Today’s Devotional

Guest-Writers

Be Curious, Not Judgmental.

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Written By: Angela Howard

Be curious, not judgmental. – Walt Whitman

These four simple words have the potential to be life-changing.  Whether we like to admit it or not, it’s easy to be judgmental—especially if we feel threatened, offended, angry or disappointed.  But there’s something about an invitation to curiosity that’s more appealing than judgment.

Curiosity seeks discovery.  Curiosity says humanity and compassion trump self-righteous indignation.  Curiosity says, “Maybe I’m wrong.”

Curiosity says humanity and compassion trump self-righteous indignation. -Angela HowardCLICK TO TWEET

How Can We Be Curious, Not Judgmental?

Believe the best—don’t assume the worst.

Watching my parents practice this principle, I know it’s possible.  But for me it felt like less than likely.  As a firstborn type-A child, I would often challenge their optimism, wondering if people weren’t simply taking advantage of their goodwill and kindness. Nevertheless they persisted.  It wasn’t until I experienced someone assuming the worst about me that I realized the power of believing the best.

Describing the wrapping of a package doesn’t mean you know the contents. –Lisa Bevere

Empower transformation—don’t label.

Labels limit us and keep us from seeing the beautiful possibilities of transformation, hope and love.  Romans 12:2 tells us to “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (NIV)  God’s word helps us to see people through the eyes of Jesus and we all need that kind of transformation!

Labels can be painfully accurate about someone’s past while missing their future by a mile. There is always far more to be seen than the obvious. – Lisa Bevere

Seek to understand—don’t rant.

Who doesn’t love a good rant?  But more often than not “a good rant” is pretty much one-sided—meaning it’s only good for you.  The key to remaining non-judgmental and sincerely curious is to cultivate a heart of compassion.  We might not always agree, but we can make the effort to gain clarity and appreciate another’s perspective.

You never really know a man until you understand things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

How will you choose curiosity over judgment today?

Until Next Time,
~Angela

Guest-Writers, {Worth}

{Worth} He Values Us Greatly.

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Written By: Misty Keith

 

Matthew 10:31

“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (ESV)

Birds are fascinating little creatures.  They fly, sing, peck, hunt, gather, swim, soar, build, protect and war.  Not to mention, they do all things while looking more beautiful than ever and without ever even complaining.

Just how intriguing are these little creatures?  Birds have been created with a purpose and are faithful to their calling.  Have you ever conducted a search or studied the word “sparrow?”  There are so many different types of sparrows that you could read and learn about them for days and never run out of new birds to learn about or study.

One might think after conducting a search on them, that the word sparrow is just another word for bird.  But this is simply not the case.  Sparrow is only one species in the taxonomic or taxonomy order.  There are hundreds and thousands of different types of birds.

Just within the sparrow family alone we see some of the following different types: old world sparrows and new world sparrows, Green-backed sparrows, White-eared ground sparrows, Black-striped sparrows, Clay-colored sparrows, Field sparrows, Vesper sparrows, Large-billed sparrows, Seaside sparrows, Fox sparrows, Grasshopper sparrows, Swamp sparrows, Dark-eyed Junco sparrows and the list could go on… with not even coming close to all that is encompassed within this species of the Passerine Order.…..

In our imperfections, we humans tend to follow the line of thinking and believing that since there are so many types of sparrows, when one goes missing; it is not missed or valued.  If we are not careful, that same train of thought or line of inner reasoning carries over into the way we see and feel about ourselves.  We must remember though, this is not the case with God.  God does not value humans the same way that we humans value each other or ourselves.

If the Bible gives verification that not even one sparrow is shut out of God’s divine care or His provision, then how much more worth are those made in His own image?

Matthew 6:26 (ESV) says “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Further, the passing of that which God created comes into notice with Him and His divine providence.

Luke 12:6 (ESV) says “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.”

If the Lord could be so detailed in the creation of just one species of bird, how much of more value has He given to us that which He created in His own image?

God’s divine guidance and care reaches and extends to all creatures; all their actions, including every minute detail.  Humanity, being His creation is indispensable.  We humans are God’s greatest masterpiece, created in His image to do good works.  Knowing this full well and up front is good for all, especially for those who put their faith and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Matthew Henry once said “This God, who has such an eye to the sparrows, because they are His creatures, much more will have an eye to you, who are His children.”

Other creatures were made for man and put under his feet (Psalm 8:6-8), but the disciples of Jesus Christ are the excellent ones of the earth.  Jesus loves us.

While not forgetting that our parents love us and nurture us, they, in all their love, do not even come close to the love Jesus has for us.  Jesus knows how many hairs we have on our head.  He knows our inward thoughts and innermost being.  He loves us so much that He died in our place.  Rarely is one willing to do such a thing.  Yet, Jesus sought forgiveness for those who persecuted Him as He took our place, petitioning the Father on our behalf for the forgiveness of our sins.  He is reliable.  He values us greatly.

Lastly, there is a command written at the beginning of Matthew 10:31 which are two important words for all believers. “Fear not.”  Don’t be afraid.  Trust God.  There is enough doctrine of God’s providence to silence every fear of God’s people. (Psalm38:12-15; 64:4,7).  We are called to adhere to the command.  God is trustworthy.  He cares for us deeply and can be trusted always and without reservation.  If He can be trusted with the care of an entire species of birds, how much more can He care for those He created most like Himself!

Our value is worth so much to our Lord.  It always has been and always will be.  Let us not take one single breath, moment or day for granted.

In Him,
Misty

About Misty:

Misty and her family live just outside the Austin, Texas area. She homeschools all three of her children and teaches Reading for a private college in the Master’s/Credentialing program. She stays busy and enjoys the hobbies of Reading, Writing, Scrap-booking, Bible-Journaling and Running. With her family, she attends Hill Country Bible Church. Misty also enjoys traveling and taking “family fieldtrips” often. All of life is an adventure and she is thankful for every life lesson that the Lord teaches her in the process.
She would love for you to join her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or goodreads.
Guest-Writers, {Love}

{Love} Coming Back to My First LOVE…

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Written By: Karen Sweeney-Ryall

I have known and loved God all my life and have been blessed to realize that He loves me too, even through all the years that I was part of a church that emphasized rules more than a relationship with Him.  My deeper level of love for God and my more intimate relationship with Him grew out of a Bible study for weight loss in the late 1990s.  One of the scriptures we studied was Mark 12:30 which states:

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.”

These words went deep into my heart and led me to ask myself if I was loving God with every part of me and was I putting Him first in my life.  I took inventory of how I started and ended my day, what I read, what I listened to, what I watched on TV, what I focused on and my priorities.  My desire was, and still is, that He would be first in all these aspects of my life and glorified through my choices and actions.

As many others have, I fell so in love with God and spent hours each day worshipping Him, reading His Word and devotionals and Christian books and praying to Him.  This was not a requirement; it was a joy!  I discovered the wonderful gift of His Word coming alive to me.  I became born again, aware of all that Jesus did for us and Spirit-filled.  I am so grateful ever since.  I basked in His awesome presence and love.  I hungered and thirsted for more of Him and His Word.  And I came to realize that what the world offers is not all bad but certainly not as rich and wonderful as the things of God.

A few years later, our family finances led me to go back to work full time.  And the demands of my time and energy in my job and family have impacted the time spent in glorious fellowship with God.  I have grown in knowledge and understanding and ministry but have not had the same intimate abiding on a regular basis that I had the first years.  I know that I need it.  I recognize that Jesus’ level of anointing and power came from His time in prayer and seeking the Father’s will.  But all sorts of responsibilities and distractions in life have interfered . . . and I have allowed that.

So I am trying now . . . to make time with God a top priority in my day, more than it has been.  As my pastor said today in the sermon “if we make time for Him, He will help us get the other things done”.  I want to wake up earlier and start my day with a time of worship and prayer.  I am attending a corporate prayer time at my church.  I want to spend less time on my laptop and more time in His Word.  Most of all I want to simply sit at His feet and be in His presence and allow Him to feed and mature me as I am connected to Him.  I want to be more like Mary and choose the “better thing”.

If you read this, I hope you will pray for me to follow through and also decide to do the same.  There is no higher calling, no greater use of our time.

Until Next Time,
~Karen

About Karen:
I am Karen, married to Roger, mother of Christina, Laura, Tim and Natalie, “Gigi” to 3 wonderful grandchildren and blessed to be a young great-grandma to Sophia, age 1. I am thankful to have many precious, wonderful friends.

I am a devoted follower of Jesus and my prayer is that His light shines through me and His love flows through me to others. He has carried me through the many ups and downs of life and proven to be so faithful. My desire is to share what I have learned, wisdom gained and deeper knowledge of who God is with others, allowing God to make “Beauty from Ashes” of the difficult times of my life. I am a hospice bereavement coordinator and hope to help those who have suffered loss mourn, regroup and find joy and meaning in their life again. I love to read and am writing my first book “Revealing Your Treasure Hidden in Darkness” about finding your identity, calling and purpose for the next season of your life. I was thrilled to attend the She Speaks conference in July 2015 with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I am becoming healthier by following the Trim Healthy Mama eating plan. I love to travel to see family and friends and especially enjoy beach vacations.

Guest-Writers, {Life}

{Life} Fashion: What’s the Issue?

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Written By: Hannah Kittle

I have a confession to make.  I am a hard core fashionista.  Put me into a mall with an unlimited budget and my phone and you probably wouldn’t see me again.  Recently, I went on a shopping trip with some of my girlfriends.  We went to a mall and several other stores and I was able to snag some really good deals.  However I came out of the trip feeling rather sad.

Why was I sad?  What was wrong with me?  I had gotten great deals and was with some of my dearest friends.  What was going on?

The answer was simply this:  other girls and some guys.  It wasn’t that they were being rude or mean.  In fact most of the people that I saw seemed quite pleasant and nice.  It was simply the way that their heart attitudes reflected in the way that they dressed.  Many of the girls were dressed in the latest styles, some of which were really cute.

Was there anything wrong with the fact that they were wearing the latest fashion?  No, of course not.  I had just bought a tunic\shirt dress in a store which is considered “in” and “fashionable” right now.  So, what was the problem?  The problem was that their clothing reflected what was in their hearts and what was in their hearts was anything but Christ-honouring.

All too often the debate on fashion in the Christian community centers around questions like, “Is it immodest to wear yoga pants?”, “Is it modest to wear skinny jeans?”, “Is there something wrong with wearing Aeropostale, Hollister, American Eagle, Pink, Abercrombie and Fitch, Forever 21, etc.?” and so many other questions.  While those questions are important to answer, there is one question we must answer first in order to make any decisions regarding our fashion choices.  We need to ask ourselves, “Am what I’m wearing reflecting my heart’s desire to honour God or is it reflecting my desire to fit into the world and look attractive to a guy?”

When evaluating tough questions, we need to take a step back away from the issue and look at what God has to say.  The Bible doesn’t explicitly give us guidelines on what to wear and that just makes it even harder, right?  If you’re like me, then you like to have everything in black and white and listed in good order.  So let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about fashion and hopefully bring a little more light to the issue.

Now by asking the fashion question, I’m not saying that we should be doing rigorous self-examination every time that we put on a pair of socks.  In the Bible, God talks about how He adorned Israel with, “…clothes…of fine linen and costly fabric and embroidered cloth…You became very beautiful and rose to be a queen.”  (Ezekiel  16:13)

In the Bible, we read how Eve, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Dinah, Ruth, Abigail, Bathsheba, Tamar, the Proverbs 31 woman, the lady described in Song of Solomon,  and many others are described as beautiful.  In Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs), a good portion of the book is given to the description of the beauty of the woman.  The Bible talks much about the beauty of women and the adornment of them.  Jewellery and fine clothes are mentioned many times in the Bible, as both a praise and as a warning.

In Proverbs, we read how Wisdom is personified as a beautiful lady who wears fine clothing and jewellery while the adulterous woman is also described as beautiful and also wears fine clothing and jewellery but instead of her beauty coming from her integrity and grace, the adulterous woman is described as someone whose “…speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is as bitter as gall, sharp as a two-edged sword.  Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.”  (Proverbs 5:3-5)

The adulterous woman is described as being dressed as a prostitute.  (Proverbs 7:10)  She is dressed in a very provocative manner which stems from her heart in which is only death and rebellion against God.  1 Corinthians 4:5 talks about how “…before the appointed time…He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motive of the heart.”

How we dress reflects our relationship with God.  When we are in a right understanding with God then the fashion, modesty, and dress issue fall into place.  When we aren’t in a right understanding with God, our judgment is clouded and our emotions tend to take over.  We attempt to justify wearing an outfit which turns out to be tempting to the opposite sex because of the attitude we show in the way that we wear our clothing.

The root of the problem isn’t whether or not we should be wearing the clothing that is “in” or “fashionable.”  It isn’t about whether or not we as Christian young women should wear yoga pants, leggings, or skinny jeans instead of skirts, or whether we should just wear dresses completely.  It’s about the heart.  “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.  Who can know it?”  (Jeremiah 17:9)  When our heart’s desire is to honour and please God, it will be reflected in our choice of clothing and even in the way we wear it.

The brands and “pants versus skirts” issue pales when we consider ourselves before God.  All that matters is how we stand before God. When we can stand before God with a clean conscience and say, “Yes, Lord.  My fashion choices are made with the ultimate goal of glorifying You,” then we can answer all the questions that come out of the fashion\modesty debate.

Fashion in and of itself isn’t bad.  It’s what we make of it and use it for that is the issue.  We have to make a choice to use it to glorify God.

End note:  By writing this I’m not attempting to tell anyone that it is more modest to wear pants versus skirts.  I’m not giving advice on what clothing or brand is more fashionable.  Your clothing choices and standards are your own.  Even within my own family, we have different tastes for clothes and different views on things.  The primary issue is for each of us to be able to stand before God and say with all honesty that we are seeking to honour Christ in what we wear.  

Guest-Writers, {Faith}

{Faith} Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone.

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Written By: Vickie Munton

It’s the kind of step that makes you want to sit down.

You are about to be asked to do something that is way out of your comfort zone, and the easiest thing to do would be to say no.  Back away.  Avoid the risk…

For me, saying “yes” rarely means that I have the confidence it takes–it simply means that I’m willing to step out in faith and believe that God has something He wants to show me or teach me.

“For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Maybe this is an overused verse.  Maybe it was meant for those Israelites that were living in exile.

But maybe just maybe it was meant for me, too.

I know it is not a blanket promise that says, “if you just follow the Lord, He will make sure that everything runs smoothly.”  But I just happen to be one of “those people” who happens to believe that this Holy Book called The Bible was written by men, yes, but men that were inspired by God to write His message down, so future generations could know Him–including you and I.  Words of love and hope and encouragement.

He is not a god made by human hands–He is the Creator and giver of Life.  He is not a god that demands sacrifice–He desires obedience.  He is not a god that set the world in motion only to leave it to fend for itself–He stepped out of heaven and walked among us. I also happen to believe that He gives each of us a free will.  Just as He gave Adam and Eve the choice to obey Him or not, we too have to make the choice to live by His words and His example or go our own way.  I’m still reading the Old Testament prophets and over and over again God says, “IF YOU” do this, then “I WILL” respond.  God goes on to say in the following verses that we should pray and SEEK Him, and that if we do, we will find Him.

“You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:12-13

You would think that the older we get, the more simple life would become–but it’s just not true.  Some things get easier, some harder.  What does get easier for me is saying “yes” to God.  He has proved Himself faithful in the past, and as the days, months and years fly by, I find myself desiring to know Him more–to seek Him more.

So the question you might ask is, “what does that look like?”.

Glad you asked.

Prayer becomes not just something I do–it becomes a part of who I am.  My thoughts and my cares are immediately directed toward God.  “What would you want for me, Lord?”.  “How should I react to this situation?”.  “What would honor/please you, God?”.

Bible Study isn’t just a chore to check off my list–it is time treasured.  Time stolen away any chance I get.  I don’t just read it–I hunger for it.  I crave wisdom and direction and revelation.

Fellowship with other believers becomes crucial.  I miss it when I don’t hear from the pulpit or fellowship with other believers.  I long to experience His presence and feel His power in my life.

Obedience becomes more urgent.  I don’t know if it’s my age, or the condition of my heart, but I do know that I can’t put off any longer the things that I DO know He wants me to do.  Wanting to please Him isn’t just about my actions–it’s just as much about my attitude.  I really do want to get that part right.

Attitude

You’ve heard the phrase, Whom God Calls, He Enables?  Well that’s me.  I’ve been given the task of preparing for a large event for women.  It would have been much easier to say no, but I was eventually convinced that this would be something that would honor my Savior, so I said yes.  He knew that I would be asked, and He knew that I could accomplish the task with His hand guiding me.

So, here I Am.

Stepping out in faith.  Stepping out of my comfort zone and out into the great unknown, and I’m actually excited now to see what He will do–how He will encourage the minister’s wives that will come to this event.

About Vickie:

Vickie blogs at wateringcanblog.com where she writes about faith, family, and encouraging words.  She writes with a desire to inspire women of all ages.  She is a mother to four grown children, seven grandchildren (three in Madagascar!), and has been married to her high school sweetheart for 34 years whom she serves beside as a pastor’s wife.

Guest-Writers, {Beauty}

{Beauty} Do You Feel Disqualified?

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Written By: Angela Howard

Do you ever feel disqualified?  Have you experienced failure, heartbreak, or committed a sin that left you wondering if you should be benched, banned or declared ineligible for service?  I have.  It’s defeat at its highest and it’s likely a distortion of the truth.

I’m not good enough.
Why would God choose me?
When will I ever be free from sin?
I’ll never make the cut.
My hard work is all for nothing.

It’s easy to notice that this destructive internal dialogue is totally self-focused.  It’s all about shame, a little dose of self-pity and a whole lot of self-sufficiency.  It’s pretty hard to find the good news of Jesus under the weight of all that garbage.  And grace?  Well, you’ll be hard pressed to remember that truth.

Last week I felt like a scarlet letter had been stamped on my favourite sweater.  I was sure that big fat red letters were superimposed on my life: YOU’RE DISQUALIFIED.  With the title came an overpowering grief over my perceived shortcomings and a sense of profound disappointment.  I couldn’t help but to think of David as he penned Psalm 40.  He was probably overwhelmed by his sin or the consequences of his sin.  He cries out to the Lord in deep sorrow, but his experience is quite different from the above litany of questions and despair that I listed.  Let’s see what David said…

I waited patiently for the LORD to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the LORD.
Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD,
who have no confidence in the proud
or in those who worship idols.
O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them. Psalm 40:1-5 (NLT)

David teaches us that when we are overwhelmed and feeling disqualified we can make some powerful choices that will change everything!

We can… (action steps)

Wait on God
Praise God
Trust in God
Show Gratitude to God

God will… (His promises)

Lift us Out of Despair
Steady us on Solid Ground
Give us a New Song
Give us Joy

I have to admit that this is sounding a lot better than wallowing in self-pity and diving deep into hopelessness.  If you are feeling disqualified you’re not alone and this is not the end of your journey.  God is the author of new beginnings and He has a plan for you today!

God is the author of new beginnings and He has a plan for you today! – Angela Howard Click To Tweet

Which of the above action steps will you choose today?  I’d love to hear from you!  Comment below or start a conversation on social media.

Can I ask you a quick favour?  If today’s post has impacted you would you share it on your social media sites?  When you do, it helps me get my blog in front of more wonderful people just like you!  I’d be very grateful.

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Guest-Writers

{Welcome Home} It Will Get Better

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Written by Jennifer Burgin

Life always has its ups and downs.  We will always be going through temptations and trials, (especially in our daily walk with God).  But isn’t it great to know that we can give all our troubles to God and let Him handle them for you, knowing that He will always be there and provide you with everything you would ever need in abundance?  Obviously, the answer would be yes, but some people may not always see it that way.  When life can get pretty painful and overwhelming at times, it can be easy to wonder and ask, “Why God?  Why is this happening?”  It might have you question your faith sometimes.  There may even be a time when you get so angry and confused with a situation, you want to turn away from God.  And that’s exactly what I did.  I renounced God and began thinking about going on a road to sin and a hardened heart.  I never fully succeeded with that plan thanks to a few people God placed in my life.

A few years ago on November 9th, I felt so confused and angry at God.  All I could feel was this very strong resentment and fury on the inside.  Just when I thought I was about to get closer to Him and grow stronger in my faith, that day just really took me by the storm.  I acted very childish by indulging in self-pity and threw a rebellious temper tantrum because I felt like God had shoved His purpose in my face only to snatch it from me and leave me in the dirt, despite prayer.  It made me question my worth and existence.  Whether God really loved me or not.  What I never realized was that during that season, God had actually been working in my heart and showing me where I truly was spiritually.  I saw things about myself I never imagined and they were ugly.  They led me to reevaluate my life and the motives I was carrying around.  It dawned on me that I didn’t fully understand what being a true committed Christ follower was.

I didn’t really grow up in a Christian home.  My dad’s very stale in his Christian faith and I don’t think my mom really cares for God.  God was rarely brought up in our home and we didn’t go to church.  In the 8th grade, I remember asking my dad about God and he decided it’d be best to talk to a buddy of his from work who’s a devout Christian.  The conversation lasted about an hour or two and I barely remember what was said that night….It’s sad, really.  I remember being asked if I wanted to pray to accept Jesus as my Savior towards the end and I prayed that as I got home since I was self-conscious about praying in front of people.  As I look back, I realized I didn’t see a significant change in me.  I had a desire to read the Bible and go to church, but they were very fleeting.  It seemed as if I was only playing a “Get Out Of Hell” Free card.  I had no commitment, if I did, it wasn’t obvious to me.  I was apathetic, lazy, living in isolation, selfish, and staying in my comfort zone.  It continued that way until I was introduced to the Navigators in college.  Nothing changed drastically the first year I was affiliated with them.  It felt more like a routine.  Bible study every Thursday at noon.  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed going there for Bible study, fellowship, and of course pizza…hey, who doesn’t like pizza?  Well, fast forward to Summer and Fall of 2013, and I’m in a place where I hated myself and compared myself to others constantly.  I remember thinking why God created me the way I was and wondered if I really had a purpose.

Skip to November and I was suddenly filled with hope because things looked like they were falling into place as I tried to devote myself to prayer and read my Bible.  But then on November 9th, this “purpose” which I thought was coming true suddenly shattered in my face leaving sharp remnants of hopelessness, bitterness, pain, confusion, and anger.  They grew larger overtime to where I completely wanted to shut God out of my life.  I wanted someone to blame, so I blamed God.  I did my best to indulge in things that weren’t pleasing in God’s sight as a way to “get back” at Him and bandage my wounds.  The only thing that accomplished was more pain and misery.  Three months later, I’m fighting the urge to repent.  I continue to wrestle with God and for some reason, I returned to the Navs in January(despite efforts not to) and felt tremendous grief in my soul around February.  I reached a breaking point which led me to seek out two Nav leaders for emotional and spiritual guidance.  After a deep conversation with those two, I understood more of God’s love and was rescued from the rut I was in.

Since then, I’ve been trying to pursue Christ and live to honour Him.  I’ve noticed a significant desire for Jesus, spending time in the Word, and wanting to help others.  I wouldn’t have written this if not.  I’m not perfect, I still struggle in these areas.  It has been a real challenge throughout  because of constant setbacks, spiritual warfare, and my flesh.  But I’m glad because I know that trials are meant for our greater good.  Though the process is painful, it’s necessary in order to refine and shape us into the original masterpiece God intended us to be.

I really hope none of you are currently in a state where you’re not interested in Christ and His Word, prayer, being missional, serving, worshipping and having fellowship with other Christians for the glory of God.  And instead pursuing fleeting desires of this world.  If you are, I implore you; don’t take this path.  It won’t do you any good.  Just take a look at some examples in Exodus and Numbers.  Since the 9th of November all the way through mid-late February, I’ve tried to harden my heart but it was a constant battle with God.  No matter how many times (or how hard) I’ve tried, He just wouldn’t leave me alone.  And He’s definitely not going to sit idly by and let you do the same.

If you are going through a tough season right now, then just know that it’s only a test.  Once you pass the test, you’re going to see greater rewards at the end of the finish line.  So please don’t give up.  It may not seem like it now, but it will get better.  If you question whether God will come through for you, let me ask you: has God ever once in the Bible made a promise He didn’t keep?  If He says He’ll see you through, He WILL! (Psalm 33:4)  If you’re still having doubts, it’s a clear indicator that you’re ignorant of the Word or you’re upset with not having things go your way.  Life isn’t about you.  It’s about God and what He wants to accomplish through you, for His glory, not yours.  Things won’t always turn out the way you expect because God is the one in control. (Proverbs 16:9)  His ways surpasses ours. (Isaiah 55:8, Romans 11:33)  Look, that doesn’t mean God is indifferent towards you and your desires.  God really does care and only wants what’s best for you that aligns with His will and timing since His plans are perfect (Psalm 18:30), and His timing is just right.(Ecclesiastes 3:11)  Thus, I encourage you to draw closer to God and seek HIS desires instead of yours.  Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.  😉  You’ll still continue to face challenges, but how you respond to them will make a huge difference.  We all have choices and will continue to make them.  You can either choose to turn to God and accept His purpose in your life or choose to abandon Him and go your own separate way.

My hope for writing this is that it helps at least one person.  I hope something or maybe several things stood out to you to where you want to pursue Christ like never before.  If something did resonate and you were encouraged, then yay it was all worth it!  😀  And if not, then that’s okay!  I’m just thankful you took the time to read this.  🙂  If you’re stuck in a rut and can’t seem to break old habits or maybe you’re unsure of where you stand spiritually because your life hasn’t produced any fruit, my best advice is spend time in the Word and engage in dialogue with God, don’t be afraid of listening to what He says.  This will take practice, don’t expect perfection.  And make sure you’re not taking this journey alone.  That was one of my biggest mistakes.  Other Christians need what you bring to the table and vice versa so that the body of Christ can mature, be healthy, and complete.  My prayer for you is that you will continually seek Jesus and want to be a good imitator of Him.  And to keep pressing forward when you want to give up.

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”-2 Peter 1:10-11

About Jennifer:

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Jennifer is a twenty something year old imperfect sinner who constantly needs Jesus every minute and hour of the day.  She is currently in college about to finish her degree in basics before transferring to a University and obtain either a Psychology or Social Work degree.  Her hobbies are watching anime, reading manga, good books, playing basketball, dancing, exercising to K-pop music(or rather any music that has a good beat), listening and finding good, solid, biblical sermons, discovering new interests, and occasionally stumbling upon a good website or blog to read now and then.

Guest-Writers

{Family} 5 Ways to Feed Your Child’s Faith

UYM
Written By: Elizabeth Spencer

“To some this world may seem like no place to bring up a child. And in some respects they are right. But we take that risk anyway with the comforting knowledge that it is not for this world that we prepare them.” (Karen L. Tornberg in The Best Things Ever Said About Parenting)

I’ve come back to this quote again and again during the 17 years my husband and I have been parents.

I look at the world around us and sometimes feel guilty for bringing our girls into it.

But this world is not their home. It is not our home.

This world is the place we can meet and know and learn to love the Keeper of our true home. 

It is a place we can disrupt with God’s grace.

My husband and I are far from being the wisest parents ever to be sent home from the hospital with a baby, a bill, a birth certificate, and best wishes for our utterly changed lives. But we’ve tried to feed our girls’ faith, and so we’ve learned a few things about what’s worked for us…and what might work for you, too, while you lead your children along the way home.

 

1. The priority of prayer. I know it reads like the default first entry on a list like this, but prayer is in this spot for a reason: it works.  In fact, nothing else on this list will actually end up working very well if prayer is absent.  For one thing, faith is what pleases God.  It makes Him happy.  And what is prayer but an active demonstration of faith?  Because if we don’t believe that God exists and that He can and will do something about what we’re praying for, then why are we praying in the first place?  Pray for your kids in the morning and at night and throughout the day.  It’s not about specific words…just do the thing.  Sometimes I simply say, “God, please help.”  Over and over and over. 

Are you wondering what good prayer does when God’s going to do what He’s going to do no matter what?  I’ve wondered, too.  I’ll turn to the inimitable C.S. Lewis to address that tricky bit: 

“Can we believe that God ever really modifies His action in response to the suggestions of men? For infinite wisdom does not need telling what is best, and infinite goodness needs no urging to do it. But neither does God need any of those things that are done by finite agents, whether living or inanimate. He could, if He chose, repair our bodies miraculously without food; or give us food without the aid of farmers, bakers and butchers; or knowledge without the aid of learned men; or convert the heathen without missionaries. Instead, He allows soils and weather and animals and the muscles, minds and wills of men to cooperate with the execution of His will…It is not really stranger that my prayers should affect the course of events than my other action should do so. They have not advised or changed God’s mind–that it, His overall purpose. But that purpose will be realized in different ways according to the actions, including the prayers, of His creatures.”

2. Music that matters. What goes into your child’s ears goes into their brain. And what goes into their brain goes into their heart. And what goes into their heart comes out of their mouth and hands and feet. (For more on this, check out “What Are You Listening To?” over on my much-neglected second blog, Sweet For Your Soul.)

Christian music has exploded since the days of Petra and Amy Grant (God bless and thank ’em).  There is something out there your child will like.  And even if they fight you and your “suggestions,” listen to good stuff yourself. Have it playing in the background of your life.  You never know what might stick.  Here are some of our family’s favourites for all ages:

  • Anything by Go Fish.  Their motto is “music for kids that doesn’t drive parents crazy,” and it’s the real deal.  The first time I played one of their CDs in the van for my adolescent-aged girls, they both said immediately, “I want every one of these songs on my MP3 player.” (Yeah, this was a few years ago.)  But it’s music for moms and dads and toddlers, too.
  • Hawk Nelson.  Get their Diamonds CD. Just get it.  (No, I am not being paid to say that.)
  • Lauren Daigle.  Where to start?  Maybe here: Lauren’s weaving of Scripture and Biblical truth into song lyrics is awe-inspiring.  To say nothing of the fact that her music is just plain killer.
  • Hillsong Young & Free.  Highly recommended by my tween.
  • KB. Rap.  Hip-hop.  I’m not going to listen to him, but my girls love his “stuff” and tell me their guy friends do, too.
  • Kristene DiMarco. Worship music, emphasis on the gorgeous.
  • The Story. From creation to the second coming, this is the Bible set to music that somehow manages to capture the essence of the truth behind each individual story. Worth it just for Peter Furler-as-Daniel’s full-throttle scream at the end of “No Compromise.”

 

3. The Word and words based on it.  Whether you’ve got a toddler or a teen or a child in between, someone’s written a devotional book or Bible study for them. 

 

4. Media with merit. I was late to the Facebook party because I have a very boring life and didn’t think people needed to know I was making macaroni and cheese for dinner.  But I jumped into the pool so I could create a group page for my Bible study sisters, and I haven’t looked back.  My initial reluctance about social media notwithstanding, I’m so thankful for connections my girls are able to have with Christian friends and with faith-building resources that go way beyond the flannel graph I grew up with.  (Because, old.) From websites to Christian mentors, there’s something to be said for someone who talks faith in your child’s language and is–no offence–not you.  Check out these field-tested, faith-feeding resources. (And by “field,” I mean “our house”.)

  • What’s In The Bible? I grew up going to Sunday School every single week. I went to VBS and Christian summer camps and private Christian college. I’ve facilitated women’s Bible study for 10 years. And I am so grateful for every bit of it. But I learned more about the Bible from watching these DVDs than from all of the rest combined. Not because the rest is so bad but because this series is so good. Truthful teaching that’s high-quality, clever, and creative.
  • Project Inspired. “Created for Christian girls to show how awesome God is.” My daughters are crazy about this website.
  • Adam Cappa. He’s categorized on Facebook as a musician/band. But his Scripture quotes, dating advice, spot-on direction about seeking a mate, and other bits of wisdom for “ladies and gents” go way beyond music. 

 

5. Body building. I’m not talking about weight training. (Although, note to self: do more of it. You’re not getting any younger, honey.)  I’m talking about the way the body of Christ–your local church–can encourage, pray for, lead, guide, direct, and model truth about life with God. 

You can tell your son or daughter something about faith or God or the Bible a dozen times and get nothing more than “uh-huh,” only to have them hear it from a Sunday School teacher or youth group leader and come home talking about it like they’ve just had their own burning-bush moment.  Which is fabulous. 

My girls have been in church almost every Sunday since they were days old, and our branch of the body is crazy about them.  They pray for them and cheer them on and ask about their lives and generally show them what community in Christ looks like. 

I know intertwining your life with a local congregation is messy and tricky and often disappointing. It’s a lot like, you know, the rest of life.  But somewhere out there is a local church that is right for your family, where you and your children can teach and be taught, serve and be served, love and be loved.  Not a perfect church, but the right one for now.  Finding it will be worth it.


A bunch of years ago, when my youngest daughter was about four, she witnessed me mourning the demise of the cane seat in the chair I use at my computer.  The cane had simply worn out and broken through.  (I tried not to take it personally.)  My daughter heard me complaining about this sad development and drew me this picture:


Translated from her preschool phonics, she wrote: “I’m sorry about the seat. But that’s not the importantist thing, because God is.” 

There are lots of important things in my girls’ lives: our family, their friends, their education, their passions and pursuits. 

But feeding their faith helps us and them stay focused on the importantist thing. 

On what is eternal and true and on what, one day, will be home.

Until Next Time,
~Elizabeth Spencer

About Elizabeth:

Elizabeth Spencer is a great sinner redeemed by a great Savior.  She is a wife, mom, women’s Bible study facilitator, worship leader, and unaccomplished pianist.  She blogs about family, faith, and chocolate at Guilty Chocoholic Mama.

 

Guest-Writers, {Worth}

{Worth} We Are Not Defined By Our Mistakes.

UYM

Written By: Laura Rath

In a recent conversation in the office, we were laughing that no matter how many times we proof a document, it seems a typo or error will be found just after the e-mail has been sent or 1,000 copies have been printed.

“I always wonder what mistake I’ll be remembered for,” someone remarked. Light-heartedly, I said, “We are not defined by our mistakes.”

But, as I walked away I kept thinking about it.  Isn’t that something we all need to be reminded of?

We are not defined by our mistakes.

Yes, some can be real doozies, and some mistakes are remembered for quite a while.  But they do not define us.

Define means to describe, detail, or to state the meaning of. (dictionary.com)

We can describe our mistakes, but our mistakes do not describe us.  The enemy will try to tell us otherwise.  He will tell us that our mistakes are who we are.

You can’t do that; you’ll mess it up, you always do.  You’ll never get it right.  You’re such a mess.

Remember what you did last week?  That’s who you are.  That’s what everyone thinks of you.  But God trumps the enemy every time, and He says we are not defined by our mistakes.

He does not describe us by our failures…or our successes.  And that’s freeing because God’s love is not dependent on what we do, or fail to do.  We are loved by God, not because we are perfect, but because we are His.  He knows we will make mistakes.  And from those mistakes comes growth.  Our successes and failures may help shape us, but they are not our identity.

We are who God says we are.  And God identifies us as His—Forgiven.  Chosen.  Redeemed.

I may make a real whopper of a mistake, one that takes some fixing and apologizing for.  But it’s not who I am.  And when my co-worker makes a mistake, it’s not who she is.

Remembering this reminds me of grace.  The grace God gives.  The grace I ask for from others.  And the grace I want to extend to those around me.

We are not defined by our mistakes.

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.  O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 NLT

Has there been a time you feared you would be remembered for a mistake you made?  Do you remember others for the mistakes they make?

In Christ,
~Laura

About Laura:
Laura Rath writes to encourage women in their walk with Christ.  She is a wife, mother, writer, blogger and works in church ministry.  Laura shares stories of her faith journey on her blog Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith, and recently experienced one of her God-sized dreams when she had the opportunity to speak at three women’s events, with another one planned for later this year.  Laura is a regular contributor at LifeLetter Café, and can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.

 

Kerrington's Posts, {Love}

{Love} The Sweet 16. 

UYM

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

I remember the day like it was just yesterday…it was a chilly April spring afternoon.  My 14 year old-self was busily getting ready to go to one of my close church friends Hawaiian Style “Sweet 16.”  This was my very first co-gender party I was ever attending.  I was so thrilled.  Like I mentioned before, I was 14 years old and still in the process of ‘finding myself’ so to say.

That evening before I was just about ready to leave for the party, my parents were in the process of ordering new cell phones online.  They were put on hold for what felt like forever (literally over 2 hours long…gotta love customer service.  Urggh!)
At this point the party had already began and I was getting very impatient to get going.  I arrived only about 30 minutes late to the party but, still I was late!!!

Upon my arrival, I walked in the back door of my friends house and was greeted by a staircase landing filled with dozens of shoes.  I could hear the voices of tons of people partying and loud music playing from inside.  My heart began to pound.  I am at a BIG party and it’s going to be a late night…this is amazing!  I thought.  With great anticipation, I opened the door and the party was already in full swing.  I had noticed vaguely that there was some guests that I didn’t know at this party but, I didn’t really pay much attention to it.

Like any other teenage-birthday party we all visited, played games and ate snacks.  But then…it was cake time!  I remember making my way to the dinning room where cake was to be served.  Between getting up from my chair in the living room to making my way the short distance to the dinning room, my attention was caught by a very handsome young guy whom I had never met before in my entire life.  My Friend, the ‘Birthday Girl’ saw that I was intrigued.  And quickly ran to my aid and introduced us.

I was speechless.  In that moment, I could feel my tummy fluttering frantically with hundreds of butterflies.  I mustered up all the courage within me to say “Hello!”

We chatted for quite some time that night and in amongst the crazy chaos and noise of the party for that 20 minutes or so it felt like it was just us there.  No one else.  Just he and I getting to know each other.  The party went on and it was such a great night filled with so many memories.  I remember leaving the party that night, with many hopes that one day I would see this young man again.

About a weeks time had passed and I had given up any hope of really ever seeing him again.  Besides I didn’t even know if he was a Christian or anything like that. I let the ‘feelings’ I had go.  It was now the next Friday and I was off to youth group.  All of us youth were just casually relaxing and chatting in the lobby of our church that night waiting for worship to get started.  My back was faced towards the door.  I heard the door open behind me and for some reason I turned around and long behold… there HE was.

As time went on, we both began to have a crush on each other for about a year and a half between seeing each other at youth on Friday Nights and now at Church on Sunday mornings.  I was so excited to finally turn 16, so I could just date this guy.  Then Life happened, and reality struck…

I knew without a doubt, deep down in my heart, that this was not the guy, God had chosen for me.  Experiencing a heart-break for the first time was very difficult.  I felt so empty…like I had nothing to offer.  Like I wasn’t worth it.  I came so close that time, to having that ultimate life goal fulfilled, with that perfect dating relationship and possibly filling that blank-space on my wedding invitations.  But God had other plans for me.  I moved on and began walking a different journey in my life.

Around that time, I joined a Book Study Club that my youth leaders, Mandy and Cindy, were hosting for the girls of our youth group…and it so happened to be, that the book we began studying was “When God writes your Love story.”  Perfect timing, I know!  I still remember the day that we ended our book study, and we had a time of reflection.  It was then that, I rededicated this part of my life to God.  May 30th, 2013…I gave my Love-story to the Lord once again.

In that special God ordained-moment, right in Mandy’s living room…sitting with 6 other single young ladies, who also were patiently waiting for their prince charming.  We prayed together.  We prayed that we would praise God in the good times and we’d praise Him in the tough times.  We prayed that we would be patient for the right one to come into our lives and that we would trust God from that day forward with everything.

So Ladies my testimony is one of, God’s grace…Coming from a girl impatiently waiting to date just any guy, to a young woman waiting with purpose for her future Godly husband.  My desire for my life is to be a reminder to the world that singleness does not mean you are “stuck”.  The purpose I believe in my season of singleness is to take every day and to glorify Jesus in everything I do.  It is an opportunity to let my life, be a true living sacrifice for Christ.

Until Next Time,
~Kerrington