Money Doesn't Grow on Trees

Have you ever noticed that kids have a built in capability to be very hungry and "need" everything when you take them shopping?  I swear, if our family drives within 100 feet of a restaurant their radar goes off and they are soooooo hungry even though they just ate lunch an hour ago!


My husband and I want our kids to understand the value of a dollar, so last weekend we attempted to do just that -- teach them the value of a dollar.

We went to the local Outlet Mall and gave each of our three children a set amount a money, above and beyond their normal allowance.  We turned the outing into a contest to see who could get the most bang for their buck as well as shopping for needs versus wants.  First place was a $5 gift card to a place of their choice, second place was a day of no chores and third place was an hour later bedtime.

We were pleasantly surprised by the outcome of the "game", particularly for our oldest two children.

My husband trailed our son most of the day giving tips and advice on what was a good purchase or not and I trailed our daughters. 

The following are some of the positive results from our experiment...

• At the end of the day we asked our kids if they shopped more wisely since the day had been turned into a game of sorts.  They felt they did, so in my estimation a little competition wasn't bad.
• After shopping in a couple stores, I noticed my older daughter gravitating toward the sale racks more frequently.
• Our son shopped with the future in mind as he made purchases based on things he would need as he starts his soccer season soon.
• The kids were more selective in their purchases knowing they had to stretch their dollars.
• As a parent, it was nice not to keep handing out my money at every turn.  And it was really great not having to say "no" to every request all day long.

I'm certain my kids are not cured of their wanting mentality, but I do feel this was a great learning experience and it will be one of many tools we use to continue to teach them the value of a buck.

 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?  (Proverbs 17:16)

Ultimately, our goal is to teach our kids that money doesn't bring happiness, it is simply a tool that God entrusts to us to bring glory to Him and to bless others.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.  (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

On a side note... our youngest daughter, who is seven, basically had a fun day of shopping.  She did get some great deals, but I'm not sure she yet understood the mission behind our experimental shopping trip.  And in case you were wondering, our son took first place in the needs versus want category and our oldest daughter took first in getting the most bang for her buck... she saved a whopping $92.02!!

Lesson from a Cashier

I generally don't enjoy keeping company with a "Negative Nelly".  I like to hear positive and encouraging words from my family, friends and even strangers.  In fact, you'll often hear me scolding one of my kids and their negative outlook on life.

If you've read my previous post, One Thousand Gifts, you'll remember that I'm making a concerted effort to list what I love -- God's gifts to me.  But I'm finding that I'm far from achieving perfection in this area of my life.

Last night I was at my favorite store and it was late.  I put all my goods on the conveyor belt when the cashier asked me a simple question, "How are you?"  My response was just as simple, I said "Tired".  She made a comment about many people responding that way on this particular night.  I didn't think anymore about the short conversation until the cashier started to scan the purchases of the person behind me.  Just as she did with me, the cashier asked the lady "How are you?".  She gave the usual response of "Good, how are you?".  It was the cashier's response that sent daggers into my heart.  I can imagine she'd already worked nearly a full shift and since it was late evening I can imagine that she too was tired and ready to go home, but instead of going in the direction of negativity she responded "I can't complain".

I can't complain... why didn't I say that?

I am so blessed.  I was blessed to have the money to pay for the items I was buying.  I was blessed to be getting 10% off my entire purchase.  I was blessed to have a car to get me to the store.  I was blessed to have a family in which I could provide for.

Why did I chose the negative over the positive?

Obviously, I still have much to learn because my words wouldn't have gone there if they hadn't already been in my heart.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.  (Proverbs 4:23)

I do the same thing when talking to someone about the weather too.  Granted it's been a brutal winter and spring in my neck of the woods, but there is still so much to give thanks for.  At the risk of being a "Pollyanna", I want people to know that despite my physical or mental state, despite what the weather holds there is still so much to be thankful for.

I didn't expect to learn a lesson on this particular shopping trip, but that's just like God... teaching me in the everyday, mundane tasks of life.  With God's help, the next cashier that asks me how I'm doing, I pray that I'll be able to respond with something positive because God HAS blessed me and I truly want everyone to know that even in my tired state, God is always good!

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.  (Psalm 105:1)

Bacterial Infections and Infections in the Soul

Tuesday night, I was relaxing with my family getting ready to watch TV, when I got a phone call from our clinic.  I wasn't expecting to hear from them, so my first reaction when I saw the clinic's name on Caller ID was to think that they were calling to remind me of an upcoming appointment.  My next thought was that we don't have any scheduled appointments and then I realized someone live was on the line waiting to talk to me.  When I finally gained my senses, I listened as a nurse told me my daughter's blood work came back  positive for a bacterial infection.

To back up in the story, I need to tell you that for the past year and more my oldest daughter has struggled with periodic stomach pains.  We've been to the ER on a couple different occasions only to leave without answers.  We recently visited our family doctor and were given a diagnosis which we thought was the answer we've been searching for; however, she continued to have pain, which escalated to severe two weeks ago.  She continued to experience such pain off and on for the next week and a half.  As a mom, I felt helpless and overwhelmed... there was nothing I could do to take away my daughter's pain; all I could do was sit and watch her moan, cry and throw up repeatedly.

Last Sunday, out of nowhere the pain came back and she began to experience the nausea again.  This time my husband took her to Urgent Care.  Within a couple hours, the pain was gone and we were told they couldn't find anything wrong.  Back to square one.

Then came Tuesday, and the call.  I was told that my daughter had an infection that I had never heard of and that I would need to start her on antibiotics sooner rather than later.

Now that I had a name for this ailment, I immediately opened my laptop and Googled the name of this strange infection.  I wanted to know everything there was to know -- symptoms, causes, treatments, etc.

The next day as I was thinking about my daughter, it occurred to me that I don't often approach "infections" in my spiritual life with the same zeal I did with my daughter's physical infection.  When God shows me an area of my life that is diseased and preventing me from having a healthy relationship with Him, I'm often content to just go on... life as normal.  I don't readily jump to action studying, researching or scouring God's Word for the cure to my diseased spiritual life.

I think we've all been there... we sit in church on any given Sunday or perhaps in the early morning hours of the weekday with open bible on our lap, and God clearly speaks to us about an issue.  9 times out of 10, I leave the church or close my bible and simply go on with life, never really changing, never digging deep to learn all I can about my sin issue and how to eradicate it from my life.

What if we treated our infectious sin issues the same way we jumped to action when we are dealing with a physical ailment?  I've been reminded this week to treat my diseased and infected soul with the same passion and zeal I would for a physical ailment.

Let’s not pretend this is easier than it really is. If you want to live a morally pure life, here’s what you have to do: You have to blind your right eye the moment you catch it in a lustful leer. You have to choose to live one-eyed or else be dumped on a moral trash pile. And you have to chop off your right hand the moment you notice it raised threateningly. Better a bloody stump than your entire being discarded for good in the dump.  

(Matthew 5:29-30, The Message)

One Thousand Gifts

I'm sure for the vast majority of you summer has arrived in your household.  In ours, we still have two more days... blech! I'm kinda wishin' we hadn't had those two snow days earlier in the year.  Oh well... the end is in sight.

Today I want to share with you an issue that weighs heavy on my heart... I don't necessarily think it's something new in the culture, but it's definitely not readily taught in many schools and unfortunately not in many homes either.

I'm talking about thankfulness.

I see it lacking in my kids... I see it lacking in my heart.  I don't like it in either and I desperately want it to be different.

As you may or may not know, during the school year I work as a preschool teacher's aide, a job I love and feel incredibly blessed to have and do.  One of the perks of teaching is the little gifts you sometimes get at the close of the school year.  This year I received an amazing book from one little girl and her family called One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  I don't know what it was, maybe it was the picture of a bird's nest gently cradling two Tiffany blue colored eggs, but I instantly knew that this book was going to be incredible... I'm only a portion of the way through the book, but my gut instinct has not failed me.

If you've not already read the book, I don't want to give away the details so suffice it to say the author, Ann Voskamp, had experienced several life changing events that I would never ask for or wish upon my enemy... it was some tough stuff! Through it she began to question if God really was who He says He is... is He good?

At one point in Ann's life a friend challenged her to write out 1000 things she loved; in essence 1000 gifts from God.  She took the challenge and as she filled up her journal with her list of 1000 love gifts, her heart was changed.

Ann's writing is beautiful and poetic.  As she recounts some of her love gifts she focus on the many things we daily overlook.  Things like...

~the sight of a robin in early spring

~the taste of warm chocolate chip cookies

~the smell of lilacs floating in the air

~the gentle hugs from my child

~the noise of laughter in the yard

As I read Ann's story, I was deeply stirred in my soul that God wanted me too, to recount over the summer months His love gifts in my life.  My next thought was to invite my two older kids to join me.  My hope and prayer for myself and my kids is that through this journey we will see how God provides so much on a daily basis.  His love for us can even be found in the little mundane things of life.

Will you join us?

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  (James 1:7, ESV)

If you are interested in owning a copy of One Thousand Gifts, it can be purchased through online retailers like CBD or Amazon.

Memorial Day 2013

It's easy on this day, Memorial Day, to get wrapped up in household projects, relaxing in the sun or barbecuing with family and friends.  None of those activities are wrong; in fact they are quite American in nature, but please don't forget what this day is about... remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, their life, so we can live and prosper in this amazing country.

America has been celebrating Memorial Day since the mid-1800's.  It begin as Decoration Day to honor those who lost their life during the Civil War.  The day was was later changed to Memorial Day to include all soldiers in every conflict who lost their life.

As you go about your activities today, please remember to take a minute at 3:00 pm to pause in silence, remembering those who have sacrificed so much for us.

In Flanders Field

by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

      Between the crosses, row on row,

   That mark our place; and in the sky

   The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

   Loved and were loved, and now we lie

         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

   The torch; be yours to hold it high.

   If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

         In Flanders fields.

If your interested in reading more about Memorial Day, please click here.  If you would like to read more about Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae and the story behind In Flanders Field, please click here.

Summer Reading Incentives

Life is still crazy and hectic here in my little world.  Our move happened a week and a half ago... more chaotic than I would have liked, but all our worldly possessions are moved and we are s-l-o-w-l-y settling in.  My husband's surgery was a week ago and that situation turned out better than we could have imagined.  We were anticipating a 3 month recovery time, but his diagnosis was inaccurate and not as invasive as we had planned, which now results in a 1 month recovery time.  After the initial shock wore off, we are grateful the prognosis is good and he is not greatly restricted in his mobility.

The real reason I'm posting today is because I came across a great summer reading program for the kiddos. As we near the end of the school year and anticipate the lazy days of summer, I am waiting  eagerly for the less scheduled days of summer; however, I also don't want my kids brains to be put up high on the shelf and used sporadically over the next three months.  Every year I have high expectations to keep their minds busy and active with reading, math drills, researching, etc.  Generally, I'm on top of it for about two weeks, then I gradually lessen my expectations and we find ourselves becoming lazier and lazier.  If anyone has a cure for this cycle, please do share!!!

Anyway, one of the best ways to help combat a stale, mushy mind is to keep the kids reading over the summer month.  I know many library systems encourage reading through various incentives over the summer months, so check out your local library.  Our library happens to have a not so great incentive program, in my opinion, and so I think I'm going to have my girls participate in the the Barnes and Noble reading program this year.  After reading 8 books, the child gets to pick a book from the selected reading list.

What are you and you're kids doing the summer to keep their minds sharp?  I would love to hear your ideas to spur me past the first 2 weeks of summer.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men  (Colossians 3:23, ESV)

Fight For Your Faith

Fight for your faith.

I've been thinking a lot about that phrase over the course of several days.  I first heard my pastor use it while addressing those in our church who gathered together for fellowship and to dig deeper in God's word.

Our culture promotes peace... we want peace and we'll often go to great lengths to get it or to maintain the peace in our homes.  We teach our kids to be peaceful and not fight, which is good and right, but I wonder if in the process of teaching; our kids are inferring that their faith isn't something worth fighting for... but fight we must!  It was not a mistake when God inspired Paul to write in Ephesians...

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  (Ephesians 6:10-17, NIV)

I think what God was trying to tell us through the writings of the Apostle Paul is that we can not sit idly by and expect our faith to withstand the wiles of the devil if we aren't fighting.  We can't put our faith on the shelf, we must be in quiet time with God, we must seek the face of God through prayer, and we must memorize and hide God's Word in our heart.  If we aren't prepared for battle before the battle we will have nothing within us in which to fight.

Fight for your faith and teach your kids how to fight for theirs.  Our kids are going to be faced with many battles within the walls of their public school building and they need to be ready to fight the fight for their faith.

FYI (For Your Information)

Just an FYI... postings may be rather sparse in the next few weeks around here.  My family is moving (only 3 miles away) and shortly after the move my husband is having surgery (nothing serious), so well... I've got much to do in preparation for all that in coming down the pike.  Thank you for understanding!

Just a reminder that Teacher Appreciation is the week of May 6-10, 2013.  Start thinking and preparing now how you want to honor your child's teacher.

Unless, I am so moved by the Spirit more than likely I will see you all on the other side of my chaos.

Summer Expectations

Do you feel like you're hanging on by a thread?  I always feel that way this time of the year.  There is so much going on to wrap up the school year -- Field trips, concerts, spring sports, etc.  Thankfully, in the busyness of life, God also sees fit to give  us warmer and longer sunlight days... it somehow seems to make the crazy schedule so much easier to handle.

However, we often transition from one busy schedule to the next as we attempt to tackle so much in the summer months to make up for what we can't do in the winter (at least that's true for us northerners).  I always have such high expectations for my summer... places to visit, things to teach the kids, projects to complete, friends to have over... you get the picture.  I've noticed the older my kids get they too have expectations and often our expectations collide and one or both of us are disappointed.

I heard a great idea this week while listening to a web cast featuring Lysa TerKeurst and Crystal Paine.  Crystal talked about establishing a "Bucket List" with your family before the summer begins... each family member lists 2-3 things they desire to do, then you meet together with calendar in hand and schedule all the activities before the summer months are here and then gone again.

I love this idea for several reasons... mostly because I'm a list kind of girl.  I recognize that some of you are more a "fly by the seat of your pants" kind of person, so if that works well for you then by all means continue doing what you're doing!  I also love this idea because it allows me to plan ahead financially, so I can enjoy the activity without the added stress of wondering how I'm going to pay for it.  Another reason I like this plan is that it allows me and my kids to look forward to periodic outings throughout the summer... there is something to be said about anticipating something in future.  I think it makes the activity more meaningful if I've waited in eager expectation.

I should also note that just because your child has a certain desire it doesn't mean it has to be done.  I'm sure all my kids would put on their "Bucket List" to go to Disney World and well... that just can't happen this summer.  So it may be a good idea BEFORE they make their list to explain to them the parameters their expectations need to be within.

What plans do you have for your summer months?  I would love to hear about them!

Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.  (Matthew 24:32, NIV)

The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.  (Song of Solomon 2:12, ESV)

A Christian Perspective of Earth Day

Even though I'm 20 plus years beyond my undergraduate years, I am still learning so much thanks in part to the education my children are recieving.

When I was in school, recycling and protecting the planet wasn't taught.  I went to a small private school and I'm sure there were lessons here and there about taking care of God's creation, but not in parallel to the modern day public schools teaching about Earth Day.  As we've become more knowledgeable about our world, we've come to see how our carbon footprint is affecting the world we live in and the one we will leave to future generations.

When my children first starting attending the public school and being taught about recycling and protecting the earth, I will admit I thought it was a bunch of man centered hog wash and so I rebelled and poo pooed it with my children.

I still believe the public schools teaching about the earth is man centered, but they do give us a good launching point to start a conversation with our kids.  It's our responsibility to step up to the plate and take it one step further and talk about God's view of taking care of the earth.  And, oh He does have something to say!

"God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good." (Genesis 1:31)

Earlier this year, I came across this link to a question and answer time with John Piper.  It has changed my view of how I look at Earth Day.  I see now that it is a matter of loving mankind, which is not an option according to God.  I would encourage you to take five minutes and listen to it yourself and then talk to your kids about it; giving them the biblical reason as to why we as Christians are to protect our planet.

Weariness of Winter and Sin

I'm weary. 

There are some days I really question if having my kids in a public school is the right choice, but then I have to remind myself that this isn't my choice at all... it's Gods.  I know there are some who would say that's a cop out, but for our family it's really the truth.  I've said it before and you can read my story on the sidebar, but I didn't want my kids to attend a public school and I tried to chose a different path.  But God knew and knows what is best for our family and for now this is His choice and knowing that makes it easier to trust in His choice.

Maybe my weariness is the result of a very long Minnesota winter... we are more than halfway through the month of April and our weather forecast is predicting snow today, tomorrow and into Friday.  It won't be a blizzard, but the thought of more snow and colder weather is starting to wear on me.

Maybe it's the heaviness of sin that is causing me to feel the weight of weariness.  Yesterday afternoon was a particularly difficult day.  Both of my older kids came home and unloaded on me.  First of all, let me say that I am blessed to have kids that share with me the highs and lows of their lives.  I know for many parents it's like pulling teeth to get a word out of their child's mouth, so I'm not bemoaning the issue, it was just hard information to hear and bear with them.

Some background...

Up until very recently my daughter has been part of amazing group of friends.  I kid you not when I say that there were probably 8-10 girls that treated each other with kindness, there was no cattiness toward each other, and they seemed to care less about what was popular or in style.  I loved these friends and the relationships my daughter had formed with them... until recently.  I'm not sure if some troll enters the life of a 5th grade girl, but over the course of the last few months these girls have become just the opposite of everything they once were.  I'm baffled as to why they've changed... is this just what happens when a girl turns 11 or 12 years old?  My daughter is struggling right now because she doesn't like what is happening to this once amazing group of friends, it puts her in a difficult position to feel like she has to chose sides, etc.  I see her enjoying those friendships less and less but I'm beginning to see that God in His wisdom placed within my daughter's heart something that baffled me at the time. 

You see my daughter's school is part of 8 elementary district schools... most of them are "in town schools".  My daughter's is not.  All the "in town" schools have transitioned their 6th graders to one of the two middle schools, but the two rural school have chosen to keep the 6th graders on site.  This is where I see God's wisdom.  Back in January, my daughter asked if she could attend the middle school next year.  Both my husband and I questioned her because she would be moving on and NONE of her friends would be.  I was amazed at her courage to step out, but I was also wondering where this courage was coming from.  Now I see that God knew the best place for her next year would be in a different school and with a different set of friends.  It can only be the work of God because by human standards, back when we made the decision to allow her to move on to a different school, it seemed like a foolish one.  Now I'm rejoicing and thanking God that He worked in the heart of my daughter giving her the desire and courage to step out and be the "only one".

I love how God works!  He change the heart of a then 10 year old and gave her courage to go against the flow.  I am so very thankful I didn't put my foot down and squash something God wanted to do in her life.  He continually reminds me in His Word that He has made our children to do great things... they do not have to be 20, 25 or 30 years old before choosing to do what is right.  Be encouraged by the life of Josiah and take some time today to pray for your kids and what they may be facing in their school day.

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father; and he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. For in the eighth year of his reign, *while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father, and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and the metal images.
Chronicles 34:1-3 ESV  (*Emphasis added) 

Teacher Appreciation Week

I love teachers!

In our family we've been blessed with mostly awesome teachers all along the educational journey. They've each been different in personalities and teaching styles, but my kids have learned from each one of them. This year my daughters have particularly GREAT teachers... if it were in my power I would give them both a substantial raise! J

Since it’s not within my power, I will have to settle on doing something special for them for Teacher Appreciation Week.  For those of you who don’t know, Teacher Appreciation Week is an actual federal day devoted to teachers.  This year Teacher Appreciate Week is May 6 – 10, 2013.

I will admit I haven’t been very good at this special week in the past.  I always have the best of intentions, but then the week sneaks up on me and I find the week is nearly over or past and I failed to recognize my kid’s teachers. L

This year I am vowing to do a better job and I know the key to making it happen is planning ahead, which is why I’m posting this blog entry so far in advance… I’m assuming there are others like me who don’t do well flying by the seat of their pants.

There are literally hundreds of gift ideas all over the internet… do a Google search of Teacher Appreciation Week.  But if your pockets are empty don’t despair, a handwritten note from you and your kiddo would be especially meaningful as well.

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you

in our prayers.  (I Thessalonians 1:3)

 

Facebook Addiction

My name is Jennifer and I'm addicted to Facebook... there I said it.  I already feel better!

I wish like so many people that Facebook were not an addiction for me, but if I'm honest with myself I tend to stalk my computer a lot throughout the day.  I wish like my friend that I had the self-discipline to limit myself to 15-30 minutes a day, but I don't... I cave so easily!

I can't tell you the number of times I've contemplated temporarily deactivating my account... too many to count.  But in recent weeks, I've felt a strong urging from the Holy Spirit that now was the time to take a Facebook fast.  I don't say that to make anyone feel guilty about using social media... this is just something I know I need to do.  It is a perfect time for me to take this fast since my family is on the verge of moving and I have much to pack in the next month, my husband is having surgery shortly after our move and then summer will nearly be upon us.  I want to use this time away from Facebook to spend more time with my family teaching my kids some practical things over the summer months and to evaluate where my focus needs to be.

To be honest, I really struggle with this decision because I fear all that I'll miss in the next several months... what if someone goes on vacation and I don't know about it - GASP!!!!!!  In the end though, I can't ignore the nagging I feel in my heart that this is what I need to do for a season.  Earlier this week, I was listening to a audio cast by John Piper regarding this very issue and it was while listening to him talk about his time of social media fasting that I felt a strong prompting to make the same choice for myself.

What does this mean for Salt and Light?  Really not much, except I will not have the ability to post articles to the Facebook Salt and Light group page.  This was another reason I struggled with the decision to fast from Facebook.  I feel a sense of obligation to the group and I don't want to leave anyone who reads the articles through Facebook high and dry.  So if you would like to continue receiving Salt and Light articles, I would highly recommend you subscribe to the blog to ensure you do not miss anything.  Subscribing is really quite simple... all you need to do is scroll about halfway down the page and on the right sidebar you will see a place that gives you the option to "follow by email".  Please note that I do not have any personal information when you subscribe... it is completely private.

I want to be perfectly clear, I will continue to write articles for the Salt and Light blog (in fact, I have several things written and scheduled to post in the coming weeks)... this fast is only affecting what I post to Facebook.

I love the 10th line in the verses below... "being available to your own families".  It speaks volumes to my heart!

This is the kind of fast day I’m after:
to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
free the oppressed,
cancel debts.
What I’m interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
being available to your own families.
Do this and the lights will turn on,
and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
The God of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, God will answer.
You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’ 

 

(Isaiah 58:6-9, The Message)

 

I will leave my Facebook account open for a few more days to ensure you have enough time to link through to subscribe. 

 

On a side note... I want you to know how much I appreciate everyone who reads my thoughts and ramblings.  The kind comments you leave me are very encouraging... Thank you!

Will I Ever Learn?

As I read through the Old Testament, I've come to a conclusion... I would make a GREAT Israelite!

So many times in my life God has proven his love and faithfulness to me over and over again and yet, I still question if He cares for me;  I still try to figure things out on my own before turning to Him.  Why do I do that?

Sometimes I find myself getting irritated with the Israelite people... seriously,when are they ever going to learn that God will provide for them, He will guide them and He loves them immensely?

But really, I do the same thing.  I don't fret about food and water and I don't fear having to wandering through the desert for 40 years, but I do question God.  I do wonder if I'll have enough money in the future to fix my ailing van even though God has provided for us time and again.  I worry about if I'll be asked to return for the next school year as a preschool teacher aide even though I've clearly seen God provide employment for me when I needed it.  I fret about how people view me even though He's given me amazing friends who constantly love and encourage me.  Why do I tend to focus more keenly on the what ifs rather than rejoicing in what God has already done for me and trusting Him to provide and guide me for the future?

I don't like this character quality in my life and I talked to God about it this morning and I've come to a new conclusion... I'm thankful He is patient with me and He readily forgives my doubting and feelings of inadequacies just as He did with the grouchy, impatient, wishy washy minds of His Israelite children.  My prayer is that with each new day I will get better at trusting Him for all my needs and become less dependent on me and my worry wort of a mind!

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:19)

 

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  (Matthew 6:26)

Wading Through the Murky Waters of Dating

On the Salt and Light facebook page I recently posted an article and a picture/quote about dating, which got me thinking more about the topic in recent days.

I grew up wanting to date really, really bad all through high school and into college.  Because of that desire and my insecurities, I chose to become involved in dating situations that were probably not best for me or the other person.  I dated very selfishly, like most teenagers do.

Shortly after I finished college and about three years after I was married a book came on the scene called "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Josh Harris.  I immediately hated the book and I hadn't even read it.  Looking back I think my disdain came from a book title that was telling me I dated wrong and I didn't want to admit that maybe I had.

I now own the book and have read some of it with my son.  I discovered that I completely misunderstood Josh Harris' premise and once I understood his heart, I have come to agree with him and his provocative book title.

If we are honest with ourselves and think back to our own early dating relationships, I think we would say it was very hard to remain pure.  When you are in "love", I use that word loosely, it is hard to remain sensible when it comes to our emotions.  So unless a young person makes a commitment to God BEFORE he or she starts dating, it is to easy to get off course and just wing it.  And winging it generally leads to disaster or at the very least an unhealthy relationship.

My pastor has also helped me in understanding this issue as well.  I've come to see under his teaching that the bible is very clear on what God expects from us in our dating relationships.  Because we are Christ followers, we are to live in selfless submission to one another.  I'm not talking here about the husband-wife relationship, but any and every relationship within the church body.  We are to be like Christ and that means we live to serve others, not to serve ourselves.  My best guess would say that most teenagers are not ready for that kind of relationship.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

I have had countless conversations with my two older children, particularly my son in regard to dating.  I know this is a tough issue for him because his friends are "dating" (if that's what you can call it in Junior High) and he is naturally wired by God to be attracted to girls.  So we talk a lot about how God mandates us not to be unequally yoked by becoming emotionally attached to a person who is not a Christ follower... that's hard because there are some very pretty and sweet unsaved girls.  We've talked about how you have to be emotionally stable to handle a dating situation.  Let's face it most teens are very emotional, wishy washy and possessive.  Those are not good character qualities to add into a dating situation.  And to be perfectly honest we've talked about how a teenagers hormones are raging and it is very hard to say "no" to those emotions.  I've told my son that until he is ready to financially handle a wife and baby, it is probably best that he hold off on dating.  That may sound extreme to you, but I'm just being realistic that it can happen and I'm not naive enough to think that my children are exempt from those emotions that have the potential to led them into a sinful union.

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

 

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a

pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)

I know talking about this with my kids is not a magical pill that will cure them from somehow being attracted to the opposite sex until they are 25, but I do want them to starting thinking now while they are young about the kind of relationships that are God honoring and spiritually healthy both for them and the other person they find attractive.  Right now I want them to wholeheartedly pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace.


NOTE: I recognize many people may not agree with this approach to dating and that's fine... these are just things that God has taught me.

A Mom's Calling

I was talking to my son tonight about Career Day that is coming up at his school the end of this month.  I jokingly asked him if he wanted me to come and represent the newspaper carriers of the world, or perhaps the preschool teacher's aide, or those wanting to be a mom.  He declined my offer, but as I was rattling off my list of jobs, I realized they don't sound very enticing or significant.  There aren't many kids who are aspiring to the jobs I hold.

It would be easy for me to feel like less a person because I don't have a profession that sounds cool or inviting, but I know that God views my "jobs" as very significant.  The work I do outside the home, though minimal, does provide needed income for our family and my mom job is very significant because God is using me as His ambassador to reach the hearts of my children.  Only time and perhaps eternity will tell the breadth of this work.

Tonight I read this article from Desiring God that validated exactly what I was thinking.  The following verse is a commendation of the work that Timothy's mother and grandmother had in his life.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.  (2 Timothy 1:5)

She Pondered These Things In Her Heart

Lately I've been thinking a lot about how I want my children to have an intense passion and love for their God.  I thought about myself when I was a young girl and unfortunately, I didn't have that passion... I loved God and I was a child of God, but I was still lacking something.  I began to wonder if that passion and love can only come out of a season of testing and trials because for me that was the turning point in my life.

Last night my kids and I sat in church for our Good Friday service... I think it's safe for me to say that I have never been a part of a more powerful service.  I can't adequately explain the songs that were sung, the readings that were read or the prayers that were offered... my words just cannot describe it.  I sat with tears streaming down my face as I once again came face to face with my sin that caused my Savior to go to the cross.  I am simply overwhelmed!

The service ended at the point in the story with Jesus still hanging on the cross.  The room went dark and the noise of thunder and the earth quaking filled the sanctuary.  The lights came back on dimly and everyone quietly made their way to their vehicles.  No chit chatting, laughing or conversing.

When my kids and I climbed into our van and I began driving away, I wasn't sure what to say.  How do you go on with life as normal after being a part of something so powerful?

I was still choked up and could barely speak when my son, a teenager, said something that made me think that yes, indeed a child can have the same love and passion for God as an adult who's experienced the loving hand of God through trials.  He simply told me there were moments during the service that he too could not sing because the words of the song and the message they spoke to his heart were just too much.

I'm thankful for the little glimpses God gives me into the heart of my children... this was one of the moments that can't be captured on camera, but will forever stay with me in my heart.

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.  Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”  When he had said this, he breathed his last.

The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.   (Luke 23:44-49)

Jesus Storybook Bible: Easter Story

A friend of mine posted the following videos to her Facebook wall and I thought they were very appropriate if you have younger elementary age children.  I watched them with my daughter this morning.  The videos are produced from the Jesus Storybook Bible written by Sally Lloyd-Jones.

A Dark Night in the Garden

The Sun Stops Shining

God's Wonderful Surprise

It's Going to be a Great Week!

This is my favorite week of the year. 

It hasn't always been my favorite though, I probably would have chosen Christmas when I was a young girl, but as I've gotten older, I've come to realize what a great sacrifice my Savior made for me and I am overwhelmed by His love for ME! 

I grew up in a wonderful Christian home; add to that my dad taught and my mom worked at a bible college for almost all my years at home  That environment, I think, caused me to take for granted the great sacrifice Jesus made for me.  I heard the same bible stories in Sunday school, church and school and it just became routine for me to hear that at the Easter season Jesus died, was buried and rose again... the amazing love Jesus showed me never touched my heart only my brain.  I believed that Jesus died for me, but there was still something missing...

Roughly ten years ago, I picked up the book The Murder of Jesus by John MacArthur and I came face to face with the reality, pain and love that combined to cause Jesus to go willingly to the cross for me.  I have been forever changed!  I can no longer sit in church dry eyed as I sing about that love and I passionately want my kids to know the same love not just in their brain, but deep down in their hearts.

This week my family is attempting to set not only our minds, but also our hearts on this special week that started on Sunday celebrating Jesus Triumphal Entry in Jerusalem.  Thursday we will gather at church for Maundy Thursday to partake of the Lord's Supper as we remember and contemplate the last night before Jesus was arrested and crucified.  Friday we will gather again as we celebrate Jesus' love for us in taking our sins to the cross.  And the week will culminate on Sunday morning as we celebrate that death and the grave could not hold Him... Jesus is alive!

Yesterday my pastor posted a timeline to his blog, outlining this special week and it has been very helpful to me.  It is my desire to spend a few minutes every day this week with my kids talking and reading about what was happening in Jerusalem roughly 2000 years ago.  My hope is that as we immerse ourselves into the scenes that unfolded those many years ago, we will feel what Jesus felt, we will see what the crowds saw, and come Sunday we will be changed because we now know what happened in the life of Jesus leading up to his death, his burial and eventual resurrection.  I would encourage you to do the same with your family.  It's not too late to get caught up on the story... take some time tonight to read about Jesus Triumphal Entry on Sunday and His cleansing of the temple on Monday.  There was so much going on during that special week, I  am anxious to learn along with my kids as we celebrate and remember His great love and sacrifice for us!

Made In His Image

My first grader came home with a mini book this past week about animals and the homes they live in... a monkey lives in a tree, a groundhog lives underground, a deer lives in the forest... you get the picture.  It was a nice little story until the very last page when the author said something like Tom and Mandy live in a house.  They are just like animals.  What?!?  Maybe the book was poorly written, but it sure sounded to my husband and I that the author was equating humans to animals.

I know I've talked about it before, but this was another reminder to me that the desire to indoctrinate our children at a very young age is very real.  This particular situation gave us the opportunity to talk to our daughter about how God made us in His image and we are not made just like the animals.

If the book had said something like Tom and Mandy live in a house just like animals live in their own houses; I would have been okay with that.  But we are definitely not made just like the animals and for that I am very thankful!

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.  (Genesis 1:27)

Cleansing Freedom

Forgiveness. 

Why is it so hard to forgive?  When I think about the times I've been offended, I can't honestly say that stewing on the offense provided much satisfaction; it generally caused a lot of anxiety and inner turmoil.

If you've read the story of Jacob and Esau, you quickly learn they don't have an ideal relationship.  Even before the boys were born they were struggling together in the womb.  And then later, Jacob received the family birthright because Esau foolishly sold it to him for the price of lentil stew and bread.  Then it all climaxed when Jacob deceives his father, which results in him receiving his father's blessing (God's blessing) rather than the rightful older brother, Esau.

It seems that whatever Jacob touches turns to gold.  I'm sure Esau felt that way too.  It was at this point in the story that Jacob fears for his life and flees to Haran to look for a wife.  On his way to Haran, Jacob has a dream that forever changed his life.  This may have been his defining moment when he realized the life he had been leading was not honoring to God and he set out to live in dependence on God.  As you read the next several chapters you see that Jacob was treated unfairly by his father-in-law over and over again, but not once does he return to his life of deceitfulness.

After spending 20 years working for his father-in-law, Jacob decides it's time to return to his homeland with his wives, children, servants and an abundance of livestock.

Naturally, Jacob is nervous and anxious about meeting his brother knowing they didn't part on good terms.  So Jacob sends hundreds of varying livestock to his brother as a peace offering for his part in their broken relationship.

Something amazing happens at the point in the story... Esau forgives.

As I read that portion of the story, I felt the weight lift that Jacob must have been feeling too.

You see, I understand that feeling very well.

Last fall, I posted an article about forgiveness.  At that time, I had truly forgiven someone who offended me, but over the past several weeks I felt God nudging me toward taking it one step further.  Like God always does with me, he spoke the idea of forgiveness into my heart it seemed at every turn -- bible messages, songs, radio broadcasts, etc.  So I listened to that nudging, sat down and crafted a letter to the offender offering complete forgiveness.  I don't know if this person is a Christ follower, but I told her that because I had been forgiven much by my Savior, I wanted to give her the same love and grace, and forgive completely.

I never expected to receive a reply back, but God graciously allowed me to hear back from her.  I was told what a gift it was to receive my forgiveness.  In that moment I felt like I think Jacob must have felt when he and Esau were reacquainted... the past was just that -- the past.  It was indeed very cleansing and freeing.

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.  (Matthew 6:14-15)

 

On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  (Romans 12:20)

Maybe you're struggling with this issue of forgiveness today.  Maybe someone under your roof has hurt you, an extended family member, church member, etc.  It is my prayer that you will find the courage and strength to give forgiveness today.

I'm thankful for the journey and lessons God taught me... it is only because of his mercy and grace that I am even able to broach this subject.  I write this post not for my own glory, but because I want to praise God for teaching me and growing me into the person He would have me to be.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches

"Mom, can I have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?"

"Are you sure you're that hungry?", Mom asks. "We are having supper in 30 minutes."

"Yes!" the child replies, "I'm starving".

Thirty minutes later, supper is served... juicy tender pot roast, creamy mashed potatoes with a river of gravy, seasoned cooked carrots, soft dinner rolls and warm apple crisp topped with whip cream.  The only problem is junior isn't hungry anymore, he sacrificed a hot satisfying meal for short term hunger pains.

Esau did the same thing (Genesis 25:29-34).  He came in from working the fields and felt the hunger pains rise in his stomach.  The aroma of lentil stew and fresh bread filled the family tent.  Jacob, his younger brother, had been cooking and Esau couldn't resist.  In a moment, he foolishly sold his birthright to his brother for the immediate satisfaction of a full belly.  He failed to appreciate what his birthright entailed... God's plan of redemption for the whole world!

Before we get too judgemental of Esau, we must ask ourselves how often do we do the same thing?  How often do I choose the easy, comfortable, safe path in lieu of something bigger God may have planned for me?  I'm afraid to admit how often I make the same foolish mistake Esau made.  I'm prone to look for short cuts and instant gratification.  I don't like hard things and I really don't like waiting.  But maybe just maybe, I should.  God knows my bigger picture and I need to look to Him for guidance and strength to wait because He will satisfy my "hunger pains".

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.  (Isaiah 55:8)

As I was writing this post tonight, a further thought occurred to me.  The world is telling our children that whatever feels good must be okay... your emotions and opinions are the barometer that guide you.  We know that to be a lie, but Satan is very good at distorting the truth, and the youthful minds of our children are susceptible to his lies and tactics.  He tells our kids that sex before marriage is okay because everyone is doing it and it is pleasurable, but when they cave into Satan's lies they quickly learn they just sold their "birthright".  And once it is sold, it can never be purchased again. 

Thankfully, there is forgiveness at the Cross.

 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  (1 John 1:9)

Today, let's seek God's guidance rather than the short term satisfaction of a full belly from a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Mountains and Molehills

As a teenager I had an amazing relationship with my mom. I loved her, respected her and genuinely loved spending time with her, as did my friends. She wasn't the type of mom that sacrificed her authority to be my best friend... I knew the boundaries, but she truly was a great mom. To this day, next to my husband, she is my best friend.


Over the years I've heard snide remarks about parenting in the teen years and quite honestly I didn't understand because that wasn't my experience as a teenager.

So naturally I was looking forward to parenting teens.

Maybe I was a tad naive as I entered this stage of parenting, but as of late it has become more challenging than I thought it would have been. Mind you, my teenager is not heading off the cliff (for which I am thankful); it's just the little stuff that when built upon tends to grow into a monument. I'm not to the point of wanting to make snide remarks about raising a teenager, but I can definitely see that I can not do this on my own... I need God's help. Quite honestly, that is the best place for me to be at... in total dependance on God.

As I've been thinking about this issue over the past 24 hours, I've been asking God to show me what are the issues in my teen that MUST be addressed and what issues are just molehills. By nature, I'm prone to make mountains out of molehills, so I need God's guidance in showing me what needs to be addressed and what issues are just points of irritation. I don't want to be that nit picky mom who points out every little infraction and in turn causes the heart of my teen to turn away from me and from God.

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

 

 

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:21

 

Is this an issue your dealing with too? Let's pray together that God would guide us in raising a teen that genuinely loves and fears God. Pray that our irritations won't be the rudder that guides our parenting.

I AM Significant

I don't always feel very significant.  I live in a city of approximately 66,000 people.  My state has over 5 million people.  The United States has just over 315 million people.  There are  7+ billion people in the world.

I feel insignificant.

I'm a stay at home mom most of the time.  I have 2 part-time jobs that take me out of my home about 10 hours a week.  I have never invented anything.  I have never managed a corporation.  I have never handled more than a few thousand dollars.  I have barely left my country.  I have never cured a disease.  I have never met anyone famous.  I have never made a speech to thousands of people.

I feel insignificant.

But almost 2000 years ago, on a hill called Golgotha a Man named Jesus took on Himself all the sins of the world... including mine.

I AM significant!

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.  (1 John 2:2)

 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  (John 3:16)

 

Our kids often feel this insignificance, so share with them how truly significant they are in the eyes of God.



God Redeems Everything!

About a month ago, I was watching a webcast featuring Lysa TerKeurst and Shelia Walsh.  Both women endured some very difficult experiences as either a child or young adult.  During this particular webcast they were recounting some of those difficult times and Shelia Walsh made the statement that God redeems everything.  I admit I have never heard it phrased that way before and I had to stop and ponder what that meant.

Over the past month, I haven't been able to get the phrase out of my head... God redeems everything.  I've come to see it worked out in so many ways in recent weeks. 

Personally, God has taken a very difficult situation for my family by uprooting us from one home, to live in an apartment for the past 5 years.  I won't lie and say it has always been easy.  It's true that God has blessed us with a beautiful and adequate apartment home, but I have always felt like less a person living in an apartment at my age.  As I've looked around at my friends and family and see their nice homes, I've struggled with how everyone must be viewing me and my family.  God continuously worked in my heart in this area over the past 5 years.  I knew in my heart I didn't want what I had before, but I also didn't care for the stigma that went along with my current situation. 

Fast forward 5 years to today... God used those years to teach my husband and me that He had a bigger plan for our family.  If we hadn't struggled through some of the dark times, we wouldn't be in an amazing church that continually blesses, strengthens and encourages us.  We wouldn't have learned the valuable lesson that sometimes less is more... we've learned to live simply, counter culturally and with contentment...

God Redeems Everything!

As I've looked at my friends and family, I've seen over and over how God redeems everything.  Just in the past few weeks, I've heard of a marriage relationship that by secular standards should not have survived due to infidelity, but...

God redeems everything!

I've seen a friend lose a job only to be given a better job opportunity hours after losing the first...

God redeems everything! 

I've seen God remove a friendship that in the moment was difficult to understand only to be restored with another more God honoring, Christ exalting friendship...

God redeems everything! 

I've heard testimony of a man's transformation from a drug addicted lifestyle to a life of restoration found only in the love of Christ...

God redeems everything!

Quite honestly, the list could go on and on.  When I contemplate the work that God is doing in my life and those I know and love, I can see His hand of blessing and restoration on a daily basis.

You may be in one of those dark moments right now and it's hard to see the light. I know and understand those moments, but now I also know something else...

God Redeems Everything!

O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.  (Psalm 130:7)