Reading With My Heart

Philippians 4:10-14

10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

I read this verse the other day and it spoke to me so deeply that I can not quite explain my sentiments about it clearly but I will try.

When I read it...it was in one quick moment I was able to see Paul for who he was... a man, alone ,but with a faith in Jesus so strong that the act of being alone never really was “alone”.

On various ocassions throughout the New Testament you read of Paul with a companion but so often in his writing he is singular, a man on a mission to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a man filled with the Spirit.

In the beginning of his ministry he was considered “untrustworthy” by the believers (after all, this was the man who was considered the arch-enemy of Christians during the early church. He was the terrible Saul of Tarsus). Before his conversion his entire mission in life was to annihilate the Christians. He had gone as far as requesting permission to bring back any follower of the “Way” for persuction! Is it any wonder that the Christians did not trust him? Would you? (Acts 9:1)

Once Saul became a believer his name was changed to Paul and then the leaders of the synagogues and the high priest no longer wanted anything to do wtih him. He was now considered unreliable and a traitor. (Acts 9)

I thought about the first verse (verse 10) and in my heart I felt his joy that the Philippians were thinking about him. He knew they were always concerncend and cared for him...but once again they were expressing their concern for Him. (Phil 4:15-17).

How many times in our lives do we need the encouragment of friends and family. People to come up beside us, people that are willing to pray for us and with us. What an amazing feeling it is to have our burdens lifted by our brothers and sisters in Christ. I have experienced this and am forever grateful for the people in my life who have been willing to be “Jesus” to me when I have been in need. I wonder if that joy is not what caused Paul to write that statement. You know in modern times...it might have read “Hey, guys....it is so awesome that you called me. Man, I’ve missed talking to you. No, I totally understand your busy me too!”

Then true to Paul’s character...he reminds them in verses 11, 12 & 13. That he is able to do everything in Christ’s power and strength. That he has learned to be content with whatever he has a little or a lot.

I want to be like that...I want to relish my friendships and learn to be a confidant to my family and friends. I want to be able to be happy with my friends and family in the ‘moment’. Whatever that may be.

But more then that I want to be like Paul and be able to say I have Jesus and that’s all I need. Once again, I read his reply a bit differently, with my heart. I hear him saying “Hey friends, I’m glad to see you but don’t worry about me. Don’t feel guilty for not visting or writing. I am ok. I am fine. Jesus has walked with me every step of the way and I am alright”

I want to be “alright”. When my friendships are fertile, active and plentiful and when there is no one around but me and the Lord. I want to be alright.

I believe with all my heart that the Lord wants us to treasure our earthly relationships. To grow and learn from them. To encourage each other, to pray for each other and to lean on one another...but ultimately he want us to say: “Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am” (Phil 4:13 - The Message)

Let Go Monkey!

Recently at women's bible study one of the ladies shared the process of how they catch monkeys. It seems that the poachers will create a little box that has a tiny hole the perfect size for the monkey's hand. Inside the box will be a yummy treat for the monkey.

When the monkey reaches in and grabs the treat his "closed" fist is now too big to fit back through the hole. The monkey never thinks to "Let Go" of his treat and therefore gets captured.

It quickly became a joke for the group but we were not oblivious to the example it presented to us as Christians.

How many times in our life do we "reach" for something that is not good for us...not God's will in our life and when God's say "let go" we don't want to?

Sometimes I think we are a lot like this monkey...we only see our treat...we see what is yummy and our short sightedness "captures" us. We have the tendency as human beings to only see what is directly in front of us...especially if it is something that we desire.

Satan consistently tempts us with the Lust of the Flesh and the Lust of the Eyes. It is not a new trick. He used the same technique on Eve in the garden.

Genesis 3:6 (NLT)
The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her.



Granted he doesn't always tempt us with something obvious but the temptations are there none the less. What exactly is temptation? A Wordnet search defines temptation as:

• something that seduces or has the quality to seduce


• the desire to have or do something that you know you should avoid; "he felt the temptation and his will power weakened"


• enticement: the act of influencing by exciting hope or desire; "his enticements were shameless"

Temptation isn't always something detrimental like addictions or indiscretions. If you are like me you think of a temptation as something so sinister it shouldn't be spoken of during the day.

But reality is there are tempations all around us. Anything that has the power to keep our eyes off the Lord or our hearts away from the Lord is a temptation. We can not allow ourselves to be like Peter and take our eyes off the Lord or His will, guidance and direction in our life.

Matthew 14:29b-31 (NIV)
... Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

It was exactly when Peter took his eyes OFF the Lord that He began to sink. Not the moment before when his eyes were firmly affixed on Jesus. In God's graciousness it tells us that immediately Jesus reached out to Peter and saved him.

New shoes, a new car, the latest and greatest fashion accessory or tech toy....even the amazing sales at Gymboree complete with Gymbucks can be a temptation which would and could take our eyes off the Lord.

Do you think about it? Do you obsess over it? Do you wake up wondering what is going on with "that" world or with "that" item. Then, my friends, that is a temptation. Temptations are not always of the caliber of looking for your next hit or flirting too hard with the box girl/boy.

Satan doesn't generally work in huge, firework displays of temptation...at least not a first. His method of operation is generally very subtle, very sly and very simple...it is the end outcome that is usally a big fireworks display...because that is when we realize how far away from God we have moved. That is when our eyes are opened when we are captured.

John 8:44
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Jesus understands our temptation and through it all He has provided a way for us to be strong. His Spirit lives freely within us and it is in that power that we must meet the temptations in our life.

Ephesians 6:16-18
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Stay alert my friends for our enemy is out there and he is constantly looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). We do not want to be like the Monkey and be captured within our own lust, greed and shortsightedness. So let go monkey, let go!

Have a PJ Party Will Ya?

Do you remember having pajama parties when you were a kid? I do...they were a blast! I wasn't allowed to go to very many but when I did go...we had fun!

There is something about being with a group of women (girls) and not worrying one bit about what you look like or what you are wearing.

Our Women's Ministry decided to host a PJ Party and it was a blast. We had DIY manicures and pedicures, knitting lessons, chick flicks galore and tons of games!

I really and truly did not want to come back home I was having so much fun.

The evening started a bit shaky because Skylar DID NOT want me to go at all! I am not sure why but when it came time for me to leave she cried and cried. She even went as far as hiding my keys, taking my purse and blocking the door with the coffee table. I am seriously talking "She Did NOT Want Me to Leave!"

My husband and I tried to console her but it wasn't working. Finally, I "bribed" her with a couple of new toys that I had stashed for her birthday and she conceded to let me go. Thank God.

When I arrived it was a great mix of ladies. Young and Older having a great time. Almost everyone was dressed in either sweats or jammies so it was very comfortable atmosphere. We had an amazing dinner of stuffed french toast, sausage and fruit. Yum, love, love breakfast for dinner!

One group of ladies was busy learning to knit. They were all very quiet as they were was busy concentrating on their knitting. I am proud to announce that I have actually almost, kind of, sort of, pretty much completed a scarf!

The next room was a big rambunctious. They were playing games like Apples to Apples and Catchphrase.

When we initially thought of the pajama party we were planning to have everyone spend the night. After some thought we decided it would be easier if people could stay as long as they would like and then feel comfortable to go home when they wanted to leave.

I believe myself and a couple of others ladies finally closed shop around midnight. Lol, not quite the party animals we thought we'd be....but it was so much fun...I would recommend you give it a try!

I don't remember having that much fun with a bunch of "girls" since I was a teenager. I want to thank Mary for taking the time to teach everyone to knit and to thank Jill for offering to give anyone a pedicure.... my toesies look so pretty!

You know it is such a blessing to know some of the most amazing women. God has truly blessed me with a great bunch of ladies to grow in grace with and to build friendships. Doesn't matter what age or color each of the ladies at that party are just beautiful...even in their jammies!

But the best part o f the entire party was when I got home, the house was NOT messy and everyone was asleep!

What a Difference a Day Makes!

Wow....a lot has happened since my last post! I have learned to knit, been to a grown-up pj party, been on the radio and went to see Disney Live!

Where, oh where, do I start.......?

I haven't a clue..... but I will be talking about it all this week so keep your eyes open and don't forget to sign up for the email or readers notification because we will be having some "Rockin" contests and freebies this month. You don't want to miss out!

I did want to share a verse that has really been speaking to me today. I hope you'll enjoy it and let the Lord really touch your heart.

Right now in my life I feel that I am experiencing the act of being "sent out". I am so grateful for the family and friends that are walking with me into this new journey. It is an amazing blessing to know that God will never leave me alone. I'd love to hear how God has sent you out "two by two".

Luke 10:1-3
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two[a] others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.

1 Yelp, 2 Yays and an Oh God!

What a difference a haircut makes!

Have you ever wondered how God envisions you? When He looks at you do you wonder what He sees. The bible tells us that He sees the beauty in us and forgets our sins and aggressions against Him. But I've wondered what exactly is He seeing in me.

I started thinking about this recently when we took our little puppy, Lilie, to get her first "big dog" haircut. We dropped off this adorable little puppy. Just a complete ball of fur with big brown eyes. I fell in love with Lilie the moment we saw. Her coloring was so unique and she was so soft and fluffy. All the little baby puppy curls were adorable.


When we went to pick her up today...she was a completely different dog. It seemed like she had aged a few years and lost a lot of weight. Her beautiful black and brown tipped fur was gone and in exchange was a very beige, short haired dog. Frankly, I think she looks kind of unattractive (Sorry Lilie).

Rylan and Skylar are going on and on about how cute she looks and how adorable her hair is short. They are loving the fact that they have a tiny little white doggie rather then a fluffy brown doggie. They are looking at her with love in their eyes. Like real moms they are only seeing the beauty in her.

I don't dare mention that I think they really messed up her hair or that I can't believe I had to pay for it.

I can't help but be in admiration of God...knowing that He looks down on me and sees the beauty in me. He looks at me, His child, and thinks I'm marvelous. The world may see ugliness or they may be dissatisfied with me but God sees beauty...just like a loving parent.

You know God speaks to us often and in very unusual ways...if we only pause long enough to listen. I'm delighted that He spoke a moment to remind me of His love today.

I still think Lilie looked better before...but I sure am glad there are two little girls that think she is beautiful.

I am elated that the girls have a love for Lilie that looks beyond the physical. I am overjoyed that my Lord see my imperfections and loves me anyway. He calls me beloved....but....I am even more ecstatic that I don't have a hair dresser like Lilie's!

I Am Weak

I have been asked to share my testimony tonight and quite frankly, I am nervous. I am not nervous about talking in public or being the center of everyone's focus for a moment. No, there is nothing to that....

I am nervous because sharing your testimony allows others to look into your "private" world. The person you were or the struggles you are having...all in the hope that they will see the vision Christ has for you or plainly to see Christ in you.

I have tried over and over to write an outline of my testimony and I am getting frustrated. God has done such amazing and wonderous things in my life that I find myself in awe over His power and graciousness. But to put it to paper is a trying task.

How do you put in ten minutes all that He has done to make you a better, more complete, humbled and saved person? How do explain in 10 minutes journeys that have taken years to complete?

Regardless of the road that has led you to Jesus...it is His spirit that keeps you there. It is the Faith you learn on your journey that keeps you moving toward the final goal. There is faith that comes from being knocked around a bit. There is truly a moment in one's life where He becomes their strong hold, their fortress. (2 Samuel 22:2 "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my Saviour" - NLT) How do you put that into words?

I know that if my testimony affects anyone this evening it will be only because of Him!

I know that each time I share about Him...He is the one in control. They are His words that are being spoken and His Spirit that is speaking because in and of myself...I am nothing. In my life I Corinthians 1:27 explains it all. ("God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong").

He has chosen me to be His daughter, He has chosen me to be the first Christian in my family and He has chosen me to do things differently and to think differently then others in my family.

Being the youngest and the "baby" of the family...I've always wondered why I have been chosen to carry some of these tasks. But then when I stop and think about it. Truly think about it with my heart and soul...I am so grateful that I was chosen at all!

I don't know what tasks He will ask of me in the future but I know that He will never give me more then He "knows" I can handle. With all this in mind I should KNOW that He will give me the words tonight. Words that will glorify Him, words that will explain my journey and words that will show the world that I am Weak and proud of it!

For in my weakness...He is Strong!

• Romans 8:26 "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words".
  
  


• 1 Corinthians 9:22 "When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some"
  
  


• Psalm 136:23 "He remembered us in our weakness.His faithful love endures forever".
  
  


• 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."
  
  

Thorny Ground

Are you a thorn? Do you sometimes act like a thorn? Well, If I am to be honest then I have to admit that I am a thorn.

I chose to allow other things on Monday and Tuesday to crowd out my quiet time with the Lord. I wish I could say that it was an accident but in reality, it was my choice. I chose to make other things priority and before you know it my morning was gone. The children were awake, school needed to be done and bam, the day was over. No time for Jesus.

That really stinks! There isn't any other way to put it.

Today I sat down and my first thought and prayer was that I didn't want two days to turn into a week and then a month and so on. I was asking God to forgive me and help me to have the discipline that is required to spending with Him daily. I need it. I crave it.

I can feel my soul become dry (imagine a sponge without water) when I am not in the word. When I get in the word, I can feel the Holy Spirit sweep over me. I feel refreshed, redeemed and revitalized. It is not a "magic" moment...it is pure and simple...my soul longing for what only can be filled with Jesus Christ.

When I sat down to do my devotion the verse for today was:

Matthew 13:22

The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good news, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life and the lure of wealth, so no crop is produced.

I have never seen myself as a thorn but there it was clear as day and in black and white. It was exactly what I did on Monday and Tuesday.

In the past when I have seen this verse I have thought of people that long to be "rich & famous". You know people that are more concerned with a Louis Vuitton purses, the latest Botox or a fancy new Mercedes.

Not little ole' me.

I have never thought of the housewife who wakes up thinking of the chores that need to be done, or the errands, or (gasp) what to blog for the day!

I am guilty of waking up as if someone shot a starter pistol.

The gun shoots off and you jump out of bed, quickly you go potty, brush your teeth, take a shower, get dressed and start the laundry or the house cleaning....maybe you make breakfast for your husband and children...then you start working on the list of errands. Do you have a doctor's appointments this week, do we need to go the grocery store, etc. Before you realize it, it is lunch time and then dinner time and time for bed.

I never thought of the "care of this world" being the little cares a stay at home mom might have but guess what? They are!

Whatever it is that will take your eyes off the cross and your time away from God will be a "care of this world".

Look, I don't think that I am a thorn 24/7 but even if it is occasionally...well, what am I missing? What I am missing in learning about God, What am I missing in growing with Jesus? What am I missing in witnessing and being a light to this world?

A LOT!

I know how my daily life is different when I spend time with Jesus. I know His faithfulness when times are tough. I know that He is the one that I run to with life is good, sad, hard and happy.

No, I don't want to be a thorn (once in a while or ever). If you see yourself as a thorn too, take heart...God isn't done with us.

Philippians 1:6

"and I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns".

God will continue to form us in His image. Cutting off the dead branches, refining our hearts and creating us more and more to be like him.....We only have to allow Him the opportunity and

create the TIME.

It's Christmas and ..... You'd Better Be Good!

"What do you mean Christmas Eve is today?"

"Yep, and they say we "s-t-i-l-l" have to be good!"

"Man, that's a lot of work for some toys!"

Ok, I really don't know what the conversation was between these two when the photo was taken. But considering  how they are acting today...this might have been the "Real" conversation.

Regardless...I am ready for Christmas!

Yep,  you heard me...done...ready...and willing to enjoy the day.

Presents wrapped, house cleaned, children washed and food cooked! Praise the Lord!

Like a fool, I stayed up till 3 a.m. last night "making" a present and putting together the special Santa presents that will be opened on Christmas morning.

Yes, I am a glutton for punishment...but I did get to sleep in until 9:30 a.m. so that worked out okay.

I hope that each of you will have an incredible and blessed Christmas. Read the gospel of Luke tonight before you open presents...it will help to bring into focus the "real" gift of the this Holiday!

God bless each of you and Merry CHRISTmas!

Christine

IE Mommy Blogger