry up trying with all my might to be something I will never be. 

God reminded me today how simple it really is. 

Strength comes from Him. 

It comes from waiting and resting in the (mentally and sometimes physical) quiet place with God.

Every day we need to draw into Him, wait on Him and rest in Him.

When we are overwhelmed with too many needs to meet and too many demands of the day we know that our God is never weary and He never faints. He gives strength and power to those who have no might and those who are weak. (Is. 40)

When we feel like we don't understand our child or husband or anything in life we know that our God has unsearchable understanding. He is the giver of wisdom. He will reveal secrets to our hearts to give us understanding. 

Oh, what relief to hear, "You don't have to be perfect. You don't have to do everything. You are human. I am God. I love you and I will uphold you. I will show you how to meet the needs of your family. I will show you how to bring them to me. I will strengthen you to do all that I ask of you. You don't need to carry a burden. My burden is light. Take mine. I have already taken yours. I love you. I cherish you. I have called you. Mothering is a blessing. It is not a curse. I will show you the way. Walk in Me. Rest in Me and see that I will do great and mighty things. Trust Me enough to let go of your control and put your husband, your children, your home, your life into my hands. I love you and I always have the best for you. I love you. Your free...." 

We don't have to be everything to everybody. 

We can't do it all. 

Jesus can.

We only need to do as He calls us and when He calls us to do something He will uphold us to do it. 

Rest in Him, wait on Him, walk in Him.

I Caught Myself Whining

Stop it. 

Would you please stop hitting!

Wa, Wa Wah.....

I caught myself whining just like my children. 

What an ugly encounter that was. 

I thoroughly dislike whining. It's like the dripping faucet, the annoying ring, anything that grinds the nerves. I'm sure my husband and children don't enjoy me speaking to them in a whiny tone either. 

Remember Proverbs 19:13 says, "the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping." I think it pertains to a mother too. 

God is giving me grace. He's giving us grace. 

He's reminding us to correct, rebuke, speak words of life, remind our children that they are heroes and heroines created for a mighty purpose but we have to choose not to whine at our children especially if we don't want them whining at us or each other. 

Today, as we march through life weary from lack of rest and sleep, unnecessarily burdened by that which is beyond our control, living with and loving sinners; let's love Jesus more. Let's seek Him more and let's be sensitive to the Spirit's prompting when our voices become as dripping water. 

Let our voices, our tone, our faces be as honey, sweet to the souls around us (Proverbs 16:24).

Like Apples of Gold

Do ever find overcome by hormones, moodiness or blah? Oh....that's right I'm talking to women ;) of course you have!
I have been in a funk, fragile and feeling unstable. Oh, the joys of a woman's body. In the midst of my busy week I've been easily overwhelmed and sensitive to everyone else's sin; quick to stumble and quick to react.

I don't think it's coincidence that I just shared with lots of beautiful women about walking in the Holy Spirit and responding in the Spirit instead of reacting in the flesh. I find it quite real and awesome that God would allow me the very opportunity to live out exactly what He was speaking to my heart in the heat of daily life. He's so good.

He was reminding me this week the importance of my countenance and words. Are my words life giving, affirming, encouraging, grace filled and gentle? Am I advocating for my children (as Sally Clarkson shared at the Mom Heart conference last weekend) or am I an adversary?

Proverbs 15:30 says, "The light of the eyes [of him whose heart is joyful] rejoices the hearts of others, and good news nourishes the bones."

We can bring nourishment to their lives as we walk in joy. That joy comes from the presence of Christ! "In Your presence is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11). Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? Have you been adopted into His family and now a child of God? Then, sweet sister, you have the presence of Christ with you every moment of every day! You are never alone! He surrounds you, dances over you, sings over you and upholds you every moment! It's only as you walk in the reality of His presence that you experience His joy!

Today, no matter what we are facing; hormones, health problems, financial issues, sin of others and everything under the sun we can walk in His very presence, enjoying Him and bringing joy to the lives around us.

May our words be fitly spoken like apples of gold in settings of silver (Proverbs 25:11)!

Training

We are given our children for a short time to shape and mold their hearts for the Lord. Each day consists of opportunities to pour into their beings truth and life or lies and deception. We have one chance and one life to do this. We don't get to go back and do everything over. With this reality in mind it should change the very words that proceed from our mouths, the things that we choose to consume our days and to realize the importance of pouring into them each moment that we have their very attention. The Lord does cover us in grace as we seek His face and His leading in our lives but that does not mean we sit back and do nothing. Our lack of involvement will bring consequences into our life and theirs. When you think about the verse to train up a child in the way he should go.... that involves action. Think about the act of training for something... consider for a moment all that is involved... let us consider the example of training for a marathon. You can not just get up one day and run miles upon miles without any preparation or training. It takes practice and preparation. To prepare takes time and discipline. If we want our children to leave our home ready to run the race that God has set before them with victory and endurance; we must consider that right now we are the ones training and preparing them for the race, we are their trainer. Our actions and words will be what they see and follow. The reality of the Lord in our everyday lives will be what they model. I don't say this to condemn or judge, but there is a reality to our actions, in light of eternity, as we live our days here on earth. I encourage you to seek the Lord for wisdom and to walk in His Spirit, in the power of His might and understanding, as you train the sweet children that God has entrusted to your care. Blessings my dear ones.

"By the Blood of the Lamb"

My eyes burn and my body aches with tiredness. The days have been long and demanding with daily needs of all my little ones and daily life requirements. My mommy cup is full to overflowing after this weekend at Whole Heart Ministries, Mom Heart Conference in Southern California. Oh, I have so many nuggets that I want to share with you and I intend to but tonight my heart is  pondering the spiritual realm. 

Revelation 12 gives us a look at the heavenly battle that took place when Christ was born. We don't read about it in Matthew but oh it was very real and very aggressive. In our daily lives there is a battle. If you seek Christ you better bet there is a heavenly battle taking place. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. As Pastor Tom Lance recently said, "God has a plan for you and so does the enemy." So true. God has a wonderful plan, full of excitement and beauty and life and the enemy.....well, he wants to destroy that which God wants to do and is doing. 

The reality that is ringing in my heart tonight is that the enemy does not have victory. We do! We do through Christ. He is the victor! He won the battle on the cross and in the resurrection! He has won the battle for our children, our spouse, our friends and family. He has won it for us. Now it's our choice to walk in the victory! Will it always be easy? 

Revelation 12:11 says,
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."

To the death? 

To the death. 

But these dear saints and you and I are covered by the blood of the Lamb and by the testimony of Jesus Christ. This life is a vapor.

Let's see life through an eternal lens.

Let's love our children and guide them with eternity in mind. 

Let's love and bless our husbands because we are heirs together of the grace of life (1 Peter 3:7).

What areas of your life are you believing lies? 

Subtle. Simple. Half truth-lies. 

God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind. (1 Tim. 1:7)

Fear and confusion are not from God. 

Let the blood cover whatever it is. Let the blood cover it.

Choose not to believe in the lies.

Walk in victory.

Let Him renew your mind (Roman 12:2) moment by moment, day by day. 

Speak truth, pray truth, take your thoughts captive and walk in the freedom that He has already given.

Ladies, our Lord has power that is immeasurable, unlimited and surpassing greatness for us who believe--the very power that raised Christ from the dead!!! (Ephesians 1:19)

May we enjoy His Spirit, His power and the wonderful freedom He has given us. Do not allow the enemy a foothold! Pray with me. Pray with other sisters and keep accountable.

Our God reigns!

Alive and Full of Power

How can I pour into my children's lives that which I do not have in my own life?

How can I give them truth if I do not have it?

I want God's word to be at the forefront of my mind, ready to answer, ready to sow into the lives and hearts around me. As I spend time with Jesus my life is changed. As I walk in the Spirit I have power to do as He leads me. As I am in His word I have confirmation of that which His Spirit leads. It's not just about having the word in my mind. We know that Satan knows the word and he also twists it. We must have it dwelling in our hearts, believing it and living it. As we live the word in our lives our children will be effected. As we pour the truths of God's word into our children's lives when we arise out of bed, sit down, eat a meal, train behaviors, deal with sin, go to bed and everything in between we will see fruit in their lives.

Hebrews 4:12 (Amplified Version) says,

"For the word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two -edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and (the immortal spirit) and of the joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart."

The word of God cuts through our nature and reaches to the deepest part of our being. In child training it isn't meant to beat our children upside the head. It is a light for the path they are to follow. His word points to Him. 

It is all about Jesus. 

Today, as we wipe dirty faces, cook a meal, clean a mess, train a child, teach a lesson, kiss sweet faces, discipline, train  and confirm our love for them,  let's walk in the Spirit of God, living in the power of His Holy Spirit and plant the word of God into the lives around us. There is no greater power!  

May our lives be "alive and full of power" as we live His word today. 

"Being Examples To The Flock"

"Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully; not domineering [ as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock. And then when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the conqueror's crown of glory."

1 Peter 5:2-4

I'm well aware these words were written for pastors, elders and leaders in the church and yet how apt this is to us as parents. We have little ones watching our every move. They love what we love. They mimic our patterns and repeat our words. They are our disciples; eating with us, going everywhere with us, learning from us. 

As mothers it is natural to nurture our babies yet as we come face to face with their sin nature it becomes easy to become exasperated with them, quick to speak and slow to listen, quick to react instead of train and reach the heart. It's easy for me to be overbearing and domineering. I like everything to be in order and just right but I hinder God's work when I work on my terms. 

I also have to keep my motivations in check. Oh, it's easy to want my kids to behave so that I get a "well done" applause from the world around me. It's easy for me to react for the wrong reason but absolutely wrong before the Lord. 

My goal and aim must always be to please my Lord and Savior. My motivation must be eternity, His plan for my children, reaching their precious hearts for Him. As I live my life in humility and live my life as an example  that pleases the Father what blessings will flow on both sides of eternity.

Parenting is not the easiest role and yet I must say that it is the most rewarding.

My children are young. I have three wonderful, rambunctious boys; seven, five and ten months and a very busy, sweet two and a half year old daughter. The treasures of my day come in kisses and hugs, half broken flowers, cuddles on the couch and caresses on my skin. Oh, these little ones melt my heart. The truth is...they are amazing and they are sinners. Oh and it's no secret...so am I!

If I mother my children the way that comes most natural to me I will misrepresent my God. If I do things my way my kids might turn out okay but I don't want my kids to turn out just okay. I want them to love God and love others. I want my children to make an impact for eternity and I want their hearts to be sold out for Jesus! That means I need to do things God's way, with His leading. Because I'm His I've been given His Spirit that lives and dwells within me, He is my guide. As I yield my way and let Him lead my words, my actions, my aim and focus of every day I find fruit in my life and my children's lives that only He can give. 

He shared this with me today from Peter's letter.

"Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully; not domineering [ as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock. And then when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the conqueror's crown of glory."

1 Peter 5:2-4

A Gentle Shepherd

I love the heart of our God. 

"He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young."

Isaiah 40:11

He feeds us. He gathers the little ones in His arm  and carries them.

He gently leads those who are with young. 

Do you need leading? 

I do. Every day I need His leading and He never fails to guide me as I surrender my way and follow His lead. 

What area do you need leading today?

He will lovingly and gently guide you.