Trials Still Shall Come

We recently came out of a near two year trial. Unbeknownst to us we would be hit with something from left field, something we'd least expect as a trial we would experience. Aren't most trials that way? We often think of trials as an annoyance, and often times they are. BUT GOD rich in His mercy and grace always looks for opportunities to grow our faith. Unfortunately trials typically are His catalyst to show us just how faithful He is. When we experience the bigger more difficult trials in life we are given a mirror to see just how strong our faith really is. Will we trust Him completely surrendering our emotions to His leading with much prayer or will we stress out and allow our fleshly tendencies to come crawling out?

Needless to say, although I would not have opted for a legal battle as was the trial in this case, I can see how God used our family. He utilized the behavior of our three children and our story in an elite conference room for nearly six hours to shine His light on four attorneys and a mediator, whom by the end of the day nearly all gave us hugs. God can use you as He did us to shine His light on people you might never get the chance to meet or influence had you not been in the midst of a trial.

Matthew 5:16
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Keep Your Eyes Open

Have you ever wondered why we were given two eyes? Of course to see better, right? It recently dawned on me, that we are able to see better those people around us that are hurting or maybe need some love if we simply open our eyes. Really they're all around us; they could be a neighbor, co-worker or even a family member. When we ask the Lord to show us those in our sphere of influence that are hurting or need a little love, He's always willing to open our eyes. He wants nothing more than for us to extend His touch of love.

Lord, open our eyes to see those around us that need your love, encouragement or simply just a hug. Once we see them, give us the courage to love them.

Galatians 5:14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Teach Them Well...Tithe and Save

Taking every opportunity to share the importance of money management with your children is never a discussion to miss. Teaching kids the importance of handling money well with a biblical perspective will instill a great foundation early in life. One way we started teaching our kids was by giving them opportunities to work hard and make money. The bigger the project the more we paid them. Not only does this instill good work ethic, but it also helps them to get started in handling money. When they first earned a little cash, we taught them to have envelopes for tithe, savings and spending (The spending cash of course typically goes right into their wallets). Teaching them that no matter what amount they earn, tithing is always first, saving is second and spending is last. It has worked well for us. But, however you choose to teach your kids God's principals on money management, just remember they are never to young to learn that our money belongs to God and we're merely stewards of it.

Here's a fun tip: Give your kids white envelopes to decorate with stickers, markers and paper. Then have them label them what they are for (ie: tithe, savings, spending). This might get them excited and may open the door for you to start sharing the importance of money management.

It's Time For Some Fun!

Yikes, can you believe we're already half way through summer? It's amazing how quickly time passes. Although my life has been hectic and even wearisome I try to always plan some fun. Juggling family, summer fun and regular mom-duties is a bit of a circus act, but finding fun creative things to do with your family will always make memories. What about you; what do you do for fun? One thing I really enjoy doing is going on family walks. It gives us time to laugh, be silly and just hang out together while taking in God's creation, not to mention it's good for your health. What about creating a project together? My girls and I have been spending our fun time scouring second hand stores in efforts of creating unique journals. Whatever you think is fun try doing it with your family, children, best-friend or neighbor. Find something you enjoy and get to it! If you don't plan for it, time will pass you by.   Ephesians 5:16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

A Meaningful Godcidence

Okay for all you gals who are as busy as I am, always on the run and hardly taking time to breathe. I want to share a great Godcidence that happened to me, that can only clearly be God's hand in my life.

After church one Sunday my family and I were enjoying lunch at a local sandwhich shop when, at a glance, I noticed a family walk through the door that caught my attention. For some crazy reason I had this strong desire to meet the mom. I've never had an incident like this occur. Well, despite the urgency I felt inside, I did not have the courage to go up to her and just introduce myself. As we walked out I told my daughter and husband, I should have met her. I really should have met her. Within that moment, my husband encouraged me saying that if I was supposed to meet her God would cross our paths again. I spent the rest of the day regretting my decision and rested on his advice. As you can imagine over a month later, we were at the same local sandwhich shop and who came walking through the door? Yes, you guessed right. I did not let the opportunity slip by this time. Truly God had setup up this divine appointment. I am confident the Lord put this new friend in my life for numerous reasons. She too loves Jesus and is likeminded in many ways. I share all of this with you so that you might be encouraged, despite your fast pace or busy schedule don't ignore those promptings the Lord puts in your heart. You never know who or what God might have for you.

Isaiah 1:19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;

Catch a Deal

If you're the avid bargainer, these days might be the best time to catch a deal. Shopping the clearance at your favorites stores is a sure bet bargain catcher. However, I recently found myself in a thrift store where I scored big! I found some italian leather red boots (new) for $2! Yes, that is by far my best deal catcher. But, I was also able to get my daughter some BCBG jeans for only $1! You can't beat deals like that. I know when the budget is tight, we need to be creative. Finding your best deal might be in a place you'd least expect.

Washed Up

Wow, have you ever felt like you've been in the midst of a washer's spin cycle? Maybe you feel that way right now, I know I have lately. Being sloshed around, feeling wrung up and even almost drowning are not what I call comfortable times. But I recently realized that when we are in the midst of purification although it is always uncomfortable, we can rest assured we always come out brighter than when we went in. God's work in our lives is always to get rid of those things that aren't so beautiful, those stains that seem to show for all to see. Sometimes our stains are on the inside of our collars, where only we know about them. What stain are you hiding or holding on to? Regardless of whether your stains are pride, discontentment or jealousy, whatever your stain(s), God wants to remove them from your beautiful fabric. Those stains need to go, they need to be washed away in the cleansing of God's word and in the refining of His ever loving hand. The trials of the washing machine are for our better. As I encourage myself, be encouraged that God is doing a work in your life. He's doing a work in my life. The twisting and wringing you might feel is for a greater good; it is so that you might come out of that washing machine changed, transformed, and even more beautiful than when you went in. Let go of your stains and dirt, and let God do a new work.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.