Created to be artists of Life

A snack dinner, recently celebrated in our home when I did not want to cook!

"Ideals and the desire for beauty are simply the echoes of God's design in our hearts. He was the one who designed the world to be a masterpiece of wonder and life. The yearning for peace, health, and comfort is natural to our souls and comes from the depths of our hearts where we can still feel and imagine what God created life to be before the fall."    The Mom Walk p. 58

In the beginning, God created.....

One aspect to being created in God's image is that even as the first thing he did was to create, so we are made to be creators.

God placed his first children, Adam and Eve, in a vast, splendid garden with variety of color, sound, texture, light, taste--all for the pleasure of His beloved Adam and Eve.

As women and as mothers, we long to follow this design and make masterpieces out of the everyday things in our lives. We sometimes forget that masterpieces are the work of a lifetime--we create, bring light, prepare food, build traditions--just as God did when he crafted the garden and will prepare a meal for us in the new world. He brought the light of stars, the sun, constellations, we illuminate our homes with the ambience of soft reflections of firelight, lamplight, candles.

When the real world comes crashing in on us, by rumors of war, killings, earthquakes, the fall of Godly leaders, we can quickly become overwhelmed and walk down  pathway of fear and despair.

And yet it is important for us to persevere and create beauty in our world. When the walls within our home bring safety, the music brings comfort, the food satisfies the body, the touch brings affection, the words bring hope, we are like the Holy Spirit--bringing the reality of God into the dark places of this world. 

When we give up, we are submitting to the darkness that surrounds us- and in giving in to fear gives darkness to our own soul.

I believe mothers are widely capable influences in this world for good. They have an incredible capacity to be strong, faithful, life-giving. Even lighting a candle will influence our surroundings and bring soothing comfort to our souls. The dancing flicker of light gives hope that we are making a difference in this dark world.

In reading Genesis 1, what words did God use at the end of days 1-5? He said, "It is good."

Creating beauty, light, as God did, is a "good" work of our own lives.

On day 6, God pronounced his work very good.  How did he summarize all of creation?

When a mom is overworked, she may think this work of beauty if frivolous. But I have found that creating beauty actually has an inspiring, peaceful influence on my own well-being. Creating brings an energy to our lives. It doesn't have to be difficult or comprehensive, but it is a glorious process of bringing the art of God into the moments of life.

What is one thing you can do today to make your home more beautiful? Stop to think about it and make 3 ways you will beautify or tame your home this week. How can you make it more peaceful? Just a tiny effort every day can bring a legacy of comfort to your children's perceptions of life, memories, sense of belonging to a place.

It can be as simple as picking a wildflowers and putting them in a vase. Let your children gather a bouquet for you. They will love picking flowers for Mommy.

How does making your home beautiful and peaceful glorify God? How can you glorify God as a mom today?

As you look into the eyes of each of your children, pray that the Lord will help you see the masterpiece he is creating in them. Give them a gift of God's life art through the acts of worship of your life and you will bring a sense of peace into your home.

I pray God's beauty will permeate your life today!

Our Children Need Heroes!

God spoke to us in a lightening storm last night.

You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from the remotest parts, And said to you, "You are my servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you, Do not fear for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." For I am the Lord you God who upholds your right hand, who says to you, Do not fear, I will help you." 

Isaiah 41: 9-10, 13

Mamas were imagined in the heart of God, because He knew that when world events would happen in the lives of his children, they would need someone to light a candle in the darkness, to sing their fears away, to assure them of God's presence. Filling my children with stories of heroes, those who were courageous in the midst of difficult times, was a way I wanted to fill the treasure chest of their hearts so that when challenging life fell upon them, they would have resources to draw from--stories told, verses memorized, life lived above the darkness, so that they would know how to face their own fears and trials.

The way we choose, by faith, to face these difficult days, has great worth in the future faith and faithfulness of the children who live in our home. A glory to God, is for us to choose to believe in His presence so that our children will seek His presence. As Joy and I were talking about hard times tonight, she read me a blog she has just written. It encouraged me so much to see her own heart amidst all of the challenges facing all of us, that I thought I would share it with you. Be sure to go to Joy's page and read it and leave her a comment. And be sure to practice mama bravery and heroism in your own home. Enjoy!

I Need a Hero by joynessthebrave True. Story. “Aragorn is just not a realistic character.” Said my friend as we sat at lunch. “Really?” I said, “What do you mean?” “Well,” he said, holding his french fry a few inches away from his mouth in a contemplative manner, “He’s just too... Resolute... Too good. Nobody is that noble.” I hmphed and picked at my grilled cheese, he ate his french fry, and our conversation turned to complaints about homework and other serious The conversation did not turn into much more that day, but the comment always stuck with me. Not realistic. Too Resolute. Too Good. Nobody is that noble. I have always loved Aragorn. Heavens, I think there are few girls in my generation that have not gone through a stage of Aragorn admiration, and, were we honest, few of us have made it out of that stage. For evidence, see the meme included in this post. Tales like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Narnia, or to go back further, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, the Odyssey, David and Goliath, and countless others have gone deep into the psyche of countless generations. We love stories for their adventure and delight, but I think there is a deeper down reason for our love of these tales. We love them because a good story gets to the heart of the struggle of good and evil that every age has had to deal with. Though it wears different masks-- war, oppression, slavery, nuclear war, facism-- every age has had its darkness to fight. We tell stories to make sense of the world, and to give us an ideal for how to live in evil times. That’s where the Aragorns of the world come in. Every good story has its hero. If stories help us make sense of our beautiful, broken and cruel world, Hero’s teach us to live in it. In our favorite heroes, we see people who face the same sorts of hardships and doubts that we do, yet somehow, miraculously come out the other side. We love heroes because they are brave, and because they make us believe that, perhaps, we could be brave too. Not Realistic. Too Resolute. Too Good. Too Noble. I believe our generation has lost some of its hope in heroes. We are wary of people who seem “too good,” and I do not think this wariness is totally unfounded. The last score of years have been full of media demagogues: politicians who promise and do not deliver, pastors who preach but do not practice, stars who shine but do not bring light. The rapid growth of social media has engendered a marketing based culture where everything and everyone is claiming to fill a need, and the emptiness of those promises has become quickly evident. As a generation, we have grown weary of people claiming to be heroes. As a result, many people have rejected the idea of heroism altogether, and have replaced it with the ideal of “being real” or “authentic.” This rejection of heroism and embrace of “authenticity” is evident in the proliferation of anti-heroes in literature and film. Take for instance the popular example of the “real” antihero Katniss Everdeen, who is only willing to do the right thing once she is coerced and harrowed into it. I am not wholeheartedly condemning all antiheroes, but I think it is worth noting their presence and influence in the 21st century imagination. There is something truly valuable in the pursuit of authenticity and humility, but what bothers me is the idea that true heroism is, as my friend put it, “not realistic.” But what do we mean by “not realistic?” We have forgotten to define our terms. To assume that a character can only be “authentic” “real” or “humble” if they are antiheroic means that we have assumed that no one can truly be heroic.  After all, there are no pure motives... And that is the assumption that bothered me about my friends statement. Is Aragorn’s bravery and heroism truly unrealistic? I recently finished reading Lord of the Rings over the summer, and was profoundly encouraged by it. The story is peppered with heroes of all shapes and sizes, and that is perhaps what I love most about the series. Be they hobbit or high elf, many a character comes to the edge of peril and decides to press on, to conquer, and to be brave. Time after time characters are faced with certain death, many meeting it, but press on for the love of goodness and the understanding that their decisions are a part of a story much bigger than themselves. Consider Aragorn. In the story, Aragorn is 80 years old. He has spent many years as a ranger in hiding-- a job without appreciation and without forgiveness. By the time the book begins, he has fought many bitter battles and spent years in obscurity, but he knows that He-- and he alone-- is meant to be king. It is not that he is infallible, but that he has spent his life preparing and training for his part. When finally the day comes for Aragorn to take his place as King, it is in a battle almost sure to be lost, but he goes forward bravely, knowing that this was his time to be brave, whether it ended in death or life. It was what he had prepared for all his life. It was the summation of his character. It was his part in the story. Not realistic. Too Resolute. Too Good. Nobody is that noble. I wonder if the reason we have lost our trust in heroes is because we have lost our sense of story. All good heroes know that there acts of bravery are not about them, but about the people, the values, and the goodness they believe in and want to preserve. Heroes seem supernatural, because in their actions they affirm that there is a true and even supernatural narrative that is worth protecting, and even worth laying their lives down for. Heroism is not about glory, it is about story. Perhaps more people would be real and authentic heroes if, rather than making themselves out to be great and noticed, they spent their lives, like Aragorn, in silent preparation of character, daily building spiritual muscle to fight, making decisions in quiet moments to walk towards the light and dispel the darkness, so that when their time came to lay down their lives for what is right, they would be ready. As I write this, there is a breath stealing heat lightening show happening outside my window. It is like nothing I have ever seen. The clouds are piled miles high and the stars a guarding the clear air around them. Inside the towers of clouds there are great silent flashes of light flashing, as though Gandalf himself is fighting Saruman. I feel small.   And I am. I am grateful for these moments, because in their inaudible and yet articulate way they remind me of the Great Storyteller, and the Great Story that I am a part of. I want to be hero. The story is not over yet, and more than ever we need heroes. A cursory glance at your newsfeed or will reveal that light and goodness are being challenged, and sometimes seemingly darkened, every day. But just like Aragorn, I want to know my place in the story, prepare my heart, stretch my spiritual muscle to be ready for my part in the story. We need to believe in heroes. We need to read stories about heroes. We need to become heroes in ready wait for the true King and Hero. "Suddenly Faramir stirred, and he opened his eyes, and he looked on Aragorn who bent over him; and a light of knowledge and love was kindled in his eyes, and he spoke softly. 'My lord, you called me. I come. What does the king command?' 'Walk no more in the shadows, but awake!' said Aragorn. 'You are weary. Rest a while, and take food, and be ready when I return.' 'I will, lord,' said Faramir. 'For who would lie idle when the king has returned.'" -Return of the King Find Joy at: http://joynessthebrave.wordpress.com/ Joy--getting ready to leave for Oxford next week! I will miss her, but she will be blessed, I know!

Anyone want to see Sarah Mae and me at Focus on the Family?Tuesday !

Hi, Friends, Sarah Mae and I will taping a show for Focus on the Family to discuss Desperate this coming Tuesday, August 26, at 9:30 a.m. and we would love to have you in our audience and will be available to say hi after the taping. If you would like to join us, you have to register, as they have limited seating. Here is the information:

Here's info from FOTF: If you would like to attend a taping, please note the following information:
Seating is reserved. Please call (719) 531-3400 and ask for extension 1907 to reserve a seat.
Children under the age of 10 are restricted from attending broadcast tapings. Additionally, there are occasions when the subject matter is not appropriate for anyone under the age of 18. If this is the case, the information will be available when you make your reservation to attend a taping.
Please call a day or two before your planned visit to learn of any schedule changes.
If you are not able to attend, please call the above number to let us know. We appreciate your thoughtfulness.

It would be so fun for us to see you and have a full house! Hope you can join us! Tell your friends! See you soon!

Remembering That I Am Not God

"I am imperfect and no matter how hard I try, my children will never be perfect. But when I am resting in the life I have in Christ, my children, in spite of me, still have the opportunity to turn out okay. God is their true source of life, just as He is my source of life, and I am just a tool in His hands that He uses to communicate His life to them. In the end, He is in charge of their souls' destinies. I have learned to live freely in this knowledge, balancing the tension of ideals and reality by enjoying His constant love and help." -The Mom Walk

While striving to maintain ideals in your household is important, no mother will ever be capable of perfection (no matter how hard we try). The hard work you accomplish matters--every meal, each candle lit, the stories read, the morning devotions, the hugs and kisses, many prayers--it is the most valuable work. However, allow yourself grace and remember that while you are their mother, you are not their God.

God has trusted you with these sweet children who will look to you as the example, giving your children a healthy pattern that they can follow.  When they become adults and are living on their own, they will have memories and examples of how to face their own problems because they have a godly picture of it from the life of their mother. While your great influence in their lives is significant, it is crucial that you remember to rest in the love of Christ, knowing that at the end of the day, He is in charge. Take a deep breath, and don't put too much pressure on yourself today.

Take a moment today to have a quiet time and bible study, reading over these verses and meditating on them, as well as the questions below.

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." -Proverbs 19:21

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28

"In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind." -Job 12:10

Ask yourself: -Am I putting so much pressure on being the perfect mother that I am attempting to take on the role of God? -How can I better allow God to help and take control in my life, as well as the lives of my children? -How can I allow myself to rest in the help and love of God today?

Why don't the mountains make me cry no more?

Why don't the mountains make me cry no more?

They don't sing the way they did before
They're just piles of stone as dead as bones
Like corpses on a field of war
And they just don't make me cry no more.

Andrew Peterson

(a favorite singer/songwriter of our family)

The Last Frontier

Listen Here.

Music is the poetry of our generation, the voice of our fears, thoughts, emotions, giving reality to what we store in our hearts. And so, this song reflected my own, and Joy's,  heart's words. And so slowly we are taking some time to come back to life.

Sitting on the front porch, sipping tea in the late afternoon caught Joy and me creaking slowly in our white rocking chairs and trying to breathe in life. "Mama, I was so tired and worn to the bone when I came home from school this year, that I couldn't even feel how pretty everything was any more. It was like I was in a fog."

Remember when, as a little girl, you would see a shooting star or sit by the firelight of a bonfire and roast marshmallows or catch lightening bugs in the early dark of a summer's night and all was delight to your soul. Just being alive was exciting and every day had the possibility of something wonderful?

Taking the temperature of our souls is essential to staying alive. I have felt so crowded in my life that I have hardly had room to breathe. Sometimes I know that the sunrise is beautiful, but my heart doesn't sing when I see it anymore. This is the moment I say, "No matter what, I will take time for rest for my soul, time alone, time away from machines, time for music and sleeping, and not answering the phone. Time for walks and lots of hot drinks, or a hot bath, or a moonlit walk under the stars...

I have gathered delights that help me restore my own heart to wonder because I want to appropriately be childlike before Him to marvel, to breathe, to be amazed.

What helps you restore? What brings you back to your old true self? Keep stock of your heart now, so that you may stay alive to God.

"Guard your heart, for from it flow the springs of life." Proverbs 4:23

My life issues are just not as big as they seem.

Georgios Jakobides The First Steps

O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; Nor do I involve myself in great matters, Or in things too difficult for me.

Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child rests against his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me. Psalm 131

Turning 61 has given me perspective. I have lived through so many seasons of difficulties, illnesses, phases of children's lives, financial crisis, car wrecks, friendship difficulties, miscarriages, teenagers, depression--

as well as celebrations, accomplishments, family memories, traditions, loving and being loved, cooking a gazillion meals, staying up too late for thousands of nights, by having precious moments nursing babies, listening to the secrets of inner-most-hearts, traveling and memorable ministry moments, God's hidden and constant faithfulness, moonlit nights---well you get it.

Life never stops and issues never cease--one goes away and another comes.

But there have been times when I did not carry the heavy burdens well.

Part of this was God's stretching my capacity, shaping my character, trusting me with tests of faith so difficult it was hard to breathe. But, I wish I had known that no matter how hard, He would take me through, little by little and that I would still live, even in times I thought I would certainly crater. If only I had sung a little bit more and rested my heart, even when my schedule and body had no rest.

Then there were so many times when the busyness of life--ear infections, 4 children, thousands of sleepless nights, no baby-sitters or support systems to alleviate the stress--but somehow, I lived. God had confidence in my future when I could not see beyond the next day.

But when I would try to carry myself through these burdensome places, I created even more stress for myself, but not just learning to yield, every day, the burdens and questions and insecurities that seemed so overwhelming. He who has shepherded thousands of years of humans through all possible crisis, is able to carry me securely through the times I have been given to live.

I have noticed that when I am too busy and have taken responsibilities on my shoulders that only God can or should carry, I become harsher. When I am too busy and have overcommitted, I lose a love for the things that are normally important to me.  I care less for the lost; have little patience for my children; tend to see people as irritating (What was that driver in that car thinking? Can't believe anyone would drive that way! or "That lady was soooooo slow in the check out line at Walmart!)

God becomes a distant thought that I glance toward with guilt thinking He must be disappointed with me because I just haven't had time for Him, but I have just been so busy.........

Fretting is also a part--Fretting about money, life, family, children, church, ministry, duties, Christmas, gifts, housework, burdens--fretting, fretting--taking so much energy, so much thought life---and the Psalms say, "Fret not, it leads only to evil doing." (Psalm 37:8)

And then I tend to become cynical. "I do so much, and there is no one to help." And of course, "If I don't do it or take responsibility, no one else will."

It is so easy to begin to live a works oriented life, and then to think without me, things will fall apart. Then I become weary. Then I say, "Lord, don't you care that I am drowning?!" or "Tell Mary to come in here. I am doing all the work myself!"

God is not biting His nails wondering if I am going to get it all done. He is not the great abuser in heaven just waiting to give me more than I can handle. And so, slowly, I have had to learn, if I am consistently feeling too much stress, too much weight on my shoulders, I have not given it to Him and or, I am attempting to do things that He has never asked or expected me to do.

Jesus did not go into the world Himself. He stayed local, humble, quiet, and yet His message, in God's hands, changed the world.

"I am humble and meek. Learn from me." Again, I learn from this verse.

If He was humble and not in a hurry and still accomplished God's will--and not all the blind and sick were healed, then I can trust these mysteries into His hands.

A good father would not expect his little child to carry the load. He would carry the load and the fragile child.

I find I have so much on my plate to do, that the only thing I can do is re-access; cut back; only focus on the agenda that He has set.

Burning out

I am old enough to have lived through so many women who burned out--in ministry, in homeschooling, in jobs, in ideals---burn, burn, burn and then all that is left is ashes. It is a cultural value to be busy and to justify ourselves by our activities.

Last Spring, I met with a young woman. She said, as many young women have said, "Sally, God is just opening so many doors for me, I just have to be a good steward of my opportunities." (as her exhausted teen daughter was pushing her toddler in a stroller behind her, and complaining that her mom just never had time for her.) This happens to me a lot--young women who have stars in their eyes from money that can be made, audiences that can be found, numbers that can build up.

Quitting ideals because of circumstances

I have never had more opportunities come my way as now, but I have to monitor what I see going on in my heart and soul,  which are constantly drained daily for years on end. If I do not have a full heart, I know I will be tempted to compromise ideals that I have always believed. Culture gives us permission to quit, to stop and compromise ideas and so, I become  convicted that I need to cut back. I am pulling back from expectations of others in order to keep being able to walk with God and please Him. . Pulling back from stress. And simplifying. Quieting my soul.

He needs to be at my center. I need to have peace and quiet in my soul. I can say "no!" no matter how many people there are who seem to need me, so that I can still and quiet my soul. 'When I wait on Him, I see His power, His provision, His answers--always so much better than me, tiny, little me, trying to play the role of God, when all He wanted me to do was to seek Him, rest in Him and listen to His voice.

So many times the examples He left me--David and Goliath; Joshua marching around a wall; a Jewish nation born from a single child; the fish and the loaves, the oil that was enough every day to make one more loaf.

I am a baby to God, his toddler, "like a weaned child, I will not involve myself in things too difficult for me."

God is in control.

He does not want to abuse me. He does not want me to be neurotic and angry. He wants me to be at peace--sleeping in the boat in the midst of the storm,  because I am "leaning on my Father's strong arms."

And so, I am waiting on Him before I venture out--the opportunities will always be there, but now is a good time to pace myself, to still my soul, to seek to live more simply, to say yes to my God-given priorities and no to all that will take me away. I could do lots more, but then I would become crazy and grumpy and tight and hard to live with, and living by my own flesh and striving and works--and I cannot hold His hand and behave in such a manner all at the same time.

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.Psalm 62: 1

So, today, on this very busy day, I know that my soul will only find rest in Him--His will, His way!

What are your stresses? Your fears? Your heartbreak or burdens? Have you kept them in perspective in light of eternity?

You probably have many more decades of life to live through--don't forget that this is just a season, a moment in time. Leave it in His hands and learn at every turn in the road, and like a weaned child, rest.

Learning How to Choose Joy.

IMG_0088a

"The joy-filled life is not found by diminishing my God-given responsibilities as a woman, wife, and mother, nor can I find joy merely by refusing to face the hard realities of life in a fallen world. There is a tension that God is asking me to acknowledge and accept ~ the tension between ideals and realities. True joy is found by living somewhere between the ideal life and daily realities. That is where Jesus meets me, where His Holy Spirit empowers, and where I learn how to live the Christian life with supernatural joy. To celebrate life is simply a choice." -Seasons of a Mother's Heart

When my adult children come back home to visit me, the excitement and anticipation ignites me to tidy the house, set out lovely flowers, light candles, and leave them chocolates and goodies, prepare their favorite meals. I do this so that they can feel welcome, experience my love for them, and feel the peace and joy that comes with home. However, can you imagine how I would feel if I went to all of that effort to make things beautiful and love them extravagantly, only to watch them walk in, sit on their phones and computers all day, have bad attitudes, and tell me that they're just "too busy" or "too stressed" to enjoy it? How must our loving God feel when we don't choose to celebrate this life He has given us to subdue?God is available, prepares for us each day, wants to shower us with His love, grace, compassion, wisdom, but often we are too busy or self-centered to notice Him and to "be" with Him.

Often times, our own expectations of how we thought life would be, get in the way of us being able to grab onto the joy and abundant life that God has for each of us. Finding peace and joy does not mean giving up on our ideals, but in seeking the balance, the ebb and flow, that is life. Joy won't always feel as second nature as taking a breath, but with every breath, how can you choose joy? It is a conscious, daily effort that can transform your life if you allow it to. Joy is a choice to see Him in the midst of daily moments, to call upon His spirit's presence and strength at each turn, each curve in the road. Joy comes from being assured we are not alone in the dark places and that He is light and will shine His light in each place.

Take a moment today to have a quiet time and bible study, reading over these verses and meditating on them, as well as the questions below.

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." -Proverbs 17:22

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." -Romans 15:13

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy." -James 1:2

Ask yourself: -Is there a high expectation for a situation or relationship in your life that has been robbing you of joy? How can you better find the tension between the ideals and realities of that circumstance?-How can you allow the Holy Spirit to enter into the imperfect circumstances of your life, allowing you to find supernatural joy?-In what ways can you find gratitude, seek beauty, and find joy in the celebration of life today?

Be Still My Heart

My front porch where I sit quietly with my family each night to watch the sunset and to drink in a moment of peace, the fresh outdoors and a moment to be still.

“As mothers and fathers, it is so easy to get distracted by the details of our lives. We have so much to do! We must feed our children well and take care of their health. We must oversee their education and their training to make sure they will be able to take care of themselves and live in a civilized society. We train them in righteousness so they may understand how God wants them to live. We try to relate to them in mature ways and help them learn to have healthy relationships."

But with this busyness of life, it is possible to miss the sacred gift of enjoying each moment, each day, each precious person who enters the walls of our home and to be mindful that this day will never come again in the just the same way. ”

-The Ministry of Motherhood

Sword of the Spirit:

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

Live it out today:

It is a great responsibility to be a mother, a cultivator of beauty and nurturer of souls.

If you are finding yourself overwhelmed in your journey as a mom or as a homeschooler today, consumed by anxiety, daunting tasks, and a serious lack of sleep, I invite you to take a deep breath at this moment.

Relax, even for just a minute, and remember that while you may feel alone,

God sees all of the work you do (the late nights, early morning, many meals, one more basket of laundry, the lit candles and lovely flowers, one more rocking chair song to soothe a little heart-- that no one else noticed).

Don’t put unrealistic pressures on yourself, on your homeschooling agenda, or on your parenting, that God never asked you to do.

Perhaps the most loving and healthy thing you can do for yourself and your children is to be still for a moment today and have a quiet time--to watch a sunset, to giggle together at the antics of cherished dog, to read a passage of a rousing adventure, to listen to music and just be together.

How can you prioritize your quiet time today and squeeze it into your busy schedule?

The Place of Wonder

Horse Head Nebula Orion--God's modern art

(a gathering of spacious gas  Joel never forgot from childhood when we observed a book of the Heavenlies.)

 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

Psalm 19:1

When a child is given the opportunity to lay on the grass under a night sky, his mind journeys to wonders unknown, his eyes extend to galaxies and the far beyond and in this moment, his mind begins to understand eternity. When an adult is confronted with the infinity of God's eternal creation and endless wonder of his personal handiwork, he will be more likely to worship, to magnify God's rightful position in His life. His faith will become a part of the extension of His depth of personal knowledge of the living God.

But when life does not allow the place for wonder, there will be little awe, humility, reverence for the infinite wisdom and ways of God. We do not bow our knee or humble our heart if we have not lived in wonder.

“Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time: Thus is your time on earth filled with glory.” 
― Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

An adult who ponders the designer behind the intricate design of a leaf on a tree, the shape of a flower, the shadows of a moon-lit night flirting and fluttering between the shadows of dancing tree branches will come into the presence of God.

“The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.” 
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

As all ages are magnetically attracted to new life, --babies, ducklings, puppies,--we are confronted with the miracle of life itself and if we make time to wonder, to imagine, to think of the mystery behind the creating of a new life, our minds will be drawn to the supernatural, divine spark and power of God.

Faith will not grow where time does not allow for imagination, swimming in the wonders of life God has sprinkled across our paths every day.

When our busyness and technology do not allow for the real, the created, the life-art from the very hands of God, the deeper questions of life will be pondered apart from what He has created and provided to give witness to His reality.

When a child is given pat answers and technology to humdrum his mind away into mechanical oblivion, his faith will be weak, his vision of God will be small, a limited view of his own small world, shallow, and life-less because his soul has not been confronted by the transcendence  of the eternal God.

Satan would hide the wonder and awe of our inspiring God by confining us to the world of busyness, obligations, distraction, watching machines instead of playing in creation.

“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.” 
― Socrates

Throughout all the ages, wise writers, authors, professors have known that imagining, being awe-struck, learning to become amazed and to wonder at the ways and creation of God is the beginning.

So, for children and adults to grow strong and healthy relating to the living God, their lives must provide time for being caught up in the eternal, the transcendence, the glory of the Holy God.

Today, when life overwhelms, go into His presence, observe the ways of His creation and your soul will find rest in his magnitude, beauty and strength.

Your Words Matter

"Words matter! They have the power mysteriously to enter our hearts and minds and lift us beyond the present moment into the presence of God himself. How important it is, then, that we mothers, shepherds of our children's lives and hearts, choose our words to them carefully. We must deliberately aim our words at their hearts in such a way as to give our children hope, faith, strength, and also to point them toward the redeeming love of Christ. We can become the affirming voice of God to our children, just as we become a picture of his redeeming reality in their everyday lives." -The Ministry of Motherhood

It's easy to become overwhelmed during the daily obstacles of life and let harsh words press through our lips. Sometimes it isn't even the words, exactly, as much as it is the condescending tones, volume, or sarcastic attitudes. As a mother and life-giver, God has entrusted you to vocalize His heart and intentions for your children. It is an extremely important responsibility to not only be the hands and feet of Jesus, but to also be his voice in your home.

Take a moment today to have a quiet time and bible study, reading over these verses and meditating on them, as well as the questions below.

"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." -Proverbs 16:24

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." -Proverbs 18:21

"There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." -Proverbs 12:18

Ask yourself: -Where are you aiming your words? -What have your words been saying about what is on your heart? -What choices can you make today to affirm God's love to your children through the words you choose to speak over their lives?