Perspective

I smiled when I saw our 'tomb' this morning. It is a reminder to me of the joy we will have in the morning as the girls discover that their resurrection cookie is hollow in the middle just as the grave was empty on that Sunday morning long ago!!
The thought occurred to me that Jesus' first followers would have still felt such sorrow at seeing their teacher's tomb before they knew the whole story. Their vision of it would have been one of dread-I can only imagine how discouraged they might have been. Even though Jesus talked to them several times about what was going to take place to fulfill the plan that was laid out from the beginning of time, they just didn't get it! I am so like His original followers-I wonder if you can relate?
In the midst of discouraging and desperate situations what is your perspective? Do you look around and only see half the story...see death and feel dread like the first followers may have on that Saturday? How can we learn to look past the current circumstances and believe that joy will come? BELIEVE Jesus' words:
“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.” (John 16:33 NIV84)
The disciples were devastated and Mary Magdalene was crying as she approached the tomb (John 20:13). But hearing her Savior's voice made this psalm true for her!
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5b NIV84)

Even when things don't go as we have expected or hoped we can be sure that God has a good plan for us.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV84)
When we hunt for Easter eggs this is the verse I've shared with my girls. We will find our Hope in Jesus when we seek him with the enthusiasm of a child searching for eggs. Each promise we discover is treasure-even more valuable than their candy filled eggs.

Lent

In the past I have thought of Lent as a "religious" observance.  This year I realized it can also be a 'relationship' observance.  So, I have been observing Lent by drawing closer to God-building the relationship by His grace...not just following rules.  My friend's husband has a great Lent workbook on his blog that goes over the basics of Lent if you've never even heard of it before.  I will be using the reading selections he suggests.  I will be also be using http://www.youversion.com/ -there are several Lenten reading plans to choose from. 


Last week I also found another resource that I may use during this time.  A blogger referenced the book A Place at the Table.  There are many resources with the book...and I wish I had seen it before now as it would be great to do with a group.  I watched this video of the first session



Session 1 - Beginning from Chris Seay on Vimeo.


Just from what I've discovered this morning the concept of the book is to eat a diet similar to a poor person in another country for 40 days.  Using the time you save preparing simple foods to feast on the Word of God-the Bread of Life.  Then using the grocery savings from eating simple foods (and not eating out) to support ministries that care for the needy.  We sponsor Nazia in India, so if we participate (our family may choose to do a few days or a week) we would eat rice, potatoes, onions, garlic, bananas, chicken, fish, vegetables, lentils, garbanzo beans (chickpeas). Lots of spices! The info sheet provides a list of common foods for different countries-so you could choose a country that you have a heart for (or that has good staple foods:).


It's so neat to me how God works out little details and confirms things He's teaching me.  Last week I just about had a fit (similar to one my 5 year old would throw) because I didn't get to eat where I wanted (the new Mexican joint in town).  That wasn't the first time I've seen that food does drive my behavior.  When I wake up I go straight for the double mocha cappuccino...instead of the Living Water.  So I've prayerfully decided to drink no liquid but water (by His grace) for this season.  I'm sure I'll be healthier and less caffeine addicted:)  We've made it through the first week!


There were many things in the intro video and the daily devo videos that have tied in to what I'm learning in our ladies' Bible study-Jesus the One and Only (and I love that they are both on location in the Holy Land).  One of the lessons last week was about the temptation of Jesus-and we drew similarities to Eve's temptation in the garden.  The enemy knows that this is an area we are tempted.  I have had Made to Crave sitting in my 'to-read' pile for a few months (I will return it Jess:) It is about how we run to food for comfort instead of to our Comforter.  I think I haven't read it because I know I need to!


I am excited to learn something new and grow closer to Jesus during this time.  It seems like Easter always sneaks up on me and I don't feel prepared- personally and in teaching my girls what it is really about.  I'm praying that this season will be different as I lay aside the distractions on the world (no facebook for me for a few weeks!) and focus on the Word. The Bible study and the lenten readings are all interwoven and will all end at the cross right around Easter.  The intro video and the readings have referenced Matthew 5 often-aligning with the verses I am hoping to memorize. I can't wait to see what will be revealed to me as I study scripture....would you join me? Leave a comment to let us know!!!  It's not too late to start right where you are and use this season to draw closer to God by spending time in His Word.  He will lead you...just follow Him-don't feel obligated to follow anyone else-just what He calls you to do!


And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

Worship

Each time I get on the blogger site to write a new post, I inevitably get sidetracked by looking at all the blogs to which I subscribe.  Today's reading (or my procrastinating??) was worth it as I found a post I want to share from His Mercy Is New. (Click on explanation below to read the article)
I love this explanation of why we raise our hands in worship. As a momma of two young children, God has taught me so much about my relationship with Him through mothering. I do so need Him, even more than my girls may need me! I have in just the last few years found freedom to raise my hands no matter what situation I am in...no matter who is around.  I've never wanted it to be 'showy' or just become habit.  I remember a few years ago our pastor explained it as showing humility.  I had never thought about that, but it does humble me to step out of my comfort zone and raise my hands in worship to the only One worthy of worship.  Psalm 63:4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.

Memorize the Mount

After finding the fun A to Z challenge for my girls, I considered starting something challenging for me...like memorizing an entire chapter of the Bible.  I enjoy reading Ann Voskamp's blog

So when I saw her challenge to memorize the mount (Matthew 5) I thought that would fit well!  I downloaded the free memory booklet and started digging in.  It didn't start as easy as I thought-but it's getting better now.  The girls are even saying the verses with me now.  If you are up for the challenge the free booklet listed above will get Matthew 5,6, and 7 hidden in your heart.
I also want to count 1000 gifts...to cultivate a thankful heart.  Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the many opportunities to do good things (like memorize and count gifts and read encouraging blogs).  I don't want to 'make rules' for myslef about doing these things.  I want to do them in freedom...but it's so easy for me to slip back into works and legalism. 

A and B...

The girls and I started this fun A to Z scripture memorization a few weeks ago. 


It has been so fun to write the words on our mirrors and say them with our meals.  Both girls (and their momma) are hiding God's word in their hearts.  It is amazing to me that even Aleigha can say all of the verses so far. 

One of the 'rewards' I've offered is to take a video of them reciting their verse...what little princess could resist seeing a video of herself?  So here they are (be warned...there may be mouths full of food...we just do this as part of our everyday life:)):

It's not too late to join us on this fun alphabet adventure!  We are learning our "C" verse now and there is a new verse every other week.  Comment below to let me know you are joing us!!! It's a great way to practice Dueteronomy 6:5-9 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

I was also blessed to win a scripture verse pack from Versability that has each of the scriptures on a business card in a cute little pack that is easy to carry around and review!!! I was so excited to open the package-it came right around my birthday and it was a great gift...there was even a little bonus set that had personalized scriptures with my name on it!  How cool is that:)  There is a kid's set now that is on a spiral notebook...maybe I'll win one of those too-Zaleigh would LOVE it!!!



A to Z

I found this A to Z memory challenge last week on a blog I follow. 





The name of the challege struck me since I have a Z(Zaleigh) and an A(Aleigha).  So to memorize scripture by the alphabet sounded like a fun challenge for me and my girls!  I new verse every other Monday-and it's family freindly! 

Zaleigh, my precious 5 year old, wrote our first verse on "explosion  paper" and excitedly hung it on the door so that we can read it when we go to school or leave the house...her sweet idea:) 

A: As for me and my household we will serve the Lord Joshua 24:15b

We are going to do this!!!  I am amazed at how quickly even little ones can learn God's Word.  It is amazing at how it is just tucked away in our hearts and He can call it to mind when we need the Word.  Would you join us???

Anticipation

We have friends visiting from Colorado this weekend.  We have been so excited to see them....just can't wait...and TODAY is the day!  The timing is perfect for me, it has given me something to look forward to so that the post Christmas blues don't hit too hard.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to prepare for their arrival-thanks to a wonderful friend playing with my girls so I could shop and clean!!!  I was thinking about preparation and anticipation...and realized that we all have something to prepare for and anticipate-an event that can give our hearts hope and great joy!

Our last advent verse...

During the season of advent we (not so) patiently counted down the days until Christmas by reading a verse each day. We anticipated all that Christams would hold-the celebration of Jesus' birthday is so much fun! Jesus' coming as an infant was prophesied long before He came and yet most of the people of His time didn't know He was born. The scriptures also tell us that He will come back.  In Matthew 24 Jesus tells us much about this (read it if you haven't :). 

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.  1 Thessaloninas 4:16-18

HE came at Christmas and HE is coming back!!! Are we preparing for HIS return in the same fashion that we prepared for Christmas, or with the same enthusiasm that we have when friends visit?
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.  Revelation 19:7

We are His bride....Let's be ready! I have to be honest and say that I'm not sure what all that means for my life yet...I guess the preparation is probably diffeernt for each person.  When we fully trust in Jesus and have saving faith by His grace, He will lead us individually in the preparation process.  We abide in Him, He directs our paths to 'work out our salvation...(not in our strength) for it is God Who is all the while working in us (energizing and creating the power and desire) to will and work for His good pleasure and satisfation and delight.' (See Philippians 2:12-13 in NIV and AMP)

Unlike Advent when we count down to Christmas, we don't know exactly when He will return. But we do have some signs to watch for and some encouragement to be ready:

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.  Matthew 24:42,44

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.  Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Matthew 24:32-33


So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time. Mark 13:23
If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. Mark 13:36 (This has me thinking of You Gotta Get Up)

He tells us so much in His word-such great and precious promises.  Here is one to think about throughout this day as we anticiapte His return:

They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 35:10b

WOOHOO!! How can we not look forward to that?  Everlasting joy? Yes, please!!! Come, Lord Jesus!!!

Christmas Letdown?

It started even before Christmas day....at the end of each celebration...when we had to say goodbye.  Her sweet question, "momma, when is Christmas over?"

At first I didn't understand her five year old thinking...but then it made sense.  To her Christmas was a time to be with family and friends and celebrate....much celebration-school parties, Awana parties and lots of family and friends.  She knows why we celebrate...and loves all of it!


He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.   Song of Songs 2:4

When we read the Christmas story Christmas Eve night she asked again-Is Christmas over after tomorrow?

I woke up Christmas morning not feeling well.  Our whole family has had a cold for what seems like the past month (we ARE getting better, thank you Jesus!).  Despite the lack of sleep from our traditional late night wrapping, I woke up and thought 'this is going to be a good day!!!' I felt joyful all day...even when things didn't go my way...even when I had an overstimulated 2 year old!

When a frustration would arise that might normally steal my joy...I just thought about what the day meant-why we were celebrating.  We were blessed to host 4 different celebrations in our home over the last week...that meant 4 times cleaning and cooking.  I did it all with joy (unlike some days when it seems like that's all I do...over and over).  Why the joy?  Because my focus was on what we were celebrating. 

So if I choose to celebrate the Hope of Christmas...each day can be Christmas!  When I choose to look to Him and live like it's Christmas morning, it is!  His gifts never end!  His mercies are new each morning!  I can wake up expecting something good to happen to me each day! 

So, friend, Is Christmas over?

The answer my sweet Z needed to hear is the same for us...NO!! Christmas doesn't ever have to be over!  In celebrating Christmas we are celebrating Emmanuel, God with us.  And now that He has defeated the enemy and sits at the right hand of God and has sent His Holy Spirit to live in us...He is always with us...so every day can be Christmas!!!

Even though we will soon be packing away the decorations and storing them for next season-the celebration never needs to end.  We can stay in awe of the nativity-of Christ humbly coming to us. As I did last year, I will be leaving one nativity scene displayed...to remind me that each day I can have the joy of Christmas because Christ came!

Many times I have had a "Christmas Letdown"...when all that has been anticipated is over.  Gifts are all opened, carols all sung, family all back home, decorations put away, and life returns to "normal".  This year I will let God use a 5 year old's sweet question to remind me that His gift of Christmas is for each day. 

Although we won't have wrapped gifts under the tree to anticipate, we will still have the gift of His presence because of the tree and we can seek Him in anticipation each day!!!

Let's celebrate Christmas today with this precious hymn as a reminder to us and a praise to God!


Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside

Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is They faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulneses
Lord unto me!!!!

Gifts Worth Receiving

I wonder if any of you stood in long lines today to return or exchange a gift? Maybe it was a thoughtful gift, but just the wrong size....or maybe it was not even thoughtful and something you would never use?

Did anyone have the misfortune of hearing a child complain about a gift just given (hopefully an adult wouldn't say it out loud) ?  Or a child asking if there were more gifts, as if all they just opened weren't enough? 

Thankfully this year, none of the above fits me...but it has before, and very well may again:)

I was thinking...are we like this with the gifts God gives?  Trying to exchange it to "make it fit" or complaining that it's not what so and so has? 

Ouch, I know....

Hopefully instead of ungrateful kids, you got to see some joy and delight! My girls showed plenty of that this year even though we attempted to scale back on gift giving.  

She was sure excited about the book:)

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11 see also Luke 11:13

I find myself still wanting more of God... more of His gifts, His grace, His love and His Holy Spirit. I guess that's not a bad thing- to long for more of Him...but I need to be satisfied with where I am today as I trust Him to mature me and give me His gifts in His timing...

You might have heard Joyce say "I'm not where I need to be, but thank God, I'm not where I used to be. I'm okay and I'm on my way!" I will fix my eyes on Him and trust His promises to perfect my faith-Hebrews 12:2 And I will remember that His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. ⁵ For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge— ⁶ because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. ⁷ Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. ⁸ He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.  1 Corinthians 1:4-9

Doesn't that say that as we wait on Jesus to be revealed that we don't lack any spiritual gifts??  Wow!!! He gives each of His children gifts as He sees fit...we need to trust the Giver!    We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. Romans 12:6a

Like our children (who may always ask for more), we need to check our motives...When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:3

Like the prayer we prayed last time in Ephesians...I know this is a prayer that God will answer:
 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.  Philippians 1:9-11

So there you go...maybe it is okay to ask for MORE of the gifts He so generously bestows on us...

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.  John 16:24

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”  Matthew 21:22

I hope today you are able to enjoy the gifts that He has given us....trust the Giver...humbly accept what He generously gives!!

A Gift

I just played an ornery trick on my husband...and I wonder if he will even notice???  (Hey babe, if you are reading this...wait until after Christmas to finish!)

I'm not sure why I can't get the picture to upload right...but you get the idea:)

The floss that I'm putting in his stocking is the same floss that I put in his stocking last year.  (No worries my dental friends-he DOES floss, just uses my floss from my drawer!)

I found this floss when I was organizing a few weeks ago...it was never used.  A gift that hasn't been opened. I wonder if you have any of these?  God used this little package of floss to teach me something. 

 The verse that popped in my head the day I found the floss is Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  He has given us the kingdom of God and wants us to receive it! 

I pray that you know Jesus and have 'opened' His free gift of salvation.  Some people don't even get that far--like the debtal floss, they know it's there -God SO LOVED the world that He gave His only Son-but haven't made it reality in their life.  Jesus is the best gift.  Have you received Him? 

What I want to talk about is all the other gifts we have because of Jesus-Righteousness, Peace and Joy!!

Righteousness....Know who you are in Christ!! When you receive Jesus-you are Righteous in Him
^{2 Corinthians 5:21} God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Peace-In Christ we have peace...in any situation!!!! It is His gift to us...are you receiving it?
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Joy-
He brought joy as an infant But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10
He teaches us how to have joy:  I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete John 15:11 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24
He is our Joy in any circumstance! Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9

So, friend....I wonder-do you have any unopened gifts?  I was thinking about other gifts that we don't use anymore, toys, etc that people have spent money to buy...Do you have any costly gifts that you don't use? 
He paid such a great price for us to have eternal life, righteousness, peace, and joy and many times we don't realize the gifts He provides.  I'm sure you have put some thought and time into purchasing gifts for your loved ones this Christmas.  How would you feel if they didn't even open the gift?

If you have young children-you know that wouldn't happen-you know how excited they are about opening gifts!  They don't hold back, not even a little...tear right into the packaging a freely receive what is given to them!!! Maybe we can learn a little from the children:
But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Luke 18:16
And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  Mark 10:15

When I read these verses (while searching for "kingdom of God" to find the reference for Romans 14:17) I realized that I need to be more child like in opening and receiving His gifts. There are so many gifts He gives-He is so good (all the time!) For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 

There are so many gifts in His Word-promises I have yet to uncover. I'm going to end this writing by praying this prayer of Paul for you, dear reader...would you pray if for me too? 
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. ¹⁸ I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:17-19(Go read vs 15-23 in your Bible...it's so good!)



How powerful for all God's children to KNOW Him more...What better gift to give to the ones you love than to pray this for them?  Merry Christmas!!!