Sacrifice
As I begin to write, doubt fills my mind-people want inspiring, hopeful messages; there is enough tragedy out there, don't add to it.
Yet I am compelled to share what burdens my heart in the past few weeks. A seventeen year old's life no longer due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound; a twenty year old college student whose life ended when he jumped off a cliff. A middle aged man who battled alcoholism ended his life by shooting himself; receiving a phone call from a friend who needs to get away with her two sons, as her husband deals with his alcoholism.
So much pain, darkness, and hopelessness permeates our world. We know from scripture that the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10). By many accounts, he appears to be succeeding. One needs only to read a few pages of a newspaper or listen at the top of the hour on the radio to learn of the most recent tragedies.
Despite the way our world appears, I propose to you another view: there is hope, and it comes from the giver of life, Jesus. The remainder of verse ten as well as eleven states, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep".
Walking with Jesus does not protect one from hardships. Actually, we can count
on challenges as John 16:33 states, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world".
Although the above words paint a grim picture, I have hope, joy, and contentment. Where does one begin with such a vast, complex topic? There are questions I will not have answered until I meet Jesus in heaven-why do children die tragic deaths? How old is the earth? Why do people married over a half century have to continue living when their lifelong spouse dies? Wouldn't it be better for both if they died at the same time? The list is quite long.
Having the answers to those questions, however, would not affect my day-to-
day life. I am learning an even greater dependence upon my Lord; as my husband and I parent four, soon to be five, teenagers, I need advice, patience,
wisdom, humor to guide them into young adulthood.When I am frustrated, sick, anxious, I go to him because he tells me to cast my cares upon him because he cares for me (1 Peter 5:7). When a huge expense occurs, I pray and ask him for guidance. As we moved to a new area, he again provided an amazing church and homeschool community.
I could brag on Jesus all day long. I have learned that walking any day with him, no matter the challenges it presents, is infinitely better than relying on my own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6).
The key to this intimacy is twofold: knowing him and believing who I am because of him.
There are many ways and recommendations about how to draw close to God. A "formula" does not exist. Having a relationship with Jesus involves spending time with him, just as it does with relationships on earth. Some of the things that have become part of my rhythm (some more than others) over the years include worshiping him through song (he does not care I am off tune :), reading his word, talking to him throughout the day (in the car, while exercising, during strained moments with my husband or children), fasting, serving him (either at church or in my community or neighborhood), and enjoying his creation (skiing, hiking, hanging at the park).
It has taken me much longer to believe who I am because of him and his sacrifice. The experiences of our childhood significantly impact our view of
our God. This in itself is its own post. I will say that it takes a reprogramming of our minds, sometimes intense prayer to break strongholds and lies, as well
as knowing the word and the promises and truths in it. When Jesus died on the cross, he took ALL my sins, past, present, and future, and paid the price so I could spend eternity with him. When I accepted him as my Lord and Savior, I became righteous-not because of anything I did, but because of what he did for me.
One of the things that has stuck with me since my first Beth Moore bible study, Believing God, is the following- "I am blessed, chosen, adopted; accepted, redeemed, forgiven. I'm believing God". You would be surprised how often that phrase comes to mind.
The enemy would have me believe any variety of lies that keep me from
experiencing joy and life. It is a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12) and fortunately for me, and any follower of Jesus, we have a strategy (Hebrews 4:12 states, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart").
So how does all this tie in to parenting our little ones? Ask the Lord to show you how to convey their identity in him, appropriate to their age and stage. Do not overlook the importance of daily reading the bible with/to them. Share your God stories with them. Let them hear you praying and praising the Lord. Play worship music at home or while in the car. Serve The Lord together (helping someone move, bringing a meal to someone sick or who just had a baby). The Lord will show you because it is his heart and will that your children know and follow him.
Be encouraged. Seek him first and he will guide you and grow you to be more like him. Jesus doesn't require perfection, but he does ask us to live a life surrendered to him, a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2).
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Friday, June 20, 2014
Learn to Overlook
Learn to Overlook
When using a magnifying glass (or reading glasses, if that is the season you are experiencing :), things appear larger than they are in reality. The Lord has gently revealed to me that I need an updated prescription.
Proverbs 19:11 states, "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense". The first part of this verse sounds doable. The rest of it, however, is difficult for me to swallow (honestly, gag is a more appropriate word here).
In case I needed further confirmation, upon reading one of my favorite blogs, I Take Joy, I came across this gem: "Do not point out every single one of your children’s flaws. If God followed me around all day long correcting me, I wouldn’t want to be a Christian" (See more at: http://www.itakejoy.com).
Ouch!
I love our Lord's timing. This was revealed to me this morning, after having spent an evening out with my family. These days, it isn't often all (or even most) of us are at,home or in the car together. While eating dinner, we began discussing our vacation this summer to the state of Washington. We will be driving there, (approximately eighteen hours) and that is causing some of us angst.
Always ready for adventure, I wanted to visit a coffee shop we have not yet tried. Some were game and others were coerced to join us. Our discussion about vacation continued in the car. Actually, it centered around a great deal of
complaining by one of my children-"It's going to be awful; we can't be in the car that long together; we can't let ---- drive".
By the time we returned home, I was frustrated in general, and angry, specifically, with one child. I replayed the evening over in my mind and convinced myself my anger was justified. I had decided I was taking away some electronics to show that child there are consequences for bad attitudes.
This morning The Lord worked in my heart to show me I was the one with the
bad attitude. Was there some attitude with this child? Yes. Should there be consequences for that? Yes. However, the above verse in Proverbs stood out to me from all the rest in that chapter. I asked myself how often do I overlook an offense. Not many, if I am honest. One of my favorite pastors says, "What scriptures are you currently ignoring to continue living the lifestyle you are living?"
Notice that the scripture uses the word "glory" rather than "credit" to describe the effect of overlooking an offense. Interesting that the word "glory" remains constant in the ESV, New American Standard, as well as the King James Version. Glory brings with it such a depth that isn't found with the word credit.
I see the connection between wisdom, patience, and glory. Psalm 111:10 states, "The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom". Galatians 5:22 states, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Our final piece is the verse which prompted this post: "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense."
The Lord also brought Romans 2:4 to mind-"Or do you show contempt for the
riches of his kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" For many years, one of my struggles has been understanding the concept of grace. That in itself is such a full, complex issue deserving of its own post.
When I read the bible, I see the one and only perfect parent. God is loving, kind, compassionate, and merciful. He welcomes me with open arms, and his mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). Yet, when needed, he disciplines me- Hebrews 11:5-6 “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because The Lord disciplines the one he loves". Upon careful examination, my only right response to my children is to parent them as the Lord parents me-lovingly, graciously.
That is the prescription I need to see clearly.
Pattie
In case I needed further confirmation, upon reading one of my favorite blogs, I Take Joy, I came across this gem: "Do not point out every single one of your children’s flaws. If God followed me around all day long correcting me, I wouldn’t want to be a Christian" (See more at: http://www.itakejoy.com).
Ouch!
I love our Lord's timing. This was revealed to me this morning, after having spent an evening out with my family. These days, it isn't often all (or even most) of us are at,home or in the car together. While eating dinner, we began discussing our vacation this summer to the state of Washington. We will be driving there, (approximately eighteen hours) and that is causing some of us angst.
Always ready for adventure, I wanted to visit a coffee shop we have not yet tried. Some were game and others were coerced to join us. Our discussion about vacation continued in the car. Actually, it centered around a great deal of
complaining by one of my children-"It's going to be awful; we can't be in the car that long together; we can't let ---- drive".
By the time we returned home, I was frustrated in general, and angry, specifically, with one child. I replayed the evening over in my mind and convinced myself my anger was justified. I had decided I was taking away some electronics to show that child there are consequences for bad attitudes.
This morning The Lord worked in my heart to show me I was the one with the
bad attitude. Was there some attitude with this child? Yes. Should there be consequences for that? Yes. However, the above verse in Proverbs stood out to me from all the rest in that chapter. I asked myself how often do I overlook an offense. Not many, if I am honest. One of my favorite pastors says, "What scriptures are you currently ignoring to continue living the lifestyle you are living?"
Notice that the scripture uses the word "glory" rather than "credit" to describe the effect of overlooking an offense. Interesting that the word "glory" remains constant in the ESV, New American Standard, as well as the King James Version. Glory brings with it such a depth that isn't found with the word credit.
I see the connection between wisdom, patience, and glory. Psalm 111:10 states, "The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom". Galatians 5:22 states, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Our final piece is the verse which prompted this post: "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense."
The Lord also brought Romans 2:4 to mind-"Or do you show contempt for the
riches of his kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" For many years, one of my struggles has been understanding the concept of grace. That in itself is such a full, complex issue deserving of its own post.
When I read the bible, I see the one and only perfect parent. God is loving, kind, compassionate, and merciful. He welcomes me with open arms, and his mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). Yet, when needed, he disciplines me- Hebrews 11:5-6 “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because The Lord disciplines the one he loves". Upon careful examination, my only right response to my children is to parent them as the Lord parents me-lovingly, graciously.
That is the prescription I need to see clearly.
Pattie
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Treasures on the Couch
Treasures from the Couch
On Memorial Day, I was blessed with time with my nieces' kids (great-nephews?) while they dashed to Target sans children (flashback-oh! how freeing it was for me to go to the store! dentist! even yearly doctor's visits alone).
Seizing to capitalize on this precious moment, I retrieved some of my favorite picture books from our bookcase and eagerly began reading aloud The Very Busy Spider, A Pocket for Cordoroy, and a Little Critter book, Just Me and My Mom.
I told my daughter I needed to exert self-control and not allow myself to tear up right there on the couch! When we finished reading, the boys leapt off the couch onto their next adventure with my kids.
That moment blessed my day and remained with me-so many warm memories rush to mind related to this valuable, cozy, love-bank-depositing experience of reading to our children.
As I observe parents with their little ones today, I see a myriad of electronic devices used to entertain these precious kiddos. It is a common occurrence to hear, "Mom, can I use your phone?" if the child doesn't already have their own. More often than not, iPads, rather than books, are given on short drives in the
car, in the waiting room at doctor's visits, or while strolling through the grocery store.
There is a time and place for everything, and I am sure studies exist which support, or at least do not disparage the use of electronics in our daily lives. Although some of my children would heartily disagree, I do see their place and even embrace the convenience of having a computer at fingers' length away (such as when I'm driving around vast southern California highways).
However, there is no replacement for a loving parent. Nobody will love your child as much as you do. As entertaining as television and electronic games can be, they are not you. There is a difference between my son playing Gravity Guy 2 on my phone and us playing war with cards or grabbing those around for a quick round of Guesstures.
I encourage you to make reading aloud (or together if your child is at that stage) a daily part of your routine. Snuggling on the couch before nap time, reading, again, before bed your child's favorite story, or relaxing on a blanket while under a shady tree at the park, all do much to build intimacy between you and your child.
You would think that my reading aloud days are finished. Emphatically, I say, "No!" I still read aloud the bible to my youngest, and since we homeschool I have daily opportunities to build more treasures on the couch.
Pattie
On Memorial Day, I was blessed with time with my nieces' kids (great-nephews?) while they dashed to Target sans children (flashback-oh! how freeing it was for me to go to the store! dentist! even yearly doctor's visits alone).
Seizing to capitalize on this precious moment, I retrieved some of my favorite picture books from our bookcase and eagerly began reading aloud The Very Busy Spider, A Pocket for Cordoroy, and a Little Critter book, Just Me and My Mom.
I told my daughter I needed to exert self-control and not allow myself to tear up right there on the couch! When we finished reading, the boys leapt off the couch onto their next adventure with my kids.
That moment blessed my day and remained with me-so many warm memories rush to mind related to this valuable, cozy, love-bank-depositing experience of reading to our children.
As I observe parents with their little ones today, I see a myriad of electronic devices used to entertain these precious kiddos. It is a common occurrence to hear, "Mom, can I use your phone?" if the child doesn't already have their own. More often than not, iPads, rather than books, are given on short drives in the
car, in the waiting room at doctor's visits, or while strolling through the grocery store.
There is a time and place for everything, and I am sure studies exist which support, or at least do not disparage the use of electronics in our daily lives. Although some of my children would heartily disagree, I do see their place and even embrace the convenience of having a computer at fingers' length away (such as when I'm driving around vast southern California highways).
However, there is no replacement for a loving parent. Nobody will love your child as much as you do. As entertaining as television and electronic games can be, they are not you. There is a difference between my son playing Gravity Guy 2 on my phone and us playing war with cards or grabbing those around for a quick round of Guesstures.
I encourage you to make reading aloud (or together if your child is at that stage) a daily part of your routine. Snuggling on the couch before nap time, reading, again, before bed your child's favorite story, or relaxing on a blanket while under a shady tree at the park, all do much to build intimacy between you and your child.
You would think that my reading aloud days are finished. Emphatically, I say, "No!" I still read aloud the bible to my youngest, and since we homeschool I have daily opportunities to build more treasures on the couch.
Pattie
Friday, June 6, 2014
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