A Worthwhile Read on Thankfulness

A read so worthwhile, that it motivated me to break my 16 day pregnancy-induced blog silence ;-)

I am subscribed to a list called "Laine's Letters." I absolutely love each one of her letters. They never cease to encourage and motivate me to being a woman of God who serves Him and her family well.

You can learn more here.

Dear Sisters,
It was a hard week last week. A lot to pray about. But our Father is faithful, and how we need to cling to Him during the tough times, as well as the good times. But during the tough times it is so good to nestle with Him a bit longer, isn't it? He can take us through anything. I happen to be one of His weakest kids, so I need Him so much. It is very true that when we are weak, He is strong.

It is Thanksgiving week, and we have so much to be thankful for, don't we? My mother used to tell me when times were hard for her that she only had room for one thought at a time in her mind, and she decided she would learn to make that a thankful thought to the LORD, rather than a fretful or worrisome thought. She's been practicing this kind of "Thanksgiving Thinking" for years now. Ever since I was a child. I have to say she is one of the most thankful and joyful people I know. I absolutely love being around her.

When our septic tank almost flooded over recently, I found myself almost automatically thanking God for everything I could think of in this situation. I know it is from my thanksgiving upbringing.

For when I was a child I remember the electricity being turned off at our house. Times were hard. But Mom was thanking God that night for our candles and how their glow made the casserole Grandma brought over look just like pizza. She almost had me convinced it even tasted like pizza! And when we had to live in a Volkswagen van for months and months while sleeping at rest stops or campgrounds along the highway, I never felt sorry for myself. How could I with a mother who saw thanksgiving in everything. I only saw her break down once and cry because she so desired a hot shower after being on the road so long. The rest of the time she made us feel like we were on this incredible adventure and so fortunate to be a part of it. We were so fortunate that even our two cats were with us!

There is nothing like a thankful Mama in the house. Or a thankful Mama in a Volkswagen van. For wherever my mother was that place was surely home.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." Colossians 3:15

Oh, may God help me to be a thankful Mama in our house, as He has helped my own mother.

"For in this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I am overcome the world."

This verse is so true, isn't it? We do have tribulation in this world. But as the LORD says, "Be of good cheer! I have overcome the world!"

"Be of good cheer!"

"Be ye thankful!"

"I have overcome the world!"

You know the verse in Proverbs that says, "It is better to live on a corner of a roof than with a contentious woman?"

Well, it is absolutely wonderful to live inside a house, or even a van, with a very contented woman. And without a doubt, a contented woman is a very thankful and joyful woman.

Maybe you didn't grow up with a thankful mother. Maybe you don't know how to be thankful, especially in tough times. Well, as my mom was telling a friend recently who was struggling through this difficulty, "We only have room for one thought at a time in our minds, so we do well to make it a thankful thought to God our Father. By the time we're done thoroughly thanking Him, things aren't as bad as we first were thinking. And then we find ourselves rejoicing in His goodness to us."

You know what?

Mom is right.

And she didn't just thank God in the good of her life, but she also thanked Him through the very difficult. To this day.

"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our LORD Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

"In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"To the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto Thee for ever." Psalm 30:12

Dear sisters, a thankful Mama makes a house or a van a real home, no matter what kind of difficulty is going on.

I know firsthand.

I choose to thank my Heavenly Father, too, in the Name of my LORD, Jesus Christ. Even during the difficulties. Especially during the difficulties. Praise His Holy, Holy Name!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. May we be blessed with "Thanksgiving Thinking" all year long to the glory and praise of our Father, and for the joy of our dear families.

Maybe then we'll be blessed with those beautiful laugh lines around our eyes that light up my precious mother's face.

Love,
Laine

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Laine's official website: http://www.lainesletters.com
To subscribe: Laines_Letters-subscribe@welovegod.org
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What I've Been Up To Lately

The above is a picture of an eight-week-old baby, and that's what I have in my tummy right now. :-) I'm very happy that we are expecting our fourth child at the end of June, but at this stage I've been feeling pretty yucky a lot of the time. Still, the yucky feeling is worth it!

The kids are soooo excited about there being a "baby in mommy's tummy," they keep asking about the baby, wanting to know details about the baby, and they even try to poke around to feel the baby or "find it" with binoculars while looking down my mouth. :-)

Just thought I'd give everyone an update!

His Promise Part 5

I have been meaning to post about my progress with eating issues for a while, but I have just had a hard time fitting it in. Some of us are participating in a book discussion and here is my answer to the question, "Describe where you are in your journey to freedom from gluttony." Here's my answer:

I would say that I am 90% “there.” Meaning I can “taste” freedom. (Pun intended!) I am characterized by not giving into gluttony (bummer...now this is sure to be tested!!) and I am usually not tempted. Even in “trigger times” like stress and depression, I am not likely to immediately want to eat. I give God all of the glory and I am so grateful. I also know that I will need to be on my guard the rest of my life, but I am happy with my progress.


Thank You, Lord. I am so grateful!

Saved Through Childbearing?

Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control. I Timothy 2:15

This is one of those verses that I have always read and accepted the fact that I would never understand it. I don't disagree with any of God's word. If it doesn't make sense, I just assume it's because I'm human and therefore flawed. :-)

When I came to this one in my daily Bible reading today, I decided to look at the study notes in my Bible...muttering to myself, "I wonder what you have to say about this one! I was pleasantly surprised! I really like their explanation in Nelson's NKJV Study Bible:

The salvation referred to here is not justification, but daily sanctification. Most likely, Paul is referring to being delivered from the desire to dominate by recognizing one's appropriate place in God's creation order.

As a woman who, in the flesh, can have a tendency to want to dominate AND who has had the privilege of bearing 3 children, I can totally relate to this interpretation!

As a woman, childbearing forces me to recognize my dependence on my husband...Sure, many woman "do it on their own," whether they choose to or are forced to. But for me, the womanly role of bearing and nurturing life does serve as a reminder that I am the "weaker vessel" and that I am not created to dominate. I need my strong, brave, secure, godly husband to lead, guide and protect me and our children and I am so thankful that he does just that by the grace of God.

...if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

In childbearing, I learn faith every day by choosing to believe that God can save, sanctify and protect my children. I daily learn love by choosing to die to myself daily (hourly?) and love them in countless ways. I daily learn holiness by choosing to submit to the Lord's way (kindness, mercy, peace and diligence) instead of my ways (selfishness, resentment, chaos and laziness). And all of these are exercises in self-control!

Boy, I truly believe God uses my children in my daily sanctification more than any other tool in His hand. I am so grateful to Him. His ways are so good!

The ways of the Lord are right. The righteous walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them. Hosea 14:9

Reminder--21-Day Habit Challenge Starts Tomorrow!

If you don't know what I am talking about, go here.

I know many of you have said that you will join us and I a thrilled! Leave me a comment here so I will know that you are still with us. I am excited to have friends to walk together with!

My habit will be to read my daily Old Testament Bible readings each day. I am reading through the Bible in a year and I am behind on OT. I am going to aim for reading a little more than the daily amount so I can catch up, but for the purpose of the challenge, I am committing to the daily readings.

I also am committing to go to bed (as in lights out) by 10:00 every Saturday through Thursday night unless we are out of town. (This was my previous challenge that I am seeking to maintain.)

I am going to try to have daily check-ins. I will likely miss a day here and there. :-) They will be here.

I hope my techie-hubby can help me to have this link conveniently at the top of this blog.

Aren't They Cute?

Aunt Debbie,

Abigail wants you to know that your pig is being well cared for. She is now a princess, complete with tiara and jewels. :-)

Modesty In Dress

From today's Seeking Him Devotional

October 20, 2008

Modesty Quiz 2

Nancy Leigh DeMoss: What do you believe about clothing and modesty? Here’s a quick true-or-false quiz to help you get started thinking about the issue.

“True or false? Modesty means being outdated, dumpy, and unattractive.”

Nancy: That’s false. We may not be able to wear all the popular trends, but it really is possible to be modest and fashionable.

“Our clothes and appearance reveal a lot about our values, characters, and beliefs.”

Nancy: That one’s true. A woman’s clothing and appearance are powerful nonverbal communicators of what she believes.

“What I wear isn’t anyone else’s business. I should be free to dress however I want.”

Nancy: And that’s false. Everything we do, including the way we dress, affects others. As Christian women, we want to be sensitive to the men around us and not put any temptation in their path.

Would you ask God to help you glorify Him in what you wear?

With Seeking Him, I’m Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

This transcript is taken from the nationally-syndicated
daily radio program Seeking Him with Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

What are your thoughts on ladies' dress? Do you have any personal thoughts on dress guidelines or boundaries you'd like to share? Do you ever struggle (as I do) with dressing to be attractive for your husband while remaining "above reproach" with regard to modesty?

If you would like to subscribe to these daily e-mails, visit www.reviveourhearts.com and subscribe to the Seeking Him Devotional.

Love...

...is ever ready to believe the best of every person. 1 Corinthians 13:7 (Amplified Bible)

Today, I learned first-hand how important it is to "believe the best of every person." There was a misunderstanding today. Somebody was offended by something that I said and told me so in no uncertain terms. They completely misunderstood what I was trying to communicate and the heart behind it. They were obviously hurt.

It saddens me that they were hurt. But the truth is, I am hurt as well. Not because they misunderstood me, but because (although we have been friends for a really long time) they presumed the worst about me. They didn't take the time to clarify before attacking my character. I don't think I have ever been so hurt myself over a miscommunication before. I have forgiven them the best I know how, though I know it will likely be an ongoing process.

Habit Challenge Will Start Again Soon!

The last Habit Challenge was such a success that I am ready to do it again. We will start the next habit challenge a week from tomorrow. It will go from Wednesday, October 22-Tuesday, November 11th.

If you'd like to join us, please let me know in the comments. You will need to prayerfully choose a habit that you commit to doing every day for 21 days. The key is to start small and commit to follow through every day for 21 days. Then, you will have a new, positive habit that will come naturally to you (or at least more naturally than before!)

For more information on choosing a habit, go here.

As before, we will have regular check-ins, but I hopefully (with the help of my hunky techie/husband) will be able to figure a way to do it off-site. so as not to totally clog my blog with Habit Challenge Check-in posts. :-)

I am not sure yet what my habit will be this time, but I know I will also commit to maintaining the habit of going to bed on time. It has made a huge difference in my life in so many ways.

Thank You

I just want to take a moment to say, "thank you" to the man who has given me one of the most precious gifts anyone could give me. My husband works very hard (he is at work right now, in fact) so that I can be home with our children full-time.

There were seasons of my life when I had little appreciation for the ability to stay home. Although I thoroughly enjoyed it, I actually felt like it was I who was doing them a favor. But as the Lord has matured me, and through other events in our lives (including a 3 year stint of working part time outside of our home), I have come to realize that I am one of the most blessed women in the world to be able to be with our children all day, every day.

I get to be here when they have a question about God, when they choose to open up their hearts, when they are scared or sad, when they just are playing but it's oh, so cute! I wouldn't trade that for anything.

In order for me to be home, we have made a lot of sacrifices, but I feel so rich...all of the sacrifices are worth it. SO worth it!

There is so much more on my heart, but words fail me. I just wanted to say, Thank you, Honey. Thank you for taking care of us.

For Layna

Layna, I am so proud of you sticking with this challenge. Spending time with the Lord, in my opinion, is the most important habit anyone can choose to form. You did great!

And now, here is your haiku:

It's a miracle.
A busy college student
Seeks first His kingdom.

For Elly

Elly, I am just so thrilled that you joined us "late" and finished so well. That shows me that you don't look for excuses. You did great!

Here is your haiku:

She made up her mind.
She listened to her body.
Her body says, "Thanks!"

For Tami

Tami, you did so well! Although (like me) you didn't quite make it to 19/21 days, I can tell that you have given it your best and I have enjoyed walking through this challenge with you.

Here's your haiku:

Physical training,
And serving Hubby breakfast,
Both godly habits.

For Missy

Missy, I am so very proud of you! You were the only one of us who finished with a score of 19/21. You were diligent and I am so glad that you now have the blessing of a more orderly home.

Now, a haiku for you!

Tackling a big job
One half hour at a time.
Look what you've done, Girl!

Sleep. I highly Recommend It.

I have been going to bed around 10pm each night, giving myself close to 8 hours of sleep. I can't tell you what a difference this has made in my life!

Before, I would get to bed on an average time of 10:45. I always got up on time faithfully, but for some reason, early rising did not make me go to bed early like I had always heard. Before, I was not as much sleepy as "dragging" all of the time. This also led to feeling overwhelmed easily and snacking more frequently since I would think I needed something to "perk me up." Not to mention my former caffeine addiction. (Okay, to be honest, I still have some addiction, but I drink less than one cup of coffee in a whole day and I don't need it first thing in the morning.)

I can definitely say that I won't have any trouble continuing this habit after the Habit Challenge is over. I feel so much better...it is enough motivation to get to bed on time. Everything is better when you are well-rested! (And you DO get more done!)

Habit Challenge, Day 10!

How's it going?

I was in bed on time last night, but not the night before since we got to San Antonio late!

He Is Great!

That's why He does great things with small seeds. This morning, I had a thought to not sweeten my coffee as a small way to deny myself. (In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says that if we want to follow Him, we must first deny ourselves...even before taking up our cross.) Then I thought, "That's silly...it's not big enough to be a real 'sacrifice.'" Then I felt like He said, "I do great things with small seeds."

That was encouraging to me!

Don't deny Him the opportunity to do great things with your small seeds today. Have faith that He sees, He cares and He is pleased with every seed that we sow to Him.

Marriage Advice From A Couple Of Experts

Priorities Part 1

I have been wanting to post about priorities for a while now, but every time I thought about doing it, it seemed like I had too much to say. But I am going to give it a shot...at least get started anyway!

I am mainly going to focus on prioritizing our time. I don't know if this is the most important way to prioritize, but it is the way that I have learned the most about in my own walk and the way that has borne the most fruit in my life. However, please don't overlook the other ways we show priorities: resources, thoughts, attitudes, I am sure I am missing something! :-)

Almost everyone expresses a "need" for more time. My husband and I always chuckle when we think back to college days. We thought we were "so busy." Ha! We had ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD compared to now. I am not even going to go into our schedules, but trust me when I tell you, we have a lot more on our plates now than we did then. And we both worked more than one job in college while being actively involved in church (leading small groups) and school full time.

Then when we had our first child...same thing...we were "so busy." Then #2 came along. Then the famous saying, "One is like none. Two is like ten." Now we have three and we are outnumbered, but I am sure those who have more than 3 think we have a lot more time than they do. Are you getting the picture? (By the way, please don't "hear" criticism in this post. There absolutely is none...just an attempt to help.) :-)

Also, believe me when I tell you that I am more peaceful and in control of my time now than I was then. What I mean is, I feel a lot more confident that I am accomplishing what He has for me to do on a daily basis. I don't constantly have that "I am behind" feeling like I did then. Now, sometimes I do feel that way but it is usually because I have not been doing what the Lord has told me to do or because I am comparing my accomplishments to others' accomplishments or to what others think I should be accomplishing.

A couple of years ago, I learned a truth that has has revolutionized the way I look at time. Before Jesus died, one of His last prayers included this phrase: "I have finished the work which You have given Me to do." I believe it was Nancy Leigh DeMoss who used that verse to apply it to time management. The truth is that Jesus did not heal everyone or talk with everyone while He was on the Earth. There were many, many "good" things that He simply did not do...and many lonely and hurting people that He did not touch. BUT He did everything that the Father gave Him to do.

Think about that. It's not about what WE think we should do...what seems best to us. It's about what The Father has for us to do in this moment. And, "I just don't have time" simply is not an excuse for not accomplishing what the Lord calls us to. Either it's not His will or we spent the time He allotted on something else. We may have had the best of intentions, but it just was a waste of time.

I love the phrase, "Haste makes waste." It is true on so many levels...one of which is the fact that when we are too hasty to decide to do something without consulting with the Lord, we just waste time. His time.

Speaking of priorities, I need to get back to home duties right now. Let me know your thoughts as well as anything you might like to be addressed on the topic of priorities.

More to come!

I Just Want To Say...

I love Jesus!
And He loves Me!