Heaven at Home by Ginger Plowman

This is a delightful read just in time for the summer by the same author of ‘Don’t Make Me Count to Three.  Ginger Plowman outlines practical ways moms can help effectively create a peaceful haven at home.  As Jesus promised to go and prepare a place for us in heaven, Ginger encourages moms that we can catch a glimpse of that right here in our homes.   Ginger speaks with godly insight and biblical wisdom underscoring the truth that a peaceful home is measured by the extent to which Christ reigns.

Plowman emphasizes how we glorify Christ through our role as a wife, mom, and keeper of the home.  You see it is mom that sets the ambiance of the home...to establish her domain as peaceful and one that radiates Christ and reflects heaven.

The first truth Ginger shares is how we, as moms, relate to our Heavenly Father because that is where it should start in our home.  She suggests the following ways to draw from the Lord throughout our day:

• Begin with small goals with little devotionals or quick Bible studies
• Have devotion time when you will not be interrupted.  Jesus gave us an example of choosing a good time from his own life when He woke up very early in the morning, while it was still dark.  (Mark 1:35)  Incidentally, the wife in Proverbs 31 also woke up early ‘while it was still dark”.  I wonder if she was having her quiet “devotional” time. 
• Be flexible if you have a baby.  You can place all the Bibles you own in different rooms of the house, and have them opened up so that you can snack on God’s Word throughout the day as you move from room to room.  A little snacking can prevent starvation as you wait for opportunities to feast. 
• Be in constant fellowship with God.  As it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “pray continually” throughout your day.  You don’t have to close your eyes.

Ginger also suggests noble ideas for serving in your role as a wife.

·      Be a good steward in the financial affairs of your home

·      Prepare for your husbands arrival.  Nothing builds security in the heart of a child more than the assurance that Mom and Dad love each other.

·      Give your husband time to unwind after he gets home.

·      Remember to encourage your husband.  When Ginger surveyed 100 husbands, she discovered that 72% said that words of encouragement and appreciation and encouraging notes make them feel loved.  30% of the husbands said that they like to see their wives’ smile.  You see a peaceful home is a place not void of conflict but where conflict is resolved calmly with an unselfish consideration for the other person.

Ginger describes the peaceful home as being one where unity prevails…in your marriage as you allow your husband to lead, amongst your children, with your in-laws, and with your friends.   She offers wonderful ideas in cultivating unity amongst siblings.  As moms, we need to understand that God gave our children “best friends” right in our own families.

You will also find some easy home ideas to help structure your day in attempts to keep order in your home.  Please understand that some of these ideas are not Biblical mandates but just helpful suggestions from one mom to another.  She outlines separate ideas for infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children.  Ginger even discusses the importance of hospitality, opening your home to others that God might be glorified.  There is a big difference between entertaining and hospitality.  We ought to “practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13) as the early Church demonstrated.  Entertaining focuses on things (condition of house, food, convenience).  Hospitality focuses on people and ministering to one another.  Creating a peaceful home helps us to practice hospitality.   Remember it is Christ who is the Giver of Peace and the Prince of Peace.  He establishes your home peaceful.

Parenting the Way God Parents by Katherine Koonce

          
            Nothing has drawn me deeper into surrender and dependency on God than being a parent.  Unfortunately, when I parent, I naturally gravitate toward what I learned or inherited when my parents parented me.  If I don’t consciously decide to focus on how God would have me parent, I may find myself “recycling” the same parenting approach of my parents…whether good or bad.  I’ve realized that I can’t do this parenting thing, or at least do it well, without God. 

Katherine Koonce, child development and learning specialist, reminds us that the best way is God’s way in her book Parenting the Way God Parents.  There are many aspects of our family heritage that we can pass down to our children.  Koonce challenges readers to take an inventory of those aspects of your heritage that God would have you pass to your children and those aspects that you should leave behind such as generational sin.  In my case, the Lord has convicted me of the generational sin of anger.  Koonce defines “excellence” in the way God defines it, giving parents a greater focus in how to parent their children.  It is tempting to define excellence by worldly standards and then to impose that onto our children.  I love the way Katherine distinguishes the difference between excellence and perfection.  She says “while it is possible to reach excellence…it is not possible to reach perfection.  When we lead children to believe that perfection is their goal, we guarantee that they will fail.  Perfection is like north.  You can head north, but you will never reach north.  North is a direction, not a destination.”

               Koonce also discusses the problem with striving for perfection.  Children who expect perfection of themselves or believe that their parents expect it of them, will eventually stop trying to measure up because no one can ever measure up to such a standard.  The risk is underachievement for children who expect perfection.  They often avoid trying new things or pursuing anything with energy.  Katherine also warns parents about  “how to exasperate a child.”  While it is important to teach our children that “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10),  we must not set our standards so high that we are never or rarely pleased.  Koonce believes that “we exasperate them when all their mistakes are met with corrections.”  She suggests that “whatever the range, leave a little room at the top for the child to wow us with better-than-required work.  Never tell a child that you expect all A’s…because even if he makes a 99 on a test, he’s still done no better than expected.  Rather, if his range is low B to mid A and he earns a 99, then he has performed above expectations and it’s time to dole out some praise!”

Parenting the Way God Parents will also help you:

• Discern valid rights from selfish wants for your children in this age of entitlement
• Be prepared for anger, and help your children prepare for it too
• Take an active, prayerful role in seeking God’s vision for your family
• Focus on shaping your children’s hearts, not just their behavior

              Katherine Koonce also delves into the subjects of abundance with our children, lessons of choices, devotion, disappointment, charity and generosity, patience, and mercy.  For most of us, we live a life of abundance relative to the rest of the world.  Koonce encourages us to teach our children that “part of living in abundance is knowing when you have had enough.”   It important to be a good steward of what the Lord has blessed us with remembering that “God is the Provider of everything.”  That means that if we have not used what we have been blessed with to advance God’s kingdom or benefit others within His kingdom, we have misused what we have been given.  You can encourage and teach your children by asking them:

• What earthly possessions or gifts has God given them?
• In what ways can they use those gifts to bless others?
• In what ways do their gifts get in the way of blessing others?

              One of my favorite chapters in Parenting the Way God Parents discusses patience in the parent and children.  Patience is one of the greatest ways to model the love of the Father to our children.  Katherine states, “If we love someone, we must adopt a posture of patience.”  She reminds parents that we cannot teach our children patience if we are not pursuing it ourselves.  Think about the times when you lack patience with your children, then take them straight to the Father.  Are they times when you are in a hurry or when your children are acting childishly?  Katherine offers practical ways in addressing your patience and fostering that virtue in your children.

        Parenting the Way God Parents is the parenting approach that embraces child rearing from an eternal perspective.  Katherine Koonce offers much wisdom and insight and encourages parents to draw near to our Heavenly Parent.  And, remember His promise that as we draw near to Him, He draws near to us.  There is no greater calling on us parents than to model God the Father before our children.

 

The Minivan Years by Olivia Bruner

         I picked up this hilarious book because, although I do not drive a minivan but a Suburban...same thing...the title describes the years I happen to be  enjoying or enduring this very season.  Author, Olivia Bruner, serves on the faculty of the Center for Strong Families, is also a co-founder of the Heritage Builders Association, and a frequent guest on Focus on the Family.

        As parents we may often make mistakes and wonder if our children will turn out ok.  She reminds us that even with the Perfect Parent, our Father in Heaven, His children stumble, fall, and fail at times.  So, if a Perfect Parent like God encounters mishaps with His children, we are in good company.  As you display grace for others, extend grace to yourself as well.

        Every mother needs to come to a place of recognizing that her children are not, in fact, her children.  They are God’s.  We only have the privilege of nurturing, caring, training, teaching, and loving them only for a time, but we do not own them.  God wired us with an instinct to care and protect these young toward life, but not worry ourselves to death over them. 

        A study from Columbia University reported that children who had dinner with their parents fewer than three times a week were more likely to smoke, drink, or use drugs than children who had dinner with their parents five to seven times a week.  Endeavor to spend as many meals with your children as possible....breakfast, lunch, or even a snack served at the table.  It doesn’t have to be dinner.  Play “high/low” around a meal.  Each family member describes their “high” for that day, their favorite part of the day, as well as their “low”, their not so favorite.  This activity can serve as an opportunity to gain further insight into your children’s heart...exposing their joys, fear, or struggles.  It also gives you a chance to encourage and intervene in prayer for your children.

        Give highlight to answered prayers.  Our children may see us pray at meal times, pray at bed times, and pray at times of great need.  Give them a chance to see and know how God’s work in those prayers by sharing how God has answered them.

        As soon as your children begin sleeping through the night, set your alarm clock for at least thirty minutes before they wake up to prepare for the day.  Use the time to review schedules, goals for the day, pray, and read your Bible.  Like those who work in jobs outside of the home prepare ahead of time for the work before them, let us endeavor to prepare well for our days.  Remember do not be legalistic if it doesn’t work that you arise before the first child does.

        Remember to enjoy these “enduring” days with children at home...ok, easily said than done when you’re in the midst of it.   Right?  Everyday is challenging when you have young children at home, but know that circumstance cannot steal from the truly happy or give to the truly miserable.  Neither depends on the proximity to pleasure, health, or money.  They depend on their proximity to God.  Schedule “fun days” or “date nights” with your children.  Or be spontaneous by making chocolate chip pancakes one morning or playing Monopoly after school.

        It’s never too early to begin modeling or teaching your children about handling money.  God encourages us to be good stewards with all that He blesses us.  Teach your children the same.  You can find helpful tools in teaching children money management by visiting www.crown.org and www.daveramsey.com.

        Establish your home as a safe place for every family member to be their “own”...free of judgement, teasing, or harassment.  Establish rules or safe guards from “put-downs in jest” or rude comments.  Allow your children to view home as a heavenly refuge on this side of heaven.

       When you discover or catch your child doing something wrong, watch your reaction.  Learn to expect your children to sin.  They will...we all do.  It is important to be firm in discipline but be careful to show grace in the moment of discovery.  Remain calm and instruct your child on why what he or she did was wrong and assign the appropriate consequence.  Remember that sinful behavior is the result of our human condition.

Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes in You and Your Kids by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller

         This is a practical and reasonable book about the virtue of honor and how it affects your children’s attitudes and behavior.  Honor is acting and talking in a manner that pleases others, even when they are not around.  Honor considers the needs of others, not just your own.  It reflects the heart of God and glorifies His name. 

Scott Turansky reminds parents that it is important for children to learn to give up their agendas and follow instructions...and, yes, even when they don’t want to.  Turansky advises that children who haven’t learned how to obey should be given fewer choices.  Obedience does not have to hinge on understanding, but it is what the Lord commands(Ephesians 6:1). 

The authors coach parents in teaching their children healthy dialogue such as what they refer to as the “Wise Appeal.”  The Wise Appeal says, “I understand that you want me to…because…But I have a problem with that because…Could I please…?”  It is practical application that makes this book so helpful even after reading a few chapters. 

Here are some examples of the practical ideas you will find in this book:

• End each day on a positive note with your children
• Teach your children to treat people as special.  For example, how people are greeted when they come in the door is very important.  The first thing they see and hear is an opportunity to show honor.
• Teach children to do more than what’s expected in what they have been asked to do.
• Deal with the bad attitudes.  Discipline them for attitude problems not just behavior.
• Teach them to listen to others with both eyes.
• Model it...Be what you want them to be.
•  Appeal to their conscience.  Tell your children how God might feel when they sin.

This book emphasizes that honor-based solutions within your family are a reflection of the Lord and provide opportunities to display and express love to others.

“By this, all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  

John 13:35

Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman

This straightforward, direct, and even funny book offers practical application of the Scriptures to parenting.  If “Shepherding a Child’s Heart” imparts the doctrine behind godly parenting, “Don’t 
Make Me Count to Three!” gives the practical application of the values taught in “Shepherding a Child’s Heart”.

We should expect a godly standard for our children, anything short of this would be unfair to the 
great calling that the Lord has assigned us as parents.  The standard should be obedience “all the 
way, right away, and with a joyful heart.”  Remember partial obedience is not obedience at all 
and delayed obedience is really disobedience.  And inward obedience is just as important as 
outward obedience…a joyful heart.

Ginger Plowman discusses ways that we, as mommies, can deal with the frustrations that come up 
in parenting our precious little ones.  She offers 6 guidelines when meting out discipline and dealing 
with our own anger or frustration:

1.    Examine your motives: “Am I disciplining my child because my will has been violated or 
     God’s will has been violated?  Am I correcting my child because he has sinned against God 
     or because his behavior has caused me some personal discomfort, embarrassment, or trouble?

2.    Examine your approach: Have I provoked my child in some way?  What is my example for 
     my child, even when I am disciplining him/her? 

3.    Choose the right time and place.  Do not embarrass your child.  He will be more attentive to 
     your instructions if he is not embarrassed because of being reproved in front of his friends.  
     When you reprove your child in front of others, you take his/her focus off of the sin of his/her 
     heart and onto the embarrassment and humiliation that you have unnecessarily caused him/her. 
     Your goal is not to embarrass him/her but to bring him/her to repentance.  Incidentally, I also 
     choose not discipline my four boys in front of each other for the same reason of preserving
     their dignity and their trust in me.

4.    Choose the right words.  Be careful even when disciplining or reproving that your words are 
     loving not insulting.  For example, don’t substitute “You are being disrespectful” with “You 
     are acting like an ugly brat”

5.    Choose the right tone of voice.  Make sure that your voice is not above normal tone of voice 
     and with carefully measured words…yes, even when they frustrate you.  I make it a point to 
     even lower my voice to a level below normal that I may insure self-control and not anger.

6.    Be prepared to suggest a biblical solution to your child.  We quickly inform our children when 
     and what they are doing wrong.  But we should also suggest a way they could have done it differently.  We can tell our children what to put off(sinfulness) but we must remember that 
     it is even more important to tell them what to put on(righteousness).  We need to train them in 
     how to replace the wrong behavior with the right behavior.   1 Corinthians 10:13 says that when 
     you are tempted: “God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  
     But when you are tempted, He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”  As 
     a rule, anytime you correct your child for wrong behavior, have him walk through right 
     behavior.  This is how we train our children to walk in the righteous of Christ.

Remember when you discipline your child what your ultimate goal is.  J.C. Ryles says, “Train with 
this thought continually before your eyes: The soul of your child is the first thing to be considered.  
In every step that you take about them, in every plan and scheme and arrangement that concerns 
them, do not leave out that mighty question, ‘How will this affect their souls?’  Our ultimate goal 
in everything should be to point them to Christ.”

Haiti Earthquake Moves Earth and Hearts

It shocked North America…They said close to half a million…people…dead.  On the morning of Tuesday, January 12^th, an earthquake of about 7.0 hit close to the capital city of Port Au Prince in Haiti, one of, if not the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere.  We gathered around the dinner table, gulped down pasta, bread, and salad, and drank our fresh clean water, which we enjoyed plenty.

Struck by the magnitude of this disaster, we gathered around the Mac as we silently viewed images from the wreckage…the many victims buried in rubble, buildings collapsed, one on top of another, and horrible sights of bodies tossed to the side of the roads covered in gravel and debris.  Samaritan’s Purse and World Vision appealed to the international for aid that they might be able to provide relief in blankets, shelter, food, and clean water…which we enjoyed plenty.

 

The boys moved to compassion, disappeared, and as quickly as they had gone they reappeared.  The eldest handed Dad a fresh bill with Andrew Jackson and one with Abraham Lincoln.  Sweet Sam laid his recently acquired Andrew Jackson on the table.  He had just lost a tooth two nights before and freely gave what he had received.  With a triumphant smile and excited gleam, Daniel handed Dad an Alexander Hamilton ($10),  several George Washingtons, loose quarters, and various other coins.  His wad of money amounted to about twenty dollars.  Dad matched the giving and a bit more and together the family’s meager offering of $250 to Samaritan’s Purse.  What you did for the least of these, you did for Me.  It wasn’t much, and may or may not make much difference in the grand scheme of the recovery efforts, but it made much to their hearts: Jeremy, Samuel, and Daniel. 

 

They beamed when they went to bed.  And we prayed that night for others other than ourselves.  That our attitude might be the same as Christ Jesus.  That we might consider others over ourselves.  That He might be glorified.

Baby Dedication - Gabriel Moses

Dedication...Commitment... Submitting of our wills in raising our child not our way but in God’s way by God’s Word.  May 9, 2010, Mother’s Day, we had the great honor of dedicating Gabriel Moses unto the Lord... in front of our church family as led by our dear Pastor Bill Towne.  A public ceremony that promises, with many as our witness, to guide and nurture our son to walk in His ways; obey His commands, laws, and decrees; and hold fast to Him all the days of his life.  What an even more meaningful ceremony to share it with the day all mothers across the country are remembered for what they are... mother.

I was mother before he came... for he is our fourth and quite possibly our last.  But it seemed like I truly waited all my life for this certain little one.  With anguish in wait and endurance in prayer and tears, I can’t even put into words the incredible joy that gushed from my entire being when I first laid eyes on him.  Every fiber in my body screamed elation when he made his first debut.  

So you see how easily I could  claim him as all mine, but it is this Dedication Ceremony that announces and promises the complete opposite... to dedicate HIM to the very one who gave and sustains his every breath and is truly His.  I love Gabriel Moses and it is because of that depth of love, I’m willing to give him back to the One greater than me and able to love him more deeply than me.  Into your hands, dear Father, Abba, we promise to raise our precious son because he truly is yours and back to you we pray he will remain all the days of his life, that he glorify you with his entire being. 

May 9, 2010, Mother’s Day... the day we dedicated Gabriel Moses unto the Lord.

The most noblest of all titles...

It brings one of the highest joys and the deepest pains... to love a little spirit that found its birth in you.... I guess you can say an extension of yourself... you catch a glimpse of your smile, your expressions, and your face in theirs.  It doesn’t matter what your vocation, profession, or work you pursue, the most holy and honorable titles you will ever hold in your entire life is that of “mother.”  It is the most noble of all stations you will have the privilege of serving.  I pray I serve it well although it will never cease and I will always be until I take my last breath.  But from the moment it began, I knew it would never end... it would just move into different seasons... the most noble role of “mother.”

The first time I engaged with that title of “mother” I dreamt of romantic journeys exempt of challenge, trial, and definitely not tears.  But through it I have cried not buckets, nor vats, but oceans.  The first brought illness, pain, and suffering, as did each consecutive pregnancy.  Recovery was always slow and arduous, but you know, the crazy thing about it is that I’d do it again... over and over... for them.  

But the physical pain is not the greatest sting of it all... oh, its the umbilical cord.  From the moment it’s severed, you spend the rest of your days doing just that... letting go what you brought in.  And, it becomes even more real when they hit right about where my eldest has arrived.  And all I want to do right now is hold on to the very one I’m suppose to let go... it’s my job... to “mother” him go.  But, even with that sting, I’d do this journey over and over.  So, blessed day to the very ones that gave me this noble title in the first place.

Happy Mother’s Day

The least of these

This year has been such an amazing year in geography.  This year brought a small group of families to journey with us through the world... to study, discover, and pray over countries, peoples, and cultures different from our own through the eyes of A Child’s Geography by Ann Voskamp.  Together we studied, lesson by lesson, and memorized countries, capitals, and major bodies of water.

Last Monday, I gathered my precious group of 4 families: Dalbys, Lencs, Mabies, and Ryans... a total 15 children under one roof.  It’s loud, loving, and learning... I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.   We explored more on earthquakes and much on volcanoes.   Little did I know where God would take our study...

Mossy Foot Disease... have you ever heard of such a thing?  I shared with the children my discovery on this most terrible disease, which is a horribly debilitating and causes suffering physically, socially, and economically.  You see, as I researched this subject, I found very little, for very little is known about this ailment.  As a result, those afflicted are regarded as social pariahs in their communities, like lepers.  Many are disowned by their own families; their own blood.  Children with Mossy Foot disease are forced to drop out of school... then what becomes of them and their future?  No one wants to employ or marry someone with Mossy Foot.  Shunned and alone, many of them suffer and starve.  A horrible existence for one with a disease that is easily prevented and treatable.

Due to little facts, much fear, and sparse funding, Mossy Foot continues to be a terrible phenomenon in countries such as Ethiopia, Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Equatorial Guinea, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde Islands.  Affecting those residing in agrarian communities, people contract this foot disease when working barefoot in volcanic soil.  Microscopic particles of volcanic glass or silica gets caught in pores and obstructs their lymphatic system causing swelling, severe ulceration, and major deformity.  

My group of children were tugged by the plight of these precious people, and through the study of volcanoes, I introduced communities of those that needed our help.

So, the virtue of learning and discovering was found in helping and serving others outside of our familiar.  We are endeavoring to raise funds toward the Mossy Foot Project that raises awareness about this affliction and provides funding toward treatment and prevention in Ethiopia.

Visit www.mossyfoot.com

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'  Mathew 25:39-41

          

Luke's joy in heaven

I didn't know how to tell them... to tell them that the very thing we have been so fervently praying for all week, every night and throughout the day was answered in Godly silence.  Today exactly one week from the time we have been praying, Luke Jensen, 9 years old, died of leukemia; his 3rd bout in this battle.  One week ago, we got the call to pray for this sweet boy, about the same age as our Sweet Sam and one whom we've never met but already loved. The petition included the fear that Luke would die in one week and that we would petition his life be extended.  With round the clock prayer, pleas, and frequent updates, we prayed... with hope, of course.  Each of the boys, Jeremy, Samuel, and Daniel (Gabriel is still too young to speak), took their turns in lifting up our dear friend.  Needless to say, Jeremy (almost 13 years old) has been racked with unrest and worry over this ailing child.  It has stretched his faith to believe God's mercy and well, His love.  So, when this evening came and we drew in the prayer circle, as we do each night, I wondered how to tell them, especially our first born.  Dad led prayer, as he most often does, and with grace and slower cadence in speech, he thanked God that Luke was now rejoicing in heaven.  It's one of those moments, you can't help but draw closer to Him because everything else won't give you anything you need, especially answers.  And the promise is that you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)  We closed prayer with tears but tomorrow we'll rejoice in Luke's joy in heaven.

Luke Jensen

November 28, 2000 - May 6, 2010

My vocation

The movement of HIS spirit across mine has been radical these last few days as I have viewed Radical Gospel and mulled and meditated on these truths. I have asked God to show me ways that these truths become “Rhema”, living water, in my life...how it becomes lived out. So nice to discuss and fantasize what I could or should do and debate it till I no longer remember what I was led to do in the first place and move on...most likely in the direction I paved out for myself. But God, you have illuminated these great truths for me in such a way that I’ve never seen before. Why and How?

You’ve called me to be mom, wife, friend, sister, neighbor and equipped me with that what I’ve needed to nurture these relationships. Was it by chance? You’ve given me a station in life that not only has brought me great blessing but has, I hope and believe, blessed others but most importantly, glorified you. This is my portion and for it, I am grateful.

Why did I acquiesce such noble a station as wife and mom. We each have a “calling” and pursue it but sometimes our “calling” pursues us. Such was the case with me...never dreamt of having children that would outnumber parents let alone four boys. But slowly and gently, he stirred my heart and spirit to give me HIS desires and they became the desires of my heart. For what?

Typically, the last thing a person remembers what someone said was the last thing they said. And, Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples...in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Mathew 28:19 So it is... that I must make disciples out of them (my flock and those around) and teach them to obey everything HE has commanded me. I have not been called to leave that which He has blessed me with... for did He not say “that not one of them should perish” (2 Peter 3:9) and was He was determined that He would not lose one of those that were given to Him. (John 18:9) I will teach them to obey Him...this is my calling and this is my mission.

To jeopardize my children’s well being, the very “mercies” HE ordained for me, seems to violate the example HE gave us when He said “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” Mathew 25:40 They, my children for a short time, are the “least of these.” For as long as they cannot find food without me or secure shelter or procure clothing, they are the “least of these.” Did Jesus not have compassion over family when He said to His mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son‘ (speaking of John, the beloved disciple)? John 19:26 It appears that one of the last order of business before He died was to secure provision for His family both companionship and physical provision.

My calling right now I believe is one of the most holy and honorable titles I will ever hold, that of wife and mother. Nothing in Truth and Word diminishes that and I will serve Him during the coarse of my vocation as mother and wife to Him be the glory.

Check out Radical Gospel by David Platt to inspire and invigorate you into a deeper intimacy with the Divine... http://www.brookhills.org/media/series/radical/

The power of three small words

Power in three little words...

“WOW...what time is it?” wondered Mom. Peering around the corner, “It’s almost 11:00 (that’s p.m.) “We’ve been talking for more than an hour, Mom...it seemed like minutes!” exclaimed still wide-awake, almost teen Jeremy.

We spoke of many things that night...how to encourage others...”Son, if you are blessed with an opportunity to encourage others...to inspire and speak courage into them...and pass up that honored opportunity, you are sinning against God.” “Yes, you must do what the Lord prompts you to do, son.”

“Yeah, mom, like when I encourage Brooks on my basketball team when he makes a shot or gets the rebound.” “Yes, when you encourage Brooks.”

We spoke of praying...”Raise your cares and concerns to God, but then intercede for others. Offer to pray for others and then follow through and do just that.” “Recognize answered prayers and praise Him for His mercy and give Him glory!” “Jeremy, I have a journal full of prayers...many of them answered and many of them still waiting to be.” “As long as we are on this side of heaven, God answers prayers through Godly miracles and sometimes through Godly silence.” “But each one passes through His merciful and compassionate hands.” “Seek His answers and you will find.”

“Like when I pray for Daddy’s back and for my Fusion friends.” “And, when I pray for what my future will be like and I’m still waiting...” “Yes, Jeremy, like that.”

We spoke of modeling and setting example for others to follow...for his brothers to watch. He seemed to sit more upright when we spoke of his very important position as ‘first born”...as if he knew it God-ordained.

When mom and son realized the lateness of the hour, both realized the joy of each other’s company. The time was a breath in the presence of delight. I had delighted in his company and the next words out of my mouth, whispered “I like you”.

“You like me?” he questioned. “Who are you trying to be mom?” “No, Son, I really, really like you. Oh yes, you know I love you, and I say it often, in fact. But I want you to know Jeremy...I really like you. I enjoy the presence of your company. I delight in you!”

Did he say, “I like you” back? I love you, mom? You’re the best mom? Boy, I’m glad you’re my mom? I like being with you too, mom?

No...his eyes filled with tears, embraced me tight, and kissed my check and... in that, he said all those things.

The power of three words...I like you.

March 7, 2010