The Right Counselor

When you're confused, mad, excited, disgusted, pleased, happy, scared, who do you go to? Do you go to your spouse? Parent? Best friend? Brother or sister? Professional counselor?
When you have a problem, who do you take it to? One of the people I just mentioned? How about the Holy Spirit?
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth." (John 14:16) Jesus said counselor. Another word for counselor is advisor. One definition of an advisor is "a teacher who advises students in academic and personal matters".
If we are believers in Jesus Christ, we are given our own, personal counselor to help us through life. It's the Holy Spirit. He is the first one we should run to when we have something to tell. He is the one who truly has our best interest at heart.
Now I'm not suggesting you should never talk to anyone else, or that you never need a professional. I am suggesting that we need to spend more time with the Holy Spirit. There would probably be less need of a professional. There would definitely be less gossip and slander.
John 14:26 says: But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
He said ALL things. He said EVERYTHING. All we need to do is read the Bible, get into a relationship with Him, and learn to listen to Him. If you're too busy to read, talk and listen to God, then you better check your priorities!

First Means Last

It continues to amaze me how differently the world thinks, compared to what God's word says.
The world's idea of how to be first is directly opposite of what Jesus says. He says "if anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." (Mark 9:35)
My oldest daughter is learning this lesson recently. Her desire to be first has become a real issue around here, so what do we do? Go to God's word. It won't change her heart condition if I tell her things like, "don't push, wait your turn, let her go , slow down, etc". What will change her heart condition is learning what Jesus says about her behavior. Top that off with some good old prayer and your bound to have a changed heart! I can already see a difference in her.
If Jesus tells us the way to be first is to serve others, that's what we should believe. He is the one who has true control over our future. Don't let society tell you otherwise. Satan rules society and wants nothing more than for God's children to fall.
"And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck." (Mark 9:42) Jesus makes it clear in that scripture that you don't want to be responsible for making another believer sin.
Read your Bible; you need to know what God expects of you! Satan's laws are running rampant out there and it's time God's laws were better known.

Instructions Mandatory

It scares me how few people must actually read their Bibles. I know that alot of people don't read it because they believe that if a person is good, they'll go to heaven. I guess, to alot of people, the Bible is like any other book of instructions--not worth reading. How many people actually read the instructions when they get something new? They're sure they can figure it out on their own. I get laughed at because I am a reader. I read everything. But guess what? When I read the directions before I start something--it goes quite well! Who's laughing now?
Back to our life instructions. If we read our Bible, then we know that good people don't automatically go to heaven. If you don't believe me, read your instruction manuel. You'll find it in Acts 16:31--"...Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved..." Also in John 14:6--Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." It doesn't matter how GOOD you are, how much money you donate, how many good deeds you do, how generous you are, if you don't believe in Jesus Christ you are not going to heaven!
We got out our books for devotions this morning and my daughter grabbed her Bible, looked up the scripture we needed and with a big smile on her face, exclaimed "Oh goody, I get to read what Jesus said!" ( His words were in red. ) It's all in the attitude. When you love someone, you want to learn all you can about them. When you love someone, you want the best for them.
I love my daughters and I want them to know The Truth. They love Jesus and are eager to learn about Him. The only thing that really matters in this life is to know the Creator. You owe it to yourself and your family to read the instructions our Heavenly Father provided for us.

Your Purpose

The girls and I do devotions after breakfast each morning. My mother-in-law gave us a wonderful book called The Wonder Devotional Book--Daily Adventures With God. I love it and recommend it for everybody--not just kids. This book deals with God on a level that ANYone can understand and "get".
One morning's devotion was "Why did God create people?" For this simple reason: to love Him and praise Him.
The purpose God created us for is what my family strives for in all things-to love and praise the Lord of our lives. Every decision we make boils down to whether it will show love and praise to Him. We don't always succeed, but that is our aim.
In this day and age, people think it's not possible, or reasonable, to put God at the center of everything you do. God is the only reason we exist, so how could you put anything else at the center of your life? Because of "this day and age", why wouldn't you run to the One who can help you? No one and No thing can do anything for your eternal good. If you choose to follow after the things of the world and neglect the Creator of all things you may be successful in the world's eyes, but the end of that road is far from success. Our purpose is to love and praise God. We will live eternally with Him as reward for following Him. The reward for following our own selfish desires is the pit of hell. Hmmm....that should be a no-brainer!

What Really Matters

Two years ago I talked to the principal at the public elementary school. She had homeschooled her children for a time when they were small. She decided to enroll them in public school when her daughter was excited to change the bedsheets. She decided her children needed something more.
This morning my daughters are washing their dolls' clothes and hanging them on the line to dry. They are working together and using their servant hearts. I couldn't be happier!
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace (1Cor 14:33). When your kids are doing their chores with joy in their hearts--that's God!! If they are complaining and arguing about it, that's the enemy. It is not "normal", and definitely shouldn't be accepted, when children complain about their duties. The Bible also tells us to "do all things without arguing and complaining" (Phil 2:14). The world likes to say "kids will be kids". If you read God's Word, He has alot to say about character--and none of it looks like what the world promotes as acceptable.
You would be surprised what small children are capable and eager to do, if given the opportunity. Quit something that has no eternal value and spend some time teaching your children things that matter in God's eyes. You won't be sorry.

More or Less

Ahhh modesty. Some women have it, some women don't.
We arrived at church the same time as another woman and as we exited the car, my three year old calls out "she doesn't have any pants on!!"
Hmmm...if a 3 yo thinks you don't have enough clothes on, you probably don't.
Later during prayer time a little girl shot up the aisle. Her mom gave chase, bent down to swoop her up and my husband got more than he expected!
Please ladies, especially if you have small children, practice a few moves before you leave the house! Bend over to pick up your child. If your chest hangs out, or your other end hangs out--probably not an appropriate outfit.
The bible tells us to be careful not to cause another to sin.
Matther 5:28 says "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Maybe you can't stop men from looking, but you can control how much they have to look at! Don't tempt them by letting it all hang out. More cloth, less skin!

It Ain't Burger King!

Last night we had our weekly meeting of the heirs. (my parents came to dinner) They received an email from a leader in the local church conference. He had forwarded an article about baby boomers and church. It basically suggested that if baby boomers could do their own thing and believe whatever they want, they'd be more likely to come to church. The leader who sent it said it was "spot on" with what he has heard from boomers he has talked to.
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23) That quote, from Jesus, makes it pretty clear to me--it's not about you. DENY YOURSELF.
The article talked about boomers wanting to be revolutionaries, and if churches would not be closed-minded to there only being one way, boomers would come.
"Jesus answered, I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Luke 14:6)
Have you ever read your Bible?! It's not MY way, it's THY way. There is only one way, His word makes it perfectly clear. That's why He gave us His Word--so we could read it and not be fooled by false teachers! The book of Luke, in particlular, is loaded with Jesus' words about it. He makes it perfectly clear that you don't get it how you want it like we are all so used to. No wonder people have a problem with Jesus, they can't have it their way.

Selfish or Selfless?

The book I'm reading talks about humility being the answer to many relational problems. The opposite character trait is pride. What does pride boil down to? Selfishness.
Today, as the girls are playing, there is alot of selfishness. Instead of telling them to "be nice" or "stop being mean", I'm teaching them about humility. When we show humility, we consider someone else more important than ourselves. We don't make all the decisions, we let the other person choose. We let others go before us. We don't tease in a hurtful way. I'm sure you get the idea.
People have concerns that if you don't send a child off to school, they won't learn to share. Do you think one teacher can effectively teach 20 or so small children about humility? They may learn to share, but are they developing humility as a character trait? Behavior versus heart. I could send my children to school and maybe they would learn to "act" a certain way, but God wants them to "be" a certain way. The only way that is really going to happen is if I put them before myself and teach them the ways of God. They certainly aren't going to learn that in a building that won't allow the Creator of all things inside the door!
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6)
I'm claiming that promise. Only when I go against what the world tells me, and I do what God tells me, will I have any chance of claiming that promise.
If parents would pray for humility their lives would change drastically and so would the lives of their children. It comes down to a choice--follow the world (selfish) or follow God (selfless)?

Useful Tears

I have been blessed with an empathetic heart. Sometimes it feels more like a curse, but when I feel that way God reminds me of His many promises. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says "Be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."
NOTHING you do for the Lord is ever useless. That means EVERYTHING you do for the Lord is useful. That includes crying out on someone else's behalf. My empathetic heart is never useless!
Satan would have me believe otherwise. People tease me about the tears that come rather easily. Sometimes I feel self-conscious about them. Satan wants me to believe that if they come so easily then I must just be a sap. But I know the truth. I have learned to take every thought captive and make it obedient to the word of God. The word of God tells me that nothing I do for him is useless!! So the devil loses that battle! And the woman with the sick child that I was crying out for wins.
She still has a sick child, but she has the prayers and tears of someone she doesn't even know exists. She is travelling a miserably difficult road and my empathetic heart has taken on her cause with intercessory prayer. I don't let satan make me question the heart-wrenching sobs--this mother needs anything I can give her. I believe it when God tells me nothing I do for Him is useless. I also believe there is a mother out there who is counting on that.

The affect of a Blue Sucker

It's not easy living the life God desires. Worth it? Absolutely. Difficult? Absolutely! Thankfully I know that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

It's imperative that I start every morning with that scripture in order to survive this life He has called me to. My human-ness would have me give it up. My love for Christ and the eternal destiny of my daughters' souls keeps me going.

Colossians 3:16&17 says--Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Now, I take that quite seriously--"WHATEVER you do.....do it ALL"!!! That is a big order to fill. Not just some stuff that you do, ALL that you do. Actually, that's the easy part....until you add the world. The world tells us the exact opposite of what God's word tells us. So, you have a choice. You either obey God or you obey the world (satan). My husband and I choose to obey God and the most difficult part is that most people choose to obey the world (satan). We can't lock ourselves in our home and never come out, and so the choices of the people who don't obey God affect our family. Even some people who claim to belong to God fall victim to the world and make choices that aren't obedient to God's word.

I can't make people obey God. I can't make people understand they are being disobedient. I just pray that eyes would be opened and hearts would desire God's will. It's really not that hard to obey God. The hard part is the influence of the people who are not being obedient to God's word. I am raising my girls to be obedient to Christ. My calling would be less difficult if more people would join me. I dare you to take a stand against the world, and for Christ.
Copy Colossians 3:16&17 on an index card and post it where you'll see it often. Choose to obey Him in ALL things. Don't compromise a bit--have you ever eaten a blue sucker? Everybody can see that you ate something blue. The same is true of ALL the things you do and say---they show the world what you've been doing! Make sure you're showing them God.

"How I See Is How I Grow"

Garbage in, garbage out. We've all heard that, right? Scripturally it can be said this way: "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness." (Matthew 6:22,23)
That means whatever you read, listen to, watch, play, --whatever you "put in" is what you'll get out. Someone I know says "how I see is how I grow". That means perspective, too.
Besides the fact that what you sow is what you reap; the things and people you spend your time with are what make the person that you are. You know-the company you keep?
Okay, I guess I got that point across. What troubles me is that we all have heard almost all of the things I just said and still don't "get" it. We think if we have more money we'll be happy. We think if we have the body we want, we'll be happy. We think if we have a fancy house, new car, better job......But guess what? Where are you looking for approval? The magazines? Your best friend? Your parents? The neighbor? (keeping up with the Joneses)
We are made in God's image. If you are unhappy with the way you look---stop reading the garbage that says you aren't good enough! It's really that simple. God says we are made in His image--are you really going to let some magazine or diet program or T.V. show tell you anything different?
"How I see is how I grow." If we look in the places God wants us to look, then we will suffer so much less. How it must pain Him to watch His children struggle with so much because that rotten satan tricks us. You know where to find the truth, stop looking to society (satan) for your worth. Instead of looking at those magazines when your waiting in line at the store, look around and find someone to pray for. Remember you have a royal privelege and you have God's power---use it for good!

Who's Opinion Matters to You?

I told a friend lately that people were going to start thinking I was a freak. I've been living out loud for the Lord, more so than I used to. She was glad that I was going first--it makes it easier for others to follow. I was glad for the support--it makes it easier to keep going.
I have loved Jesus for a long time but it's just been the last 2 years or so that I have allowed the Holy Spirit to truly rule my life. I joke that I was a "closet Christian" depending on who's company I was in. Some people bring out the Holy Spirit and some people smother the Holy Spirit. Now, the Holy Spirit can't be smothered unless we let Him be smothered. We are told by society not to offend anyone--smother. We are told by friends and family "that's great for you but don't shove it down my throat"--smother.
I have made all my decisions in the past year according to God's will for my life. I was afraid to give Him the credit when I talked to some people--I didn't want them to think I was weird, and I also didn't want to come off as "holier than thou". He has made me braver everyday and now I am completely "out of the closet" for Christ! He has rewarded me with a sense of peace and some truly God-given relationships.
I have found that the only opinion that really matters, in this life and eternally, is the opinion of God. Do I care if I seem strange to others? Only because I don't want to give God a bad name. If I seem strange to them because I'm following God's will then I don't mind. That's why I refer to the scriptures and prayer before I do anything. That includes the music I listen to, the programs on T.V. I watch, the groups I get involved with, the places I go, the things I purchase, the things I allow in my home. God's opinion matters most to me. "The one thing I ask of the Lord--the thing I seek most--is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life" (Psalm 27:4)

Your "Royal Privelege"

I have a book called His Princess, Love Letters from Your King by Sheri Rose Shepherd. I love it and highly recommend it. The letter I read today is addressed to "My powerful princess".
I've read it several times and I'm still awed when I read those words--my powerful princess. (We are princes and princesses if we've accepted Jesus Christ, King of Kings, as our personal savior.)
So, what are we to do with the power that has been given to us? "Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit." (Ephesians 6:18) Shepherd reminds us to be watchful of opportunities to pray--something that God starting showing me when my first daughter came along. Prayer is not just for Sunday morning, before meals, or during a crisis. It's our "royal privelege" to pray without ceasing.
Today, as the girls and I were on our way to town for groceries, we followed a "wide load" for quite a distance. Someone, somewhere is getting a new home today. There was a lead car with lights and sign, truck and trailer hauling the house, & follow car with lights and sign. What does that have to do with Ephesians 6:18? Have you ever followed the scene I just described? Just a little nerve-wracking I must say! There is no room for error when making turns or going downhill with guardrails on one side and traffic on the other!! What could we do but watch the scene ahead of us? Pray! We prayed for the drivers of all the vehicles involved. We prayed for the setting of the house when it did arrive. We prayed for the family receiving their new home.
And we thanked God that He has opened our eyes to see the things we might overlook.
If we want to make the most of our words (remember we'll be held accountable for every careless word!) then we need to train ourselves and ask God to help us to "pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit". You have the power already. Are you using it?

Careless Words

I cringe when I hear some of the things that come out of my girls' mouths. They can be so hurtful and callous. I cringe worse when I realize that what I just heard has no doubt come out of my own mouth at some point. There's that training I was talking about. Even when we don't intentionally teach them something, we are always modeling for them.
Just when I'm letting the lies in my head--the ones that say I'm a bad mom, my husband comes along and reports on something cute he's seen. This time it's that the oldest is sitting with her baby doll in her lap, little sister beside her, reading bedtime stories. OOOh, how sweet. I stop myself from checking out the scene because I'll interrupt quality sister time. This time I'm proud of the modeling.
The bible says "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:36) So, knowing what scripture says, and seeing my words in action through my girls, I pray. I have this scripture written on a note card taped to my kitchen cupboard door so that it reminds me. When I get tired or frustrated, it's right in front of my face. It reminds me that not only will my girls reap the words I sew, I will reap the words I've spoken on judgment day. Good, or bad, I will have to answer for EVERY careless word I've spoken!!! Can you imagine?! Does that make you stop and think? Your words can either acquit you, or condemn you.
A simply sacred lifestyle promotes an environment where sewing positive words reaps positive results. We are nowhere near perfect (only Jesus is) but, I have found that when the focus is on being Christ-like, the sewing is Christ-like. You will not condemn yourself if your words are Christ-like!

Bible Thumping Jesus Freak

My brother was teasing me after reading my first post. He said it sounded like a bible thumping Jesus freak wrote it. I laughed and thanked him and remembered how I used to think that was about the worst thing you could be called.
"You do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." (John 15:19)
This scripture has been in my mind and heart lately. It sounds so extreme--the world hates you. I don't feel hated, but I know that some people definitely don't understand some of the choices I make. Do they hate me? I don't think so. Do they feel defensive? Maybe. Do they feel convicted? I hope so.
Today was one of those days that I was thankful for the calling God has put on me. It was tough--LOTS of bickering between the girls, antagonizing, selfishness. Why was I so thankful for a day full of that? Because God has enabled me to be in a position that we (God & me) could drop everything and deal with the heart issues going on in our home.
Did we run to the playground or throw in a movie? No. Did we get busy so we were too distracted to fight? No. We went to God. We got in the scriptures. We talked about the importance of getting to the heart of the issue. Too many moms have told me lately that they have to be busy because it keeps the peace between the children. This is where I'll end up being hated---that is the easy way out! The only reasons it is normal for kids to treat each other poorly is because 1. we are sinners and it comes naturally. 2. we allow it and don't want to deal with it.
It IS hard to deal with, but there is a trick---DIE TO SELF!!!! I don't always want to drop what I am doing but in the long run it will be well worth it. The bible says to train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. The definition of train is--to make proficient with specialized instruction and practice. That means you have to put some effort into it. You have to die to self to properly train your children. They can't just fit in to your plan. The busier you are the less training you can do---for God, that is. If your answer to bad behavior and treatment of each other is to stay busy, then you are training your children to be satan's little soldiers. Kids will be trained one way or another, by someone--who do you want to have the biggest influence on your kids?
".... As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

Cell phone vs. Bible

I read a little story once about what would happen if people treated their Bibles like their cell phones. I don't have a cell phone, but that day I put a small Bible in my purse and carry it with me everywhere. I find I refer to it more and more often and so I'm thrilled that it's so close by at all times. We are incredibly blessed and spoiled because we have numerous Bibles in our house. Some people are probably annoyed because no matter where you are--kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom--there is a Bible! (Kinda like some people I know with their cell phones :-) )
Anyway, scripture says--"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life" (Proverbs 4:13) Need I say more? I like to take things literally--The Bible is my instruction manual from God. I guard it well and it IS my life.
I've said before that I go to my expert for wisdom and answers. When I can't make a decision I know it's because I haven't gone to my cell phone---I mean Bible (haha).
I wish I would see more people on the sidewalk reading their Bible, rather than talking on the phone. No one gets a strange look for being on the phone, but I bet if you were reading your Bible you'd get some funny looks. How sad.
My life, as I said before, is simply sacred. I do the things God calls me to do. I don't do the things God doesn't call me to do. How do I know if He's called me to something? He's IN it!! If He's not a part of it--neither am I. Just recently I gave up something that was taking too much of my time and energy in a direction that wasn't bringing the Lord into the lives of the people involved. It's not a "bad" organization, it even names God in it's promise. The problem is, it has become something used by satan to keep people BUSY!!! Satan is the deceiver. He will use whatever he can to further his own kingdom and he loves to keep people busy and preoccupied. The busier you are, the less time you're spending with God. And so, I can't stress enough, the importance of living a simply sacred life. Who cares what the world thinks of you?!
I dare you to drop the cell phone, pick up a Bible and "...do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life." Don't let satan deceive you into busy-ness!

"...Do no consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
See, I mentioned before that the Good Book has an answer for everything, didn't I? If you use the old excuse "I didn't bring any clothes to wear to church"----BALONY!!!! That's just an excuse to avoid dealing with yourself and you need to admit it. God just said He's not looking at your clothes--so guess what? We shouldn't be looking at each other's outward appearance, either. Jesus died while we were still sinners! When you're sick and dying you don't get showered and put on fancy clothes before you call the ambulance, right?
I used to use that excuse, too. That's how I know it's just an excuse to avoid dealing with the sin in your life. When I finally let God in my head AND my heart, I realized it didn't matter what the outside looked like. For one thing, scripture makes that clear. Secondly, when your eyes are on Christ and you are living for him authentically, you aren't looking around at other people and judging them. It's truly amazing how liberating it is to take your eyes off of yourself and everyone else and turn them upon the simply sacred things.
It's also amazingly frustrating when you know people that are so blind to the truth. But, He has an answer for that, too. I like Proverbs 19:21---"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." I remind myself of this constantly.

On My Own

Today was a day that I should have turned to the scriptures first thing, but being human, I decided to try it on my own. Did I hear a snicker? Tonight I finally let God in to remind me that "We demolish arguments and every pretense that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2Corinthians 10:5)
EVERY thought. Not just brush aside negative thoughts, but DEMOLISH them! If I had held on to this scripture all day, I would not have taken the emotional roller coaster ride that I put myself on. (Then again I would not have had the productive incident with hubby, either!)
I found myself questioning God's wisdom. Yep. And it's lightening right now--hope I don't get struck :-) But really, I was having a hard time with a few of God's moves. A really hard time. I still don't "get" or even agree with these particular choices on His part. I know, who do I think I am? I have alot of nerve, don't I?
All I have to say at a time like this, is thank God. Thank God that He knew we would doubt and question and be pained over some of His doings. Thank God that He made promises to us so when we are in doubt we can be reminded of His goodness, love, faithfulness, control--in all things. Romans 8:28 says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
I am counting on that. And I am taking EVERY thought captive. And I am praying to Him that I don't forget that He is right here with me, waiting for me to trust him in EVERYTHING and with everyone.

Sin.
Webster's dictionary defines it as: A transgression of a religious or moral law, especially when deliberate.
So, I guess a person could argue that if you aren't "religious" , then you don't sin. And these days there are no set morals, so who's to say if you've sinned?
The Bible says "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". It also says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
So, the nonbelievers in the world have an excuse (so they think) for their behavior.
My concern for right now, is the believer. I am in awe of the power some proclaimed believers give our enemy. When a person can boldly sin and think nothing of it, God's heart must break.
Think of it this way---You take a loved one out to eat, you both know he/she is deathly allergic to shrimp. Are you going to go to a seafood restaurant?
God has clearly told us in His Word what sin is (Deuteronomy 5:7-21). Did you know that God doesn't see sin on a verical scale with one sin being worse than another? The world has done that. Society puts murder above stealing. God says it's all the same to Him--UGLY.
My question is, if you truly love the Lord with all your heart and soul and strength then WHY would you deliberately disobey Him? You are honoring Satan above your Savior when you choose to sin.
I love the words simply sacred. If your desire is to give everything you possibly can to thank and honor The One who created you, get rid of all the garbage that pulls you away from Him and keep your life simply sacred. (which according to Webster's is plainly or foolishly dedicated to or set apart for the worship of a deity)
Don't let satan get a grip on you. There is a song we love to sing in our house--"be careful little eyes what you see, there's alot of bad things on your T.V. be careful little ears what you hear, turn the channel if you think the devil is near"
How much better would our lives and our testimonies be if we did that. There is a lot of temptation to sin in the world. There is no temptation in the simply sacred things.

Lighten Your Load

My 3yo wanted to do her own laundry today. She brought her basket of dirty clothes down and filled the washer. I looked in and hesitated for a minute. There were not many clothes in there, and being so small they didn't take up much space. My mind went to what a waste of water, soap, wear and tear on the washer--for such a small load. I decided to let her continue--she was so excited and felt so helpful. When the washer was done, I helped her transfer the load to the dryer. When the dryer stopped, the clothes were dry!
Why am I so surprised? Because normally when the dryer stops, I reach in, feel that the load is still damp, and start the dryer again. Now I know why! The load is normally too big!
Just like the laundry, God shows me He can work better on me when my load is lighter. He has led me to live (and love) a life of simplicity. How much clearer I can hear Him. How much better I can obey Him. My life is not full of the things the world thinks I should be doing. I have time and energy to read my bible. I have time and energy to help my toddler do laundry. I have time and energy to tell the story of Lazarus to my girls on the trampoline (something I definitely recommend doing!!) And God can find me and speak to me. There is not a bunch of "stuff" cluttering up my mind and taking up my time.
Here's a suggestion for lightening your load: 1. Read the story of Lazarus in John 11:1-44. 2. Find a trampoline and pile on it with your kids. 3. Have the kids lay on the trampoline while you bounce gently and tell the story. 4. When you get to the part where Jesus says "Lazarus, come out" bounce really hard so your kids end up on there feet!
Romans 8:5 says "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." My experience has been that when you look to what the Lord wants for your life, your load is lightened and everything becomes simply sacred.

I read an article the other day about lying to your children. Turns out many "experts" actually recommend lying to them! I was a little disturbed, to say the least. I got on my soapbox to my husband and my mom about how disgusted I was with Dr.s and experts encouraging moms to lie or fib to their kids. They say especially if the truth could be hurtful to the child. Well, I spouted off plenty! Then this morning I was tested.
I woke up to find my oldest daugter's cat dead. It was a shocking sight. Immediately the article ran through my head! This is a perfect situation, in the experts opinions, to lie!! How hurtful the truth would be to her!! But if I say I don't know where Binky is, she will keep looking for him. Do you know what I did? I went to MY expert. My expert is God's word. Did you know he has the answer for EVERYthing? Even dead kittens? I began to pray, I even called grandma to pray. God really did give me the words to say. Scripture says all things work for good for those who love the Lord. I reminded my sweet girl of His words. He uses things like this as lessons for us.
We both learned lessons today. Her friend recently lost her daddy. While losing a kitty is a far cry from losing a parent, there is a love and understanding on a smaller scale. Today my little girl learned a lesson in compassion. We both learned that God is good, ALL the time.
What makes this fit into the category of simply sacred? If we would quit listening to the world and all the different experts with all their opinions and simply turn to the true source of wisdom and love---God and His word. What could be more simply sacred than that?

Just say YES!!!

For several weeks my mom has been encouraging me to blog. I ignored her. I felt God whispering---yes, try it. I ignored Him. Well, have you ever tried to ignore God for very long? He doesn't give up easily and definitely doesn't like to be ignored. So.....I said YES and here I am.

I feel my time is better spent away from the computer, but my sole purpose in life is to please God and if this is the way to do it, I will obey. I actually ended up at this very point, starting a blog because of my friend at HomespunHappiness and her comments about our President suggesting moms go back to school. She is horrified at the thought and I 100% agree with her.
I have no argument with education, my argument is with the idea that children belong in daycare and women belong at work or furthering their education. God did not design us to desire the things of the world, but to love Him completely. If He has called you to work or to school then you obey. If He has called you to raise children and love your family--you obey. As for me, I love this scripture--"...but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires" Romans 8:5 .
And so I obey, and just say YES. Yes to whatever the Holy Spirit guides me to do, and ultimately that is what makes life simply sacred.