Do Not Fear

 "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you." (Isaiah 41:10)

The Lord certainly knows how much help I need from Him throughout the day. Sometimes, I walk around  feeling so weak and broken; so lost and exhausted. I often feel zapped of all energy and zest for life. That right there is what I want to change. It is not all the time this happens, but when it does, I want to challenge myself to rest in God and not fear. 

1. Do not fear- I don't have to worry. Fear will not overtake me

2. I am with you-God is by my side, He is ever with me and walks with me

3. Do not be dismayed-I choose not to be confounded, dismayed, or discouraged. 

4. I am your God- He is my God. He alone is the the one who saves, not myself or anyone else. 

5. I will strengthen you-He will strengthen me as He does to those He loves

6. And help you- He will help me, I don't have to do this alone. His help is available to me, at all times. 

"Dear Lord, I pray that today you would banish all fear, let me feel You by my side. I choose to obey your command to not be dismayed, You are in charge, You are my God. I believe that You will strengthen me just like You do for all of Your creatures. I believe You will help me and that You are ever available to me. Open my eyes, help me to embrace all the strength and help You have for me today. I walk with this awareness. You are with me, You are my God, You will strengthen me, You will help me. Thank you for these truths. I receive them in my heart right now." 

Simple Steps to Get out of Mental Fog

 "If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." 1 John 5:14

There is no way around it. Sometimes we have to force ourselves to move in order to get out of a mental funk. Motion. This is crucial. I realize so many times, I'm just in my head. When I 'm in my head I over obsess, analyze, deliberate, overthink, and most often get nowhere. I have to take it one very slow step at a time. I also need to be highly aware of the things that set me off and be vigilant to avoid them. So just how will I fare today? What is my plan for overcoming? 

1. Take one thought and action step by step. What does that mean. It means to not think too far into the future or the past. It means to be in the now. I often overwhelm myself with all that needs to be done or all that I want to do. Or many times I'm carried off into distraction because of a thought that pops up and I follow that thought trail. But, when I take one thought and action at a time, I'm forcing myself to be disciplined and handle what is in the current moment. I think of the verse in 2 Corinthians 10:5 I'm more at peace when I do this. "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 

2. Keep a schedule close by. I make a simple schedule in my planner. I refer to my schedule to make sure I am on track with what needs to be done. I'll refer to it when I feel anxiety coming on and I want to reach for the phone. I am singularly focused on staying focused on the schedule. This schedule is the blueprint and goal I want to reach. 

3. Put on a timer on each task. This keeps me focused and on point with the tasks I have to do. It is an effective way for me to zone in on what needs to be done. It is a way to train my brain in the direction that I want it to go. Sadly, I have to take these extreme measures, because when I'm not operating at my best I am prone to distraction. This timer approach is a protection in making sure I am moving in the right direction. 

4. Trust that all will be well. The very belief that all will be well reduces the anxiety about whether it will or not. I try to remember scriptures that calm my mind. Like "He has given me all things that pertain to life and godliness." (2 Peter 1:3) or "He will perfect that which concerns you."(Psalms 139:8) or "For it is God who is able to will and to do of His good pleasure." (Phil 2:13) or "He has not given me a spirit of fear but of love and of power and of a sound mind." (2 Tim 1:7) These are reminders that

It is God's will for me to operate with a calm and trusting mind. This is the mental state I want to be in. Unfortunately due to my poor coping mechanisms when dealing with deep anxiety, I have to work towards repairing the impulsive thoughts that crowd my mind. There is a real effect on my mental state when I allow my thoughts to run rampant. I realize this is neurological process that happens when engaging with technology. So for that I give myself grace. But the damage can be undone. I trust that if I ask for God's will to be done in my life (calm, trusting, at peace, confidence, etc.) then I will receive it. It is up to me, will I walk in it? Will I do the things necessary that foster calm and confidence? Today, I choose to embrace the answer to my prayers. I have asked, it is His will,and I believe that He hears me. 

"If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." 1 John 5:14

Lessons from the Parable of the Sower Part 1

 “This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.” (Psalms 119:50) 

I’ll never forget the day when I discovered the power of God’s word and how it gave me life. Since that life-changing day, I’ve been a college freshman, a student missionary, a wife, and a mother among many other things. This Bible verse in Psalms, clearly summarizes my experience with God’s word. It gives me all I need to live well throughout every season of life. throughout these life seasons, I’ve come to realize, that it’s the daily, moment by moment connection to the truth found in God’s word that keeps me rooted in my Christian experience. For all spiritually-minded parents who want to grow in faith, feasting on the word every day ought be as natural as drinking water when thirsty. 

 But many of us are parched. Life gets busy, distraction gets the best of us, and intentional meditation on God’s word just doesn’t happen. The moments when we do make time for God, the scriptures fall flat and lack power to penetrate our hearts. I know this pattern well, because I have experienced it myself at times. How can we make sense of when the word doesn’t impact us like it should? What gets in the way of God’s word transforming our heart and making change in our lives? In the parable of the Sower, Jesus explains why the word doesn’t bear fruit when it is sown in a person’s heart. The full story of the sower is found in Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, or Luke 8:4-15. I see 3 different ideas emerge from this story that shed light on the things that get in the way of the word taking root in our hearts. In this post I'll cover the first one.

Supernatural Forces 

“...as he sowed..some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it.” (Mark 4:4)

In the parable of the Sower, a sower or farmer sows seed on 3 types of ground. In first type of ground, He sows seed on the wayside which is on hard ground, then very soon the birds comes and devours the seed. Based on the different Bible passages that recount this parable, a few things happen to people in this first group. 

1. Overt Attacks. In Mark 4:4,  Jesus says these are people who hear the word, but Satan takes it away.  When they read the Bible, the enemy is already planning how to zap whatever they read right out of their minds.
2. Dull Understanding. In Matt 13, Jesus says they hear it but, they don’t understand it.  So when they read the Bible, they don't get it because they lack the ability to sit long enough to understand it. The enemy takes advantage of this weakness and draws away their minds from meditating on the Word.
3. Lack of Belief. In Luke 8, Jesus says they hear the word, but Satan takes it away because he knows if they believe it they will be saved. The enemy fosters doubt in God’s word and His promises.  The enemy doesn’t want us to know how powerful Jesus’ words are. The amount of promises and counsel found in God’s word is immeasurable are abundant. "For God so loved the world that He gave His begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him will have everlasting life." Our belief in Jesus saves us, Satan knows that and wants to take that truth away from those who could believe.

This reminds me of this verse: 

"Be sober be vigilant, for your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whomever he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

Have you ever felt that something was overpowering you that you felt like you had no control over? Maybe it came as an intense emotion, or a wave of deep sadness or darkness. Or perhaps you have felt that your best efforts towards change and growth have been met with one roadblock after another. 

We simply cannot deny that there are dark forces in this world. I believe that it is Satan's express interest to keep us from seeing the truth in the Word of God. For in it, reveals God's true character and an invitation to get to know Him personally for ourselves. 

Overt attacks, a dull understanding, and lack of belief are all factors that can impact the quality of your spiritual life and why the word is not bearing fruit in your life. Think about these things, are any of them impacting the word from bearing fruit in your life? If not, perhaps something else is at play. In our next post, we'll look at another barrier that may be keeping the word from being rooted in your heart.

Obedience is a Response

 "Obey Me, and I will be your God." Jeremiah 7:23

If I thought long and hard, I could probably recount many times where I was told to do something that I didn't do and realized that I should've listened to begin with.  We could perhaps name certain instances where we've asked our children to obey us, they don't listen, and they regret not listening. Instead of choosing God's way, we follow our own way. The idea of obedience gets a bad reputation. Why? Because it has the connotation of an authoritarian and inflexible dictator-like authority figure who is cold and lacks genuine care. Popular culture seems to value rebellion, bucking against authority, and anything that appears to impose rules. If a corrupt system is in place, then perhaps doing these things are okay. But what about obedience to a loving God. Because the truth is, God is love. Sadly, most people do not have this picture of God. 

Right now I'm in the process of trying to teach my 4 year old the importance of obedience. It's a lesson that needs to be repeated multiple times throughout his life. His understanding of it is different now than when he was younger, so I can introduce deeper concepts that will hopefully make a more meaningful impact on him. As I venture into this intentional process, it's got me thinking, how do we obey? How do we teach our children to obey?

Trust. Establish a warm bond of connection. Because love and trust leads to obedience. We want to make it easy for our children to obey us. We do this by creating a loving environment and having a loving relationship with them. How, spend time, talk to them, listen to them, care for them, be there for them in their most vulnerable moments, encourage them in right doing. Be consistently loving and kind. Predictably so. Know what shows love towards that child and do that so they are assured of your love for them. Help them to know that their Father in heaven loves them more than we ever could and knows what's best and will never fail them. 

Trust comes first, then obedience. In order for people and children to obey, there has to be trust. True and authentic obedience comes from a trusting, loving, willing heart. Forced obedience, is manipulation and control. Children need to learn the value of rules, because not following them can lead to negative consequences. This is ultimately what God wants to protect us from. 

Obeying the right voice makes life easier. We can learn the easier way (by obeying and watching other people's mistakes) or we can learn the harder way by going through the hard knocks of life barely surviving the trauma we inflicted on ourselves due to our own lack of compliance. 

How do we obey God? It is His goodness that draws us towards repentance. It is embracing the righteousness of Christ and putting that on as our clothing. It is knowing that God's love, mercy, and grace compels us to love and obey and honor our savior. It's not hard when we meditate on God's goodness, His grace, His love towards us. 

God's love, that is what draws us. I pray that I would forever be in awe of God's glory. His possibilities, His ability to help me weather through any difficulty. I have confidence in God. He is trustworthy. I don't trust myself, but I trust that God will come through for me and give me the courage to face whatever comes my way. 

Dear Lord, thank you for being my God. I ask in the name of Jesus that you will pour your Holy Spirit and love out in full measure. I ask that I would come to know the depth of your love. May my response be to obey, honor, and praise you so that others can be saved from sin and darkness. Cause me and my household to walk in your way, We acknowledge you as our God. Thank you Lord for hearing this prayer. 

Keeping Promises

 "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise. He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish." (2 Peter 3:9)

I am constantly amazed at the faithfulness of God. This particular passage refers to His promise to return back to earth and rescue His people. When I see this verse, it reminds me of all the other promises He has in the Word as well.  He promises that if we call to him, He will answer us and show us great and mighty things (Jeremiah 33:3) Well, I prayed this prayer this morning before I studied the Bible that He would show me great and mighty things and He did not fail to deliver. 

Since early January, I've been reading through a One Year Bible, which features several passages to read daily over the year until you've read the whole Bible by the end of the year. There's a New testament, Old testament, Psalms and Proverbs. As I read this morning, several passages spoke to me. But when I was finished reading, I didn't have any specific powerful feeling of what I read being particularly significant or deeply  hard-hitting. However, I stopped, said a prayer and read the Psalms passage over again. It's Psalms 15:1-5 When I saw it, the message was right there, clear as day. 

This passage highlights the character qualities of a person who may "dwell on God's Holy hill." Of the 11 qualities it mentions, it was verse 4 that popped out.  In answering the question highlighted in verse 1 that says "Lord who may dwell in your sanctuary? When may live on your holy hill?" The answer comes: 

"He who keeps his oath even when it hurts." Ouch. 

I looked in a different Bible to find a reference verse and read in Leviticus 5:4 where it describes a person who speaks thoughtlessly when they give an oath. Yikes. That is so me. Our motivation is to please and not cause any riffs. In the end, our words bind us to oaths we don’t have the will or capacity to keep. 

I realize, I make lots of promises yet many times I do not keep them very often. I make promises and break them all the time. It is hard for me to keep my word. This is a character flaw that can keep me from being on that God's holy hill as mentioned in Psalms. This may not seem very significant, but it's huge because broken promises lead to broken relationships. 

The damage done to a child when a parent breaks his promise is immense. It is a sad day when a child realizes how unstable and faulty their parents can be. The instability of a child's environment can lead to serious trust issues, emotional issues, and a whole litany of problems.  Children who grow up as healthy adults either have parents that were highly stable and consistent or they had a heavenly father they looked up to that was a source of stability for them. Either way, stability is key. This stability is what makes God our Father such an incredible source of assurance for me. I long to be the parent that upholds a sense of integrity and keeping of my word, even if it hurts. Yesterday, I made a promise to take my kids to a special library in town. We were running late, I didn't feel like going anymore, but the response daughter gave sent me in a tailspin. I realized how often I break my promises. How I speak thoughtlessly. Kids can experience disappointment and survive. Things shift and change that is out of our control. But, I made a decision right then to keep my promise to her even though it hurt. 

"The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him." (Proverbs 20:7)

This is how I want to be. I want to be a principled person, steadfast immovable, full of integrity. This is what I desire and this is what my children need. Think of how many promises we've broken and yet our standards for our children or others are higher than our own. We want others to keep promises, but we don't keep promises to others or even ourselves. This is a fatal flaw that has to be confessed and surrendered to God. I think of Jesus who made a commitment to do His father's work and complete His earthly mission to save the world. At the very end of His life, He prayed for things to change, but, He ultimately made a choice to follow's God's will and not His own. It was not easy, it was painful, it hurt, but He kept His promise. I'm so glad that He did. I'm so thankful for a faithful and steadfast God.  He kept His promise this morning to me. I was reminded of my faults and my need for God and bowed my head in praise as I thought about His faithfulness. A renewed sense of keeping my word emerged. I'm so glad God keeps His promises.

"Dear Lord, Thank you for being faithful in keeping your promises to me. You are so faithful, you are steadfast, you are a solid rock on which I can stand. Forgive me for making promises without the tenacity to keep them.  I pray in the name of Jesus that the righteousness of Christ will cover me that I may walk in integrity and my children can follow and be blessed. Even now you have promised to come again, yet you are patient because you don't want anyone to perish and are giving us time. Fill me with your Spirit that I may be a strong rock for my children. Live in me that I may not make thoughtless promises. Cause me to keep my word today. In Jesus' name, Amen." 

God Never will

The lush grass massaged bare feet as I stroll the backyard and imagine my baby girl

She was late, but I know, in just a few days, she'd be entering into this world

I'm so excited about what's to come and I just can't wait!

Immediately after I feel this excitement, a thought comes and it won't escape 

I'm not perfect,  I'll mess up, and I don't know how I’ll measure up?

I just don't think I am capable of always filling her love cup. 

I'm going to fail her, I'm going to ruin her, I don't have what it takes

I'm faulty, I'm a sinner, I'm going to make too many mistakes!

I cry to the Lord and I tell him all that's on my heart and soul 

Soon, I'm encouraged as I realize that He will help me fulfill this role

He says to me, "My daughter, didn't your mother make mistakes?

Don't you realize I helped her to know that she had what it takes?

You had troubles, you had cares, you had worries you fretted about

But look how I formed you, just look how you turned out

You will not be perfect, but remember to be at peace, be still 

It's guaranteed that you'll fail, but I assure you, I never will"

The joy that came was abundant and overflowing

The assurance of the Lord came as sure as the wind started blowing

I knew right then what I'd teach my little girl to remember

The thought was crystal clear on that day in my backyard in late September

I'd say, "Though you will have many troubles in this dark cold world

I trust that you will be strong, my beautiful, bright little girl

You’ll face good things, bad things and you may not know how to feel

Just know this one thing that: I may fail you, but God never will" 

Prayer for Walking in the Midst of Trouble

 "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life."Psalms 138:7

Dear Lord, I know you come through for me. Preserve my life today. Preserve my thoughts, actions, and the core of my being. Help me to stay true to core truths. Guide me in how I am supposed to live. Help me to walk according to your ways and to surrender to You, and to obey You. Reveal your power to me today and show me truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God that pierces the soul. Thank you for this verse:

“You hear, Oh Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and you listen to to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.”  (Psalms 10:17,18)

No weapon formed against me shall prosper. 

To all of us walking in the midst of trouble: He will plead your cause. Be patient, wait, stand your ground. God always comes through for His people. Release the negativity attempting to choke out the joy of your salvation. He will preserve your life. 

Satisfying the Hunger in Our Souls

 "He who comes to me and eats the bread of life will never hunger again." John 6:35 

It's persistent, it never is satiated, it leaves you wanting more. It is the insatiable sensation of a person hungering for something that satisfies. It seems this is the type of world we live in. A constant desire for more, to fill in the void that says that something needs to fill it. That something needs to satisfy the hunger in the soul. 

There are times when I have so much worry and anxiety that I'm looking for something to pacify that discomfort. It's like I'm hungering and grasping for something to settle me down. I remember the first time I was conscious of this. I had just gotten a smartphone a few months earlier. I was walking down the hallway and I thought of something that triggered a set of emotional and physical reactions. I instinctively grabbed my phone to randomly search. That moment I realized, I was using my phone as a crutch. That was 2012. I now know much more than I knew back then about how technology works.  

Tech giants, know exactly how to manipulate the natural human process of how dopamine and the brain reward system works to hook you to the media, leaving you wanting more. That is another fascinating topic that I won't get into. The point is, we have all felt at one point or another the drive to satisfy a hunger that just does not feel satisfied. 

For some, that experience is infrequent and minor, perhaps when one notices how delicious a favorite dish is and it's hard to say, it's enough. For others it is often major things, such as person who feels they need more love, more money, more accolades, more outward signs of self-worth. Their hunger is never satisfied. 

But it doesn't have to be this way. Jesus says, that whoever comes to Him and eats the bread of life will never hunger again. I want to be content, I want to be satisfied. What does it take? And what does it feel like to be so completely content in Jesus? 

When I meditate on God's word in the morning, it satisfies my soul. There is a lightness, a freedom from burden, worry, or care. There is a satisfaction that says, "In Christ, I have all that I need." There is no where else to obtain this freedom. I don't do anything, but simply receive. And this is the key of why we don't have to hunger. It's because I do not have to strive to obtain something that will bring me peace. I just say yes. I open my heart, I receive it. The posture is one of receiving and not to keep striving and chasing after peace or a satiation of spiritual hunger.  

Dear Lord, I pray that our children would learn this truth. That only Jesus can satisfy. That only partaking His bread and receiving His life into our lives can we find true satisfaction. Thank you for satisfying the hunger in my soul. I trust that you will do the same for my children.

God's Word Endures Forever

 "The word of the Lord endures forever." 1 Peter 1:25

The story of Abraham and Sarah giving birth to Isaac is a demonstration of God's word enduring forever. God made a very distinct promise and covenant with Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. 

Abraham had to wait until he was 100 years old before Sarah gave birth to Isaac, a fulfillment of the promise He made to him.  When it was time for the promise to be fulfilled, it was a shock. They even laughed at the idea of bearing children in their old age. But nothing is too hard for God, and His word endures forever. 

Is there a word God has spoken to you that name seems faint? Is there a promise you believe He gave you that is not being fulfilled? It seems Abraham's faith had to be tested. He needed to be purged of self, His character developed, His motivations and focus in the right place, his mission aligned with God's. 

What about you? What thing has God affirmed over and over? Whatever it is, trust that it will be fulfilled. Maybe not in the time frame that you're thinking, but the perfect time according to God's calendar.  If He spoke to you, through His word, it will come to pass. His word endures forever. 

How to Live in Peace

 "Live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11

What does it mean to "live in peace"? Living in peace means to walk in alignment with your goals, visions, and values. It means to surrender your cares to the Lord. It means to be free of debilitating worry and anxiety about small things and big things too. To live in peace, means to have God's abiding presence with you throughout each aspect of your life. Living in peace is a result of a believer choosing to receive God's presence in their lives. To live in peace means that I am aligned with God's plans for me. But how can I, a person so naturally prone to anxiety, find the ability to live in peace? These are the things I believe God has called me to do in order to gain a sense of peace. 

1. Surrender my cares to God 

"Casting all your cares on God for He cares for you." If I have worry or care, I lay them down at Jesus' feet. I do this by writing down what is bothering me, one by one. I list them out, and just get it out of my head on paper. I take a deep breath and either verbally or mentally say, "I surrender these things to you." I imagine whatever it is that is disrupting my peace.  I picture myself just giving it to God and letting it go. Research has shown that in some faith traditions, the process of letting go has been associated with a decrease in stress. From personal experience, I know this to be true. So write down your worries. 

2. Ask for it

"Ask and you shall receive, Seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened unto you." It is God's desire to grant us the things that we ask Him. After I've listed my cares, I ask Him to give me peace. I know that this is His will because Jesus himself says, " My peace I give to you, not as the world gives, let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid." If I'm asking him to give me something that is according to His will, I know that He will grant it. John says, "This is the confidence we have, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us, and if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know we have the petitions we ask of Him."  Many things do not come unless we ask. Something beautiful happens when we do ask: we become more aware of the thing that we asked for. So when we ask for peace, we then begin to notice peace entering the soul.  So be bold and ask for the peace that you want. 

3. Walk in Faith 

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11: 1 RSV) After I have let go, perhaps I do not immediately feel anything change. If that is the case, I don't let that deter me from accepting that a change is happening. I remain steadfast in knowing my prayers have reached the throne of God. I trust that God has taken my cares and is working out whatever it is and is granting me peace. 

"And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever comes to God must believe that He is, (God) and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith is an essential part in coming to God. If we do not believe that He will give us the things we ask for, how can we expect it to come? It won't. Therefore, walk in faith, with full confidence that God will be faithful in answering our prayers. Be assured, God is for you. Walk in faith. 

How the Peace Shows up 

Choosing to live in peace means to walk in faith knowing full well, that God will fill me with His peace. When I remember to surrender, ask for peace of mind, and then walk in faith, I'm often met with the thing I've desired. Peace. 

It comes in different ways. Perhaps ideas flood my mind that bring resolution to whatever was bothering me. Or perhaps, I just choose to bask in the assurance that God is in control. Or maybe I vividly remember the ways in which God has come through for me in the past which then leads me to peace. However the peace shows up,  I can't remember a time when it has not come when I've surrendered, asked, and walked in faith. 

If by rare chance peace doesn't come and a lingering icky feeling resides, I pivot and do things like praying, confessing, and taking time to allow God to search my heart. It's possible that in this case, I may be holding on to a negative thought (of my own)  or lie (from the enemy). If so, it has to be revealed and replaced with God's truth. I have to be willing to let go of the thing that is causing me a lack of peace. If I hold on to a lie, peace will not come.  

However, when I choose to truly surrender, God shows up in surprising ways. When He does, I thank and praise Him for it so that He knows I see Him working and I acknowledge His ways. As He has showed up for me, I trust if you accept His words into your heart, He will do the same for you. 

A Blessing 

I leave you this blessing based on scripture, so that you too may live in peace. As a result of living in peace, may you impart it to your children as you work to educate them.  

"Be anxious for nothing, but everything to prayer and supplication to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus." 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by power of the Holy Spirit"

God wants to give us all peace. Embrace this truth and receive His peace today. 

God is For Us

   "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

This verse reminds me of what young David may have said to himself while everyone seemed to doubt his motivation and ability to go against Goliath. 

While they doubted, he was assured that God would give him victory over Goliath. He knew for sure that he'd be able to take him down. He knew God would be there for him. He paid no attention to the naysayers. He was utterly convinced that God would be by his side. 

His confidence was not based on some lofty motivation. He didn't tell himself platitudes that held no weight. He had previous experience fighting off bears and lions away to protect his sheep. His confidence was based on real victories he gained in the past. 

So it is with our children, we are providing an environment for them to gain real victories as well. When they go out into the world, their deep inner confidence in God coming through for them will be just as unwavering as it was for David. They can enter into adulthood and be assured that they can face any challenge with the security that God will be there for them. It won't be based on a lack of experience, but on the many victories they won in their childhood years. 

Dear Lord, I pray that you would instill in my children an inner confidence in your power based on real experiences gaining victories with you. I pray that they would know in their core that if you are for them no one, or nothing can be against them, not even the negative things they tell themselves. I thank You for preparing the way for them to gain victories, in Jesus' name. Amen.

He's Always There

 "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer." 1 Peter 3:12

One of the most valuable things I want to pass on to my children is the idea that God sees and understands them, and that He is available to them. I imagine all of my children as adults embracing the unseen reality of God being their guide. So often we forget that God is a prayer away.

I wonder how much more at peace we would be if we kept this in mind and remembered the times He came through for us? What if our children had an ever-present awareness of God? What if they develop the habit of quiet dialogue with God that could create a sense of security within them?

I think of the monk Brother Lawrence who was always present to God walking with him. I think of Jesus who was in constant communion with God as He went about fulfilling His mission on Earth. I think of the Bible verse in Hebrews, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." This moment by moment abiding in God yields a strong, secure, resilient young person turned adult. This is the type of grit and character in young people that is needed in our world today. 

"Dear Lord, I pray that my children would come to know your presence moment by moment. I pray that they realize that Your eyes are on them. That Your ears are attentive to their prayer. Show up in a mighty way for my children today. Help them to remember that You are a faithful God who is always available to them." 

Today, may your children be blessed. May you educate your children in a way that they remember how near God is to them. May you yourself remember that God is ever present and available to us as well. If you know of someone who would feel especially blessed by God's message of His availability to us, please share. 

Lacking no Good Thing: Relationships

 "Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." Psalms 34:10

I had the amazing privilege of hosting a dinner with my best friend who I've known for years. We spent elementary, middle school, high school, and college together. A friendship of over 32 years. Her and her husband traveled from Colorado to California and made their rounds throughout the holidays stopping to visit people. Our house was on her route and I was excited as it's been 5 years since I've seen her in person. Their kids have always been super social and friendly, so I was not surprised that when her two boys (12 and 9) met my 4 year old son for the first time, they took off running together in the backyard. No particular reason for the bolting off, just running to run. 

Then their teenage daughter and my two elementary aged girls soon bonded by playing a few games together. They spent time talking about their lives and just getting to know each other. They talked and laughed, and talked and laughed some more in the girls room. I was so pleased with their effortless connection. 

This is the type of bonding and gathering I love to see. Building relationships with good people is a skill I want my children to learn. On most days, my children are with me and not constantly surrounded by the same kids day in and day out. Because of that, I try to be as intentional as I can with creating opportunities for them to really connect with their friends via gatherings, Face timing, letter-writing, or phone calls.  They do in fact have a little crew of kids they've known since birth. It is a rare privilege, and I plan to continue to keep their bond going. 

As I seek the Lord to bless my children with good friends, a discernment to distinguish good friends, and ability to be a good friend, I trust that He will not withhold this from them. He will provide for all of my children's needs. He will not allow them to be lacking in such a fundamental area of their lives. Relationship building is a skill that will last a lifetime. Learning it in the early years is crucial. This is a good thing; building the skills to develop good friendships. I trust the Lord will not let my children lack. 

Dear Lord, I pray that my children seek You and that You provide them with the skills they need to develop lasting friendships. No good thing will you uphold. Those who seek you will lack no good thing. Bless my children with discernment to choose good friends and the ability to be a good friend.

If you have been blessed and you want to share the insights, please pass along to someone who may be blessed as well. May God bless your children with the blessings of God-ordained friendships throughout their lifetime. 

Call to Me: God's Revelation of our Children's Special Calling

 "Call to Me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3)

The one thing that I want to know from God regarding my children, is what their life purpose ought to be. In some native American cultures, when a young boy reaches of age, he is to go into the woods and have a medicine dream. The medicine dream is a special vision that they receive that gives them a sense of their calling, who they are, and who they are to be. This dream is to forever guide them and be a source of courage all the days of their lives.

I'm so thankful that our children do not have to wait until they are a specific age to call on the Lord and ask Him for the calling that He has for their lives. They can start right away. And as parents and home educators, we too can call on the Lord.  We can ask Him to show us great and mighty things regarding our children's future. I believe that just like the encouragement that God gave to Israel, we can gain confidence in God's high regard for us: 

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find me when you search for Me with all of your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Here is another Bible verse on calling on God: 

"He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation." (Psalms 91:15) 

Dear, Lord, I pray that each of my children would search after you with all of their heart. I pray that they would call on you and that you would answer them and show them great and mighty things that they are not even aware of yet.  Give them a future and a hope. May all of the work they do lead them to a long life and salvation. Reveal your visions and dreams to each of my children. May the vision guide them and give them a sense of purpose all the days of their lives. I pray this Jesus' name. Amen. 

May our pursuit to educate our children extend beyond the daily trappings of simply reading and studying. May our efforts to educate our children lay a foundation the special calling they have to fulfill in glorifying God through their gifts and talents. I trust He will come through. 

If you've been inspired, please share with someone else who would also be blessed. May God's great inspiration of His precious words spread like wildfire. 

Proverbs Prayers: The Core, Your Tribe, and The Availability of Wisdom

 "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness." (John 12:46)

Jesus came as a light into this dark world. Perhaps we've been dwelling in darkness of understanding, darkness of negative thinking, of bad habits. But He doesn't want us to stay there. Jesus Himself wants to be a light in our lives. He wants us to have knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of who He is and how to live in this earthly life. If this is what He wants, shouldn't we embrace it? Don't we want our children to embrace Jesus' light too? 

I want to embrace it, and here's a way how. There is a book in the Bible that I often refer to in order to gain wisdom and light. Proverbs. Much of what is written was to educate and inform young people of the importance of seeking wisdom. This is what I desire for my children. In my homeschooling journey, imparting wisdom and discernment is at the top of my priority list. As I meditated on Proverbs 1 this morning, here are some insights that came to mind.  

Know the Core

In this first section what stood out was how much Solomon places emphasis on valuing wisdom and it begins with fearing God. That is the core. Fearing God.  He contrasts the foolish and the wise in how they respond to counsel. The wise love wisdom and instruction. Whereas, the fool despises wisdom and instruction which results in them being "easily deceived and spiritually flawed."  The wise man will hear and increase in learning. They will attain wise counsel (v5). They will understand that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of God refers to when a believer possesses "awe and admiration that is expressed in obedience." (Harper Collins Study Bible). I want my children to possess this. 

Lord, cause my children to love wisdom instruction. Cause them to daily experience awe and admiration of you that is expressed in obedience. Build this core in them. I trust that as they seek you, all other things and knowledge will be added to them.  

Find the Right Tribe

This portion of scripture highlights the importance of not following the crowd. As our children grow, who they choose to spend time with will become of great importance. The people they hang out with can influence them for good or for bad. Part of being wise is to pay attention to and find good friends who will lead and encourage them in the right way. 

Lord, impart wisdom and discernment of knowing who the right friends are. I pray they do not follow bad influences. I pray that you will will send them friends who will encourage them in the right way. I pray that they themselves would be good influences to others. Like a magnet attracts metal, may they attract people that are good. May they discern what is right and wrong. 

Wisdom is Available

The last thing I see in the passage is that wisdom is available. and the consequences of not following instruction can be detrimental. Wisdom calls out, if we pay attention, it is there. If we listen to our elders, it is there. If we don't abide by rebuke and counsel, wisdom will seem to be fleeting and no longer available. We must develop the habit of listening to what is right and valuing instruction. If we choose to despise counsel, it will be hard to come by because we would have lost the opportunity to develop the habit. 

Dear Lord,  I pray that my children would listen to advice when it comes. Cause them to love counsel and instruction. I pray that the consequences for not listening would lead them back to taking heed to advice. Lord, overwhelm with a strong desire to know and to be curious of what is right, good, holy, and wholesome. Like a sponge, I pray they would absorb all the good things that you want to impart to them. 

Some questions to think about are, As a parent, how am I teaching my children to fear God? What ways do I encourage good friendships and the skill of discernment in choosing friends? Am I teaching my children  that they have the power to seek out and receive wisdom for themselves?

 May God's great blessings be upon you as you meditate on what it means to have your child Know the Core, find the right tribe, and take advantage of the wisdom available to them. If you have been blessed, please share with someone that they may find inspiration and hope as well.