Word of the year . . . . .

I'm not exactly making any New Year's resolutions - but I certainly have a vision for what 2013 is 'to hold for me and my family this year. I want to dream BIG and be BOLD! 

Hebrews 4:16

 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

In planning my "word of the year" I listed many things that are of importance to me. 

A few of them are listed below: 

     Create - I want to use my God given creativity in the way He intended in all areas of my life

     Embark - I will move forward with plans I've made 

     Explore - life, love, nature. . . I want to face each day with a spirit of adventure 

     Simplify - I want to cut out the excess - be frugal - declutter and catch up on the little details 

     Yield - to God's will utterly and completely in my life 

     Expect - good things . . . knowing God wants to bless us. 

It's going to be a great year - full of gratitude and joy as I approach each new goal BOLDLY! 

Philippians 4:6 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

In reflecting on these goals and dreams for the fresh new year, I am struck with a profound sense of thankfulness that I am able to go directly to the Creator of the universe with my concerns. He cares not only about our needs but also our desires. 

The deeper grasp I have on that, the simpler things are for me. I want desperately for my desires - to be His and visa versa. It's a deepening of relationship, an understanding that I am better off chasing after - only the things He has for me. Nothing else matters. 

I will BOLDLY seek Him. 

how about you? do you have a word for the year? 

#1000 Gifts and counting . . . . I can boldly go before the throne, He cares to hear from me, the ability/opportunity to teach this to my children, honest friends, children getting well, medicine when they are sick, husband who helps, opportunity to share, God's provisions in a big way, His grace encouraging me along-helping me to do better- more - nudging me to love boldly. 

 linking with:      Bigger Picture Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday  
 Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts  Thankful Thurs   Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  workinprogress

     

The walking wounded - Recovery after major attacks within the body of Christ

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2 Timothy 2:14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

Have you ever met anyone who has been terribly wounded by a fellow Christian? Have you been in a position where you have had a friend or loved one striking out at you either in secret or in the open? Was it an isolated incident or repeated behavior? 

The world holds many walking wounded - the Christian community is not immune.  I'm not talking today about people who do not know the love of God in their life - I mean the ones who do, or are supposed to - yet they go on harming others; Intentionally. 

I grew up in a Christian home, and school. I learned a lot about the Lord, and a lot about human nature. I recognized, even as a child that something was amiss when someone was speaking words of love and Jesus from one side of their mouth, and then striking out at others - using words to intentionally cause harm - forming opinions that had not come from godly wisdom, but from a hollow place inside themselves - and using them to hurt. Somehow the pain seems doubled when  someone uses the name of God to inflict it. 

Thankfully, our home was a stable, loving environment - and that ultimately helped me reconcile the other. "The other" would be those who seek to do harm in order to build themselves up. There were some who were not so lucky. Some who rejected church, and ultimately Christ because of the experience. There are some who never will trust another Christian. 

When you carry the name of Jesus - especially in a position of authority - you bear a much larger responsibility. Unloving, nasty behavior can and will be used against you. More importantly - your behavior reflects on your God in the eyes of others- particularly new believers or unbelievers.

• None of us are perfect.
• All will make mistakes. 
• We will each act wrongly and sometimes be hurtful. 
• We aren't talking about isolated incidents - but about repeated patterns of behavior. 

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? James 4:1

These people suffer from great chasms of insecurity. Their actions are the result of the enemy at work in them. We all stumble, but I'm talking about people who have formed repeated habit patterns - leaving a trail of destruction - problems with relationships - wherever they go. 

There is a big difference between hurting someone, and continually, intentionally, repeatedly inflicting harm on others within the body of Christ. The difference is as far and wide as that chasm they are stuck in. 

What do you do with that? 

We know the right answer. You forgive. You pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. When you are dealing with repeated habit patterns - and you've tried and tried to restore, forgive, reconcile - yet the walking dead keep biting off chunks of flesh; Then what? 

Joseph forgave his brothers, Paul forgave those who persecuted him just as Jesus did. There is no question about the fact that we must forgive (or there shouldn't be).

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6: 14-15 

When you are dealing with those who repeat such habit patterns and go to great lengths to strike out, spend time searching for ways to do harm - perhaps dealing with mental illness or narcissistic behaviors - the best thing to do is to step away and let God handle it. 

Forgiveness does not mean your interaction with them is required. 

Do not feed into the games. Do not respond. Do not fuel the fire. 

I have a friend who has continually been subjected to repeat emotional abuse at the hands of her "Christian" family. They have spitefully sought to hurt her. They have judged her. They aren't trying to help - they are seeking to harm. It's gone on for years and even though they've been asked to stop - they continue with their mean spirited behavior. Years. 

My advice to her is to stay AWAY from them. They are hurting her immediate family. They have shown no true remorse for pain they have inflicted and they continue to hurt her. In these situations, a little distance may be the only way you can maintain godly character yourself. 

This does not mean you aren't acting in love or that you are harboring unforgiveness. It means you are not going to allow their crazy behavior to keep you from the things God has for you to do. It means you are acting wisely. You cannot make them understand, so get out of the line of fire and let God help them. 

Whosoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 21:23

We find these behaviors even in church. I believe it's one of satan's biggest tricks. There are people, sadly, who actually spend time working at it. Forgiveness should be given freely - but we are warned against spending time getting caught up in such an unworthy fight. 

So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. Psalm 81:12
 (a theme repeated by God throughout the bible - it IS a godly choice) 

• What if they talk about me? 
• Why should they get away with it? 
• How can I stop them? 

He is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions.  1 Timothy 6:4 

Release them!
Forgive them - then release them to God. 

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.  Exodus 14:14 

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

 Proverbs 30:5 

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  Psalm 27:1 

If you are among the walking wounded today - please know that you are not alone. Many,  have been hurt within the body of Christ and many more will be.  If you have witnessed this behavior among Christians and it's made you want to run from the church or refrain from fellowship with other believers - YOU are NOT alone! 

There are a lot of us limping around. Please don't let your bad experience keep you from the fellowship God has for you. A godly friendship with Christian sisters is possible. I can't promise you'll never be hurt by another Christian, or that you won't come across judgemental, petty people. But God will heal if you allow Him to. You can forgive, let go of old hurts and know true godly fellowship if you will simply hand it all over for Him. Lay it at His feet. 

Summary: 
Forgive readily, so you can walk in the fullness of God's love. Always try to make amends.  Keep an eye out for repeated patterns of behavior and release those for God to deal with. Be wise. Pray for those who harm you.  We cannot trust others not to hurt us - but we can always trust God! 

Thank you Lord for your peace and healing for all who choose it. 

Linking with: Bigger Picture God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days   - Good Morning Girls -  Thankful Thurs   Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  

31 days of Thanks with 31 days of Homeschool Encouragement

Guess what? I have a little 
big fat surprise for you! 
(I love surprises - don't you?) Well, this kind anyway. 

This is the really GOOD kind 
of surprise. 

For today's homeschool encouragement - I'm teaming 
up with a wonderful group of bloggers to bring you   
over $1450 worth 
of Happy Happy Joy Joy big time Homeschool Mama - you deserve it - Encouragement! Yup  REALLY! 



31 Days of Thanks leading up to Thanksgiving - of course. 31 bloggers bringing you Thanksgiving each day leading up to the holiday combined with the fabulous giveaway is sure to keep our hearts and minds in the right place as we approach the big day. 

It isn't so difficult to remember to be thankful as we gather around the table for a big Thanksgiving feast. This time of year, folks remember to bring out the "thankful trees" where they hang notes about the things they are thankful for in their lives. 

I think that is a wonderful idea! Last year - we used a "gratitude calender" leading up to the holiday - when we gathered around as a family and then read them out loud - from Mommy and Daddy and from each of the boys in their own words as we shared what we are grateful for in our lives. It's a good thing to do. 

It's not usually much longer after that when the stress of the Christmas holidays begins to creep its way in. I've tried hard not to get swept up in it all. But, I've never completely succeeded at getting through this time of the year without a fair amount of hustle bustle and s.t.r.e.s.s.

This year I am determined to do better. But, I cannot do it without a plan. 
What, you ask, is my plan? I'm glad you asked.

What if I were to take this whole gratitude thing a bit further? I know - crazy. If I were to intentionally focus, set my mind each day, on the things I'm most grateful for - perhaps - just maybe - I can hold on to it through the pressure of the season. 

I have a tendency to run out of energy. I have physical pain to contend with daily. When I add shopping, extra food shopping, cleaning the house for company, cleaning the house in general, cooking in general - never mind homeschooling the kids and holiday parties - 
I . get . tired. 

I need to plan ahead to combat this problem. I have a list going of things to take care of now - immediately. I will clear those things before the end of the month so that I go into November with my mind on things above! I'm going to use the first couple of weeks of November to go ahead with the cleaning and organizing - just little at a time. And, you know what I'm going to be thinking about? I'm going to be thinking about how thankful I am to have a house to clean - and children to clean up after - over and over again. 

I'm going to be thankful I have children to teach, and a family to feed. When I forget to be thankful, when I begin to get caught up - I'm going to stop in my tracks and quote my mantra. Are you ready? 

Colossians 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.

If I keep my eyes on Jesus, I can be thankful as I unload the dishwasher for the umpteenth time.
I have a dishwasher. I have dishes. I have running water.  

Psalm 23:5

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine 

enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; 

my cup runneth over. 

When my body hurts and I cannot finish what needs to be done, I can be thankful I have medicine. I have a bed to rest in. I have a husband and family willing to help me. I am loved.

Psalm 136:1

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

 for his steadfast love endures forever.

When my children make a mess all over the house or put their dirty hands on the walls or the glass I've just worked hard to clean (and they will - oh, they will) I can give thanks to the Lord  
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  They are creative? . . . . . ok- I'm still working on this one. 

Acts 24:3

In every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.

Even the mess. Maybe even - especially the mess! 

Do you have a plan to remember to stay thankful when life gets messy? 

Now for the fun - check out the fun loot in the giveaway: 

Isn't it awesome? New prizes each week so be sure to follow along from here. 

Now use the Rafflecopter below to enter giveaway - winners announced on Saturday 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



linking with:  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday -  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria         From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days - Good Morning Girls  Thankful Thurs  Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  

Proverbs 31 Woman - Week #7 - Beauty Matters

I'm joining with Amanda @The Pelsers as we study the ebook from Good Morning Girls 

Taking our "cue" from the Creator of the universe - beauty matters! Don't get me wrong - I'm not talking about petty, shallow kind of beauty - the kind that competes for attention. But God took time to surround us with beauty in the world and we should take time to make our homes beautiful and peaceful; a respite from the rest of the world. We don't have to own the finest china to surround our family with quality and finery.

The most beautiful woman in the room isn't always the skinniest, or the one with the best hair. She is the one who radiates love; the one who genuinely smiles and reaches out for those who enter. She is a joy to be with because she makes those around her feel welcomed and important. She cares.

You don't have to have the finest things money can buy to be the Proverbs woman for your family. Your home can be filled with music, peace and love on any budget.
You don't have to be a beauty queen to radiate beauty - but making an effort to pull yourself together can make a big difference for a weary momma. I want my children to see me putting forth my best effort. I want them to be surrounded by beauty. 

A touch of lipstick and a bit of mascara brightens me when I'm tired. I deal with constant pain. There are days when I don't feel beautiful and when I don't look it either. On those days, it's that much more important for me to make an effort to present myself to my children and my family in a way that is beautiful. 


I have several "go to" outfits that are comfortable yet help me look and feel pulled together. Colorful accessories help me present an up-beat mood. With clean hair and the right lipstick - I'm a new woman; or at least I can look like one!

I don't have the energy to clean my house all the way through each day. With a simple routine - I manage to keep things from getting out of hand. Fresh clothes in the dryer, dishes cleaned and put away with a good smelling clean sink and counter-tops can make a world of difference.
A pretty bowl full of red apples, or a well placed vase of inexpensive flowers

Reading scripture with my children - these are all easy ways I bring a little beauty into my life and into the life of my family. 


Do you have any special tricks of the trade to bring beauty into the life of your family?


Gratitude journal #330 - #339 
*Christian music - Joy FM radio station
*Bright flowers
*Dryer sheets
* Fresh salt air at the beach
*Bowls full of pretty shells
*Loreal colour riche #250 & Voluminous mascara
*My Jackie O's (that sometimes hide many flaws)
*Fresh food baking in the oven - filling the house with smells of home
*Sunset out my window and sand between our toes
*Holding hands with my husband after all these years - knowing he'll continue reaching for more of me

Linking with #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - The Better Mom
From My Mountain View Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows

   

                            

Proverbs 31 - Week 5 - Real Life Prov Woman

Thank you for following our group along with the study from Good Morning Girls
This weeks reading from the free GMG ebook are from pages 16 - 19 and it's all about hard work!


Proverbs 31: 17- 20

¹⁷  She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.

¹⁹ She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
²⁰ She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

This past weekend my parents celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. 

45 years of blissful marriage. 

O.K., so life isn't perfect, people aren't perfect, and I am certain that every moment has NOT been blissful. But, I can speak first hand to the fact that their marriage is one of the strongest, most godly, best examples of what God intended marriage to be. 

Real life - 

As I read the verses of Proverbs 31 - no one comes to mind more so than my mother. We call her hurricane Laura because she can clean a house faster than anybody you've ever seen! Seriously. 

The woman is a wonder. You could eat off her floors at any given time. 

Growing up - I remember her regularly going through our clothes and closets to give to charity. She was up every morning with her hair done and her makeup on - whipping through her routine like nobodies business.

 Even with her children grown and off living their own lives - she still does.

Everywhere she goes , she shares a smile and a kind word. She passes out gospel tracks at the hair dresser and she speaks of Jesus, His forgiveness and love to the nail tech (the Muslim nail tech - who adores her). 

But, no one adores her like her husband - my father. He has full confidence in her. He values her above all rubies or his own needs.  She has made him a home where he is comforted, loved, and respected. He can be proud of his home and family as she has done well with her management. 

Her children rise up and call her blessed. 

Words of wisdom- 

I asked this real life Proverbs 31 woman to share a bit of her wisdom on marriage and home life with us and this is what she said: "Always remember the man you fell in love with."

 She said that life can be hard and that there will be times of  great pain and disillusionment. She didn't say "if" you are disappointed and hurt - she said "when" you are disappointed and hurt - to "always remember the man you fell in love with". 

The piece of advice I can recall hearing the most from her with regards to marriage is "never allow yourself to even begin to think negatively about your husband." When she finds herself thinking and feeling negatively about hers - she takes it to the cross. 

She recalled a time in her life where God showed her that she was not to gain her inner joy from her family - but only from Him. Her happiness in life was not to come from the man whom she married - but from her walk with the Lord. God had blessed her with a good husband - one who loved her - but her peace was to come by serving her family "as to the Lord". 

Walk with the Lord-

When you are down in the trenches, with baby throw up on one arm, a mountain of laundry to move, children bickering in the other room and there is no one around who seems to notice or value your daily struggles - Lean on Jesus! Gather your strength from the One who gave His all for you. Take it to the cross. 

The battle is on-

Spending time in the Word of God is the way to find real joy in your life. Spend time being grateful for what you do have and not focused on the things you think you need. Spend time being grateful for your husband - even if there seems little to be thankful for. When you stop the negative thoughts in their tracks and turn to the Lord - He will help you remember the things about your spouse you can be thankful for. Start small. 

It is in our thought life that the battle is won . . . or lost. 

Another great piece of wisdom that she has imparted to me is this - "There is a spiritual battle at hand. The enemy doesn't want our families to succeed - we must put on the whole armor." If you allow negative thoughts to fester - it gives the enemy a foothold in your life. 

I have walked through the fire in my marriage. I have been to the point where I couldn't see the good. And I have recalled these things my mother taught me. When it came to changing my thinking - I started small and ridiculous with something like "Thank you Lord that my husband doesn't beat me - so I don't have to bury him in the backyard." But, with daily practice it soon became "Thank you Lord God for this loving wonderful husband of mine whose character is good and strong."  

Repeatedly my mother - my real life Proverbs 31 woman - has said to me: 

Serve Him -

It is a more joyous task to scrub those floors and move that mountain of laundry - when you realize that you are serving the Lord God on High. It is easier to forgive and love our husbands when we realize that Jesus Christ gave everything to forgive us. Surely we can forgive others who have hurt us. 

And, most of all - it brings Him glory and honor when we rejoice in Him daily! 

Put it into practice- 

The next time my husband comes through the door and takes his shoes off in the middle of the room (instead of the nice basket I've placed for them by the front door) I'm going to rejoice and be thankful for the man who works hard for his family. 

The next time I finish writing an article (like in the next 5 minutes) and walk out to find a big fat mess in what once was my clean kitchen - I'm going to turn on the praise music and dance and sing with my children while we clean and serve the God who made us .

For the kiddos-

We often hear the saying that "The best thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother"

And I am gathering from these scriptures that "The best thing a woman can do for her children is to keep  her eyes on Jesus" Because when we do that - it makes us happy- it fills us with true joy. And we all know that "when Mama is happy - everybody is happier" And they will recall the things we teach them. 

Are you with me? 

And I count to #1000 Gifts and beyond- 

#310  - #319
*crashing baseball against metal bat - swung by healthy boy
*little boys who walk like little men
*catching 7 yo staying up late - to read the Word
*learning Scriptures with excited boys
*that a box of Bible Bee kit would bring joy to little faces
*glimmering eyes - sparkling excitement over small accomplishments that mean so much
*passing storm - abiding joy 
*someone special obeying the rules - growing toward Jesus
*kitchen time with boys who love it!
*sweet friends voting for me in top 25! (touches my heart) 

Linking with #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday

   

                            

Please link up Your Prov 31 posts: