From AARRRGGHHH to AAAAAAHHHHH

I love my simple life. This is the life I was made for. I am content with simplicity. I wish more people could find their way to this lifestyle.
With the holidays approaching there is an OVERWHELMING amount of advertising everywhere you look, including blogland. Whether it's stuff to buy or things to do, or places to go, ways to serve, there is a plethora of ideas. At first it's exciting to see all the different ways people celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. People are so creative and sometimes even frugal and I think "hey, we should do that!" It's not very long before I feel absolutely overwhelmed and inadequate. I end up confused, feeling like my children are getting the short end of the stick in numerous areas, like I'm not a good Christian or mom because I'm not doing all these neat crafts and projects. My head starts spinning because after a point there is so much information flying around that I have no idea why or how to do the holidays.
And that's when I step out of blogland, away from the homeschool devotionals and hear God speak to me. You see, satan is devious. Remember the prowling lion? He uses Christians to his advantage. He uses our desire to "do" for his glory. We think because there is a Christian title attached that satan couldn't possibly be around. What better time to catch us off guard? He loves for us to be confused and overwhelmed and to feel inadequate. He loves to see us so busy looking for ways to celebrate God, that we don't realize how he's attacking us.
God knows our hearts. We don't have to DO fantastic crafts or projects every day leading up to and during the holidays to please Him. He doesn't want us wrapped up in "doing holiday stuff." He wants us talking to Him and reading His Word and listening to Him. He wants us loving others and telling them about Him. The crafts and projects and other busy stuff may not be bad, but it sure might keep us too busy to concentrate on what really matters, not just at the holidays but every single day of the year--our RELATIONSHIP with Jesus.
I am so thankful that I have time to listen for God to speak to me. I wish more people would step out of the world and into the lifestyle God meant for us. I am truly tired of hearing how busy people are. Don't get fooled into thinking that if it's "Christian" then it must be okay. Too much of anything is not a good thing.
Stop "doing" so much. Listen for God to guide you. Step away from the feeling of AARRRGGGGHHH and into the AAAAAHHHHH of Christ's arms.

ThanksGIVING, Not Taking

I've been struggling with what to write lately. I read other blogs and listen to what people are talking about and then I sit down to write and I just can't.
Daughters and I have been reading about the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. Do you have any idea what it was really like? All these blogs I see have beautiful tables set, too much food planned, and the things they're thankful for.....a far cry from what life was like in 1621. Even in our thankfulness we are unaware of how incredibly blessed and spoiled we are.
I'm going through a time right now that I'm appalled with what people consider underpriveledged. Most of us have absolutely no idea what it means to have nothing, to go without, to want. We think if we don't have the newest gadget or the latest trends in clothes or a fancy coffee drink that we are really suffering. Heaven forbid we live in a house more than 5 years old! We have to have our own car. Teenagers scare me. Not only do they have no idea what it means to want, they aren't being taught what people went through for them to be here and have what they have now. What is that saying...those who don't know the past are doomed to repeat it?
This Thanksgiving day, find out what it was really like to be a Pilgrim and then I dare you to complain that you can't get cell service in certain places, or that there is nothing on that fabulously laid dinner table that you like, or that your master bedroom just isn't big enough for you. Find out how greatful you really should be.
Give Thanks, Take less.

Send The Lion Away Hungry!

It is written: Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1Peter5:8)
Last night I had another dream but this time it wasn't the beauty of the house that I was admiring. I was inside the house looking out the window when I saw a lion. I wasn't the least bit scared because I knew he was outside and I was safe inside, with the doors closed. My girls were with me and were a little nervous until I assured them he couldn't get in a house with closed doors and windows.
The next thing you know, he's in the house! I calmly shooed the girls upstairs and followed behind them so that I was between them and the lion. Just when we felt safe again, there he was, like out of nowhere. We tried to be as quiet as possible and squeezed tightly together--I don't know, maybe trying to be invisible to him? Suddenly he was right behind me and he was licking my back! He never did bite or attack, just licked, like he was getting a taste.
I woke up quoting 1 Peter 5:8--I was a little startled that without even thinking, I was calling out scripture.
I'm no dream interpreter and symbolism is often lost on me, but I definetly spent the day more aware of the dangers of the devil. I know the doors and windows to my spirit are shut, but I realize how sneaky and devious and subtle satan is and we must never be caught unaware. We have an enemy and he is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. I can't shut the doors and windows to my daughters' spirits, that's between them and God. But I can and must protect them while they are in my care. I can do this by being sure that they get a steady diet of God's Word and as little of satan's propaganda as possible.
Are your doors and windows shut? Are you aware of how that lion can find his way in, even when you think you've got everything closed up? Take time to think about ways he could possibly be getting to you, then tell him to forget it! Put on your armor (Ephesians 6:11)and teach your kids to do the same. I'm certain that the reason the lion in my dream licked me and didn't bite or attack is because of the armor. I'm also certain that if I took the time to put it on every day like I should, he never would have been in my dream in the first place. I won't make that mistake again!!
So, we know we have an enemy, acting like a roaring lion. We also know that our protection from him is in Christ. If we stay where we should be--as close to Jesus as possible-- then that lion will have to go away hungry!

My Treasure Is In Heaven

Most of the time I dream about great big, run down houses, or just plain houses. All of my life I have lived in nice houses, but nothing very fancy. I've always had enough, have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I don't envy those with amazingly beautiful homes, because they have given up something in order to have that.
I wrote the other day about God working on me as far as "stuff" goes. It seems that when I do get something new, it quickly ends up not so new, and I'm okay with that. The thing that is most important is that our family is together and we love Jesus. Sure, I'd love a different color on the walls in the living room, the bathroom to be finished, the floor in the dining room to be different, but I'm not willing to give up being home with my girls, teaching them what really matters, in order to have all that. My home will never "look" like the homes on HGTV, but it is warm, safe, comfortable, relaxing and happy.
The other night I had a dream about a house again. I wonder if God gave me the dream because He and I both know that I truly am content with having "enough", though it's not what the world considers enough. This time, the house was absolutely beautiful. It had all my favorite colors, all my favorite things, put together in ways I wouldn't have imagined to do. It was so cozy looking and feeling. It was better than anything I've ever seen on TV or in magazines. It was amazing. It still gives me the warm fuzzies when I think about it.
I woke up so excited thinking about the rooms in my dream. I have become so content with what I have, never imagining or really wanting anything more. I woke up remembering that Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us! This dream was a reminder that He is preparing a place just for me in Heaven with Him for eternity! I've known that since the day I was saved, but this dream made it personal to me. I've always imagined Heaven as a huge sanctuary with everyone worshipping God , singing and laughing--a glorified Gaither special! I never really thought of it as Him preparing a personal place for me.
Have you ever REALLY thought, personally, about Heaven? Would it change the way you do things on earth if you realized that Christ was preparing all that you can't even begin to imagine for you in Heaven? Can you be satisfied with less "stuff" here, take care of what matters eternally--your relationship with Christ--because nothing you have on earth matters except Jesus and love.
Is a picture perfect earthly house really worth your children, when you know that if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, He is preparing a glorious place for you? They say good things come to those who wait.......invest in you and your family's spiritual well-being, be content with less "stuff", build up treasures in Heaven, rather than on earth.

I'll Testify!!!!

I heard a song on the radio today for only the second time, ever. I'm not exactly sure who it's by, but it's called "Somebody Ought to Testify". I am so moved by it. It's full of energy and talks about living for Christ and dying for Christ and the fact that somebody ought to testify about it! It's the kind of song that gets you off your seat and out of any foul mood you might have let yourself sink into. I think it should be a mandatory song on Sunday morning in church to get everyone fired up about worshipping our Creator. I doubt there is one believer who could hear this song and NOT get up and sing along. I would love to see the result of everyone adding it to their morning devotion time!
Here's an idea--unless you already do it, find a song that really moves you and start singing it (out loud) whenever you can! Don't worry about what the people around you will say--we're supposed to be FOOLS for Christ! Don't worry about what you sound like--we're supposed to make a JOYFUL NOISE!
Testify this week about Jesus. Tell somebody what He's doing in your life. Sing out loud about Him. Act like a fool, but make sure it's a fool according to the world. Make a joyful noise, but make sure it's JOYFUL!!!
Somebody ought to testify! Will it be you?

A Statement, A Test

My husband and I were talking recently about things that are important to us. I mean physical items that we have a connection to. I used to get so excited when I got something new, but within a matter of days (sometimes minutes), something bad would happen to it--ripped, stained, scratched, cracked--you name it! I couldn't keep anything nice.
There was a time when I had some real attachments to a few things, I couldn't imagine being without them. I have alot of pieces of furniture that have passed through the family, my dishes were my Grandmother's, I have a collection of pottery (that is no longer made) that a few loved ones have given me over the years. Basically, most of my stuff comes with a history, a story of who had it and how I got it. There was a time when it all meant too much to me.
When I started to notice that everything I got (and I'm not kidding--EVERYthing) ended up not so new within a short amount of time, I decided God was trying to show me something.
So, when hubby and I were talking about our "stuff", I told him that God had been working on me and that I wasn't truly attached to any physical item in our home. Sure, I really care about the things I have, but if I had to give something away or if something happened to any of it--I'd be okay.
Enter 3 year old. God really is funny, if you didn't already know that! Within minutes of that statement to my husband, my 3yo walked in and picked up a special jar that hubby gave me one Christmas filled with my favorite candy. There went the lid, down to the floor--all over the floor. The jar is still in tact, just no lid. He's funny, right? Was that a test to see if I meant what I said?
Enter 7 year old. Yep, I'm not kidding! She likes to fill her own plate for dinner now that she's a big girl. Tonight she's headed back to the table with mommy's pottery collection plate in her hand when somehow it flew right out of her hand, down to the floor--all over the floor! That beautiful plate that can't be replaced.
Unbelievable, right? Never make a statement unless you are ready to be tested! It's not so much that God wants to see if you mean it, He already knows our hearts. He wants us to make sure we know we mean it.
My little girl burst into tears when she saw the pieces of that plate, because she knows how much mommy likes it. Now she knows that mommy loves HER so much more than any silly plate. And I know that I really did mean it when I said I wasn't too attached to any of the "stuff" that I have. Thank you Lord, for showing me a little of my heart.

Eyes That See

Many parents are proud of their children's success and have something tangible to show for it; a ribbon, a plaque, a trophy, certificate, some physical proof of the success.
I may never have a trophy of any sort to show off, but if she never wins any kind of award it doesn't matter to me, because my oldest has something more valuable. She has eyes that see God. I only pray my eyes would see as hers do.
Many weeks ago I began looking for a pair of shoes for myself. I went online and found the pair I wanted, but couldn't bring myself to buy them without trying them on first. A couple weeks later I had the chance to try them on, but didn't have the money to buy them. The next time I got online I found them, knew the size, but just couldn't buy them.....Last week my mom came for our weekly "meeting of the heirs" and handed me a bag and asked if I wanted what was in it. I looked inside and guess what I saw? Almost the exact shoes I had been "not" buying! She wore them once and they didn't fit well and they were mine if I wanted them.
When I told my 7 year old about it she responded with "I see God in that!" I have to say I was more excited over her view of the situation than I was over the shoes. Because they were from my mom, I didn't readily give God all the glory for filling my need--mom's know theses things, right? If the shoes had come from a stranger, I would have been jumping up and down in disbelief and awe of the way God takes care of us.
I thank God that I have a little girl who has learned to watch for and recognize the way our Heavenly Father works. She may never have a trophy that shows that, but I have a very nice, comfortable pair of shoes that will remind me for a long time that she sees Him. They will also remind me to jump up and down in disbelief and awe, no matter who the blessing comes from.

Following Jesus

We just spent a few days with some friends. The kids had playmates close to the same age, moms had playmates of the same mindset and husband who usually can't stand extra noise and confusion in the house was happy as could be. Really, even though there were 5 kids in a house that usually only has 2, there wasn't what I would consider confusion. There was laughter and love and hugs. When there were squabbles over sharing a mommy would step in and guide proper behavior. There was no yelling by the adults at the children to go away, or to be quiet. For a few wonderful days we were a family with the same Father in need of some encouragement and reminding that we are not alone in this life God has called us to.
I'm purposing to smile more, be more vocally thankful for all the He is and does. These last few days had me smiling almost constantly and I am so thankful for the beautiful ways I see Him. I am so thankful that He has given me a friend that knows what things are truly important in this life. I thank God that He has given us both the strength and desire to go against the tide of this society and put our families and His Kingdom as the priorities that He designed them to be. I thank Him for showing me that there are children being raised with love and compassion and consideration, being taught to be respectful, loving, thoughtful. For showing me I'm not alone in my desire to raise my girls, and live life for His Kingdom, above all else.
People say there are many ways to live this life we are given and I agree, but they don't lead to the same place. I've seen women with thousands of dollars worth of wardrobe, hundreds of dollars in makeup, hours of career with children in daycare or at babysitter, living in multi-bedroom, media-room game-room filled homes, children attending best-that-money-can-buy schools, hair never out of place (or grey),maybe they even attend a mega-church in their Sunday best clothes......but I have also seen a woman choose a life that most women would be horrified by, a life that has none of the glory of the things I just mentioned--at least none of the worldly glory. She has chosen to follow Jesus in ways most people wouldn't dream of. While many women are sipping down half-calf-choca-mocha-skim-holdthecream-latte-whatever on their way to where ever they drop their kids on their way to their career that gives their life meaning......I know at least one woman who has chosen to spend time on her knees....
I often wonder what it would have been like to watch Jesus wash his disciples' feet. I think I saw a glimpse of it when I watched my friend washing out her baby's diaper, on her knees, in the toilet. Now that's following the heart of Jesus.

A Little Sleep

I long to be one of those people that rise early in the morning and settle in with their bible and have quality time with God. I make all sorts of excuses why I can't. I will say that I have tried to do it, but I will also say that I haven't tried very hard, or for very long.
This past week I have heard God asking me to try it again. I've seen it in my devotions, I've seen it in His Word, I've heard Him whispering "come on, you can do it, do it for Me."
I fight against His wooing. I like snuggling up in the flannel sheets, listening to the peace around me. I thought I could pray while I lay cozy in my bed, but I end up falling asleep! I've made excuses for too long. His Word warns us about loving sleep and what happens to those who love it. Proverbs 6:10-11 says that sleep leads to poverty. I believe that doesn't just mean financially, but spiritually also.
When you put something above or before The Almighty One, isn't that thing considered an idol? Remember what we're to do with idols? Throw it away like an old menstrual cloth! If I equate sleeping too much with that, I bet I can get out of bed tomorrow morning!! Not to mention the scripture that reminds us that we can do all things through Christ.
Well, here I am again trying to do something in my own strength when I should be relying on the strength of Christ. His Word is LOADED with help for us, if we would just be quick to go to Him, instead of making excuses or trying to do it for ourselves.
If it is His desire to meet with me in the early hours, He will give me the desire and strength to do it. Last night a little friend of mine came walking briskly toward me with a huge smile on his face and his arms wide open inviting me to pick him up and accept the love he wanted to give me....what if I looked forward to my early mornings with my Lord like that?