Be Still and Listen

Today I find myself with a few moments to rest and reflect. Although life can be very busy and things a bit hectic, it is imperative that we sometimes take a few moments to be still before the Lord. Isaiah 46:10 reminds us to be still and know that He is God.

I recently was reminded in my bible study that busyness does not produce wholeness. Sometimes we get so busy with our life that we don't allow the Lord to work in the deepest parts of our hearts. Sometimes we need to back away and say "no" to the things we must commonly say "yes" to and spend time at the foot of the cross. There we can, by being still and listening, hear His still small voice. He desires to guide and direct us in our current circumstances and concerns. When we're tired, overwhelmed and too busy we don't allow ourselves the opportunity to hear God's soft voice.

Being still for a Martha like me is very challenging. But I must do it. I must sit in silence and listen. Lord, speak I am listening.

Join me at the foot of the cross.

Spring Fling

Okay for all you ladies who need inspiration to get your home in order. Spring is soon approaching. It's time to get in and clean out, or as we'll call it Spring Fling. For many this may seem like a daunting task, but for some the readiness to be organized and orderly makes you happy just thinking about it. You know who you are. With the change of season and the longer days soon approaching, why not take time to clean out those bogged down closets and drawers, clean under those sofas, and wash those coverlets? Here's some easy steps to getting this accomplished without being overwhelmed. First, make a list of most important to least important. As you find yourself with snippets of time, knock one out. You'll be surprised in just a few months how orderly and organized you'll feel. Having a checklist will make it seem much more feasible to get done. Second, make the Spring Fling a fun family project. Inspire your kids to spring into their closets and fling out those old unused toys, shoes and clothes. Let them sell or donate their no longer wanted items. Let them experience the blessing of being orderly and sharing.

Our God is a God of order, we should follow in His steps.

I Corinthians 14: 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Prayer Power!

As we attempt to parent our kiddos towards the things of God, it is crucial for us as parents to model the importance of prayer, not simply at mealtime only. Starting each day together in prayer and ending each day in prayer brings a unique and special bond within the family. You've heard it said, "the family that prays together stays together." Prayer is an opportunity for your kids, as well as yourself, to see God move in a personal way. Recently, I had two of my kiddos come to me so excited to see God answer their prayers. Yes, their prayers to us may seem so simple asking God for their lost toy or a friend. But to God they are huge and to them they are huge. As parents we have an amazing teachable moment, affirming God's interest in their lives and His answer to their prayers. What kid doesn't want to know that God cares about their concerns? I encourage you to spend time with your kids in prayer. Initially you will have to be the one prompting them or making them aware of the prayers that are being answered, but in time your kids too will be excited when they recognize God's answer to prayer on their own. It's powerful, try it!

Trust Comes with Promise

For many Proverbs 3:5-6 is a well-memorized verse. Although we struggle from time to time with the circumstances we face it is imperative, really necessary, to cling to God's word. These verses give us hope, promises we can apply and savor in our lives. If we simply trust in the Lord, He promises to direct us. Lighting the way of where we should go, do, etc. is critical to our spiritual and physical success. It's as critical as walking through the woods in a dark cloud covered sky. We are simply unable to see where we are going if we don't have light. The light we need comes only from Him and in these verses, if we simply apply our part of trusting in God, He promises to direct our path. Are you trusting Him with that big problem or hurdle you're facing? Am I? Trusting only comes from past difficulties and experience with God. We cannot trust someone or something we have not known something about. Each passing difficulty or hardship brings with it a history of experience. The experience we gain in seeing God's faithfulness shows us He is trustworthy. Think of this challenge you face as a stepping stone to deeper faith and trust in Him. I'm speaking to myself here too. No matter what we face, if we simply trust Him, He promises to guide the way. Let's trust Him and see where He takes us.

Team Players

As a usual routine, my family designates a night of the week as our "family" night. We use this as an opportunity to have a family meeting discussing any current family issues or upcoming events. We also take advantage of the time to read through scripture as a family discussing just a few verses at a time. Interacting together and discussing what God's word means as a family team, allows us the opportunity to answer questions our kids might have. We do a prayer request time and take turns praying for each other. During this time we try to have dessert to make it a little more exciting. Then we top the night off with a game, movie or something fun! Don't get me wrong, this does not take the place of our daily devotion or prayer time with our kids, this is just a fun night that we gather together purposefully. We always try to reinforce to our kids that we are a team. We work together and have the same goals in mind. Building that camaraderie gives them a sense of safety and togetherness. So however you can designate time together in your family's schedule, purpose to do it. Play as a team!

Off and Away

Away goes 2010 like a blur! I can hardly believe we're ready for a new calendar. Well, if time passes fast for you too, I'm sure you can relate to my frantic observation. January 1st has already come and gone, and I have not pondered my new goals for this year. Really I haven't sat down to ponder much. With undecorating and packing up the Christmas goods, I'm just exhausted. So...here we are a new year. I honestly should be bubbling with excitement at the thought of a new start, new year, etc. I usually am. Not this year. For me 2010 came with so many challenges, difficulties and trials I'm tired just telling you about them. Despite that I am reminded that those who wait on the Lord will have renewed strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. Boy, I could use that strength! How about you? I must consider all the good the Lord has done in 2010 and walk confidently into this new year, not with anxiety but with encouragement knowing that He will give me the strength to face all that comes my way, if I simply wait and trust in Him.

Challenge: Sit and ponder what the Lord would have you do and accomplish this year.

Isaiah 40:31 "Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary."

Amazing Savings

With a limited budget it's best to save where we can. Today I took my girls out for some after Christmas shopping. While we were out, I was able to pick up a few rolls of Christmas wrapping paper and bows for next year. By thinking ahead, I was able to save over 50% off the regular price. I got everything I needed for under $10.

This is a great way to get a head start on your next year's Christmas budget. Keep your eyes open for some amazing savings now through the end of January.