Hang In There

Yesterday was a busy, rushed, chaotic day for me, but all was done that needed to get done plus some. I thank God for seeing me through the day. I even had time to stop by first-born's baseball game on the way home from my half of a half of a part-time job (smile). I know I abused my body yesterday because I didn't take time to eat properly. I started with a bowl of oatmeal, but it was down hill after that. I didn't drink enough water nor did I exercise, HOWEVER, today is a new day. I've already completed my exercise, taken my soy drink, and I'm mentally ready for the day. Yes, we will have days when we are so busy we mistreat ourselves physically, but we must get back on track. Hang in there and remember to properly take care of others, we must take care of ourselves FIRST.

My Provider

I was observing the ridiculous gas prices on my way home yesterday and wondered just how high the prices would increase. The summer months always require more traveling and with another out of town trip coming up soon, I began adding the cost of the trip in my head. While doing the math, I had a few unsettling thoughts. When gas was two or three dollars a gallon, filling my tank wasn’t a problem. If God kept my tank full when gas was less expensive, wouldn’t He continue regardless of the price? Did I think I had things under control when gas was cheaper? Do I depend on God more because of rising costs? Have I put a price tag on God’s faithfulness? Good grief; it’s gas – not air! Oh LaVender of little faith – get over it! Instead of listening to the discouraging news and wondering how far I can go on a quarter tank of gas, I need to remind myself of the God I serve. God owns everything and He is my provider! My blessings are running over and my gas tank is not excluded! God is my sufficiency regardless of the economy.

My sons pump the gas for me, so whether I tell them five dollars or fifty dollars, they need to know their Mother’s faith does not fluctuate with gas prices. They need to be assured that God is our sufficiency today and everyday. So what, we have a changing economy. God is still God and we can hold on to His unchanging hand. As Mothers, let’s help the next generation develop an unwavering faith and not a worrying spirit. Jehovah Jireh – my Provider!

Matthew 6:25,26 (NIV)
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Customer Service

Today is a day off from my half of a half, part-time job (smile). It doesn't feel like a day off because hubby has given me a list of things to do. I thought the honey-do list was for the man of the house. Oh well, he kindly said, "If you have time and if you feel like it, will you...." Not only do I NOT want to make time, but I NEVER feel like it, however, I'll do what he has requested me to do. I provide customer service on the job, therefore, I definitely need to provide even better customer service to my husband. Customer service - 100% Customer Service should begin at home. Honey, how may I help you today?

A Commitment

I've had some full, tiring, peri-menopausal days this week, however, my connection to Jesus has not suffered. It's funny how I spend more time with Him when I'm feeling bad. I call on Him more and I definitely pray more. I was thinking of King David and his commitment to pray three times a day. Although this was David's custom, he was committed to going before the Lord and not allowing anything to get in the way of his prayer time. I've recently made a commitment to study the Word more. Not just read the Word, but study the Word. The Word is our weapon and life will definitely keep us away from it. I've already noticed the benefits of my new commitment. My days are full and tiring, yet my connection to Jesus is growing stronger. It's an awesome feeling striving to be committed to the spiritual matters of this world. We can work and work and strive to achieve in life, yet the only thing that matters and is everlasting is our relationship with Him.

Mistreated Child

Last Friday, while sitting in the car waiting for my son’s baseball game to start, I watched people come and go from the baseball field. One particular woman came out of the park extremely angry, hurriedly walking, and yelling, “They aren’t treating him fairly! They aren’t treating him fairly!” She was so emotional; I felt sorry for her. I assumed she was a Mother speaking of her son's treatment during a game. Any Mother would be livid to discover her child being mistreated. I felt her pain as I imagined one of my own being mistreated. I might as well admit it; this Mama would probably be ready to fight. It doesn’t matter what the situation is, a Mother is always ready to protect her child and when our children are out of our sight, we pray someone else will protect them. I’ve been thinking about this enraged Mother all weekend except I’ve replaced her face with an image of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. I see Mary hysterically crying, walking from person to person, and yelling, “They aren’t treating him fairly! They aren’t treating him fairly!” I can only imagine what it would feel like to know my child has lovingly done something for someone only to be taken advantage of and mistreated. I would never intentionally hurt another Mother’s child, but I have – more than once. There really isn’t an excuse or justification. It doesn’t matter the age of the child or the circumstances. Jesus is our Heavenly Father, but He is also someone’s child. So, what do I do with this sad image I can’t seem to shake? Well, I am definitely checking my actions towards someone I say I love. My relationship with Jesus must not be one-sided. Just as He has been everything to me, I must strive to be everything to Him. Just as He is available to me, I must be available to Him. Let's not be guilty of mistreating Mary’s child.

John 14:15 (NKJV)
“If you love Me, keep My commandments."
perfect peace,

Readiness

My Bible devotion this morning was on readiness. It spoke of being ready when God calls and how much time some of us waste getting ready when we aren't prepared for His call. I looked at this in regards to my day and the upcoming weekend. Am I ready for what is in store? Am I ready for possible change of plans? Can I be flexible? The only way I know to get ready is to cover my family in prayer. Asking for God's protection as we go about our business will help me know that whatever happens, I'm ready because each person has been covered and my mind is in the right place - focused on Him. So, whatever God has planned for us; I'm in spiritual position. Are you in position for the day? For the weekend? Cover each member of your family in prayer and stay in tune to the Holy Spirit. Keep your focus on God and when life happens...you're ready.

Don't Slip!

I'm considering entering the contest advertised by CWO to write an essay on how your mother reflected the heart of God in her life. I began to wonder if my own children would be able to write this same essay about me. You know, it's not easy being a Godly Mother and maintaining your sanity, peace of mind, and self control. I'm a strict Mother, yet at the same time, I want my children to enjoy their childhood. It's important to me for my children to know their Mama means business. First-born recently told me I would soon begin to slip in my strict Mothering style. Ha! I've got news for him. This Mama works directly for Jesus and I have to report to Him daily in regards to His children. Son, you've got the wrong Mama. This Mama won't slip - not on purpose anyway (smile).

A Garden of Love

After a few years of wanting my own garden, the boys and I finally planted one last Friday. I had no idea how much hard work was involved in digging up the ground and preparing the soil. To tell you the truth, I had no idea what I was doing, but we saw the project to the end. It’s a small garden and is hardly professional looking, but we are so proud of it. We started the process by planting various seeds in flower pots and once they began sprouting, we carefully transferred them into the ground. Our germination study turned into a budding creation and it’s a great feeling of accomplishment. The garden is visible from my bedroom window, so I’m constantly checking on it and admiring it. This morning, I found myself thinking of ways to protect the garden from squirrels and insects. I love my new garden and I want it to thrive! I wonder if God feels this way about His creations. I wonder if He looks upon me with admiration. I know He wants me to flourish and prosper. God’s love far exceeds the love I have for my new garden. His love is inconceivable – mind blowing. He admires and loves His children so much that He gave His only son to die for us. He constantly showers us with blessings and covers us in His grace. His love is unconditional and there is no greater love. He not only loves us, He is committed to nurturing and protecting us. He continually watches over us. He loves us regardless of what we look like. He loves us just because He created us! The love and devotion I have for my garden allowed me to appreciate God’s love in a different way. Although I will never be able to fully comprehend His love, Jesus loves me this I know.

Ephesians 3:19 (NKJV)
...that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Where Did It Go?

My goodness! It's Friday already! Where in the world did the week go? Work, homeschool, baseball games and practices, cake baking, writing, helpmating (smile). The list can go on and on, yet I thank God for the ability to do all I need to do. They say (who is they?) time flies when you're having fun. Well, time is zooming by for me, so I guess I'm having a ball living life. I might as well enjoy my life and all the ups and the downs that come with it because this is it. This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it!

I Have a Choice

There is never a dull moment living for Jesus. Even with rising food and gas prices, the seemingly never-ending war going on, our current political arena, and whatever is thrown in my personal life, it’s exciting to watch God work in and around me. This morning, however, I had a ‘here we go again’ attitude. There was no excitement about starting this new day. Another Monday, another work week, more battles to pick, more people and stuff to deal with. I had a wonderful weekend, so where in the world did this foul attitude come from? Thank God for the Holy Spirit because I was ushered into the presence of God and reminded of the enemy’s job to kill, steal, and destroy everything – including my mind. I immediately changed my trashy thoughts by spending time in prayer and meditating on the goodness of God. To think of my salvation alone brings me joy! To look around my home and recognize I have more than just shelter is a blessing! To wake up and have the ability to think coherently and have the activity of my limbs is a blessing! My family is alive and well! I’m a child of God! I have God’s favor! My goodness, how in the world can I wake up in a bad mood with bad thoughts? Well, it’s possible, but it’s also possible to hold these thoughts captive. It’s also possible to have unspeakable joy. I have a choice today. Will I allow the enemy to set up camp in my mind or will I choose to allow the Spirit of God to consume me with his love, joy, and peace. I choose Jesus!

Joshua 24:15 (NIV)
But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…

Choose Your Battles

Let's not exhaust ourselves trying to put out every fire and fight every battle today. Things WILL happen, so let's take care of the things that require our attention and the things that really don't matter...well, let it go. Everything doesn't have to be an issue. Oftentimes we make mountains out of hills. I ask myself quite frequently, "Does it matter?" If it won't change the person or the world, I let it go. This makes for a less stressful day and a happier home when I'm not fussing and nagging all day. Enjoy your day and pick your battles wisely!

Embracing Sisterhood

It’s rare for my two sisters and me to get together without our children, yet Sunday morning we shared an early morning walk at the beautiful Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery, Alabama. The cool weather and peaceful, picturesque scenery was beyond description. The best part of the walk was sharing the closeness with my sisters. As I grow older, I’m realizing the importance of embracing relationships with not only my blood sisters, but with women placed in my life. I’ve always avoided close relationships and maintained a wall of protection to identify my boundaries. As I mature spiritually, my wall gradually crumbles- one brick at a time. Attempts to rebuild fail as God allows the most bizarre circumstances to happen. I admit; I’m a selfish loner! I use to be proud of this until I recognized the sisters I shy away from are links to strengthen my character. They are arrows pointing to my purpose. They are daughters with direction - messengers sent by God. I need these sisters and they need me! No, this isn’t an open invitation for new friendships, yet an open invitation for God to have His way in an area of my life I’ve pompously kept to myself. This is a scary transition for me, being in my forties, but God is with me. He has already chosen sisters to embrace my selfish ways and love me in spite of myself. He has given me a willing heart and prepared me for this new season. I’ve always admired women who have close friends, yet not enough to make the steps to have close friends in my life. Well, my first steps were taken during my Sunday morning walk with my two admirable sisters. This was my beginning of embracing sisterhood - not only with the women I feel comfortable with, yet whomever God places in my path. Forgive me, Lord for not embracing your daughters and thank you for your mercy.

Proverbs 7:4 (NKJV)
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your nearest kin.