Recent Posts
The Messages Parents Send
When someone asks, "What do you do?" the reply frequently includes a job title. But anyone who is raising or interacting with children has a role far more important than ordinary career duties.
Parents are communicators. Yet unlike conference speakers, moms and dads don't get to preplan their entire message. Everything we do and say—especially that which happens "off the cuff"—teaches our kids. Think about your childhood days. What did your parents do that illustrated their priorities, beliefs, and passions?
Even without speaking, we send messages by our body language, interests, kindnesses, absence or presence, silence . . . Add words to the mix, and we have a recipe for remarkable impact, whether positive or negative.
Inevitably, our children will be greatly affected by what we communicate and how they interpret it. Be conscious of the way each young one processes information—sometimes our intended message becomes skewed by their understanding. What an incredible responsibility we've been given. No wonder wise parents rely on God's help.
Only troubled parents—like the angry, jealous King Saul in today's passage—would ever set out to hurt their children. But in our busyness, or from past woundedness, we might just be sending damaging messages.
What are you communicating to your kids? Ask yourself: What do my actions point to as priorities in my life? Do my children sense a hunger in my heart for God's direction, counsel, and sustenance? Above all, would they know how to have a thriving relationship with Jesus Christ by watching my life?
Albert Schweitzer
In the ladies Bible study I worked on in the Spring, it was also pointed out that we can't hear our Shepherd's voice if we are not reading His Word. His Word, and the Holy Spirit combine to be His Voice. It's taken me a long time to comprehend that I can't hear Him, if I am not open to hearing Him.
I confess, I am sometimes, all too often, easily distracted. I need to carve out daily times of reading and praying, and am guilty of not giving Him top priority.
Hugs,
Trish
Albert Schweitzer
God bless!
Karen
The Burden of Inadequacy
Deuteronomy 1:19-36
Standing on the edge of the Promised Land, the Israelites were overcome by fear. The size and strength of the enemy contrasted sharply with their own weakness and inability. Because we're human, everyone at times will experience inadequacy and the uncomfortable feelings that accompany it. The issue you and I face is not whether we are sufficient for a task, but how we will respond when a challenge is beyond our capabilities.
Like the children of Israel, we can give in to fear and then focus on the expectation of certain failure. As the obstacle grows in our minds, our feet run in the opposite direction, away from the challenge and toward safety. However, turning away from the task that God has given us will lead us not to security but into bondage. By allowing fear to control our choices, we'll become chained to feelings of inadequacy, which will shape our future decisions and, ultimately, our destinies.
As a result of their refusal to trust the Lord and move forward to conquer the land, the Israelites were consigned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. The men who did not believe God's promise never saw the land that He wanted to give them. Opportunities are always lost when we let fear overrule our faith.
When God calls you to a task beyond your abilities, instead of giving in to your feelings, choose to rely on what you know about Him and His promises. By moving forward in faith despite your inadequacy, you will discover the Lord's faithfulness. He always empowers us for the works He assigns.
Albert Schweitzer
Hugs,
Trish
Albert Schweitzer
The first three Steps are all about God. I can't resist temptation. God can help me. I think I'll surrender to Him, and let him help me. The next six are about Spiritually cleaning house and making amends to the people we've offended, whether we like it or not. The next three are about continuing the house cleaning, and maintaining the relationship with God, and then telling others about the hope and help we've found in God.
Because of doing all of these things regularly, I have managed to lose weight, 30 pounds, since leaving rehab in January 2010. My eating is not 100% clean. But, it is doing something right.
I hope this has not offended anyone. I just know what has worked for me.
Hugs,
Trish
Albert Schweitzer
God bless!
Karen
For a long time after I was saved, I had a lot of misinformation fed to me about works theology. I attended churches that taught if you weren't there every time the doors were open, you were not a good Christian. Our poor kids were dragged to church three times a week, plus for youth activities. They learned a lot of self-control, because I learned how to keep them quiet in the evening services when there was no children's church. When they couldn't read, we brought coloring books and crayons for the sermon, but they had to try to sing during the worship times. Then, as beginner readers, I gave them a copy of the bulletin, and told them to circle all the vowels, or certain consonants, or words that began with a certain letter. Once they started reading they brought books.
Now that I understand that God looks at my heart, it motivates me to use my Spiritual gifts in and out of the church, which I am blessed to do in my volunteer work at the agency as well as the church's food pantry.
God bless.
Trish
Albert Schweitzer
God bless!
Karen