While using my father's computer over the weekend, the severity of one of my character flaws surfaced... patience - or the lack of. I knew if I wanted to get any computer work done, I'd have to face the ancient technology of Dial Up Internet Service. Yes, I said it - DIAL UP.
UN-BE-LIEV-ABLE! I can take a short nap while waiting for an email message to delete or start on another task and half way finish while waiting for a page to download. Good grief!
I thought about the other areas of my life where patience is not shown. When I tell one of the boys to do something, I want it done yesterday. When I call them to come to me, I find myself calling them a second time before they've had time to get to me. I sometimes run ahead of God on plans instead of waiting for Him to lead. Can I blame this lack of patience on genes? It's definitely in the blood - as a matter of fact, on my father's side! No, passing the blame won't work; I need to take control and ownership of my own ugly actions.
They say fruit doesn't fall far from the tree, so I ask myself - am I showing the fruit of the Spirit or another spirit? Hmmm... When I accepted Jesus, he gave me all of him, so I don't pray for more of Him - it's less of me that needs to happen! I need to remain Christ-controlled and allow the fruit of the Spirit to be evident at all times - not just when I want them to. It's funny, but waiting in lines and at traffic lights doesn't bother me at all.
Using my father's computer was only a test and there will be other tests and opportunities to grow in the area of patience and every other flawed character trait. Until this particular fruit of patience blossoms in every area my life, I guess I'll just be patient and let God have His way - test after test after test.
Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
Out of the Mouth of Babes
Five year old, Taylor, from Alabama asked her mom for
a pen and paper in church and this is what she wrote.
Can you read her message?
You're So Sweet!
I cracked up this morning while speaking to a friend about a few things and she said to me, "You're so sweet!" Why did I laugh? Well, I know myself.
She didn't know how I struggled early this morning with my mental mess of grumbling, mumbling, and complaining about trivial matters in my home.
She didn't know I had to fight ugly thoughts about my husband because he didn't wash dishes before he left the house.
She didn't know I fought the spirit of laziness - it's Friday!
She didn't know I struggled with being Christ Controlled before I got out of bed.
I'm laughing now as I think about her comment. I just have one thing to say, "Thank God for Jesus."
My prayer EVERY morning is that God will hide me from myself and fill me with His love, His compassion, His patience, His understanding, His views, His thoughts, and His ways.
Hey, it works for me because people think I'm SO SWEET!
She didn't know how I struggled early this morning with my mental mess of grumbling, mumbling, and complaining about trivial matters in my home.
She didn't know I had to fight ugly thoughts about my husband because he didn't wash dishes before he left the house.
She didn't know I fought the spirit of laziness - it's Friday!
She didn't know I struggled with being Christ Controlled before I got out of bed.
I'm laughing now as I think about her comment. I just have one thing to say, "Thank God for Jesus."
My prayer EVERY morning is that God will hide me from myself and fill me with His love, His compassion, His patience, His understanding, His views, His thoughts, and His ways.
Hey, it works for me because people think I'm SO SWEET!
What About Them?
It's almost midnight as I sit here at my computer feeling blessed that my day is finally coming to an end. I have poured out my last drop and have nothing else to give. It's time for rest and renewal.
My thoughts went to the many blogs and websites available and full of encouragement for tired, weary mothers. It's a blessing to let my fingers click a few keys and be opened to a world of encouragement and revival.
Wait a minute. What about the mothers without this convenience of renewal and support?
What about the mothers unable to afford a computer or Internet service?
What about the victims of domestic violence under the hands of controlling partners not allowing them to enjoy Internet conversations and connections with a possible support system?
What about the the mothers in rural areas where an Internet service isn't even available?
What about the mother that can't read? What about these mothers?
I thank God for bringing these mothers to my attention - again. I said a prayer for them since that's about all I can do at midnight. They sure can't benefit from my thoughts or a possible typed word of encouragement. Am I preaching to the choir? Have I forgotten about a network of mothers outside of my comfort circle?
One of my most favorite songs by Yolanda Adams has been placed on the site to remind me to pray for the mothers without the convenience of this instant support and encouragement I benefit from. Have mercy, Lord.
My thoughts went to the many blogs and websites available and full of encouragement for tired, weary mothers. It's a blessing to let my fingers click a few keys and be opened to a world of encouragement and revival.
Wait a minute. What about the mothers without this convenience of renewal and support?
What about the mothers unable to afford a computer or Internet service?
What about the victims of domestic violence under the hands of controlling partners not allowing them to enjoy Internet conversations and connections with a possible support system?
What about the the mothers in rural areas where an Internet service isn't even available?
What about the mother that can't read? What about these mothers?
I thank God for bringing these mothers to my attention - again. I said a prayer for them since that's about all I can do at midnight. They sure can't benefit from my thoughts or a possible typed word of encouragement. Am I preaching to the choir? Have I forgotten about a network of mothers outside of my comfort circle?
One of my most favorite songs by Yolanda Adams has been placed on the site to remind me to pray for the mothers without the convenience of this instant support and encouragement I benefit from. Have mercy, Lord.
It's All About Giving
Monica Jordan, winner of Extreme Home Edition Makeover, didn't have much, but ALWAYS gave what she had.
She opened her home and gave her love and time to her family, her community, and allowed God to use her right where she was.
She is an example of being an empty vessel willing to be used.
Please view the below links and share Monica's blessings.
Give and it shall be given
Family Comes Home
Give and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you" Luke 6:38 (NKJV)
Be Encouraged!
I have quite a few friends battling with weight and each, in their own way, has made it a priority to strive for a healthier lifestyle. Although I don’t share the same struggle, I do struggle to exercise daily or my blood pressure will go through the roof. It’s only by the grace of God that I get off my butt each evening or morning and move my bones to get my heart rate moving at a pace to make a difference in my health. It would be robbery to have anyone think I exercise just because I enjoy it or because I’m so obedient in regards to caring for my temple. No, that’s not the case; exercise is a necessity for my life.
Many of us silently struggle with the depth of frustration of weight or some other physical or character flaw, while a few others choose to boldly share and seek support. We’re often embarrassed of mistakes or bad choices, but doesn’t everyone make mistakes? We don’t want to disclose our mess, but what can we learn from a flawless woman or a seemingly perfect mother? Isn't this what life is all about? Learning from one another?
My dear friend,
Drop in on Sandy's journey and be encouraged
2 Corinthians 7:13 (NIV)
By all this we are encouraged.
Peace Robbers
As a mother who shares the power of keeping our PEACE of mind in the midst of our challenging days, I am faced with new peace robbers everyday. I guess I can call them stresses, issues, or even battles. Whatever they're called, I'm tested daily, throughout the day. These continual tests are teaching me the power of walking away and being Christ-controlled in the midst of the test.
As a homeschooling family, I allow the boys to do their school work wherever they are comfortable - kitchen, living room, reading room, outside, etc... Well, this morning I walked in first-born's room to check on his progress and he's in the bed - yes, in the bed UNDER the cover with his books! He was also listening to irritating Rap Music. This did not rub military mama the right way.
Hmm...do I go off on him and tell him to get out of bed, turn the music off, and concentrate on his studies or do I walk away? What would you have done?
Well, after we exchanged a very long, silent stare at each other, I turned and walked away. This was one of those peace robbers I chose not to give into. Later today, I'll address his homework posture and let him know it's not acceptable (not for me). I understand he's a teenager and his growing body requires more rest, but there is a time for everything. If he were in school, he sure wouldn't be on his assigned cot with a blanket! At least not in the 8th grade!
So you see, at the moment, I chose NOT to disturb MY PEACE, but walk away from it and address it later when I'm better equipped- mentally. Son, today....just get your homework done.
As a homeschooling family, I allow the boys to do their school work wherever they are comfortable - kitchen, living room, reading room, outside, etc... Well, this morning I walked in first-born's room to check on his progress and he's in the bed - yes, in the bed UNDER the cover with his books! He was also listening to irritating Rap Music. This did not rub military mama the right way.
Hmm...do I go off on him and tell him to get out of bed, turn the music off, and concentrate on his studies or do I walk away? What would you have done?
Well, after we exchanged a very long, silent stare at each other, I turned and walked away. This was one of those peace robbers I chose not to give into. Later today, I'll address his homework posture and let him know it's not acceptable (not for me). I understand he's a teenager and his growing body requires more rest, but there is a time for everything. If he were in school, he sure wouldn't be on his assigned cot with a blanket! At least not in the 8th grade!
So you see, at the moment, I chose NOT to disturb MY PEACE, but walk away from it and address it later when I'm better equipped- mentally. Son, today....just get your homework done.
A GOOD Thing
One of the best things a mother can give her children is an example of being a good wife. Our young boys and girls benefit greatly by watching their mother interact with their father.
The Word says when a man finds a wife, he finds a GOOD thing. Am I my man's good thing? Have I always been my man's good thing? Am I supportive and loving? Do I encourage and uplift? Am I forgiving and understanding? If I died and my husband remarried, would that woman have a hard time filling my shoes?
Today is my 15 year wedding anniversary and I can honestly say I'm more in love today than I ever was. Has it always been this way? Absolutely not! We've had some rough years and it's only by the grace of God that we celebrate this day today. Marriage is a job and if you don't put in some overtime, the marriage suffers. The trials and struggles in my marriage have helped me become that GOOD thing.
Being my husband's GOOD thing is...
- Loving him through his unlovable moments
- Removing all expectations from him
- Accepting him in spite of his faults and shortcomings
- Being there for him in good times and bad times
- Being faithful
- Serving him in humility
- Being extraordinary obedient to God
- Realizing our marriage belongs to God
- Allowing God to mold, prune, and groom me into the wife my husband needs and desires
Celebrate your marriage today and everyday and be your husband's GOOD thing
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