Soul Nourishment

As I have “walked out” God’s gentle drawing of me back to prioritizing our relationship (and not my check list) I have been praying for a fresh hunger and thirst for His presence.

 As I was praying, He brought to mind a tremendous article I read a couple years ago. The article was called “Soul Nourishment First” and was written by George Muller (reprinted in Denny Kenaston’s Remnant Magazine).

In this amazing article, George Muller determined that his primary goal EACH day was to “have my soul happy in the Lord”. A soul happy in the LORD…can you even imagine a greater goal?

George Muller continues, “The first thing to be concerned about was not how much I might serve the Lord or how much I might glorify the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state and how my inner man might be nourished.”

 As I re-read this article, I was really impressed with my own life and my failure at having my soul happy in God. I was focused (consumed?) with my “check list” quiet time, my    “to do list”; college planning for my oldest  and planning out my son’s high school years…Ah, yes I am  the perfect Martha!

But listen to George Muller’s words, “For I might seek to relieve the distressed, I might seek to benefit believers, I might in other ways behave myself as it becomes a child of God in this world, and yet, not being happy in the Lord, and not being nourished in my inner man day by day, all this might not be attended to in the right spirit.”

 Ouch Hallelujah! How many times can you look back over your homeschool day or even the ministry of motherhood that we are called to, and see that we have attended to our children “not in the right spirit”!

 How often do you respond to your children in the wrong spirit, only to realize that it is because your own relationship with Jesus is malnourished? Yet, according to the writings of George Muller, it is only by nourishing our inner man, meeting with our Lord each day that we have the strength and ability to minister in the right spirit in our families.

 According to George Muller, nourishing our inner man is simply being in the Word of God. He relates,“Now what is food for the inner man? Not prayer, but the Word of God; and here again, not the simple reading of the Word of God…but considering it, pondering over it, and applying it to our hearts.”

 Is your inner man like mine…desperate and hungry for nourishment—not just any nourishment but the satisfying nourishment available only by His power and grace? 

George Muller outlines a very simple way of reading God’s word with a heart to consider it, ponder it and to apply it. He states, “I began therefore to meditate on the New Testament from the beginning, early in the morning. The first thing I did, after asking the Lord’s blessing on His precious Word, was, to begin to meditate on the Word of God, searching as it were into every verse, to get blessing out of it; not for the sake of public ministry of the Word (our for our children!) not for the sake of preaching on what I had meditated upon, but for the sake of obtaining food for my own soul.  The result I have found…after a few minutes, my soul has been led to confession or to thanksgiving or to supplication; so that though I did not as it were, give myself to prayer, but to meditation, yet it turned almost immediately more or less into prayer.”

 I have made a 30 day commitment to meditate on God’s word in the manner of George Muller, outlined here—and if you are interested in joining me on this 30 day adventure—leave a comment, stating your intent. Let us hold one another accountable to be meditating, pondering and applying the Word of God, every day for 30 days!

 I am excited to see to see the results George Muller writes of: “How different, when the soul is refreshed and made happy early in morning, form what it is when without spiritual preparation, the service, the trials, and the temptations of the day come upon one.” 

I would LOVE for you to share your insights over the next 30 days as you meditate on God’s word. I will also plan on sharing the things the LORD is showing me!

Spiritual Disciplines

When you hear the words “Spiritual Disciplines”what is your gut reaction?

Do you want to hide your head in shame, because you know what you should be doing and once again you are reminded of what a tremendous failure you are? I know for me, I quickly hand my head  because I  know exactly what I should do, yet fail so miserably.

Let us be honest…for most of us, Spiritual disciplines are something we know we SHOULD do, and yes, most of us probably have a deep desire to do them…yet, we fail. Am I the only one who finds it is easy to get distracted, weary or even some days just be too lazy to do them as I imagine they should be done?
I once heard Bruce Wilkinson (Secrets of the Vine) make a statement that radically transformed how I view my devotional time. After challenging his veiwers to  develop a life long habit of devotions, he stated, “Devotions are NOT something you do. We are to be devoted to a person, to a relationship”

 
Devotions are not something we do…yet, it is frequently HOW we define our Christian walk. I found myself thinking about the innumerable  times  that I have become wrapped up in my “to do list” or with my Quiet time “check list”.

 But devotion is so much more than that! Devotions are not simply a check list of the super spiritual threes….You know, the 3 things we believe that all good Christians do everyday.

–sing a hymn/worship song

–pray

–read my Bible

Please hear my heart!! I am NOT saying these things are wrong. In fact, these are very good things—and we can grow more devoted and in love with our God through them. However, they are not devotion.

 
According to the 1828 Webster’s dictionary, devotion means to give up wholly, to direct attention to completely and wholly and to (I just LOVE this!) be addicted to!

What are you addicted to? What do you give your attention to?

I have heard it said that you can tell what or who you truly love by examining your check book. Where is your money going? We spend our money on that which we are truly committed and devoted to.

What about your time? What are you spending your time on? I believe that for many of us single income families, our time is as much if not more valuable to us as money. For this scenario, I am assuming that your check book is reflecting the basic necessities with little left over for frivolous spending….so lets look at your time. Time is a valuable commodity to many of us. What are you spending your time on? Do you waste hours surfing the web? Are you spending too much time in the kitchen (the Martha syndrome)? Could you honestly say that when you look at the 24 hours God has given to you, that they reflect a heart and life that is devoted, committed, ADDICTED to Him?
For me, I quickly say, “Absolutely! I live my life in obedience to Him…look at me, I have given up______ to homeschool my children”…ah, but the heart, the heart is so very deceitful (Jer. 17:9)…

As I allow Holy Spirit to examine my heart (Psalm 139:23-24), He quickly brings to mind, the many, many ways, that I allow other things to take the place of devotion in my life that He desires and deserves!

Oh beloved, my way we all live a life of devotion! God calls us to BE devoted and not to DO devotions. Although, to be honest, “doing” devotions is often far easier than BEING devoted! As I looked to the Bible for references on devotion, I found that repeatedly the various Greek words of the New Testament that had been translated “devotion” contained similar messages. In the Colossians 4:2 “Be devoted to prayer”, the word translated devoted actually means “to endure, to continue, to tarry, to cleave faithfully to someone” and in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve 2 masters….for he will be devoted to one and despise the other” (ESV), devoted is a different Greek word that means, ‘to cleave, hold firmly to”.

As you consider and meditate on God’s original intent for “devotions”, you find it is a far different idea than what we are so apt to call devotions! God’s word shows us that devotion is so much more than checking off time spent in prayer, Bible study and worship.

Devotion is truly a LIFE committed, a LIFE addicted, a LIFE faithfully enduring…a LIFE holding onto HIM! As I read these words, I very much got the picture that God knew devotion to Him would not always be easy…He knew we would have to make a real effort to continue with Him every hour of every day. He knew that we would have times of trials that would make it difficult to continue to cleave faithfully to Him. But a life that is devoted to God is a life, which knows these trials come, still chose to continue with Him, enduring to the end. May God bless each of us with His enduring, staying power—no matter what comes our way!

 

“Grant that it may not be in the power of any to rob of the pain that results from a firm trust in Thee. Whatever crosses or troubles are met without, may all be well within” Susanna Wesley

A Thanksgiving Prayer…

This morning, I asked myself, for what am I most thankful? There are many things that I am thankful for and about this year, but for what am I MOST Thankful for? Not an easy question to answer! The more I considered all the things I am thankful for, I found myself revisiting my relationship with the LORD. I can honestly say my relationship with Jesus is the ONE thing I am most thankful for. I did not “meet” the LORD till my adult years (you can read a brief testimony here) and to be honest, my relationship with the LORD has not always been a comfortable one…nor has it always made me “happy”. Instead, it has shaped me into the woman HE created me to be…and that alone brings joy and peace into my life…
Several years ago, I read this poem..and I must confess it is a beautiful summary of my relationship with Jesus –I am among women richly blessed!

The Prayer of the Unknown Confederate Soldier

  I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for-but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I among all men, am most richly blessed.

The Word of God

 

 How do you view the Word of God? Is it something that is read on Sunday morning’s and then is remanded to a shelf until the next Sunday? Is it something that is read a couple times of week, and as you read it, you think “WOW, that’s good!” but then it just becomes another piece of “useless” information that floats around in your brain, so that on the next Jeopardy show, you know answers to questions in the “B.C. Women” category? Or do you find that the word of God vital to your daily walk? Is it a lamp to your feet and a light to your path? Do you rejoice in His word, gain strength from His word and live according to His word?

Have you ever considered the  Word of God to be  THE guide in your life? Jack Hayford writes, in the Spirit Filled Bible, “We are all inexperienced in too much of life to be without a guide. God’s word is that guide. The whole of Psalm 119 unfolds manifold features of God’s word, showing how dynamically it will assist us in life’s most practical circumstances. But no single verse focuses this more than verse 105, which shows us how God’s word lights the way, giving direction for each step (”to my feet”) and wisdom for the long range plans (”to my path”)…Proverbs 6:23 reminds us that the “reproofs” or corrections the Bible gives are as much a part of the light it provides as any positive or confirming direction we find therein. Let God’s word guide, correct, instruct, lead, teach and confirm. Do not hasten ahead without it –ever.”

 Let’s pray— O’ Lord, we praise You and thank You for giving us Your Word, speak to us today through Your word, give us insight and wisdom. Put Your Word in our hearts that we may apply it to our lives.

In  Psalm 119:105, we read, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”

 Oh beloved, is God’s word truly a lamp to your feet?   Does it provide light to your path?

Thomas Manton, is quoted in the Spurgeon’s Treasury of David  as saying, “the word path notes our general choice and course of life and feet our particular actions” and in the words of Jack Hayford, His light is to “give direction for each step (”to my feet”) and wisdom for the long range plans (”to my path”)”

Is the word of God an active participant in your daily choices and in your long term goals and plans?  Do you find answers to guide you in your decisions? Have you ever been in a situation that you did not know how to react or respond? You prayed for guidance and then during your Bible reading time, you read something that was the ANSWER you had been praying for? Oh beloved, HE is that interested in our lives! He has done this many times for me and my family…Our God cares about the smallest detail of our lives, and His word will give us the guidance we need to make decisions…large or small! God has given us His Word, that we may know His ways…His heart…His plans for our lives. Through His word we are given commands, instructions, wisdom and so much more! We have the testimonies of those who have gone before us that can shed light on situations we face today! His Word is complete, lacking nothing and available for our benefit!

 C.H. Spurgeon writes, “We are walkers through the city of this world, and we are often called to go out into darkness; let us never venture there without the light-giving word, lest we slip with our feet. Each man should use the word of God personally, practically, and habitually, that he may see his way and what lies in it…. Happy is the man who personally appropriates God’s word and practically uses it as his comfort and counselor—a lamp to his own feet.” It is a lamp by night and a light by day and a delight at all times! He who walks in darkness is sure, sooner or later, to stumble; while he who walks by the light of day or lamp of night stumbleth not, but keeps his uprightness. Ignorance is painful upon practical subjects, it breeds indecision and suspense and these are uncomfortable: the word of God, by imparting heavenly knowledge leads to decision and what is followed by determined resolution, as in this case, it bring with it great restfulness of heart.”

Wow! Did you catch all the wisdom here? God’s word is to be used personally, practically and habitually! His word gives us the ability to wisely make decision which will give us peace and “restfulness of heart” in those decisions! I don’t know about you, but I just LOVE the idea of having a restful heart!! Amen! Oh dear sister, Spend time in His Word. Learn of Him through His Word. Let it guide your path, the Light of your step and allow it to bring you a restful heart in the midst of your homeschool day!!

 ( copyright 2007 excerpt from Treasure’s of Psalm 119: A Bible Study for the Heart of a Woman)

Today I choose…

As we begin entering the hectic holiday season, I wanted to share something I read several years ago. May it encourage you as it has me, to keep my focus aright.

 

Today I choose……..

It’s quiet. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. THe calm of the solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace fo the human race. The refuge of the the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next 12 hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose—-

I choose love……..
No occassion justifies hatred; no injustice warrents bitterness. I will choose to show love to my children in every circumstance, at every moment.
Today I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy……….
I will invite my God to be the God of my circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical…the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anythihng less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God. I will choose to be joyful in my home.

I choose peace…
I will choose to create peace within my home. I will choose to maintain peaceful relationships with my husband and my children.
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I choose patience….
I will choose to be patient as my child struggles with phonics or Algebra. I will choose to be patient with my husband as he “works through” the difficult situation he is facing.
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I will invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clenching my fists at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I choose kindness……
I will be kind to the poor, for they area alone. I will be kind to the rich for they are afraid. I will choose to be kind to my children. And kind to the unkind for that is how God has treated me.

I choose goodness….
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I boast. I will confess before I accuse. I choose goodness.

I choose faithfulness….
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My husband will not question my love. My children will not question my love for them.

I choose gentleness…
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice to my children may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I choose self control…
I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will “binge” only on the Words of God.  I will taught only by Christ. I choose self control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness,gentleness and self control. To these I commit my day.

If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

Homeschooling and LOVING it!

Homeschooling and Loving It! is an awesome book that helps YOU to create a plan for homeschooling your children based upon their individual needs and interests. And for a limited time, this book is available for FREE from the author (you simply pay shipping)

You can learn more here. 

Also be sure to check out the other great articles and homeschool helps available at homeschool.com

God has gifted every Christian to be a person of influence

The past several weeks, I have been struck by the silence in my home. No, my home has not reached the “empty nest” stage (YET!) however, there are no longer infant cooing sounds, toddler tantrum and truck noises echoing through out. We are living in the reality of a significant change in our home/homeschool and it has been quite evident as our oldest, Amanda, is now an adult (18) and in her Senior year at home.

Amanda and I

In between, ACT testing(s), transcripts and college applications, my heart has been reflecting on one main thought–the realization, that God has gifted my daughter to be a person of influence! For all of my Christian walk, I have believed that all Christians are given various gifts by God for His Glory and purpose, yet, often I have neglected to transfer that thinking toward my own children. If I truly believe that God has gifted every Christian to be a person of influence (which I do!)  and my dear sweet Amanda is a Christian, then logically, I can conclude that God has gifted her to be His person of influence…in the path He has called her to…in the college choice He places on her heart….

And this my dear sisters, is a difficult area for me to wrap my brain around! I am experiencing a huge faith walk right now, as we talk through and pray for her decisions.

Recently, God brought to mind a poem I read years ago in the Purpose Driven Life…it spoke volumes to me this week, and I thought I would share it with you…may you be mindful of its truths in the relationships you have with your own children.

Love Deanne

You are who you are for a reason.
Your’e part of an intricate plan.
Your’e a precious and perfect unique design,
Called God’s special woman or man.

You look like you look for a reason.
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
You’re just what he wanted to make.

The parents you had were the ones he chose,
And no matter how you may feel,
They were custom-designed with God’s plan in mind,
And they bear the Master’s seal.

No, that trauma you faced was not easy.
And God wept that it hurt you so;
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into his likeness you’d grow.

You are who your are for a reason.
Youv’e been formed by the Master’s rod.
You are who you are, beloved,
Because there is a God!.

 

What does the Bible say about debt…

(thought I would share a recent article I wrote for my new Hub Pages account)

What thoughts pop into your mind when you hear the word, “debt”?

• Do you sigh heavily and Praise God debt doesn’t affect you?
•  Are you working on it….working toward paying off your debt and have an emergency fund “just in case”?
• or…. Do you find beads of sweat developing on your forehead as you battle feelings of sheer panic?

Debt…it touches each and every one of us…in one way or another…whether in our personal lives or in the lives of someone we love…and as a people who love God, it is imperative we look to His Word to find out what His thoughts are about debt.

There are many different philosophies out there when it comes to Bible teachings on debt. Some Christian financial teachers believe that any and all debt is evil and should be avoided at all cost…Some believe that God has no opinion on debt—if you are able to meet your expenses then debt is ok—it is simply a “means to an end” and yet, others believe debt is acceptable for large purchase (eg: your home or your car) but not for day to day purchases.

What should be our attitude toward debt as Christians?

 While there are many verses in the Old Testament and the New Testament regarding debt, one of the most important ones is found in Romans 13:8. There we read, “Let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love one another.” NIV. According to this passage, the only debt God’s people should have is the debt of “love”; or as the NKJV translates it, “owe no one anything except to love one another; for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”We are to owe nothing to others…except love…and by loving others we are fulfilling the law of God!

 But is this realistic in this day and age? Is it possible in 2009 to be debt free? I say, YES! It is absolutely possible! I truly believe that when God calls us, He equips us. He will give us the tools, the strength and the ability to live debt free. Will it be easy? Not necessarily. However, easy or not, God calls us to live our lives free from financial debt.

In His Word the only debt we are to have is love. In fact, Love is the greatest commandment Jesus gave to us. In the book of Matthew, Jesus is quoted as saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is this, Love your neighbor as yourself.” Imagine with me for a moment…how could you express love to your Lord and to your neighbor if the only debt you carried was the debt of love?How would your life look different? In what ways would you be able to pay “the debt of love” you carry? Exciting isn’t it? The possibilities are endless..Feeding the poor, helping out that widow next door, erasing your Church’s building fund, or one of our personal favorites—while at your next meal in your favorite restaurant, surprising your favorite waitress with a cool $100 tip!

Are you excited yet unsure of if you can even get a handle on your finances? If God has called you to being debt free or to simply better manage your resources…HE will provide you with whatever it is you need to kive Him through obeying Him! Although there are multitudes of resources written on debt management and financial freedom, only a handful is from a Biblical perspective. One of the most thorough we have found is The Complete and practical guide to Christian financial freedom. The beauty of this program is that it not only teaches you how to get out of debt, it also teaches you ways to increase your income. What a blessing—debt free and increase your income…it is a match made in heaven! I encourage you to check it out!

Sweet 16….alas, sweet 18!

Two years ago, I wrote this for my sweet Amanda who turned 16…and today, we celebrated her 18th birthday! I have been in awe of God’s working in her life over the past 18 years, but especially the past 2. She is a delight and joy to be around! I look forward to our relationship as sisters in Christ growing more deeply over the years…but now a look back

Sweet 16

 Today is a very special day in our family! Our little “munchie” is 16 today…and with the chronological changes, comes emotional changes, relationship changes and especially life style changes!

 As I reflect back on the past 16 years, I am in awe of God’s mercy in my life, that is being reflected in Amanda’s life. Manuel and I were not Believers during the first several years of our marriage, nor during Amanda’s first 5 years of life. Although we loved her greatly, we were still very selfish people. When Amanda was 5 years old, Manuel and I hit rock bottom. So much so, that I asked him to leave. It was a very difficult time in our lives, one that still brings tears as I remember those days…as Manuel was leaving, Amanda went outside crying, and asked him, “Daddy, will we ever get to see you again? Can I come visit you like I visit our old dog?”

Those simple words from the mouth of an innocent child…brought Manuel to his knees—seeking restoration for our marriage. By the grace of God, within a month, we were led to a local contemporary Church that ministered greatly to our needs…We received love, when we were unlovable, grace when we were ungraceful, and mercy when we didn’t deserve mercy.  Praise His Holy Name! As a family we have enjoyed a “wild ride” with God ever since…He has moved mightily in our lives, given us love, grace, mercy and forgiveness and brought restoration of our marriage relationship as well as the relationship we have with Amanda and Jackson.

Joel 2:25 tells us that God will restore the years the locust have stolen and my family is living proof! He has fully and amazingly restored the years that were stolen from my early marriage and daughter’s younger years…and I praise Him for His grace and mercy!

 I have a very special surprise planned for Amanda! As a teen and young adult, my dream was to have a Lane Cedar Chest. I had a small box (chest) that had been built by my great grandfather. Although it was special, I dreamed of owning a beautiful cedar chest.
After Jackson was born (almost 13 years ago) Manuel asked me what did I want more than anything else….my heart immediately went to the coveted Cedar Chest….I shared with Manuel my deepest desires from my youth—and he surprised me with a gorgeous Lane Cedar Chest!! With great anticipation, I am presenting Amanda with the Cedar Chest! It is my prayer that Amanda will cherish the Cedar Chest as I have and will begin to set aside her own treasures, for her home and family to come!

~~~and Amanda was/is thrilled with the cedar chest! She has a variety of  items stashed away for her future.

May God bless you, Amanda, as you look toward the future..

Fiesta of Freebies 2nd edition

Life is crazy, and if you have missed keeping in step with me, please take a minute to “friend” me on Facebook. I have been keeping my Facebook page fairly up to date with prayer needs and random thoughts....

Recently, I was asked to review “Fiesta of Freebies 2nd edition” for the Old School House Magazine….this is an amazing resource. I encourage you to read the review and check out the free sample on the “Fiesta” website.

WOW  is the only word to describe “Fiesta of Freebies 2^nd edition”.  This amazing E-book is chock filled with fun filled activities for all ages!  Do you need to supplement the “3 R’s”? Wanting suggestions for celebrating Holidays? Are you curious about lap books and unit studies? Whether you teach preschool or highschool “Fiesta of Freebies” 2nd edition is for YOU!  “Fiesta of Freebies” is topically organized which makes it extremely user friendly for the busy homeschool Mom. Here is a sampling of some of the free resources  available in “Fiesta of Freebies”:  Free lesson plan sites; Bible study resources; Educational software, maps; Literature and Unit study guides; Holidays; Home management sites; Games; Lap books and MUCH MORE! With this E-book, you will find a wide variety of online resources to supplement your current curriculum and online studies that can become your curriculum, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.  I highly recommend this E-book for its flexibility and wide assortment of resources. “Fiesta of Freebies” is guaranteed to be a success in your homeschool!