God's Song

Who Will Be My Mother?

Who will be my mother?

Watching children grow up in today’s world can be a frightening thing.  The addictions, crime, war, disease, divorce, abuse, stress, depression, anxiety, poverty, bad advice and sexual indecencies our children are exposed to from an early age should bring sadness to our souls. 

So who will be the real mothers? The ones who will guard their hearts, hold their hands, set the example, protect their minds? Who will be the mothers who prioritize their spiritual lives, stand for purity, sacrifice their own desires and build foundations built on absolute truths? Who will be the real mothers who contradict culture, who will say “enough is enough”, who pray, who read the Word of God and teach what it says? Who will be those mothers? Who will be the mother that teaches young men it’s more important to love others than his selfish desires and to her daughters teaches real beauty comes from within. WHO WILL BE THAT MOTHER?

You see, the world is full of women who can give birth to beautiful babies. The miracle of new life, so fresh from heaven is breathtaking… But it is duplicated thousands of times a day in hospitals, homes and birthing centers. The ability to give birth is not unique to you or me…or the next woman.

But what is unique is the ability to be a spiritual mom to this generation of searching young people. This ability to rise up, hold this generation up in prayer, in presence and in the power of Jesus, declare that you will be that mother…the advocate, the protector, the hope-giver, the prayer warrior, the foundation builder, the truth seeker, the loving example of a strong, determined, enemy fighting warrior for our future generations.

And that, my friend, has nothing to do with your biological clock, your empty nest, your childless womb, or your empty arms. 

It has to do with your heart. Your mother heart…that God has given you. Whether you’ve birthed children, adopted children, buried children, fostered children or have a barren womb…you can be a spiritual mother. 

And I wonder, in this world today, if that’s not what we really need more than anything. Will you be the one…the one who loves beyond the womb? Will you be that mother?

Summary- Reclaiming Everyday

Here's what we've been talking about over on facebook the last few days. 

I'd love to have you join me over at RECLAIMING EVERYDAY

You're Invited

Sometimes God calls us to do things we feel unqualified to do. In fact, in my life, that seems to be the norm. I’ve never felt exceptionally qualified to do much of what He leads me to, and honestly, that has probably been a good thing. Pride can rear its ugly head when we begin thinking we can handle everything on our own.

For quite a long time I have felt God preparing the way for me to share the stories He has written on my heart. The stories of how He’s reclaimed the broken pieces and helped me reclaim the things the enemy meant for harm. So this is the official beginning of just laying it all out there. It’s my step of obedience toward Him, and whatever, however, He blesses is in His hands. 

Some of you have been reading my blog and other devotional writings for over 10 years. I can’t even begin to thank you for your loyalty and for your encouragement. Writing has been an outlet for me to write about all the things in life that are important to me…family, ministry, missions and hobbies. I’ve blogged about them all and more! As I transition to this author Facebook page, I ask that you continue to follow and comment and share as much as you feel led. It is enormously uncomfortable for me to ask you to help promote me….so that’s not what I am asking for…I am asking that you promote the message of Jesus Christ. If something I write speaks to you or you know someone who could benefit from hearing it, please share the message. That’s how lives are reclaimed. 

I’ve been working with a writing coach the past few months. We have plans in the works for all sorts of things, including some book ideas, which of course, falls somewhere between exciting and mortifying for me…but again, I am walking in obedience to whatever the Lord wants. 

So, real quick….like and follow this page if you want to keep in touch. Share the page with others who might be interested and come back often for encouragement and to say hello! Thanks for joining me!

Wordless Wednesday

Lost and Found

Have you ever lost something, and after days of looking for it, just gave up? Maybe it wasn't important or maybe it was so important that you ended up having to replace it immediately. Either way it is so frustrating...the wasted time, energy and money. And maybe what's even more frustrating is that sometimes much later, we find what we were missing. The lost is finally found. It's been right there all the time, and yet we missed it. While there's the excitement over finding the lost object, there's regret that we didn't find it sooner.

I find myself spiritually contemplating this same concept. I lose momentum in my walk with the Lord. I lose joy in serving Him. I treat someone carelessly. I speak out of anger or jealousy or frustration. I lose my testimony. I lose my joy. I lose the compassion that has been so freely given. And one day, I wake up and realize I am not the person I intended to be; I'm not who God intended me to be. I've lost myself in the rubbish of the world.  It's frustrating, the wasted time, energy and yes, even money.

And like the lost item, it's even more aggravating to see how easy it would have been to reclaim those lost things. God's redeeming mercy is new each and every day.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) …” Ephesians 2:4-5.

But God....oh how thankful I am for those two words...He's always in the redeeming business. Redeeming each day that I mess up. Redeeming each moment that I waste. Redeeming relationships that I've ruined. Redeeming my marriage, family, job, health....

Because of His great love for me...He saves me. And He keeps saving me....everyday He's forgiving and drawing me closer to this reclaimed life He has designed for those who call on Him. I am the lost thing, found. I am the prodigal running home. I am the ultimate sinner. And He is loving me, making me more alive in Him, reclaiming me as His own. 

I don't have to live in regret. I don't have to live in guilt. He's covered all that. Now I can walk in new mercy because I have been found. 

Scarred Up

I'm pretty scarred up... real scars from childhood injuries,
2 c-sections, some dermatology scars...
And each scar has a story...
Of how I survived. Each scar is a reminder that although there was pain and hurt there was also a time of recovery...
That in every situation I have healed and that scar is just a reminder of the healing that has taken place.
The same is true spiritually speaking... I have scars, hurts,
Bumps and bruises...
some my own fault and some, honestly, the fault of others. And yet, I'm learning I can pick at the scar and reopen the wound or I can use my story to help others heal too. I've often thought staying quiet about my scars was the key, but I'm realizing more and more that when the time is right to tell your story, God will make a way for you to tell of His healing, his recovery process,
His therapy for your soul... and His glory will be revealed in places and spaces you've never dreamed of. And that makes the scars worth it.

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for....

1. An entire family saved and baptized Sunday at church.

2. Spring Break...craft time, nap time, DVR time

3. Spiritual clarity regarding some decisions that I needed to make

4. A full day of sunshine...only one, but still

What are you thankful for this week?

Wordless Wednesday- Barn Quilt

Why We'd Go Back

This morning I ate at The Breakfast Klub with Bruce and a long time friend. I had googled to find a restaurant that would be an easy commute for my friend and this one popped up. We had no idea what we were getting in to but now, with the meal behind us, I am already looking forward to my next visit...and I want to tell others about it!

And that got me to thinking....what brings people back? As a pastor's wife, we are constantly looking for ways to get seekers in the door and then back again. So I thought I'd take a closer look at what I experienced and why I think people keep coming back (or not).

1. I decided on the place because when I googled it, it came up with 4.5 stars....so I knew quickly that it must be good.

2. They had an online presence. I browsed the menu to be sure it was going to have something for all of us. The menu was easy to find and easy to read.

3. The location was in a part of Houston that appears to be revitalizing. Parking was terrible.

4. We had to stand in line outside because the crowd inside was so large.

5. There was a nice African American woman who gave clear and direct instructions about the menu and what would happen when you entered the building. She even told us where the restrooms would be located, where the drinks and condiments would be and how to order from the menu. She was nice, well spoken and energetic.

6. We waited outside about 20 minutes.

7. Once in the building we were greeted by another man who took our order before we got to the counter. He also pointed out the drinks and restrooms and was very friendly.

8. We paid with a debit card and signed electronically.

9. Did I mention it was crowded? After we got our drinks and silverware we found our own seat.

10. Within 10 minutes our food was served by 2 different waiters who were very friendly.

11. About half way through the meal the general manager made his way around to us and chatted for 3 minutes or so. He returned 5 minutes later and told us we HAD to have some fried chicken since it was our first time. He gave us each a piece...on the house. It was scrumptious.

12. The bathroom was spotlessly clean, but the toilet didn't flush without a good jiggle of the handle.

13. Tables were busted quickly by plenty of servers and waiters.

14. The atmosphere was multi ethnic...mostly African Americans of the business sector. I didn't feel intimidated or uncomfortable at all. Everyone was so FRIENDLY.

15. We paid more than we usually do for breakfast. It was so worth it.

16. The music was loud and some of the art work was a little more "soul-full" than I am used to.

So the question is....would I go back? You betcha...and here's why...

1. I am an information kind of gal...I liked knowing a little about the place before going.
2. The friendliness of everyone we encountered was overwhelming and made the few things that could have been a big distraction seem so small in comparison.
3. Knowing the food was going to be delicious made the wait more tolerable.
4. Did I mention how friendly everyone was?


I also think church is a lot like restaurants.

People listen to other members reviews....how do we talk about our church?

People look for friendliness...are our greeters familiar with where everything is so they can direct guests to the right classes, restrooms, nursery? Are they smiling and excited to be there? A grumpy greeter can be a big turn off when looking for a church.

People are willing to compromise some things if the main thing is good. What is the main thing?? Jesus and His message. However that is communicated needs to be top notch. The best we can give.

Are our people eager to serve. Those waiters and servers at the Breakfast Klub were anxious and ready to do their jobs. They were serving current guests and making room for the next guests. They had a lot riding on their shoulders. Do our servers in our churches serve with that same passion and understanding that they are the visual message of the church?

Did I mention how friendly everyone was? The general manager was making the rounds, making small talk, shaking hands and making everyone feel loved and appreciated. How important is that when we are welcoming guests into our churches.

The important lesson I learned today was it's not always the best building, best parking situation, best seat in the house that gets people coming back. It's the atmosphere. WHOA.... and what I learned today is we have a part in that atmosphere. How we enter God's house not only reflects our relationship with Him but also can affect others around us as they seek to worship God. A smile goes a long way and I can easily forget about a toilet that had to be jiggled a little if the Holy Spirit is moving in the atmosphere.

Word-filled Wednesday

Mom Doubts

If there was ever a book that intimidated homeschool moms everywhere, I'd venture to say it was this one. 12 years of homeschooling on the line. 12 years of choosing curriculum, writing out lesson plans, making sure everything she needed to know has been covered. 12 years of hoping I wasn't ruining her life. 12 years of second guessing. 12 years of sitting together at the kitchen table. 12 years of grading, training and praying.

And now it all boils down to this.

4 hours

April 13

OK...ok....ok....maybe I am being a bit dramatic, but haven't we all been there. We stress about things that we really have no control over. We doubt whether what we've done has been enough. We worry we didn't give them enough opportunities. We wonder if we have prepared them enough. 

And here we are....

thinking this one test will determine her future...

that one test will test all she knows...

that one test will prove you did your job...

that one test will make or break your reputation...

Good Grief!!!! Stop the presses!

The reality is, raising kids, no matter how they are schooled, is hard work. It's the biggest and toughest and most rewarding and fulfilling work we will do. But all the pressure isn't on us! Yes, we have a responsibility to train them and teach them God's word. But the end result, the final word, the way it all ends up....that's in God's hand. He already knows what path they will take. He knows if they'll pass that ACT with flying colors or it they'll need a couple of tries to show their best effort. He knows it college or tech school or no school is in their future. He knows the where and the what and the how of college decisions and He knows your child so intimately, that as a loving father would do, He wants to guide them and lead them as they make decisions that will honor Him.

So what's our part???

From what I gather from God's Word it's consistency in talking about the Lord with our kids. It's making Him a normal part of everyday conversation. It's teaching them God's Word. It's being diligent. It's loving them enough to discipline them. It's guiding them as they get older and teaching them to take ownership of their own spiritual life with the Lord. It's being an example. And it's a lot of grace and forgiveness for when WE mess up. 

So whether your kids are small or they're heading off to college soon...or somewhere in between...It's not too late or early to start these habits of good parenting. It's not too late or early to focus on the qualities that will really help them as an adult. It's not too late or early to be an example. And it's not too late or early to accept all the grace and forgiveness God gives us and them. 

So mommas....young and older.....place your doubts in God's hands. He's got this. Do your diligence in raising your kids to love Jesus...But even that isn't ultimately up to you. Just do your part and leave the rest with Him. He loves them more that you could anyway. 

Deuteronomy 6:6-9

 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Monday Menu

If you're like me, making a meal plan isn't really the problem...it's actually executing the meal plan that seems the most difficult part! Our schedules change, things get eaten out of the pantry that were key ingredients for a recipe or I get lazy.

Nonetheless, it's Monday, so I'm putting my best foot forward and making a plan this week. 

Monday- Speghetti

Tuesday- Wild Beast Feast at church

Wednesday- Dinner at church

Thursday- Mexican (out)

Friday- Homemade Pizza

Saturday- Sausage, Mac and Cheese, green beans

What's on your menu this week?

Thankful Thursday

So much to be thankful for this week...

1. Safe travels in the pouring rain to and from Dallas.

2. Dinner with friends we hadn't seen in 6 months.

3. Encouragement from the conference we attended.

4. Broken people coming to Jesus.

5. A day at home to get caught up on all things home related!

What are you thankful for today?

Empower Evangelism Conference

The last few days Bruce and the kids and I have been in Dallas at the Southern Baptist of Texas Empower Evangelism Conference. What a memorable event! We had not planned to attend but last week Bruce received an email stating our church would be recognized for leading baptisms in a church our size. What an honor....but more importantly what a beautiful time celebrating all that God is doing all over the state of Texas. It was invigorating and encouraging.

I took notes like a stenographer! Here are a few quotes from the conference.

- The darker our culture the more exited we should be to share the gospel.

- The greatest tragedy in life is to be saved and never see the spirit moving.

- Most uninvited and unwelcome in the church is the Holy Spirit.

- Maybe instead of trying to impress, we instead press in to the Holy Spirit.

- I'd rather offend someone into heaven with the gospel than ignore them into hell.

- If our belief in the gospel equates to our effort in sharing the gospel, how much do I believe in the gospel?

-As a church (pastor) can we really expect a movement of the Holy Spirit if we only share the gospel at the end of the service?

- If it was based on my passion for the gospel, would there be a gospel movement?

- Put your evangelism in the Holy spirit's hands...put that in your circle...then pray.

- The applause of man does not fulfill a life.

- What you hunger for you get....(think about a pregnant woman)!

- You will miss what you do not choose.

- God's not in heaven calling a staff meeting to discuss your cool worship sets, your mission's budget or your latest sermon series. He is looking for men and women who fully depend on the Holy Spirit, to do the work He has called and equipped them to do.

- The gospel does not rest in what I can do...only in the power of the Holy Spirit in my life.

- You can be culturally relevant and spiritual dead.

*These are the notes from Greg Matte's session.

Sorting and Organizing

12 years ago when I posted my first blog post, I never thought about writing a book, a devotional or anything else. I just thought about documenting my kids and all the funny things they did when they were little.

Fast forward a couple of years ago and someone said something I wrote would be a good submission for a book with a similar theme. I had no idea what she was talking about. But more and more as I posted on my blog and then facebook, people were telling me I needed to write a book. And I just thanked them for their kindness and went my merry way. It was flattering and encouraging but mostly I was just writing about everyday life with eternity sprinkled in here and there. I had no idea what I was doing, but slowly God was preparing my heart to do something more.

So now...2019 and God has prompted, pushed and pursued me to begin the process of writing to publish. I have a writing coach. I am attending online conferences, learning from other experts and doing what I can on my end of this journey to hone in on the writing craft.

Today I began sorting through over 1,000 blog posts I have written over the years. Trying to categorize them to topical themes. I got nearly 100 done, so my work will continue throughout the next few days. As I sorted through the oldest posts today, I had the blessing of seeing how far God has brought Bruce and me, how much our kids have grown, some of their funny stories and how much favor God has poured out on our lives. He truly writes the best stories. What was meant to be a chore, was a beautiful offering of praise to the Lord.

So thankful for where He has brought me from and where He has me headed!

Thankful Thursday

Thanking God for these blessings this week:

1. Fun day out with a friend.

2. Extra hands on deck for a project at church.

3. That God restores what Satan robs.

4. Energy I haven't had for months.

5. Inspiration.

What are you thankful for today?

Wordless Wednesday

One Hour Cleanup

I'm not gonna lie...

Last week I just about hit my breaking point.

Life seemed disorderly. I was being pulled in all sorts of directions. Clean clothes were a well sought out commodity and I couldn't find my keys.

Now before you go thinking I am usually a neat freak....let me assure you that is not the case. I usually have a stack of something to go through on my kitchen counter, there's usually a pile of dog hair that I missed somewhere when sweeping, I keep my bedroom door closed for a reason and there is always a load of laundry to be washed and a toilet to be swished. But usually, at first glance things can look pretty tidy.

But not last week. And I was turning into the Incredible Mrs. Hulk because it looked like the four little pigs had taken up residence in my home. It was beyond the norm.

Bruce realized I was near "hulk green" on Saturday morning after he was already at church working. It had been a crazy week with the install of a new sound system and other ministry related things going on and I knew he was tired too. I had tried to hold back, but I was at the breaking point that no man ever wants to see their wife reach...the hide under the covers for days with peanut butter cups and ruffles potato chips breaking point.

When Bruce realized I was about to lose it, he came home. But first he stopped at Whataburger, and picked up food. I guess he realized it would be better if I wasn't hangry too! We sat around the kitchen table and divided up the household chores with the kids and we got busy. In one hour the house was picked up and smelling clean and all that was left was the kids rooms (which they are responsible for). I felt so much better. Order had returned to our home.

Spiritually speaking we can find ourselves in the same scenario. Life can get crazy and we miss spending time with the Lord on a personal level, then we miss a church service or two, we start scheduling things around life instead of around what God has for us and we lose fellowship with other believers. It can happen quickly because that is how the enemy operates...quick, stress-filled, hurried decisions that he makes us feel are life and death, when in reality, we just need to slow down, do a one hour clean up of life and carefully evaluate what has us stressed out or too busy.

One hour in the scheme of things is nothing. It is such a small investment in your sanity. And just like with my house, one hour can be the difference between the Incredible Hulk and Mrs. Incredible! Take the time to nourish yourself...take the time to clean up spiritually on a regular basis. If we don't we become burdened by the filth we live in and consumed by our own circumstances. God made a better way. Daily communion, cleanup with Him. Imagine that. He is always making a way of escape for us. What a good God!

Meal Prep Monday

This week....


Monday: Roast, Potatoes, Carrots and Onions with Rice and Gravy (Carried over from last week)

Tuesday: Soup and Sandwiches

Wednesday: Dinner at Church

Thursday: Pizza

Friday: Breakfast for Dinner

Saturday: Lasagna, Salad and Bread

Sunday: Out

What's cooking at your house this week?

Sunday Worship - Here As In Heaven | Acoustic | Elevation Worship

Complaint VS Concern

Ever wonder why you don't make progress with your good ideas when you share them with others?

It's all in presentation....

I love a good idea. A solution. A better way.

I hate complaining. Gossip. Pot Stirring.

A complainer comes and presents all the negatives but no solutions.

Someone who is concerned comes with solutions and ideas for making things better, and they are willing to help.

There's always room for improvement. There's usually more than one way to do something. If you have a better way, find a way to share that idea in a way that doesn't knock the wind out of the people listening to you. You might have to think about it for a bit; it's likely if you react quickly you'll be complaining.

If you're in the habit if complaining. Stop. It does NOTHING to build up the kingdom of God and only stirs up trouble. If you find yourself isolated, check your complaining. It's burdensome to be around those who are constantly complaining. People will start avoiding you...except for the gossips...they will still be there. Lucky you.

James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

What Love Looks Like...

What love looks like at our house... 

11 pm run to Whataburger, because a lemon pie sure sounds good.
An “I love you” at the end of every phone conversation.
Switching the laundry over for someone who forgot they left a load in the washer.
A back rub.
Playing a favorite song on the piano.
Watching a mystery movie together.
Laughing at a lame joke.
Dancing together.. even tho Tucker is the only one with moves.
Praying together.
Crying together.

Cleaning up dog puke when you could pass the job off to someone else.
Making dinner on Saturday nig
hts.
Talking to each other.
Celebrating successes.
Learning from failures.
Cheering each other on after a bad day or week. 

See love isn’t always wrapped up in the ways the world would chose you to believe today. Sometimes it’s in a 5 inch Whataburger lemon pie and sometimes it’s when your spouse takes your car to be washed and vacuumed without you asking. It’s not wrapped up in sex. It’s not what you see on tv. It’s not Hallmark movies or porn or soap operas or The Bachelor or even This is Us. 

Real love loves when the hair turns grey, the weight changes, the money is thin, the health fades, the mind slips, the arguments fly. Real love keeps loving... it doesn’t runaway because things just aren’t working out, or because someone has fallen out of love.

Real love loves like Jesus. Unconditionally, wholeheartedly, infinitely. Real love endures, sacrifices and is generous. 

We only know how to love well if we know Jesus... we love because he loved us first. He set the example...he lived, he loved, he sacrificed, he kept his promises, he’s coming back... what an example to love and live like He did...
Not just on Valentine’s Day ... but everyday! 

#goals

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for...

1. A new sound system at church

2. Bruce and Savannah's trip to A&M, the clarity it brought and the plans for the future

3. Prayer partners

4. Sunshine after what seems like weeks of rain

5. God's strength for stressful days

What are you thankful for this week?

Wordless Wednesday- Sweet Treats

Teaching Tuesday- We Buy Ugly Houses

You've probably seen those commercials on TV that say, "We buy ugly houses!" Sometimes the house will look worn down on the outside or the inside might need updating. Sometimes the bones might be infested with termites or the plumbing might not be up to date. Investors come in, offer a certain amount of money for the property and the owners decide to take the deal or no deal.

Just yesterday as I was driving down the road I saw one of the local signs for "We buy ugly houses". Having bought and restored two, one hundred year old homes in my lifetime the thought immediately struck me in rebellion...."Ugly is relative." I remember walking through the "awesome house" (nickname my daughter gave our first remodel) for the first time. Shag carpet, musty smells, outdated wallpaper, appliances that needed to be replaced, painting that needed to be done, weak flooring, electrical that would scare even the bravest electrician... and yet, the beauty of the house...the character, the shiplap, the space, the layout, the vision....it was all there...just waiting to be uncovered.

Our journey with Christ is filled with similarities. When He finds us, he finds the weak, the bitter, the sin infested, the unkept. When we begin our relationship and He begins working in our "ugly house", things begin to change. Oh, it may take some time to clean up the cobwebs and to rewire our thinking, but He does the constructive work and we are made beautiful and restored in His time.

I needed to be reminded of this yesterday. Sometimes the enemy reminds you of all the repairs needing to be done in your life and there can be a sense of unwelcomed urgency to bandaid fix all our sins, issues, struggles and shortcomings. Jesus isn't a bandaid fix. He makes all things beautiful in His time. We don't have to rush His work, we just have to be willing to be worked on and cleaned up as He does the remodel.

Monday Prep Menu

Well, it's a foggy Monday morning here in Southeast Texas. I had planned to be at Hobby Lobby when the doors opened, but this fog has delayed my plans a bit. So, my thoughts have turned toward the menu at our house this week and to be quite honest...I'm not sure if one bit of this will happen. 

We are installing a new sound system at church this week and some of our meals will be provided by our precious kitchen crew at church. These men and women are some of the most dedicated people I know! They take feeding us very seriously! So rest assured my family will not go hungry....Tucker and Bruce most likely will be helping with pulling wires and cords so I anticipate they may eat at church all week long!

But in the event that we are home...this week's plan will look something like this:

Monday: Sandwiches, Chips

Tuesday: Homemade Pizzas

Wednesday: Church supper

Thursday: BLT's and Coleslaw

Friday: Chili and Rice

Saturday: Roast, potatoes, carrots, salad, rolls

Sunday: Out to Eat

So, what's cooking at your house this week?

Sunday Worship: Good Grace // Hillsong UNITED // New Song Cafe

Mic Drop Moments

The State of the Union Address was on television Tuesday night. The president was applauded by some and hated by others. That fact is nothing new. But where we are as a country is new...or at least new to me.

We are in a place of constant uproar. Things never settle down. For someone like me who needs some quiet each day, this is difficult. It's affecting our families and relationships. I have family members who I don't even have a relationship with because they can't talk about anything but the government and I refuse to talk about it, because I know it will only cause a deeper wedge between us. It really is heartbreaking.

It's the enemy again...stealing, killing and destroying. I hate him. I hate the power he has in the world. I hate his forces of evil that do his work and will and I hate the damage he has done all around me. And sometimes if I am not careful I can think he has the upper hand and then I am reminded...

And just like that, like a mic drop, I am reminded that though I am walking around in this sinful world, what I have because I have Jesus is greater. Greater than the things that anger me, greater than the things that feel like they are overwhelming, greater than this world's views on the things that I hold dear and precious to me. He is greater. He will get the last word. 

So if you're like me, and the things that cross your news feed are just too much to bear sometimes, take courage and hope from the Word of God....He is greater. He will win. He will get the victory. 

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for....

1. A sweet time of fellowship and learning at the Restore My Joy Ladies Conference

2. Fun times with our church family at our Super Bowl Party

3. Better health

4. Rejoicing together with friends over spiritual victories

5. New faces at church

6. A financial error that was corrected and made right in our favor

What are you thankful for this week?

Wordless Wednesday

Teaching Tuesday- Finding Joy

This past weekend I was the student. I attended a ladies conference at my church and sat in the audience as a student instead of instructor. Here's a taste of what I learned:

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

It’s no surprise that Jesus perfectly handled the journey to the cross. After all, He was Jesus. But how does that translate into our everyday reality? How does that look during our hard times, our temptations, our tribulations and cross bearing situations? 

Let’s look at Jesus example…Hebrews 12:2 says, “for the JOY set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”Jesus kept his eyes on the future…the joy that was beyond the hard times, the joy that was beyond death, the joy that was bigger than his current situation. His perspective of eternity weighed more than the trials of this earth. His joy was bigger than his circumstances. His joy was completely wrapped up in fulfilling His Father’s purpose for Him. 

So what does that look like for us today…

When the diagnosis doesn’t come back the way we hoped….

When the kids are wayward and rebellious….

When the marriage is falling apart…

When the job situation is sticky…

When finances don’t make it to the end of the month…

When our schedules overwhelm us…

Real Jesus joy looks past the current situations and walks with purpose, fulfilling the plans God has for us. We don’t excuse or ignore the current situations but we are focusing our thoughts and our hearts on eternity. 

Easy? No. The cross was not an easy place for Jesus. There was pain, sadness, mourning and death. But the cross was not the end. And your cross you are called to bear is not the end. There is joy because we know that eternity will be sweet. We know that walking through life with Jesus is far better than walking without him. We know that the shame the enemy wants us to walk in is a trap and distraction from keeping our eyes on the Father. 

So, as Mrs. Rita said on Saturday, “Chin up, buttercup!” Eternity is ahead. Our joy may be hard fought for here on earth, but it will be worth it if we have a relationship with Jesus Christ!

Meal Prep Monday

Before going to the grocery store at the end of the week, I am trying to clean out the fridge and get ride of leftovers and extra food I have on hand. Here's what I am planning..

Monday: Chicken and Stove Top Stuffing with veggie steam packs

Tuesday: Sausage, pan fried potatoes, cornbread, green beans

Wednesday: Dinner at church

Thursday: Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: Chili and Rice

Sunday: Out to eat

What's cooking at your house this week?

Sunday Worship - Remembrance (Acoustic) - Hillsong Worship

Stepping Out....Being Brave....

So, it's been years coming.
You know...that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach or in the back of your throat when you know you need to commit to something but the timing seems off?
Well, the time has come.

So I applied and was accepted to a writing group...one that will help me grow, teach me better writing techniques, help me find my voice, guide me through the next stages of whatever God wants.

I've been pushed into this direction for years by the encouragement of others but over the last year have felt God prodding me towards a start date. During a recent move, God allowed my path to cross with someone who I've worked with before, but in a different capacity. This time she will help coach me, cheer me on and guide me to reach a few goals...maybe even towards having something published.

This step has been hard for me. For the last few years I allowed the enemy to rob me of so much because of circumstances. Over the last year I have had many "fall on Jesus", moments and have confessed my fears and my doubts, my hurts and disappointments and my lack of faith. One of the greatest doubts I faced was writing something meaningful again in the face of such a life devastated. 

There is nothing new under the sun. I don't expect my writing to be revolutionary or reveal anything new. But I do know there is someone who might need to hear of the goodness of God in my life, of His redemption, of His amazing plans, of His working in the everyday messes and miracles and ordinary, mundane Thursday Nights or Tuesday afternoons. May it all be to His glory.

www.facebook.com/WordGirlsPublicPage

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for:

1. An opportunity to attend an AWANA training conference with a few ladies from church. Not only did I come away with many ideas and lots of good instruction, the fellowship with these ladies was so refreshing.

2. My kids were at HOT HEARTS in Beaumont over the weekend. It's a christian conference for kids and they loved it. They haven't stopped talking about how good it was and how good the music and other attractions were.

3. A hardworking husband. He has focus and determination and I love watching how God uses his strengths for HIs glory.

4. Hard times that cause me to lean in to the Savior more.

5. Kind words that minister to your soul.

What are you thankful for today?

Wordless Wednesday - Sort of

Teaching Tuesday

When things aren't working like you'd hoped they would...

When your kids are behind in school and you don't know how to help...

When extra pressures are frustrating you and them...

What do you do?

We are facing some of these issues right now in our home. We have had a rough year getting everything in for school partly because of our recent move, partly because of scheduling conflicts and partly because when we are stressed we can become dysfunctional and a little stress-paralyzed. I pray I am not the only one.

But because we do homeschool, I feel an enormous amount of pressure to get back on track fast when these things happen. So last night as I was talking with Savannah, I realized she was feeling an enormous amount of pressure...school, friends, future, small business, ACT testing....it was just getting to her. So we paused. Cried. Evaluated. Regrouped. Prayed and made a plan. We are going to go to a more collegiate schedule for her school, where she can focus three days on the subjects that really eat her lunch and two days on the ones that she eases through. I could see relief on her face as soon as we made the decision. Hopefully this will work.

But isn't that the beauty of homeschooling?....getting to adjust the schedule when you need to....making it work for the student and the teacher....looking at the makeup of the child and getting to do what is best for her? I love it. It's not the first time we've rerouted and I am sure it won't be the last. 

I am sure glad God's grace is bigger than our bad days....because even in homeschooling we need that new grace and mercy everyday.

Monday Morning Menu Planning

The wind is blowing hard outside and a cold front is moving in....sounds like a good week for some comfort food!

Monday: Chili, Rice and Cornbread

Tuesday: Chicken Fajitas, Chips and Salsa

Wednesday: Dinner at church

Thursday: Turkey Sausage, Mixed Steamed Veggies, Crescent Rolls and Salad

Friday: Out

Saturday: BLT's, Chips, Brownies

Sunday: Out


What's on your menu this week?

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for:

1. Salvation

2. A lazy Monday at home after a crazy and emotional week last week.

3. Dinner made for my family by friends.

4. Goals met (I drank soooo much water last week)

5. Savannah singing in church Sunday...blessed my heart.

What are you thankful for today?

Wordless Wednesday

Teachable Tuesdays

As a mom of two teenagers I have some anxiety about how quickly the years are passing by. I hear people say things like....

Time, slow down

I wish I could turn back time...

I wish I could put a brick on their head so they'd stop growing

Time flies

It seems just like yesterday they were....

But the truth is we only have a good 18-20 years (more or less) with our kids living under our roof. And what we do with that is important. 

And while I hear parents wishing time would slow down....what I see parents...me, you, them... doing is a bit contrary to that...

I see makeup on girls when they can barely tie their shoes on their own.

I see high heels and a runway walk before daughters have learned to comb their own tangles out of their hair.

I see boys worried about hair gel and skinny jeans before they are old enough to need deodorant.

I see boy/girl relationships forming at earlier and earlier ages.

I see parents endorsing and enabling behaviors and habits that put sons and daughters as kings and queens of household and we wonder why there's no respect for parents. 

And I realize...maybe just now... that I kind of sound like a fuddy duddy.

But the truth is we as parents are talking out of both sides of our mouths. We say we want to savor their days but really do we? Those younger days are hard...they are the formative years of potty training and manner learning and respect giving and sharing toys and demonstrating kindness and providing a firm and consistent Biblical foundation. Whew...I am tired just thinking about all the work that requires of us as parents and let's face it....in our world today, we don't get accolades or facebook likes or retweets when we are doing this hard and important work. But post that picture of "Betsy" with her gel nails at her 6 year old birthday party and everyone thinks it's "so cute" or "watch out boys here she comes". 

I struggle just like the next mom to provide that balance of age appropriate fun and Biblical standards with my kids. The struggle doesn't stop once they are teenagers. Now it's clothing and activities and hobbies and yes, still teaching respect and manners and kindness and all those important virtues that make for responsible and upstanding adults.

Parents..

We need prayer....we need to pray for God's wisdom. 

We need friends.....we don't struggle alone. There are others who are really trying to do this parenting gig well. We need to partner with each other, praying together, supporting each other with Biblical instruction.

We need to get in the Word. There is no substitute for the parenting manual. And yes, God did give us one. His Word has all the answers. All the principles. All the guidance you need. And while I've read some wonderful books on parenting throughout the years, I always come back to the perfect source. The Bible. 

We need to be the parents. We need to dad-up and mom-up. We need to quit letting the world tells us how to raise our kids. We need to quit letting our kids tell us how to raise our kids. We need to do the work. We need to be tired at the end of the day...from parenting....from doing our job. From building strong foundations and teaching our kids the way they should go. 

I had a hard time writing some of this because I'm at a stage where I need to be more diligent in some of these areas. I don't have it all figured out. But I want to do it right. Each stage. 

How 'bout you? Do you feel the struggle? How can I pray for you? 

Monday Morning Menu Planning Week 3

Here's our menu for this week...

Monday- Left overs from some yummy food that a family in the church made us....ribs, dirty rice and baked beans. Such a nice gift and makes my meal prep...well...super easy!

Tuesday- Eckrich Sausage, veggies and potatoes

Wednesday- Dinner at church

Thursday- Chili and rice

Friday- Out (Kids will be gone to Hot Hearts Youth Conference...so...DATE Night!

Saturday- Pizza

Sunday- Out

What's cooking at your house this week?

Sunday Worship -Nothing Else- Cody Carnes

New Habits...

With the new year I decided it was time my kids start using their own alarm clocks to get up in the morning and that the mom clock was retiring. So now every night before bedtime I ask if alarms are set for the morning. I'm sure I am super late coming to this but....MOM WIN.  I don't worry about it (now, honestly speaking, I'm not sure that I really worried about it...but it's no longer my concern.) 

I also made a list of 5 things they need to accomplish before school begins each day. This has helped our homeschool mornings start much more smoothly. I sent these lists to them via text message so that they would have no excuse for forgetting what was on the list....another MOM WIN.

I had grown a little bit lazy in my parenting before the end of the year. I had let some good behaviors and habits slide because...holidays get crazy in the parsonage. But in the end the one that was left overwhelmed and stressed was me and it just wasn't worth it. I was grumpy, yelling and in a disorganized state of mind. 

As the caretaker of the house, I get to make routines and choices and decisions that can either help or hinder me from running a smooth household. There are certain things that are important to me, and others that while I like to have them done, are less important. So, since I am the caretaker I am forming new habits that help our home run smoothly, help instill responsibility and good habits in my kids (hopefully....we are a work in progress). No, the house isn't perfect, and sometimes we have to adjust to different things that come our way, but we are doing better and these new routines are becoming new habits that will help us run our house more efficiently. 

What new habits are you forming this new year?

Thankful Thursday- Week 3

This week's list of thanks....

1. Watching God orchestrate events and partner people together to grow. 

2. Laughing with my family.

3. Kids who help around the house.

4. Good worship music.

5. Hospitality of friends.

What are you thankful for this week?

Wordless Wednesdays- Women's Conference

Teachable Tuesdays....New Pajamas!

For Christmas I got new pajamas...the kind that are soft and comfy and that you start thinking about around 3pm when your eyes start to droop from a carb overload lunch or late night binge watching the night before. These were what I call replacement pajamas. You see I have a pair of well worn blue polka dotted PJs that I've had for years. They are "broken in". Most ladies know what this means but just in case let me explain. The shirt has long ago been discarded and traded for a soft t-shirt that doesn't necessarily match. The feel of the t-shirt is much more important than the style. The pajama pants are clearly worn...the waist drawstring is frayed and knotted and perhaps has even partly come out in the laundry. There could be a few small holes and even some paint stains from the time I had a pajama craft day. These jammies have seen better days.
But last night as I was getting ready for bed, I reached for the old faithful pair of PJ's. The comfort of the well worn fabric, the familiar feeling of softness....all so welcoming ....even tho...the new pajamas from Christmas were staring me right in the face. But I chose familiar, old and stained.
This morning, as I looked down at my old ratty looking pajamas God reminded me that He has new clothes for those willing to leave the comfort of the familiar. When we become part of his family our filthy rags, our ratty grave clothes can be left behind because much like the father of the prodigal son, God the Father has sent His son to give us a robe of righteousness. I don't have to wear these old clothes. I have new clothes because He has made me new. I don't have to stay in the filth of my sin stained garments.
And isn't that comforting? Isn't that just about the best news ever? I'm so grateful I don't have to walk around looking like a forsaken child. I have the choice to walk in newness. Thank you God for the giving us fresh clothes to walk in today.