First gather these things...
-small birds nest with tiny eggs (from craft store)
-one egg (plastic or wooden)
-a bookmark that says "bloom where you are planted"
-small mirror
-6 inch piece of white rope with a pink ribbon tied to it
What to say when you give them the gift...
1. The first thing you must do when you move is to make your nest a home. Weave it with love and happiness.
2. Second, borrow an egg. This is the easiest way to meet your neighbor and start a friendship.
3. Third, put this bookmark in your Bible as a reminder to find a fellowship.
4. After that, look in this mirror as a reminder that it all begins with you.
5. And finally, hold on tight to this rope. It is woven with God's love, His Word, and His promises.
(from the book, After the Boxes are Unpacked)
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Friends
The kind of friend to look for
-someone you can laugh with
-someone you can pray with
-someone you can share your heart with
-someone you can trust
-someone who will respond at a time of need
-someone you can share experiences with
(from the book, After the Boxes are Unpacked)
-someone you can laugh with
-someone you can pray with
-someone you can share your heart with
-someone you can trust
-someone who will respond at a time of need
-someone you can share experiences with
(from the book, After the Boxes are Unpacked)
My Identity
Who you are in Christ
Jesus wants you to know that you are most precious to Him
Deut 7:6Ways to grow deep roots in the soil of God's love
You are incredibly loved!
Jer 31:3
You are known inside and out!
Psa 139:1
You are accepted with no strings attached!
Eph 1:6
You are in process to become like Christ!
Phil 1:6
You are valued beyond measure!
1 John 3:1
You are custom designed and unique!
Psa 139:13-14
You are made for a reason and a purpose!
Jer 1:5
There is someone who knows your name!
Isa 43:1
(from the book, After the Boxes are Unpacked)
Jesus wants you to know that you are most precious to Him
Deut 7:6Ways to grow deep roots in the soil of God's love
You are incredibly loved!
Jer 31:3
You are known inside and out!
Psa 139:1
You are accepted with no strings attached!
Eph 1:6
You are in process to become like Christ!
Phil 1:6
You are valued beyond measure!
1 John 3:1
You are custom designed and unique!
Psa 139:13-14
You are made for a reason and a purpose!
Jer 1:5
There is someone who knows your name!
Isa 43:1
(from the book, After the Boxes are Unpacked)
Growing Deep Roots in God's Love
Ways to grow deep roots in the soil of God's love
Water regularly by staying in God's word!
Don't dry out. Spend time daily reading the Bible to replenish and restore your soul.
Provide yourself with plenty of light by knowing God's truth
As you read His word, memorize scripture, believe in His promises, truth will be revealed to you. Tremendous growth will come from allowing God to shine on your life.
Fertilize as needed by being in Christian fellowship
God puts Christian people in your life to nurture you, to serve as models for you, to encourage you, to pray for you, and to hold you accountable.
Prune the branches when necessary
Careful pruning allows new growth. Cut away all the old branches and dead flowers. The more branches you prune, the fuller and greener the bush becomes.
Ways to help you bloom
-exercise
-eat right
-vitamins
-don't compare
-seize the day
-focus on being, rather than doing
-visit the library
-try one new thing each day
-don't feel like you have to be productive all the time
-walk as much as you can
-count your blessings every day
(taken from the book, After the Boxes are Unpacked)
Water regularly by staying in God's word!
Don't dry out. Spend time daily reading the Bible to replenish and restore your soul.
Provide yourself with plenty of light by knowing God's truth
As you read His word, memorize scripture, believe in His promises, truth will be revealed to you. Tremendous growth will come from allowing God to shine on your life.
Fertilize as needed by being in Christian fellowship
God puts Christian people in your life to nurture you, to serve as models for you, to encourage you, to pray for you, and to hold you accountable.
Prune the branches when necessary
Careful pruning allows new growth. Cut away all the old branches and dead flowers. The more branches you prune, the fuller and greener the bush becomes.
Ways to help you bloom
-exercise
-eat right
-vitamins
-don't compare
-seize the day
-focus on being, rather than doing
-visit the library
-try one new thing each day
-don't feel like you have to be productive all the time
-walk as much as you can
-count your blessings every day
(taken from the book, After the Boxes are Unpacked)
Monday, May 21, 2012
Helping Kids Move
(The following is taken from the book, After the Boxes are Unpacked)
Transitioning More Smoothly
-Don't play down the importance of the changes your kids are going through
-Telling them everything will work out isn't necessarily the best approach
-Encourage them to express their fears and concerns.
-Ask your teenagers to tell you how they are feeling
-Listen and let them to do the talking
-Don't feel you have to justify or defend the move, shoulder the blame, or solve their problems
-Be available to talk, listen, and provide support
-Introduce change in stages
-If your child lashes out in anger, acknowledge his or her feelings
-Explain that they are reacting normally to loss
-Don't deny your child's feelings, that intensifies their sense of isolation
-Remember, it's normal for them to experience some temporary regression in behavior. They may even have a slight drop in grades
Transitioning Academically and Socially
-Be patient. It's not fun to feel like an outsider, but eventually you will find your niche. Don't be so eager to make new friends that you join up with the people who don't have the same values.
-Be friendly. Don't wait for others to approach you. Compliment someone on what he or she is wearing.
-Ask a classmate a question about a test or homework.
-Ask if you can sit with someone during lunch
-Join in. Sign up for sports, drama, music or whatever interests you.
-Don't belittle activities at your new school, even if they aren't cool by your old school's standards.
-Don't brag. If your old school or old town was better than your new one, don't constantly compare. No one wants to hear that what they are or have is 2nd best
-Expect some differences between this school and the one where you used to attend. If your class is covering a subject you haven't learned or if the class is ahead of where you were at your old school, don't bluff it. Ask for help.
REMIND your children...
Moving usually turns into a positive experience. They will meet new people, see new places, and make new friends. They will be learning new things about themselves and discovering strengths they never knew they had.
Providing Roots in Christ for your Children
1. Principles of faith. Base your values on the word of God (Col 2:6-7)
2. Pattern of Life. Strive to live a life worthy of imitation that model's God's design. (Eph 5:1-2)
3. Persistence that is immovable. Don't give up. Don't let anything move you from what you believe. Be strong in your faith (Eph 6:10, 14)
4. Participation. Feel what your children feel. Laugh when they laugh. Cry when they cry. Learn with them (Rom 12:15)
5. Praise. Encourage them. Believe in them. Sing to them when they are small and sing with them when they are grown. (Phil 4:4-5)
6. Prayer. Let them see you pray, hear you pray, and watch you give God praise for the results. (Phil 4:6)
7. Planning. It's never too late. Plan on giving them roots and wings. (Isa 40:31, Deut 32:11)
"What your children become in the future will reflect how you shape them, nurture them, and disciple them today." (from the book, The Stay at Home Mom)
20 Ways to Help Your Children Adjust After a Move
1. Put a big bow on the front door for each child. Let them cut it, take a picture for the scrap book.
2. Type your new address/phone # on pieces of paper for you and your children to pass out to new friends
3. Have a family party with cookies, punch, and talking
4. Don't skip breakfast. It gives them energy for the day.
5. Plant seeds or flowers in the yard. Tell your children you all have to root and grow in new soil
6. Encourage them to invite kids home after school
7. Establish routine as quickly as possible
8. Don't do away with old toys/possessions. They may give your child a feeling of continuity.
9. Let your child take part in decorating his/her own room.
10. Begin new traditions in this new house.
11. Listen, listen, listen. Don't teach or preach. Give them lots of hugs.
12. Let them mourn their losses in the new move.
13. Get them involved in a good youth program at church.
14. Write "I love you" or "have a great day" on their napkin in their lunch
15. Allow each child a five minute long distance call back to a friend in their old town
16. Give them lots of reassurance.
17. Pray for them everyday
18. Tuck them in at bedtime
19. Give them roots in Christ, family, and home
20. Give them wings of freedom to move forward in their journey of life.
Transitioning More Smoothly
-Don't play down the importance of the changes your kids are going through
-Telling them everything will work out isn't necessarily the best approach
-Encourage them to express their fears and concerns.
-Ask your teenagers to tell you how they are feeling
-Listen and let them to do the talking
-Don't feel you have to justify or defend the move, shoulder the blame, or solve their problems
-Be available to talk, listen, and provide support
-Introduce change in stages
-If your child lashes out in anger, acknowledge his or her feelings
-Explain that they are reacting normally to loss
-Don't deny your child's feelings, that intensifies their sense of isolation
-Remember, it's normal for them to experience some temporary regression in behavior. They may even have a slight drop in grades
Transitioning Academically and Socially
-Be patient. It's not fun to feel like an outsider, but eventually you will find your niche. Don't be so eager to make new friends that you join up with the people who don't have the same values.
-Be friendly. Don't wait for others to approach you. Compliment someone on what he or she is wearing.
-Ask a classmate a question about a test or homework.
-Ask if you can sit with someone during lunch
-Join in. Sign up for sports, drama, music or whatever interests you.
-Don't belittle activities at your new school, even if they aren't cool by your old school's standards.
-Don't brag. If your old school or old town was better than your new one, don't constantly compare. No one wants to hear that what they are or have is 2nd best
-Expect some differences between this school and the one where you used to attend. If your class is covering a subject you haven't learned or if the class is ahead of where you were at your old school, don't bluff it. Ask for help.
REMIND your children...
Moving usually turns into a positive experience. They will meet new people, see new places, and make new friends. They will be learning new things about themselves and discovering strengths they never knew they had.
Providing Roots in Christ for your Children
1. Principles of faith. Base your values on the word of God (Col 2:6-7)
2. Pattern of Life. Strive to live a life worthy of imitation that model's God's design. (Eph 5:1-2)
3. Persistence that is immovable. Don't give up. Don't let anything move you from what you believe. Be strong in your faith (Eph 6:10, 14)
4. Participation. Feel what your children feel. Laugh when they laugh. Cry when they cry. Learn with them (Rom 12:15)
5. Praise. Encourage them. Believe in them. Sing to them when they are small and sing with them when they are grown. (Phil 4:4-5)
6. Prayer. Let them see you pray, hear you pray, and watch you give God praise for the results. (Phil 4:6)
7. Planning. It's never too late. Plan on giving them roots and wings. (Isa 40:31, Deut 32:11)
"What your children become in the future will reflect how you shape them, nurture them, and disciple them today." (from the book, The Stay at Home Mom)
20 Ways to Help Your Children Adjust After a Move
1. Put a big bow on the front door for each child. Let them cut it, take a picture for the scrap book.
2. Type your new address/phone # on pieces of paper for you and your children to pass out to new friends
3. Have a family party with cookies, punch, and talking
4. Don't skip breakfast. It gives them energy for the day.
5. Plant seeds or flowers in the yard. Tell your children you all have to root and grow in new soil
6. Encourage them to invite kids home after school
7. Establish routine as quickly as possible
8. Don't do away with old toys/possessions. They may give your child a feeling of continuity.
9. Let your child take part in decorating his/her own room.
10. Begin new traditions in this new house.
11. Listen, listen, listen. Don't teach or preach. Give them lots of hugs.
12. Let them mourn their losses in the new move.
13. Get them involved in a good youth program at church.
14. Write "I love you" or "have a great day" on their napkin in their lunch
15. Allow each child a five minute long distance call back to a friend in their old town
16. Give them lots of reassurance.
17. Pray for them everyday
18. Tuck them in at bedtime
19. Give them roots in Christ, family, and home
20. Give them wings of freedom to move forward in their journey of life.
25 Ways to Convey Your Love to Your Husband
1. Be his cheerleader - not his critic
2. Greet him at the door when he comes home from work
3. Bake his favorite pie
4. Write a love note and put it in his coat pocket
5. Frame a recent picture of yourself for his office
6. Hold hands in public or at the movies
7. Tell him you believe in him
8. Listen to him
9. Learn as much as you can about his work
10. Always kiss him good-bye in the morning
11. Always kiss him good-night
12. Call him at work and tell him you are thinking about him
13. When he returns from a trip put a "welcome home" sign on the door
14. Buy his favorite ice cream
15. Mail a romantic card to him at his office
16. Watch a TV sports program with him
17. Never criticize him in public or compare him to someone else's husband
18. Tell him you love him at least once a day
19. A hug can speak volumes, so can a kiss
20. Write "I love you" on the bathroom mirror in red lipstick
21. Plan a "date night" and go to his favorite restuarant
22. Speak of his good qualities, pray about his bad ones
23. Anticipate his needs
24. Look him in the eyes and say, "I will follow you to the ends of the earth."
25. Tell him 5 reasons you would move anywhere with him
(Taken from the book: After the Boxes are Unpacked)
2. Greet him at the door when he comes home from work
3. Bake his favorite pie
4. Write a love note and put it in his coat pocket
5. Frame a recent picture of yourself for his office
6. Hold hands in public or at the movies
7. Tell him you believe in him
8. Listen to him
9. Learn as much as you can about his work
10. Always kiss him good-bye in the morning
11. Always kiss him good-night
12. Call him at work and tell him you are thinking about him
13. When he returns from a trip put a "welcome home" sign on the door
14. Buy his favorite ice cream
15. Mail a romantic card to him at his office
16. Watch a TV sports program with him
17. Never criticize him in public or compare him to someone else's husband
18. Tell him you love him at least once a day
19. A hug can speak volumes, so can a kiss
20. Write "I love you" on the bathroom mirror in red lipstick
21. Plan a "date night" and go to his favorite restuarant
22. Speak of his good qualities, pray about his bad ones
23. Anticipate his needs
24. Look him in the eyes and say, "I will follow you to the ends of the earth."
25. Tell him 5 reasons you would move anywhere with him
(Taken from the book: After the Boxes are Unpacked)
Parenting
"We may not know it at that moment, but the things we say and do influence our children forever." (Book: After the Boxes are Unpacked)
When our children are grown and living their own life we need to be able to give them "roots and wings". Give them roots of home and family that will always be there. Give them wings to fly away and have their own life and family. (Book: After the Boxes are Unpacked)
When our children are grown and living their own life we need to be able to give them "roots and wings". Give them roots of home and family that will always be there. Give them wings to fly away and have their own life and family. (Book: After the Boxes are Unpacked)
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Wish List
Books I want to read
One Thousand Gifts
Expectations and Burnout (Sue Eenigenburg)
Screams in the Desert (Sue Eenigenburg)
Voices of the Faithful (Beth Moore)
Music CD's I want to hear
Carrie Underwood
Kelly Clarkson
Scotty McCreery
Lauren Alaina
Daughtery
Bluegrass
Songs
Mandisa - Good Morning
Mandisa - Broken Hallelujah
Mandisa - Free
Mandisa - Waiting for Tomorrow
Mandisa - Say Goodbye
Mandisa - What If We Were Real
Mandisa - Lifeline
Mandisa - These Days
Mandisa - Temporary Fills
I Saw the Light - Bluegrass
Will the Circle be Unbroken - Bluegrass
Jennifer Lopez - Dance Again
Electronics I want to play with
iPad
iPhone
Apple computer
Places I want to go abroad
Europe (visit Rita, Vonks, Lydia, Michael)
Australia (visit Sal, Jansen)
Africa
Ukraine (visit Hughes)
Places I want to go in the USA
Hawaii
California (Alcatraz)
Alaska
Mt. Rushmore
Grand Haven, MI ??
Hershey, PA
Overnighter Date at Easton
Things I want to learn
Crocheting
Guitar
Hair Cutting
Things I would like to have
Djembe
Race-car driving lesson
Convertible Mustang (maybe Heaven has these! :)
Candy I like
Hershey's chocolate bar with nuts
Peanut M&M's
Reese's PB cup
Mr. Goodbar
Reese's Pieces
Chocolate covered peanuts
Nut Rageous
Favorite foods by Chef Ben
Cinnamon Rolls
Coffee Cake
Fajitas
Pretzels
Quiche
One Thousand Gifts
Expectations and Burnout (Sue Eenigenburg)
Screams in the Desert (Sue Eenigenburg)
Voices of the Faithful (Beth Moore)
Music CD's I want to hear
Carrie Underwood
Kelly Clarkson
Scotty McCreery
Lauren Alaina
Daughtery
Bluegrass
Songs
Mandisa - Good Morning
Mandisa - Broken Hallelujah
Mandisa - Free
Mandisa - Waiting for Tomorrow
Mandisa - Say Goodbye
Mandisa - What If We Were Real
Mandisa - Lifeline
Mandisa - These Days
Mandisa - Temporary Fills
I Saw the Light - Bluegrass
Will the Circle be Unbroken - Bluegrass
Jennifer Lopez - Dance Again
Electronics I want to play with
iPad
iPhone
Apple computer
Places I want to go abroad
Europe (visit Rita, Vonks, Lydia, Michael)
Australia (visit Sal, Jansen)
Africa
Ukraine (visit Hughes)
Places I want to go in the USA
Hawaii
California (Alcatraz)
Alaska
Mt. Rushmore
Grand Haven, MI ??
Hershey, PA
Overnighter Date at Easton
Things I want to learn
Crocheting
Guitar
Hair Cutting
Things I would like to have
Djembe
Race-car driving lesson
Convertible Mustang (maybe Heaven has these! :)
Candy I like
Hershey's chocolate bar with nuts
Peanut M&M's
Reese's PB cup
Mr. Goodbar
Reese's Pieces
Chocolate covered peanuts
Nut Rageous
Favorite foods by Chef Ben
Cinnamon Rolls
Coffee Cake
Fajitas
Pretzels
Quiche
H20 Retreat Notes 2012
We need mentors and need to mentor others.
The Bible: This book will keep you from sin OR sin will keep you from this book.
Two ways we often do comparison.
1. Worthlessness/Guilt
2. Worthiness/Pride
Dangers of Comparison
1. Comparison will cause ungratefulness
2. Comparison will cause disunity
3. Comparison will cause discontentment
4. Comparison will cause self-condemnation
God can take anything away that shames us.
What is an idol?
Anything I love so much I try to protect it.
What is the #1 need for women? Encouragement.
Do the possible and let God do the impossible and don't confuse the two.
He is the only one who can do the impossible.
Expectations can be more self focused. What can I do for Him rather than what can He do for me.
If I'm me focused I will never be satisfied.
Live with great expectancy but without high expectations.
We need to have freedom and accountability.
Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap. Take a sabbath.
Have a funeral for the expectations we place on our kids. Bury those expectations.
We try to get babies to burp and we try to get teenagers to stop.
God will work in your children to become what He wants them to be.
Hope, life, strength, joy...comes when we say, "God what do you want to do?"
Satan loathes us because of Who love us.
Tell your spouse, friend, etc when in conflict, "You are not the enemy!"
Sue Eenigenburg's book, Expectations and Burnout
Another book, Screams in the Desert
The Bible: This book will keep you from sin OR sin will keep you from this book.
Two ways we often do comparison.
1. Worthlessness/Guilt
2. Worthiness/Pride
Dangers of Comparison
1. Comparison will cause ungratefulness
2. Comparison will cause disunity
3. Comparison will cause discontentment
4. Comparison will cause self-condemnation
God can take anything away that shames us.
What is an idol?
Anything I love so much I try to protect it.
What is the #1 need for women? Encouragement.
Do the possible and let God do the impossible and don't confuse the two.
He is the only one who can do the impossible.
Expectations can be more self focused. What can I do for Him rather than what can He do for me.
If I'm me focused I will never be satisfied.
Live with great expectancy but without high expectations.
We need to have freedom and accountability.
Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap. Take a sabbath.
Have a funeral for the expectations we place on our kids. Bury those expectations.
We try to get babies to burp and we try to get teenagers to stop.
God will work in your children to become what He wants them to be.
Hope, life, strength, joy...comes when we say, "God what do you want to do?"
Satan loathes us because of Who love us.
Tell your spouse, friend, etc when in conflict, "You are not the enemy!"
Sue Eenigenburg's book, Expectations and Burnout
Another book, Screams in the Desert
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Who God Is
-He is God. He is all-knowing. He sees the whole story. He sees all the details.
-He is God. He is perfect, holy, and righteous. He does not make mistakes.
-He is God. He is all-powerful, and it is only because of his amazing mercy and patience that you live on the earth.
-He is God. He is sovereign. He has the ability to make all things work together for your good, even when things look pretty bad.
-He is God. You are not. He deserves respect and praise even if you don't feel like giving it.
(from the book, Devotions for Women on the Go)
-He is God. He is perfect, holy, and righteous. He does not make mistakes.
-He is God. He is all-powerful, and it is only because of his amazing mercy and patience that you live on the earth.
-He is God. He is sovereign. He has the ability to make all things work together for your good, even when things look pretty bad.
-He is God. You are not. He deserves respect and praise even if you don't feel like giving it.
(from the book, Devotions for Women on the Go)
Prayer
Pray through even the small things, for He governs all aspects of our lives; pray always expecting a response, for He answers; and finally, never be afraid to pray big, for He displays His awesome power.
(from the book, Voices of the Faithful)
Colossians 4:2
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Romans 8:26-27
"...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."
Romans 8:34
"...Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."
(from the book, Voices of the Faithful)
Colossians 4:2
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Romans 8:26-27
"...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."
Romans 8:34
"...Christ Jesus, who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Moving Well
From the book, After the Boxes are Unpacked
No matter where you've been, where you are, or where you are going, knowing Jesus Christ can change the course of your life.
When looking at Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Paul...their journey, or move, provided an opportunity to establish a deeper walk with God. They had unlimited opportunity to trust Him, to depend on Him, and to cling to Him. What opportunity does your move provide?
Realize that God places us where we are, to prepare us for what He wants us to become. Never forget, the road has been traveled before you. The choice to cherish the past and cling to God for the future is not always easy, but faith, hope, perseverance, prayer, and obedience are the keys.
Philippians 3:13-14
"I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Let Go, Start Over, Move ahead with your life
1. Leave your baggage in the care of God, the Baggage Keeper
2. Rely on God's faithfulness
3. Be yourself. Don't try to be someone else.
4. Be equipped. Take five smooth stones to face the giants. Faith, Prayer, Bible Study, Fellowship, Perseverance (keep on keeping on. don't give up and don't give in).
5. Do not be afraid
6. Be quick (don't delay in confronting the giant in your life that's hurting you)
7. Be bold
8. Trust God for the results
No matter where you've been, where you are, or where you are going, knowing Jesus Christ can change the course of your life.
When looking at Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Paul...their journey, or move, provided an opportunity to establish a deeper walk with God. They had unlimited opportunity to trust Him, to depend on Him, and to cling to Him. What opportunity does your move provide?
Realize that God places us where we are, to prepare us for what He wants us to become. Never forget, the road has been traveled before you. The choice to cherish the past and cling to God for the future is not always easy, but faith, hope, perseverance, prayer, and obedience are the keys.
Philippians 3:13-14
"I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Let Go, Start Over, Move ahead with your life
1. Leave your baggage in the care of God, the Baggage Keeper
2. Rely on God's faithfulness
3. Be yourself. Don't try to be someone else.
4. Be equipped. Take five smooth stones to face the giants. Faith, Prayer, Bible Study, Fellowship, Perseverance (keep on keeping on. don't give up and don't give in).
5. Do not be afraid
6. Be quick (don't delay in confronting the giant in your life that's hurting you)
7. Be bold
8. Trust God for the results
Words to Ponder
From the book, Devotions for Women on the Go
Just because God seems silent doesn't mean He isn't working. The silence might be speaking volumes.
We have a choice to make. We can be a thermometer or a thermostat. Thermometers go up and down depending on the circumstances of the weather. But thermostats set the climate. Instead of riding an emotional roller coaster, I believe God wants us to set a course of stability and be thermostats - choosing faith, not fear. We can let this ruin us and our family, or we can let it make us stronger. Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?
Proverbs 17:17
"A friend is always loyal."
If God has laid a plan or a passion on your heart, hold a get-together. Pray, and then watch the synergy develop!
Let Go - allow God to mend you
Start Over - allow God to mold you
Move Ahead - allow God to mature you
(from After the Boxes are Unpacked)
How do you live above circumstances, live with contentment, live with joy? Make a choice to keep God as the focus of your life, not the circumstances around them. Keep your focus vertical, not horizontal. Learn to respond first to God, instead of to people and situations.
He doesn't always change your situation; what He does is give you new strength and hope so you can face those circumstances and keep on going. 2 Cor 4:18
My God is bigger than whatever circumstances may surround me.
"In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success." Prov 3:6
Just because God seems silent doesn't mean He isn't working. The silence might be speaking volumes.
We have a choice to make. We can be a thermometer or a thermostat. Thermometers go up and down depending on the circumstances of the weather. But thermostats set the climate. Instead of riding an emotional roller coaster, I believe God wants us to set a course of stability and be thermostats - choosing faith, not fear. We can let this ruin us and our family, or we can let it make us stronger. Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?
Proverbs 17:17
"A friend is always loyal."
If God has laid a plan or a passion on your heart, hold a get-together. Pray, and then watch the synergy develop!
Let Go - allow God to mend you
Start Over - allow God to mold you
Move Ahead - allow God to mature you
(from After the Boxes are Unpacked)
How do you live above circumstances, live with contentment, live with joy? Make a choice to keep God as the focus of your life, not the circumstances around them. Keep your focus vertical, not horizontal. Learn to respond first to God, instead of to people and situations.
He doesn't always change your situation; what He does is give you new strength and hope so you can face those circumstances and keep on going. 2 Cor 4:18
My God is bigger than whatever circumstances may surround me.
"In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success." Prov 3:6
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Metamorphosis
From the book, Devotions for Women on the Go
When a caterpillar is on it's journey to becoming a butterfly, it goes through an amazing change, a metamorphosis. But what is perplexing is that the change requires the caterpillar to go dormant. The caterpillar spins itself into a cocoon and stays there - seemingly dead to the world.
Sometimes we have cocooning times. We usually don't like them. They may seem boring, and you may even feel God isn't moving fast enough. You might be tempted to question God, "He gave me this vision right?" or "If you gave me this plan, why don't you do something to move it forward God?" You may even feel tempted to rip the cocoon apart yourself and take matters into your own hands, running ahead of God's timing.
But the cocoon is all apart of the plan. If you tear open a cocoon too soon, science tells us that the wings of the butterfly will be underdeveloped, that it is the act of struggling to get out of the cocoon that strengthens them. It is in the stillness that we hear God. It is in the waiting that character if formed. Psalm 37:34 instructs us what to do while we wait: "Travel steadily along his path." Then the results are given: "He will honor you, giving you the land."
If we wait, nuzzled close to God, when He releases us, we will have a beautiful flight, producing an abundant harvest.
John 12:24
"The truth is, a kernel of wheat must be planted in soil. Unless it dies it will be alone - a single seed. But it's death will produce many new kernels - a plentiful harvest of new lives."
When a caterpillar is on it's journey to becoming a butterfly, it goes through an amazing change, a metamorphosis. But what is perplexing is that the change requires the caterpillar to go dormant. The caterpillar spins itself into a cocoon and stays there - seemingly dead to the world.
Sometimes we have cocooning times. We usually don't like them. They may seem boring, and you may even feel God isn't moving fast enough. You might be tempted to question God, "He gave me this vision right?" or "If you gave me this plan, why don't you do something to move it forward God?" You may even feel tempted to rip the cocoon apart yourself and take matters into your own hands, running ahead of God's timing.
But the cocoon is all apart of the plan. If you tear open a cocoon too soon, science tells us that the wings of the butterfly will be underdeveloped, that it is the act of struggling to get out of the cocoon that strengthens them. It is in the stillness that we hear God. It is in the waiting that character if formed. Psalm 37:34 instructs us what to do while we wait: "Travel steadily along his path." Then the results are given: "He will honor you, giving you the land."
If we wait, nuzzled close to God, when He releases us, we will have a beautiful flight, producing an abundant harvest.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
A Little Place (poem)
Where shall I work today, dear Lord?
And my love flowed warm and free.
He answered and said,
"See that little place?
Tend that little place for me."
I answered and I said,
"Oh no, not there.
No one would ever see
No matter how well my work was done,
Not that little place for me!"
His voice when He spoke,
Was soft and kind,
He answered me tenderly,
"Little one, search that heart of thine,
Are you working for them or Me?"
"Nazareth was a little place,
And so was Galilee."
(from the book Devotions for Women on the Go)
God is the master chess player who moves the pieces around for the good of the kingdom. Our job is to remain faithful in the little things.
And my love flowed warm and free.
He answered and said,
"See that little place?
Tend that little place for me."
I answered and I said,
"Oh no, not there.
No one would ever see
No matter how well my work was done,
Not that little place for me!"
His voice when He spoke,
Was soft and kind,
He answered me tenderly,
"Little one, search that heart of thine,
Are you working for them or Me?"
"Nazareth was a little place,
And so was Galilee."
(from the book Devotions for Women on the Go)
God is the master chess player who moves the pieces around for the good of the kingdom. Our job is to remain faithful in the little things.
Preparing for the Attack
Luke 22:31-32
Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you. Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when yo have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers. The closer you get to completion or lasting eternal impact the more spiritual attacks you should expect.
Physical Setbacks
Satan loves to rob our effectiveness with unexpected illness or simply irritating physical problems like a back problem or waking up with your eye swollen shut (just check out the book of Job).
Technical Setbacks
Rarely do I go through a book deadline without a major computer problem. A friend of mine got a computer virus that crashed her system. The virus listed the sender as "Darkman". In John 14:30 Satan is called the prince of this world.
Preoccupation
My own preoccupation with an event or deadline makes me more likely to run out of gas, drop my PDA, or forget to turn off the iron. Satan was an angel who got off track, so his favorite tool is getting us off track with him.
Heaviness of Heart
By far, this is the hardest to pinpoint and the most common, I believe. An overwhelming heaviness for the event's success or feelings of oppression or burden to make you feel like you are carrying the weight of the whole world. You may also wonder if it is really going to work or sense you are battling something evil or pushing a massive boulder uphill. These are the most common attacks among my peers in leadership. (Look at Elijah and Jonah - they wanted to die just because they were spiritually exhausted.)
(From the book Devotionals for Women on the Go)
Questions for Parents
1. Examine your own upbringing. What would you like to imitate and what would you like to avoid?
2. Who takes responsibility for discipline in the family? Do you have an agreed strategy with which you both feel comfortable?
3. Write down 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses for each child. What can you do to affirm them in these areas?
4. When you sit down to discuss a situation can you reflect back on what your partner has said on the subject? How do you need to improve your listening skills?
5. Does your current lifestyle give you adequate family time, in your opinion? In what ways will the new situation be different?
6. Do you actively seek time together alone without the children? What opportunities will there be for this in the new situation?
(From the book Families on the Move)
2. Who takes responsibility for discipline in the family? Do you have an agreed strategy with which you both feel comfortable?
3. Write down 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses for each child. What can you do to affirm them in these areas?
4. When you sit down to discuss a situation can you reflect back on what your partner has said on the subject? How do you need to improve your listening skills?
5. Does your current lifestyle give you adequate family time, in your opinion? In what ways will the new situation be different?
6. Do you actively seek time together alone without the children? What opportunities will there be for this in the new situation?
(From the book Families on the Move)
Problem Solving With In the Family
1. What is the problem we are having?
2. What is the end result we would like to see?
3. What are the possible ways in which we could resolve the problem?
4. What seems to be the best plan we could use?
5. Agree to implement the plan you have devised. Write down exactly what the family does to follow it.
6. Did the plan work? How do you know? Evaluate the outcome.
(From the book Families on the Move)
2. What is the end result we would like to see?
3. What are the possible ways in which we could resolve the problem?
4. What seems to be the best plan we could use?
5. Agree to implement the plan you have devised. Write down exactly what the family does to follow it.
6. Did the plan work? How do you know? Evaluate the outcome.
(From the book Families on the Move)
Listening Do's and Don'ts
Do...
1. set aside other things
2. comfort - take it seriously
3. respond - make the sort of noises that you show you understand
4. watch your face - don't look horrified, even if you feel it
5. inform them of the real state of affairs - especially if they are fearful
6. be positive about the situation
7. watch their behavior - their non-verbal communication
8. check the other side's story before acting
Don't...
1. laugh at them or their fears
2. ignore what they are trying to tell you
3. over-react to what you are told
4. criticize their feelings
5. interrupt them
6. compare them to their siblings
7. say "I'm too busy"
8. embarrass them in front of others
(From the book Families on the Move)
1. set aside other things
2. comfort - take it seriously
3. respond - make the sort of noises that you show you understand
4. watch your face - don't look horrified, even if you feel it
5. inform them of the real state of affairs - especially if they are fearful
6. be positive about the situation
7. watch their behavior - their non-verbal communication
8. check the other side's story before acting
Don't...
1. laugh at them or their fears
2. ignore what they are trying to tell you
3. over-react to what you are told
4. criticize their feelings
5. interrupt them
6. compare them to their siblings
7. say "I'm too busy"
8. embarrass them in front of others
(From the book Families on the Move)
Listening Poem
When I ask you to listen to me
And you start giving advice
You have not done what I asked
When I ask you to listen to me
And you begin to tell me why I shouldn't feel that way
You are trampling on my feelings
I ask you to listen to me
And you feel you have to do something to solve my problems
You have failed me, strange as that may seem
Listen! All I asked was that you listen
Not talk or do -- just hear me
-Anon (from the book Families on the Move)
And you start giving advice
You have not done what I asked
When I ask you to listen to me
And you begin to tell me why I shouldn't feel that way
You are trampling on my feelings
I ask you to listen to me
And you feel you have to do something to solve my problems
You have failed me, strange as that may seem
Listen! All I asked was that you listen
Not talk or do -- just hear me
-Anon (from the book Families on the Move)
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