He came because I needed Him

Daily, year by year, day by day, it seems, I am running into presence of God with needs beyond my capacity to meet. When Clay and I were young and our children wee, there were bills, ear infections, sleepless nights, discipline issues, family issues, and exhaustion and always future dilemmas and dreams.

Not a lot has changed, but now my children are just bigger and Clay and I are older, and still I find I am daily looking to Him, pouring out my heart and soul. Never has there been a magical time in this life where life has been totally smooth with no needs on the agenda.

And yet, again, as I approach Him this season, I am reminded that He came out of compassion for me--his child. He initiated to give to me all that I need, not because of anything I deserve, but His nature is to always love, always provide and always give. And so He is still my:

Wonderful Counselor

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask it of God who gives to all men generously, and without reproach." James 1:5

He has all the wisdom, truth, advice and direction I or my children will ever need.

Mighty God

He raised Jesus from the dead, he turned the 5 fish and 2 loaves into enough for 5000, He opened the Red Sea, He gave the widow enough oil to make bread every day so that she would not starve.

He has the power to overcome all forces against me, all giants in my land, all of those things that threaten the peace in my heart. It is not for me to power over all the challenges in my life, He will be my strength and my one who can overcome.

Everlasting Father

"Even as a Father has compassion on His children, so the Lord has compassion on us." Psalm 103

He knows my frame, he understands my weakness, my flaws, my personality, my puzzle of life, and yet as my own Father, He has compassion and He will take care of me as I rest in Him.

Prince of Peace

"My peace I leave to you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives to you. Let not your heart be troubled or let it be fearful."John 14: 27

The peace that passes all understanding.........

Though the world rages all around me, He is the peace at the center. He extends His rest to me if I look to Him. He gives me the assurance that I am not invisible in my needs even though I do not always know how he will provide or direct. His peace if offered me at the engaging of my heart by faith in what He is so willing to give.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government will be upon His shoulders, and His name shall be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, prince of peace." Isaiah 9:6

And so, this holiday season, may you find our sweet, precious Jesus to be the source of all you need and may you find rest in His love and generous heart.

Kissing the Face of God

This artwork by Morgan Weistling called Kissing the Face of God evokes awe in my heart as a mother. To think of cuddling the soft, warmth of a newborn, precious from my body and to understand that this wee one is also the transcendent who cast the universe in its place. This tiny one, God, needed the kisses and love and attention of His own mother. The print is one of many that graces this frame during advent season, and it is one of our favorites.

The artist has this to say about her print...

"This painting was first inspired by a song that I heard one day. Sometimes, hearing one phrase is all it takes, and then a flood of inspiration follows. The phrase 'kissing the face of God' immediately struck me with this powerful image of Mary and the Baby Jesus. It is an image that we have seen depicted many times, but never simply as a mother and her child with real tenderness. I started to contemplate the awesome privilege that Mary was given, being able to hold God in her arms, but also keeping in mind that He was still her baby. This cute little child whom she bore was also God in the flesh. And yet, she cuddled and kissed Him, just as all mothers do with their babies. This thought propelled me right into this painting which I wanted to be a very human representation of divinity. My prayer is that the viewer will be struck, as I am, with the amazing way that God chose to send His Son into this world — in pure humility."

Mary has been on my mind lately. Our pastor delivered an insightful sermon about her Sunday. Then at the Christmas Tea for my monthly Bible study, we talked about Mary's faith. God submitted himself to a fallen, dangerous world by becoming the most  vulnerable creature,  a baby who required protection, nurture, love and care from one He had crafted Himself.

God chose precious Mary to be His mother, the one who would daily mold the soul memories in the life of her beloved child and creator. That she would inform His earthly tastes for living; she who would worship God, her Father daily in front of her very own infant son, to share with Him in the glory God in her own home is the miracle of God incarnate, on earth as one of us.  Mary's  humble beginnings, were from a common  family, and yet  she and Joseph were the ones entrusted to raise the son of God.

What a statement--that a normal family could be the very place holiness would be lived out, a place competent to hold and protect and shape the human side of the son of God. And so this speaks to us today--a normal family, dedicated to His life and righteousness, the place adequate to be the home of God. But there is an attribute about Mary which we may glimpse to see just what qualified her for the task.  She had invested  her life engaging in Scripture, pondering it, embracing it, owning it for her own soul.

What was Mary's response when she met her cousin Elizabeth? Her words are recorded in Luke 1:46-55. She rejoiced! She called the Lord holy. She talked about His strength, His provision, and His help. Mary knew the God who called her to mother His Son. She called herself "His maidservant."

This Christmas season, pray daily that He would make you His maidservant. Take time to read -- really read -- the Christmas story with your children, the precious ones God chose you to mother! End your reading time with a gentle kiss. May you be blessed as you minister to your sweet family.

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Congratulations to Heather Ashe and Stacie Nelson--the winners of the MOM HEART CONFERENCE DRAWING. We will be drawing for new winners in January. Stay tuned for the information on how you may enter.

Trying to dance today and hear the music, amidst the noise

Our home is starting to rock.......two kids became three yesterday and Monday it will become 4. More of everything. I am seeking to look for the humor, enjoy the pontificating, enjoying the cooking, and hear the true music amidst all the noise--and today, my goal is to dance, not trudge! "Those who dance are considered insane by those who can't hear the music." George Carlin

The Best Gift I Can Give

Investing in your children for eternity ~ prayer George Romney ~ Lady Hamilton praying "The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous,

and His ears are attentive to their cries." Psalm 34:15

Babies are dependent on us for our very existence--our milk, our protection, our love and words and care, daily, every moment. When they cry, we, like God, are attentive and respond. It is the way we know their needs.When we respond to them with tenderness and an overflowing of our love, deep in their beings, they begin to understand that God is one who responds to their cries.

God has designed them to be fragile so that we can put an imprint of God's very hands and love and grace into the molding places of their hearts and minds, so that in "feeling" our love, they become predisposed to know and believe in His love and touch when they hear the stories of Him. Our constant service to them and pouring out of our lives when they are tiny, become a familiar pattern to their brains to understand His generous love, sacrifice and redemption.

But as our children grow, they become more able to stand on their own feet, to think for themselves, to begin making decisions that will have consequences. When we are young and our children are young, we have some sense that we are in control of their lives--that what we do and how we control them will determine what they will become.

However, the older my children become, I realize that apart from God's working deep in their souls, they will not follow His course of righteousness. I cannot control their lives, circumstances, or inform their decisions. There is a dark world of temptation, idolatry, despair, immorality at calling to them at every point. But I am not left helpless or hopeless. I can have a big impact on their lives and can help shoulder their burdens every day.

Over the years,  I slowly grew into an understanding that unless the Lord stirs their hearts, quickens their minds to the scripture they have learned to love in my home, they will be sorely tempted to go the way of the world. And so, now, though I am in constant communication with my older children and encouraging and listening, I know that my biggest work in their lives will be before the throne of God.

Even as I see Jesus so often praying the whole night, and read that He prayed for Peter, and look at the loving, tender words of prayer in John 17, I know, too that I must model my life after His. The real work in my children's souls, the fingertips that will mold and shape their hearts, is that of the Holy Spirit. My work is to mysteriously engage with Him before God's throne, and it is there that the life of my children will bloom afresh. I share with you a small portion from one of my books:

The more time I spend with my Father in prayer, the better prepared I will be to help my children. And even more important, the more I can rest in the Lord knowing, by faith, that my children are in his hands. When I can trust in God's providence, draw upon his grace, join in the spiritual battle through prayer, and praise his name, all the other things I do as a mother seem to pale in significance. The more I grow as a mother, the more I grow convinced that the most important impact I will ever have on my children will be through my prayers for them.  ~ Seasons of a Mother's Heart p. 201

"Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:19-22

What are you praying for your children? Write down one thing for each child and commit to approaching God's throne in confidence daily until Christmas Day. May the Lord bless you as you give your children the best gift ever ~ your prayers!

Christmas ~ A Time to Enjoy Reading Aloud!

On a storm-blown Sunday afternoon in a creaky old manor house in England, I rediscovered the timeless delight of classic children's books. It took me by surprise. I was one of about thirty international students studying and living in England for the summer, and this was our first British teatime all together. A shy, awkward silence had fallen about us as we tried our best to balance philosophy, sophistication, and hot mugs of tea, when one of our tutors said something that sent us all staring. "Let's read Winnie-the-Pooh."

A swift current of suppressed mirth ran the length of the room, but we were up for some fun, and the tutor assigned each person a part in the story. Pooh's expedition to the North Pole was the story of choice, and before we knew what was happening we were immersed in the comical, compact world of the Hundred Acre Woods. The story had all of us -- tutors, college students, post-graduates, old, and young -- laughing until our sides literally ached." Read for the Heart pp. 113-114

Reading together as a family is a Clarkson tradition. Hours of memories have been made around good books. During the holiday season, busyness can rob you of precious time spent together as a family. Since all children should sleep at night, should being the key word, start the bedtime routine a little bit earlier and pull out a favorite book to read. If Pooh is a bit daunting by its size, try some holiday picture books or some shorter chapter books. Two Christmas selections that are recommended by Whole Hearted children are The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and Cosmic Christmas. Enjoy their reviews!

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a book I like each Christmas because it is a funny, family-friendly story.  It has inspired me to look at Christmas differently and a little more realistically.  For example, what if Jesus had colic?  The only thing about this book is that it has some questionable language so is better if Mom or Dad reads it aloud and edits as they read. ~ Reviewed by 10 year old young lady

Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado ( also recently published as The Angel Story) opens a unique porthole into the uncommonly written realm of angels.    It is written from Gabriel's perspective on his mission to give Mary the seed of Christ as Satan is desperately trying to stop him.   While it is written from a biblical Christian perspective, this soul stirring book provides a new look on the " all is calm , all is bright"  normal theme of Christmas.

This book is a must read in our home each year. ~ Reviewed by 13 year old boy

Other great choices selected from Read For The Heart you can read include:

Little Women and Little Men (Kindle versions are FREE) or grab the whole collection for Kindle for just .99.

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood (also free on Kindle)

The Railway Children (also free on Kindle)

What books are you reading to your children this holiday season? May the Lord bless the time you spend together!

Sarah's Book on Books ~ a great Christmas gift idea!

Soul Stirrings

"Christmas began in the heart of God.  It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man."

The things you put in your home bring life and love to those who pass through and those that stay. We are attracted to beauty because God is the Great Artist and we are made in His image. Christmas is the perfect time to place soul stirring pieces of beauty in your home. Some of these items, like the calligraphy quote above, can be left up all year round. This was done by my sweet friend, Elizabeth of Elizabeth Metcalf Designs.

What one decoration could you leave out to remind you of the God who loves you? May the Lord show you His beauty this week!

Cooking, mentoring and celebrating each minute!

Oh, what 24 hours can hold! I am so grateful that the Lord is in each minute. I have lots of messages overflowing in my heart, but alas, I am so busy with my sweet ones that I have little time to write to you about all that I am learning. I was up in the middle of the night with one of my sweet children and was reminded of all the ear-infected, asthma years that I wondered if I would live through. And yet, now I see that when I ministered His grace and love gently in these times, it went deeply into their hearts as they felt the hands and touch of someone who taught them the gentle love of the Lord. Sleepy today, but thankful for His strength and joy abiding.

I do know that Satan is alive and well and so much wants to discourage all of you brave-hearted women who want to spread light and cheer. I am remembering that God spoke into the darkness and said, "Let there be light!" And so each day, as I confront darkness of any kind--mood, thoughts, real temptation, catastrophes and sadnesses in the lives of my children, friends and family, in His name and in His honor this wonderful season, I am saying, "Let there be light in this place." and seeking to work toward that every minutes.

And so, as I prepare for friends who will be here with me in the next couple of days, I am cooking away. Here are two wonderful recipes:

First, you must know this is a special, special recipe--who could eat this much sugar, cream, butter every day of the year? But, I love delicious recipes that say, "This is a time to celebrate life and document a moment!" So, these became a wonderful breakfast yesterday morning for our Sunday morning feast!

Christmas Muffins--

(as shared with me by my wonderful friend, mentor and inspiration--and genius in the kitchen, Phyllis Stanley)

Place in Bosch with beaters: 3 eggs, 1 cup soft butter, 2 cups sugar, 2 tsp. orange peel

Mix until fluffy, Then add:

3 cups freshly ground flour (or store bought--unbleached, and spelt is also great! )  and 1/2 tbsp baking powder 1 cup chopped pecans, 1 cup chopped cranberries (set aside a Tbsp or 2 for garnish) 1 cup whipping cream or half and half Mix only until blended.  Place in well-sprayed muffin tins 2/3 filled.  Sprinkle with a little bit of chopped cranberries and pecans.  Bake for 20 minutes in preheated oven 400 degrees.  Makes 24 Christmas muffins.

GREEK LEMON CHICKEN SOUP.........

And then I just love to share my friends who minister to me on many levels. I love going to Coffeeteabooksandme because I see visual art, find out about great books, love looking into the soul of a spiritually deep friend who provokes me to loving the Lord more and who has the best recipes. This one sounds wonderful for a cold, winter evening. I am making it this week and asked Brenda if she would please share it with us. THANKS A BUNCH, SWEET BRENDA!

Have a wonderful day and may His light and peace be with each of you.

Saturday in December

I am: Getting ready for a teen car scavenger hunt for 14 friends of Joy tonight. (They go out in 3 different cars all over the community!) We did it with the older kids, followed by a white elephant.

Taking Joy to drive on the freeway for the first time! Yikes!

Listening to my own Pandora radio station on Clay's computer playing Christmas Instrumentals. Ahhhhhhhh! Wonderful.

Getting the old Christmas Tree cake pan out to make the desert for tonight. Always the favorite.

Hoping for an afternoon cup of tea in a quiet house all by myself before havoc kicks in again.

Reading all the Christmas books on our hearth, tables, baskets.. (Christmas in My Heart by our friend Joe Wheeler; Annika's Secret Wish (so sweet), The Christmas Miracle, The Legend of the Candy Cane, The Indescribable Gift

Basking in the good news that Joel has been chosen as one of three musicians as the outstanding composing students at Berklee College of Music by his professors and will have an opportunity to have professionals play and record 20 minutes of his original pieces at the college in a spring concert in Boston.

Trying not to panic or become anxious about all there is to do on my lists for this month.

Preparing for our Christmas tea this Monday and for the Christmas Tea Bible study this Tuesday night.

Running to the Mac store to see if they can figure out why my computer won't connect to the internet and everyone else's will.

Thinking I will take the time to have that cup of tea right now.............

Going to stock up on groceries for the boys coming home end of next week.

Thanking God for home sweet home--we have lived in this house longer than any other since we have been married. Going on 5 years.

Getting excited to have all of my children under my roof. Getting scared about cooking all the meals for all of the children under my roof who expect great food and preparing myself for all the dishes.

Looking out my window, thankful to the beautiful crisp day with the trees and mountains.

Consecrated for Holy Plans

Feasting soul and body with my friend. (William Henry Hunt Christmas Pie)

A few years ago, I read  and heard from several different writers/speakers, "Always put yourself in the pathway of those who walk with God and make you want to be more, do more when you are with them. Avoid being around too many people who tear you down, pull you down, give you permission to compromise your ideals and faith.

And so, partly because we made a life-time, Jonathan-David commitment to each other about 32 years ago.  But mostly because I love her and when I am with her, I know I will be in the presence of God and pointed to life, I made a yearly trek with my girls to visit my sister-friend, Gwen, in Kentucky yesterday. We sat pajama'd and gowned with strong coffee, homemade ham and eggs and this was the topic of our conversation, from a favorite mutual book and writer, Eugene Peterson. The book is Running with the Horses

Read this and feed your soul, and ponder it, internalize it and let change you today.   --and consider not defecting and compromising. Your ideals and commitments will be to God's praises for eternity, especially in the lives of those whom you are giving your tireless service.

"Consecrated for holy plans means set apart for God's side, ..., It means that we are chosen out of the feckless stream of circumstantiality for something important that God is doing.

"What is God doing? He is saving; he is rescuing; he is blessing; he is providing; he is judging; he is healing; He is enlightening. There is a spiritual war in progress, and all-out moral battle. There is evil and cruelty, unhappiness and illness. There is superstition and ignorance, brutality and pain. God is in continuous and energetic battle against all of it.

"God is for life and against death. God is for love and against hate. God is for hope and against despair. God is for heaven and against hell. There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every square foot of space is contested.

"No one enters existence as a spectator. We either take up the life to which we have been consecrated or we traitorously defect from it."

"We cannot say, 'Hold it! I'm not quite ready. Wait until I have sorted things out."

Grace to you in the midst.

Words of Life

"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." John 1 Jesus was the word--the message, that brought life to those who were thirsty; love to those who felt unlovable, truth to those who longed for direction; comfort to those who were weary; forgiveness to those who were guilty.

Words have power to destroy or to heal. Even Peter with all of his blunderings got it right. "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." John 6:68

Jesus said, "Out of the abundance, the mouth speaks."

Do our words bring life, hope, beauty, healing, comfort, inspiration? Words are as swords, wielded to bring power and influence. I have seen so often that my words are what go deep into the souls of my children, husband and friends.

But, I have thought lately about the fact that "The Word," Jesus lives inside of me. That means I have the power within to cultivate that which will bring the very life and truth that He brought. I am spending more and more time lately pondering His words, His heart, His messages. I have been changed again and again this year by, "I am humble and meek. Learn from me."

Today, I am going to be intentional about my words. I will write or speak words of life intentionally to each of my children today--face to face or on messages they will receive. I hope to hearten them, life them, encourage them. I will invest words that Clay needs to hear. I will seek this week to give out those words to people He brings to my mind, that they might feel the wind of the Holy Spirit blowing through their lives as I give them His words.

May our words cause all who are in our wake to sense the fragrance of God lingering about them.

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Words of Life through Books! A Christmas Git that brings life!!!

When Clay and I wrote our books, we wanted to give  light and encouragement to those who longed for direction from Him in their families; and I to inspire moms to the greatness of their calling.  Perhaps one of your friends would be encouraged by the messages of our books this Christmas season. Please consider giving a book to one of your friends who may just be longing for truth, beauty, love, life and encouragement for their own families in their own homes.

You may find our books here

Look at the side bars to see the books and learn more about them at our site above. When you give one of our books to friends, it helps support us at Whole Heart to get our messages into the hands of many. Thanks so much.

So many of you have asked about my son, Joel's beautiful instrumental music. You may order them at the site above as well. It is all piano, soft, along the lines of George Winston.

Music to inspire!

May your words bring life, and truth to all who come your way today. This is the day to leave your children and friends with the Word, himself, the strength of His love, the comfort of being, the message of His hope.