Wow! has it really been 4 days since my last post? I am embarassed and sad. I missed blogging and the rest it affords me. Weird, but it really puts me in a restful and contented state of mind. It keeps me focused and forces me to be on my knees and in my garden for a word from Him....for me and for you. I have had some time with Jesus, but I must confess, not as much as I need.
This morning, I had a great time with Jesus. I dont know why I was thinking about this, but I was praying and thinking about Moses. I was wondering and asking God about his relationship with him and the severity of his punishment when he struck the rock and was not allowed to enter the promised land. I thought about how disappointed he must have been. I was thinking about it, and realized several things:
I don't think he was really disappointed. Actually, he was probably relieved. Remember he had just spent 40 years wandering around with those whiny, ungrateful, untrusting people. I think I would have been happy to be in heaven and rid of them! He probably didnt feel that way, in fact I wouldn't either. I am sure there were some people he would really miss. I know that even when my kids are whiny and ungrateful, I still miss them. I just hope they will grow up someday and not whine and complain.
Also, even though he may have been disappointed, the thought of heaven when you are old and tired is pleasant and welcoming. He was thinking about Gods welcoming arms, not about what he was going to be missing here. I don't think of it being so much of a punishment as a reward for a job mostly well done.
So I asked God about my life and my disobedience. God and I had a conversation, and it occured to me: I wonder how many blessings and opportunities I had missed because of my disobedience? God used Moses to show us that our disobedience costs us, and it can cost us dearly. But if we trust God, and follow him, even when we do disobey, God still blesses us, just like he did Moses.
God planned for Moses to go with the Children of Israel into the promise land. But he also knew he wouldn't make it. But still he used Moses to deliver the Israelites and show everyone the great "I AM". He knew the Israelites would have to wander for 40 years to get "Egypt out of them". And he knew that Moses would strike the rock and not make the cut of those who go in. Maybe he did other disobedient stuff. But that is not what the Bible indicates. But what I do know is that God used him anyway. And he took a terrible situation and made it even better because he loved Moses and wanted to show him.
So he took Moses home. Really home. To the real land flowing with Milk and Honey. He took Moses disobedience and forgave him, and blessed him in spite of it. He gave him more than he could ever ask or imagine. I am not saying to just go ahead and be disobedient. Quite the contrary. I still wonder who I didn't touch or what I missed because of my disobedience. But I know that he makes all things beautiful in his time. So I trust him and know that I am so blessed and I don't want to miss out on any more by being disobedient.
Colossians 3:5-14 says:
Put to death, therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language form your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against on another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which bonds them all together in perfect unity.
That says it all. And what better reason is there than that? We are no longer under law, but under love. And I love Jesus so much that I want him in all of me, over all of me and oozing out of all of me. Not because I might loose my spot in heaven. I know I can't do that. But I don't want to disappoint him. So I want to please him and show him my love by obeying him in love. I will fail. But knowing he loves me and forgives me gives me hope and makes me want to do better and better in his strength. And that is my goal.
Remember: only 3 more days till the 12 days of Christmas begins! Do you have your book? visit www.12daysbook.com to order your copy. And join us as we begin a new year giving back to Christ for all he gave to us!
Showing posts with label contentment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contentment. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
December Nineteenth
Today is the 20th anniversary of my 29th birthday. I love having my birthday near Jesus' birthday....now. But I used to hate it. Getting your birthday presents wrapped in Christmas paper was bad. But it really stunk when you would get one gift and be told it was for both birthday AND Christmas. That happened more often than I would like to tell. I used to get so mad about that, and think to myself: well, your birthday is in July. What if I combined your Christmas present with your birthday gift...I tell you, I thought it just wasn't fair! Most of the time my birthday was just a part of the larger Holiday celebration that went from Thanksgiving to New Years. I used to get so disappointed. I got my hopes up every year. Great expectations.
Do you ever get disappointed with God? I am often disappointed, because I set up expectations, and do not communicate them well. I still have so much growing up to do. You would think by now, that I would be past those petty things, but I often get hurt because of my failure to articulate my desires and expectations. And sometimes it ends up that I place those feelings upon God.
Recently I have realized that although my life is wonderful, it has not turned out as I had hoped. There are many reasons for this, but that is unimportant. The important thing is my focus.
Colossians 3:18 Says:
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
This scripture follows the ones that talk about taking off the sinful nature and putting on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Then he tells us to bear with one another, forgive and let love bind everything together. And that whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord.
Why do you think he puts all those things first, then tells us to submit to our husbands?
I think it is because we need to do all those things in order to be submissive. But it is more than that. We have to let go of the disappointments, the past and the present way things are so we can move on with God.
Lately I have had to put this into practice. If you walked in my shoes, you would think I have it all. Nice home, great kids, my husband home 24-7 to help with everything. And it is great. I am so blessed that I have nothing ever to complain about. But it is not what I expected. I have learned the hard way that all of this is great, but what is really important is not seen here on earth. It is what lies ahead on heavens shores. And I want this to be the entire focus of my life. No matter how things turn out, moment by moment, daily or even all together, I have to focus on his purposes; that they are higher, better and more wonderful than I can ever imagine.
So I am learning that when I get disappointed it is usually that I am micro-focused, and not looking at the big picture that God is trying to accomplish in my life. Ouch! That is so hard to for me to remember. I am so glad God is big enough to take my whining and complaining, and that he is faithful enough to show me the truth.
So today, do something special for your spouse or someone special in your life. I suggest something I read in a book somewhere. This older couple had a phrase that they used with one another. I am not going to tell you their phrase. You need to come up with your own. Write it down and pass it on to your mate. Sit down with your mate and tell them how much you love and appreciate them, and then explain to them that you are going to start something new. Whenever you give this phrase to them, they have to pass it back to you. Then you pass it back to them. Do it secretly and in different and fun ways. For example, you could write it in the steam of the bathroom mirror so that every time the mirror steams up, they see it. I like to write it on the mirror in lipstick. Or in the dust on the dresser! Or on a piece of paper on his pillow. You get the idea. For me, this helps put it into perspective. And takes the focus off of what he is doing wrong onto what I can do better. And makes me grateful for how wonderful my life truly is.
Now I love having my birthday near our Lord's. I love it being part of the larger celebration. I don't even mind having my gift combined...but it better be a good one! And don't tell my husband. He can't get off that easy! Unless, of course it is a huge diamond or maybe a new Lexus.......
Do you ever get disappointed with God? I am often disappointed, because I set up expectations, and do not communicate them well. I still have so much growing up to do. You would think by now, that I would be past those petty things, but I often get hurt because of my failure to articulate my desires and expectations. And sometimes it ends up that I place those feelings upon God.
Recently I have realized that although my life is wonderful, it has not turned out as I had hoped. There are many reasons for this, but that is unimportant. The important thing is my focus.
Colossians 3:18 Says:
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
This scripture follows the ones that talk about taking off the sinful nature and putting on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Then he tells us to bear with one another, forgive and let love bind everything together. And that whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord.
Why do you think he puts all those things first, then tells us to submit to our husbands?
I think it is because we need to do all those things in order to be submissive. But it is more than that. We have to let go of the disappointments, the past and the present way things are so we can move on with God.
Lately I have had to put this into practice. If you walked in my shoes, you would think I have it all. Nice home, great kids, my husband home 24-7 to help with everything. And it is great. I am so blessed that I have nothing ever to complain about. But it is not what I expected. I have learned the hard way that all of this is great, but what is really important is not seen here on earth. It is what lies ahead on heavens shores. And I want this to be the entire focus of my life. No matter how things turn out, moment by moment, daily or even all together, I have to focus on his purposes; that they are higher, better and more wonderful than I can ever imagine.
So I am learning that when I get disappointed it is usually that I am micro-focused, and not looking at the big picture that God is trying to accomplish in my life. Ouch! That is so hard to for me to remember. I am so glad God is big enough to take my whining and complaining, and that he is faithful enough to show me the truth.
So today, do something special for your spouse or someone special in your life. I suggest something I read in a book somewhere. This older couple had a phrase that they used with one another. I am not going to tell you their phrase. You need to come up with your own. Write it down and pass it on to your mate. Sit down with your mate and tell them how much you love and appreciate them, and then explain to them that you are going to start something new. Whenever you give this phrase to them, they have to pass it back to you. Then you pass it back to them. Do it secretly and in different and fun ways. For example, you could write it in the steam of the bathroom mirror so that every time the mirror steams up, they see it. I like to write it on the mirror in lipstick. Or in the dust on the dresser! Or on a piece of paper on his pillow. You get the idea. For me, this helps put it into perspective. And takes the focus off of what he is doing wrong onto what I can do better. And makes me grateful for how wonderful my life truly is.
Now I love having my birthday near our Lord's. I love it being part of the larger celebration. I don't even mind having my gift combined...but it better be a good one! And don't tell my husband. He can't get off that easy! Unless, of course it is a huge diamond or maybe a new Lexus.......
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
December Eighth
I was excited to get to finally watch Julie and Julia tonight. I read the book earlier this year, and I have to say, the movie was much more positive and filled with joy. The book had so much angst and was more or less a chronicle of Julie's highly normal but less than perfect life. In the movie, the same was true, but they portrayed Julia Child as a positive bright light, and who made lemonade out of all the lemons in her life, so it made the depressed Julie lighter just by cooking her way through the book. There was alot of love, and a very few objectionable words, so all in all it was an enjoyable way to spend the evening. And of course, you know I have to relate it to todays devotional.
Col. 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to the Lord.
How can you let the word of Christ dwell in you?
How do you admonish one another?
What does singing do to our hearts?
It would have been good advice if Julie had known this scripture. I know that when I get out of focus, I start to microscopicly tune in to my wants, my feelings and my selfish desires and think of me, me, me. I begin to sink and wallow in self pity and most of the time it ends in a melt down of sorts. This happened to Julie several times. Yet Julia seemed to always have a smile, and a secret delight in who she was, but more importantly, she was the delight of her husband Paul. She was so grateful for his love and throughout the movie she never got over the fact that he fell in love with her.
We have an even better lover. One who is the lover of our very soul; our creator who gave his live for ours. One who will never leave, fail, change or abandon us. He loves us more than any man ever could or would be willing to do. We are the delight of his life, the apple of his eye, and the joy of his heart. There is nothing we can do that would cause him to leave us. That should bring us so much joy.
When I remember this, I am delighted in him. But when forget, I get filled with angst and 'when the momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!' So my goal is to be so filled up with him, that I cannot be filled with anything else, including angst. One of the ways I can do that is to sing to him, listen to his music and have it flowing in and through me. I read this idea in another devotional, and today I think it is especially appropriate:
Adopt a song. It can be a Christmas song, or a hymn or praise song. You can do it as a family or individually. Choose ne that will be yours this holiday season, to help you focus on him. Sing it to yourself frequently, When you get aggravated with each other, sing it to break the tension. Or when something is difficult, sing it to add a little levity to the situation. Let it help to remind you to be thankful for each other. Let the music of Christmas set your heart on him and remind you to be grateful and content in every situation. I hope it will change my heart forever. I am planning to use the song idea throughout the year and change it monthly or weekly if I feel the need. I think it will help me have more joy in the journey and be content in whatever circumstance I find myself in. Hope it helps you too!
Don't forget to check out our book, 'The 12 Days of Christmas' at www.12daysbook.com
Col. 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to the Lord.
How can you let the word of Christ dwell in you?
How do you admonish one another?
What does singing do to our hearts?
It would have been good advice if Julie had known this scripture. I know that when I get out of focus, I start to microscopicly tune in to my wants, my feelings and my selfish desires and think of me, me, me. I begin to sink and wallow in self pity and most of the time it ends in a melt down of sorts. This happened to Julie several times. Yet Julia seemed to always have a smile, and a secret delight in who she was, but more importantly, she was the delight of her husband Paul. She was so grateful for his love and throughout the movie she never got over the fact that he fell in love with her.
We have an even better lover. One who is the lover of our very soul; our creator who gave his live for ours. One who will never leave, fail, change or abandon us. He loves us more than any man ever could or would be willing to do. We are the delight of his life, the apple of his eye, and the joy of his heart. There is nothing we can do that would cause him to leave us. That should bring us so much joy.
When I remember this, I am delighted in him. But when forget, I get filled with angst and 'when the momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!' So my goal is to be so filled up with him, that I cannot be filled with anything else, including angst. One of the ways I can do that is to sing to him, listen to his music and have it flowing in and through me. I read this idea in another devotional, and today I think it is especially appropriate:
Adopt a song. It can be a Christmas song, or a hymn or praise song. You can do it as a family or individually. Choose ne that will be yours this holiday season, to help you focus on him. Sing it to yourself frequently, When you get aggravated with each other, sing it to break the tension. Or when something is difficult, sing it to add a little levity to the situation. Let it help to remind you to be thankful for each other. Let the music of Christmas set your heart on him and remind you to be grateful and content in every situation. I hope it will change my heart forever. I am planning to use the song idea throughout the year and change it monthly or weekly if I feel the need. I think it will help me have more joy in the journey and be content in whatever circumstance I find myself in. Hope it helps you too!
Don't forget to check out our book, 'The 12 Days of Christmas' at www.12daysbook.com
Sunday, December 6, 2009
December sixth, the real one
I have chosen to do this post in a new format, and hopefully it will work for you! Our scripture today is also taken from Colossians. I think we will be here for another few days. Not sure where God will go, but I am happy here.
Col. 3:1-2
1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Do you know what it mean to be raised with Christ? I hear it often quoted in Baptism services, Risen with Christ in baptism, raised to walk in newness of life. Do we live in that newness of life, once the freshness has worn off?
What are some ways we can set our minds on the things above? I want to say this again: Daily time with him and focusing on walking with him all the time is so important to this. I find that I worship other things when I focus on them more than him. Maybe that is what being double minded is all about for me.
What can you change so you do not focus so much on earthly things?
One day very soon, Get up early and watch a sunrise. If you live near the ocean on the east coast, drive to the beach in the dark and watch it from the beach. Take along some hot cocoa, coffee or tea, and as you watch and sip, discuss what kind of mind thought all this up and created all we know. Then think about the fact that he humbled himself and became one of us! Only he could have devised such a plan. Can you imagine him saying, “hey! I think I will leave all this and become one of them. Then they will KNOW how much I love them!” Then, if you are able, get some breakfast together. Continue the discussion about God creating all the varieties of food for us. Give thanks and enjoy the bounty.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving, I had to take my daughter to the airport to fly back to Sacremento, where she is currently living. Her flight was at 6:30, so we had to be there by 5:15. Two of my other children wanted to see her off, so my 9 year old daughter and my 13 year old son accompanied us. After we dropped her off, we saw that the sun was beginning to rise, and we were only about 10 min. from the beach, so we drove there and watched the sun come up. What an amazing experience and as we discussed how busy God had been with his paintbrush that beautiful morning, we had a sense of awe that God made all that, just for us to enjoy. We also looked at all the condos and huge houses and marveled that most of the people inside missed that beautiful sight, and missed out on the Love of God because they do not acknowledge him in their lives. How sad and how glorious; we have the responsibility and privilege to share him with the world. How will we do that today? and how will you live contented in him? I am realizing that one sunrise with the king of kings is more valuable than any painting, jewelry, or anything I own. And I look forward to spending another with him very soon.
Don't forget to check out our book: The 12 Days of Christmas for a great way to refocus into the new year. Visit www.12daysbook.com for more info. Also my personal blog, www.damazingmama/homeschoolblogger.com has great recipes, info, and what God is teaching us in our homeschool journey.
Col. 3:1-2
1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Do you know what it mean to be raised with Christ? I hear it often quoted in Baptism services, Risen with Christ in baptism, raised to walk in newness of life. Do we live in that newness of life, once the freshness has worn off?
What are some ways we can set our minds on the things above? I want to say this again: Daily time with him and focusing on walking with him all the time is so important to this. I find that I worship other things when I focus on them more than him. Maybe that is what being double minded is all about for me.
What can you change so you do not focus so much on earthly things?
One day very soon, Get up early and watch a sunrise. If you live near the ocean on the east coast, drive to the beach in the dark and watch it from the beach. Take along some hot cocoa, coffee or tea, and as you watch and sip, discuss what kind of mind thought all this up and created all we know. Then think about the fact that he humbled himself and became one of us! Only he could have devised such a plan. Can you imagine him saying, “hey! I think I will leave all this and become one of them. Then they will KNOW how much I love them!” Then, if you are able, get some breakfast together. Continue the discussion about God creating all the varieties of food for us. Give thanks and enjoy the bounty.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving, I had to take my daughter to the airport to fly back to Sacremento, where she is currently living. Her flight was at 6:30, so we had to be there by 5:15. Two of my other children wanted to see her off, so my 9 year old daughter and my 13 year old son accompanied us. After we dropped her off, we saw that the sun was beginning to rise, and we were only about 10 min. from the beach, so we drove there and watched the sun come up. What an amazing experience and as we discussed how busy God had been with his paintbrush that beautiful morning, we had a sense of awe that God made all that, just for us to enjoy. We also looked at all the condos and huge houses and marveled that most of the people inside missed that beautiful sight, and missed out on the Love of God because they do not acknowledge him in their lives. How sad and how glorious; we have the responsibility and privilege to share him with the world. How will we do that today? and how will you live contented in him? I am realizing that one sunrise with the king of kings is more valuable than any painting, jewelry, or anything I own. And I look forward to spending another with him very soon.
Don't forget to check out our book: The 12 Days of Christmas for a great way to refocus into the new year. Visit www.12daysbook.com for more info. Also my personal blog, www.damazingmama/homeschoolblogger.com has great recipes, info, and what God is teaching us in our homeschool journey.
December Sixth
Todays Scripture is again taken from Colossians. I've written it in a little different format, so you don't have to weed through all my ramblings to get to the meat of it! Hopefully you will be blessed by it and can use it with your family.
Col. 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
How can you do what you do in the name of Jesus?
If you can’t do it in his name, should you be doing it? What about your words?
How can you show more gratefulness this season?
Turn up the Christmas music, gather up you children and go through their “stuff”. We talked earlier this week about the “too much’s” and this is your time to act upon it. Think about the things you really need and use, and what is just taking up space. Make a pile to donate or re-gift. As you do, thank God for blessing you with it, and that you are now going to be a conduit of his love to someone else. Pray for the person who will receive your gift, and help your children see that by their sacrifice, others will be blessed and feel loved. Remember that Christ sacrificed his all for us.
Remember to check back daily for new posts. Also check out our book, The 12 Days of Christmas at our website www.12daysbook.com and my personal blog at www.damazingmama/homeschoolblogger.com where I post recipes and ramblings on our homeschool journey.
Col. 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
How can you do what you do in the name of Jesus?
If you can’t do it in his name, should you be doing it? What about your words?
How can you show more gratefulness this season?
Turn up the Christmas music, gather up you children and go through their “stuff”. We talked earlier this week about the “too much’s” and this is your time to act upon it. Think about the things you really need and use, and what is just taking up space. Make a pile to donate or re-gift. As you do, thank God for blessing you with it, and that you are now going to be a conduit of his love to someone else. Pray for the person who will receive your gift, and help your children see that by their sacrifice, others will be blessed and feel loved. Remember that Christ sacrificed his all for us.
Remember to check back daily for new posts. Also check out our book, The 12 Days of Christmas at our website www.12daysbook.com and my personal blog at www.damazingmama/homeschoolblogger.com where I post recipes and ramblings on our homeschool journey.
December Fifth
Ok, I did it. I missed a day. With all the busy running because it was my youngest daughters birthday, a book signing, and one of my closest friends birthday, I missed it.
I usually get up early and have my 'tea time' in my garden with God and I missed that too. In fact, I usually get up around 5:00am and while it is quiet, try to communicate with God, then go back to sleep and get up around 8:00am and go to the garden, but I missed all of that. In the busy-ness of the day, I missed my time with God, and my blog with you.
My intentions were good- I planned on getting up in time to do everything I needed to do, and in fact I did, but it was raining, and the couch was so inviting, curling up next to the birthday girl and watching tv, that I abandoned my plan and vegitated. Now I am not saying that spending a little time with my daughter is bad. On the contrary; being the last of 5, I have little time to spend all alone with her, so this was a good thing. But abandoning God was not. The rest of the day was so busy and full that I didn't talk to him all day. I talked about him all day, but I did not spend the day "with him". Which is what I am trying to practice- living in his presence.
When I woke up this morning at my usual 5:00am, I had a little bit of a tummy ache. I think it was too much birthday. (either that or the bloomin' onion and cheezy fries at outback!) Anyway, I was talking to God about it, telling him that I was going to suffer today for my lack of propriety yesterday. As I was talking, he gave me the thought that I had eaten bad manna. I didn't think of him all day...didn't interact with him, just floated on the faith from yesterday. If I would have focused on him, I would be in much better shape both spiritually and physically this morning. He reminded me that my experience was like the children of Israel in the desert. They had fresh manna every morning. They could not keep it overnight (except on the Sabbath). If they did, it got rancid and was unfit for consumption. It would have made them sick to eat it. I believe that is a great reminder for us: We need to go to God with our hearts daily. He will supply what we need daily.But if we neglect him and try to live off yesterdays blessings, we will feel sick and eventually become malnourished and be ineffective for him.
I don't know about you, but I want to have fresh food. Tasty morsels from the hand of my loving provider. And when I go to him, he does not fail to show up.
Just so you know, I will post today the Advent Devotional for yesterday and today in one later today.
Remember to check out our website and book: www.12daysbook.com and The 12 Days of Christmas. Also, I have a personal blog at www.damazingmama/homeschoolblogger.com
where you can find recipes, fun ideas and general ramblings about our homeschooling adventure.
May you have joy in your journey today, and don't miss it!
I usually get up early and have my 'tea time' in my garden with God and I missed that too. In fact, I usually get up around 5:00am and while it is quiet, try to communicate with God, then go back to sleep and get up around 8:00am and go to the garden, but I missed all of that. In the busy-ness of the day, I missed my time with God, and my blog with you.
My intentions were good- I planned on getting up in time to do everything I needed to do, and in fact I did, but it was raining, and the couch was so inviting, curling up next to the birthday girl and watching tv, that I abandoned my plan and vegitated. Now I am not saying that spending a little time with my daughter is bad. On the contrary; being the last of 5, I have little time to spend all alone with her, so this was a good thing. But abandoning God was not. The rest of the day was so busy and full that I didn't talk to him all day. I talked about him all day, but I did not spend the day "with him". Which is what I am trying to practice- living in his presence.
When I woke up this morning at my usual 5:00am, I had a little bit of a tummy ache. I think it was too much birthday. (either that or the bloomin' onion and cheezy fries at outback!) Anyway, I was talking to God about it, telling him that I was going to suffer today for my lack of propriety yesterday. As I was talking, he gave me the thought that I had eaten bad manna. I didn't think of him all day...didn't interact with him, just floated on the faith from yesterday. If I would have focused on him, I would be in much better shape both spiritually and physically this morning. He reminded me that my experience was like the children of Israel in the desert. They had fresh manna every morning. They could not keep it overnight (except on the Sabbath). If they did, it got rancid and was unfit for consumption. It would have made them sick to eat it. I believe that is a great reminder for us: We need to go to God with our hearts daily. He will supply what we need daily.But if we neglect him and try to live off yesterdays blessings, we will feel sick and eventually become malnourished and be ineffective for him.
I don't know about you, but I want to have fresh food. Tasty morsels from the hand of my loving provider. And when I go to him, he does not fail to show up.
Just so you know, I will post today the Advent Devotional for yesterday and today in one later today.
Remember to check out our website and book: www.12daysbook.com and The 12 Days of Christmas. Also, I have a personal blog at www.damazingmama/homeschoolblogger.com
where you can find recipes, fun ideas and general ramblings about our homeschooling adventure.
May you have joy in your journey today, and don't miss it!
Friday, December 4, 2009
December fourth
Today's scripture is again from Colossians. I think God has me there because Paul was forever practicing the grateful contentment that God is hammering at my heart. And Paul lived in the presence of God. If he didnt, he couldn't have been content like he was.
Col. 2:6 says:
So then just as you have recieved Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness.
How do we practically do this? How did Paul do it? We need to get in the habit of living in his presence. Everything we have should remind us of God's goodness to us. And we have so much. I used to wonder how people who have so little could be so happy. Then I realized several things:
It is not stuff that makes you happy. In fact, it makes you miserable sometimes. I have a friend who says, "the price of ownership is maintenance." I often feel chained to my house because I have so much to care for.
They have more space in their lives for God. They haven't filled up all the empty spaces as a tribute to self. There is more time for him, too.
They have to depend on him for everything. He is their only source, so they have to be intimately involved with him.
I have decided to put little reminders all over my life to keep me looking up and dependent on him. One of the ways I am going to do this is to take the old baby cradle and put it up by the Christmas tree. I am going to fill it with quilts that I am making for the Crisis Pregnancy Center this season. I am doing this to remind myself and my family what He gave up to come to me. He gave up the comforts of heaven and the indescribable communion with his Father to be with us. He came as a poor baby, not a rich king as he deserved. So as my reminder of his gift, I want to bless others. This way I will use up some of the fabric stash I have horded, and bless others that have much less than I.
Col. 2:6 says:
So then just as you have recieved Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness.
How do we practically do this? How did Paul do it? We need to get in the habit of living in his presence. Everything we have should remind us of God's goodness to us. And we have so much. I used to wonder how people who have so little could be so happy. Then I realized several things:
It is not stuff that makes you happy. In fact, it makes you miserable sometimes. I have a friend who says, "the price of ownership is maintenance." I often feel chained to my house because I have so much to care for.
They have more space in their lives for God. They haven't filled up all the empty spaces as a tribute to self. There is more time for him, too.
They have to depend on him for everything. He is their only source, so they have to be intimately involved with him.
I have decided to put little reminders all over my life to keep me looking up and dependent on him. One of the ways I am going to do this is to take the old baby cradle and put it up by the Christmas tree. I am going to fill it with quilts that I am making for the Crisis Pregnancy Center this season. I am doing this to remind myself and my family what He gave up to come to me. He gave up the comforts of heaven and the indescribable communion with his Father to be with us. He came as a poor baby, not a rich king as he deserved. So as my reminder of his gift, I want to bless others. This way I will use up some of the fabric stash I have horded, and bless others that have much less than I.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
December Second
Today is the second day of the Christmas Season....joy, gratitude and contentment are the words of the day. God has been hammering away at our hearts on how truly blessed we are and how ungrateful we as Americans have become.
For many years, we have been able to acheive a cheap (really expensive, in some cases) immitation of Christmas. We have been able to afford the 'finer things of life' and replace the joy and contentment that comes with a real relationship with Christ with 'stuff'. Gifts, events and all the busy-ness has become a poor substitute for the real joy and gifts which are family, friends and the memories we make with them. We have done this for so long, that it is hard to remember what this season is supposed to be about. But with the financial downturn, we are now forced to take a good hard look at what is real and what is artificial about our Christmas celebrations. And that is a good thing. We have so much to be thankful for...and its not the stuff. We have freedom in Christ, we have friends and family that love us unconditionally, and food, shelter, air, and on we could go. So how can we close "pandoras box" and reverse this tide now that it has run rampant for so long?
Repentance is an outdated word, but it is what we need. Literally, it means "turn around and go the other direction". I know it is difficult to turn the ship around, but it is so worth it. So it is time to refocus. We have been using the wrong lens, and now we need to change it to the right one.
Col. 1:12 says: Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the kingdom inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
So be thankful for Christ. Be really thankful, by focusing on what is true, lovely, righteous and holy. Think about what really needs to be done, and what will make the most of this precious time with friends and family. Get the kids involved and thinking more about who they could bless, and why it is important. We decided to do a "Family Motto" for the season to help us remember what we are all about. We got the family involved, and tomorrow you will know what we came up with.
Until then, may you have joy in this day, and the season!
For many years, we have been able to acheive a cheap (really expensive, in some cases) immitation of Christmas. We have been able to afford the 'finer things of life' and replace the joy and contentment that comes with a real relationship with Christ with 'stuff'. Gifts, events and all the busy-ness has become a poor substitute for the real joy and gifts which are family, friends and the memories we make with them. We have done this for so long, that it is hard to remember what this season is supposed to be about. But with the financial downturn, we are now forced to take a good hard look at what is real and what is artificial about our Christmas celebrations. And that is a good thing. We have so much to be thankful for...and its not the stuff. We have freedom in Christ, we have friends and family that love us unconditionally, and food, shelter, air, and on we could go. So how can we close "pandoras box" and reverse this tide now that it has run rampant for so long?
Repentance is an outdated word, but it is what we need. Literally, it means "turn around and go the other direction". I know it is difficult to turn the ship around, but it is so worth it. So it is time to refocus. We have been using the wrong lens, and now we need to change it to the right one.
Col. 1:12 says: Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the kingdom inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
So be thankful for Christ. Be really thankful, by focusing on what is true, lovely, righteous and holy. Think about what really needs to be done, and what will make the most of this precious time with friends and family. Get the kids involved and thinking more about who they could bless, and why it is important. We decided to do a "Family Motto" for the season to help us remember what we are all about. We got the family involved, and tomorrow you will know what we came up with.
Until then, may you have joy in this day, and the season!
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