What Is Productive? by Dawn White

Title:  What is Productive?

Scripture:  Proverbs 31:26-27

She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31 contains a highly regarded passage for the wife of noble character.  It talks about all that she is in character and all that she accomplishes for her family.  I’d like to take a closer look at verses 26 & 27 (above), with a non-traditional perspective.  I’ll share a situation with one of our daughters to help bring clarity to my position.

A few months ago, our fourteen year old daughter came to me and asked me if we could lay in my bed and snuggle.  Some may say that making this request at 14 years of age is unhealthy; that she’s too dependent.  My perspective is different – I was honored that at 14 years old, she asked for me to snuggle with her.  

You see, this particular daughter is very sensitive, but with that comes a deep compassion for people.  And because she is 14, she has not yet fully developed in operating in and understanding that gift of compassion.  She carries the burdens of others very deeply.  The day she made the request, she was very burdened, not by things going on with her personally, but with that of friends.

So, we proceeded to my bed and we laid down, quietly, not really talking about anything.  We laid in the quiet for quite some time, with just some small talk here and there.  Some would say we were not doing anything productive.  I disagree….much was accomplished in the quiet time we spent on my bed.

She was struggling and she needed some assurance, not of words, but of time and presence.  John Bradshaw once quoted, ”Children aren't fooled. They know we give time to the things we love.”  Bradshaw’s statement is very powerful, but I believe it to be 100% truth.  I believe that if I had not made time for her to help her through the struggles, she would have found something or someone to get her through.  

In the scripture above, in verse 26 it says that she speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  I believe there is wisdom in what is said as much as in what is not said.  You see this particular time with my daughter was not a time for teaching with words.  I’ve done plenty of that…they’ll all attest to that.  :o)  This was a time for silent assurance.  

In verse 27 it says that we do not eat the bread of idleness.  Idleness can be a challenging element to measure.  From all outward appearances we were lying idle on that bed.  However, my daughter received a message when she made her request.  I stopped what I was doing and made time for her.  What appeared to be idle, accomplished much for her that day.

I’ve said many times that I believe teenagers need us at home as much as babies and toddlers do, perhaps even more.   The American Heritage Dictionary defines time as “A nonspatial continuum in which events occur in apparently irreversible succession…”  What I find interesting in this definition is the word ‘irreversible’.  Once a moment in time is gone, it is forever gone and cannot be replaced.  Whether it is an infant or a teenager, the time that passes cannot be replaced.  It is irreversible.  Time truly is of the essence.

There is definitely a time and place for teaching with words, but I also believe there is wisdom in not speaking and simply being.  The Proverbs 31 wife is kinda like superwoman or something – she accomplishes much.  And as wives and mothers, the demands on us can be never ending.  I’m not suggesting that we completely ignore those duties and responsibilities.  However, I believe that it is important that we not become so focused on the things that need to be done that we lose the time that is taken to build and sustain the relationships with those in the very same house as us.  The reality is that those relationships can be the most neglected.  We often believe that just because we’re together physically that there is a relationship.  That’s simply not true.  Relationships are built at a much deeper level.  

I wish I could say that this has been my perspective since the day I became a mother.  However, the truth is, the Lord has developed this perspective in me over time.  I’ve come to understand that time spent with children can sometimes appear unproductive, but what is truly accomplished last far longer than a clean kitchen sink!  

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God's Goals by Dawn White

God’s Goals

Scripture:  Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

The above scripture tell us that we have many plans in our hearts, but the Lord accomplishes His purposes.  Have you ever been in the position where your plans and the Lord’s purposes were not in sync?  I have, and it is no fun.  There is much frustration in this place.  

Freedom in Christ Ministries defines two terms that help me to keep my perspective on my plans and the Lord’s purposes.  They are:

Godly Desire – is any specific result that depends on the cooperation of other people or on the success of events or favorable circumstances, which we have no right or ability to control.  

Godly Goal – is any specific orientation that reflects God’s purpose for our life and does not depend on people or circumstances beyond our ability or right to control. 

From these definitions, it is clear that a Godly Goal involves those things I can control and a Godly Desire involves those things that I can’t control.

These definitions have been very freeing for me.  When I start to become frustrated or irritated in a situation, I can step and consider these definitions and determine my role. 

For example, my husband was recently offered the supervisory position with his employer.  On the surface, this seems like a positive move.  However, the bottom line is that it’s more hours, more responsibility and slightly less money.  Who would take it is the question in my mind.  But, he wants to take it, simply because it’s doing a job that he loves to do.  When I saw him leaning this way, I was becoming irritated and frustrated by his decision.  

Well, you know how God is….He doesn’t let us stay off track too long.  He let me go for a while and then got me back on track by pointing out that my role was not to try to control his decision, but rather it was to pray for wisdom and direction for him in the decision-making and support whatever decision he arrives at.  And, you know, that brought me a lot of peace.  This has been going on now for a month or so.  He called me from work just today and asked what I thought he should do if they offered it to him.  I told him to follow his heart and the amazing thing is I could say that with honesty and peace in my heart.

You see, sometimes we can elevate a Godly Desire to a Godly Goal.  My Godly Desire in this case was that my husband be available to spend time with our daughters and to have time to build the insurance business that he’s working on the side.  These are not bad in and of themselves; in fact they are good.  But when I elevate that desire to a goal and try to control it, then it becomes a mistake.  Elevating desires to goals leads to torment and unrest.

As we move into 2010, I challenge you to seek God in prayer about the Godly Goals He has for you in 2010.  If you begin to experience frustration, perhaps you’ve take a Godly Desire and made it a Godly Goal.  Check back in at the Throne, you may be off course a bit.  Remember – many are the plans (Godly Desires) of a man’s heart, but the Lord’s purposes (Godly Goals) prevail.  Let God’s purposes prevail through you by seeking Him in prayer regularly.

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Are We There Yet? by Dawn White

Title:  Are We There Yet?

Scripture:  2 Cor. 12:9a – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”

Each year, my husband and I try to plan for a family vacation.  We have 3 daughters, so many times our excursions require us to drive to our destination.  We all love the oceans and beaches, and living in Central Illinois requires us to drive quite a distance to get to any ocean.  Therefore we spend a significant amount of time in the car.  And, if you have children, you’ve undoubtedly heard the famous question – ‘Are we there yet?’

As I’ve prayed and sought God through the Christmas season and beginning this new year, he has showed me that this has been the theme of my attitude the past 3 ½ years – Are we there yet?  You see, I graduated from college as a computer science major.  I landed the job that I dreamt of having with a large corporation.  I spent over 18 years in that job.   They weren’t always easy, but God opened many doors for me and I did well in my career.  Then God called me out of that job to stay at home with our daughters.  I was thrilled; I had longed to be a stay-at-home mom for many years. Finally, that door was opening.

Fast forward now to 3 ½ years later, the journey has been good, but not without challenge.  I find myself wondering, are we there yet?  When I left that job, I also left behind a very nice salary.  We were used to buying, within reason of course, extras, and pretty much doing what we wanted when we wanted.  We had limits of course, but we had money to spend much more freely.  

It is not like that now.  Every penny counts now.  Sometimes I don’t know how it will work.  But here’s the incredible blessing…in the scripture above, God promises that His grace is sufficient.  I remember one specific time when I didn’t know how we were going to buy groceries one week.  A friend (not knowing our situation) came by one day and brought us a freezer full of stuff.  One item was a garbage bag, not a grocery bag, a garbage bag half full of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.  Grace brought our groceries that week.  His grace is sufficient.

On another occasion, my husband had been working for a company where they provided uniforms for them to wear to work.  The pants were nothing more than jeans.  He loved them and said they fit him better than any he’d ever had.  However, he resigned from that job and moved to another.  When he resigned, of course he had to turn in all the jeans.  We had searched online looking for somewhere to buy that brand of jeans.  A few weeks later, we came home one day to find a stack of those very jeans lying on the door stoop.  Another friend had a connection to a uniform company.  These were irregulars that they were going to throw away.  There were about 12-15 pair of jeans, that looked like brand new.  Grace met our needs; it is always sufficient.

As I stepped into 2010, the Lord has reminded that he promises that his plans are good for us.  Jeremiah 29:11 says that his plans are to prosper us, not to harm us.  However, good and easy are not synonyms.  His plans are good, but not always easy.  Mary had the honor of delivering the Christ child, but she was also his mama that watched him be tortured and beaten, and hung on a cross to die.  As mamas, we cannot imagine the pain and heartbreak of such an event.  The plan was good – Jesus ascended and is now seated at the right hand of the Father.  But, the plan was not easy.

My journey has also been good.  Our daughters have grown and blossomed spiritually to amazing levels.  We are so blessed by that.  We cannot begin to put a price tag on that.  The journey has not always been easy.  We don’t have the latest and greatest vehicles or technology.  But our needs are met, because His grace is sufficient.

As 2010 has kicked off, I have determined to quit asking – are we there yet, but rather to appreciate the journey, confident that His grace is sufficient.  We all have a journey, yours is likely different than mine.  But whatever it is, I challenge you to join me in resting in the assurance that His grace is sufficient.  Just like a family vacation, when you reach the destination – it will be good.  

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Twig Girdlers by Brooke Glass

Twig Girdlers

John 15:4-5

I am the Vine; you are the branches.  Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much fruit.  However, apart from Me you can do nothing.

Last summer as we were driving down the five miles of dirt road to our house my husband pointed out one of the many Mesquite trees that we have on the ranch and said, “Look, a Mesquite twig girdler!”  Of course, being the naïve East Texas girl that I am I said, “What in the world is a twig girdler?”  As I looked at the tree I could see several branches that were covered with brown, dead leaves which were in stark contrast to its lush green foliage.  Upon closer inspection Robert showed me a small ring around a finger sized branch.   He told me that it was a made by a tiny worm that ate away the bark, cutting it off from its life source.

I have often thought of those twig girdlers and how they relate to the things that cut me off from my life source.  To me these can be sin, unforgiveness, distractions, busyness or whatever it is that subtly eats away at my heart and keeps me from deep communion and obedience to my heavenly Father.   Often I can’t even see that these things have encircled me, choking off the life flow of God within me, causing my fruit to rot.  If my twig girdlers are not removed eventually I will drop off the vine dead to the very life giving presence of God.

What are the twig girdlers of your life?  What is robbing you of the very life source that you need to bear good fruit?  A strong dose of the Word and an act of obedience to it will cause you to become a vital branch of the vine and produce good fruit for the kingdom of God. 

I challenge you to identify those twig girdlers in your life and eradicate them so you can stay connected to the vine and bear much fruit for the Kingdom. 

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The Joy of a Servant's Heart by Dawn White

The Joy of a Servant's Heart

Nehemiah 8:10b - "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

It has been only a few days since we laid to rest a dear aunt of mine.  As I've reminisced and reflected on this difficult loss, I've given consideration to what made her such a remarkable person and what I could learn from her.

Although there were so many attributes, one that stood out above the others was a servant's heart.  Not only was she a servant, she was a joyful servant.  She was always positive and upbeat, offering an encouraging word and doing all she could to make sure you were comfortable.  People were drawn to her for these attributes.

These are wonderful attributes and she excelled in them, but what was truly remarkable was that she continued to walk with a servant's heart even in the face of trial.  Her life, like yours and mine, had hardships.  She faced lymphoma some 25 years ago, but was blessed with remission for many years.  She lost her dad to cancer and an infant granddaughter to SIDS.  Her husband's job took her and her family (3 school aged kids) to a foreign land where they did not know the language (certainly a trial for me).  

Evidence of the pain and heartache were found in her Bible after she passed.  She had written Psalm 30:5 on a piece of paper - "Though the sorrow may last for the night, the joy comes with the morning."  And even more painful, Job 29:2-5 had been physically cut out of her Bible.  Those scripture are, "How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God watched over me, when His lamp shone upon my head and by His light I walked through darkness!  Oh for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house, when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me."  These scripture are evidence that she faced hard times and heart ache.  Yet she continued to serve and do so joyfully.

Ultimately, she lost the battle to leukemia.  But, even in her final days, she remained positive and upbeat.  She was at peace and looked forward to meeting Jesus.  She was 'on the watch' for Jesus in her final hours.  

I've marveled at how she faced life and the attitude with which she did so.  I've come to believe that the joy of the Lord was truly her strength.  She knew the source for joy and strength in facing the trials.

As wives and mother's we also have to serve.  And, sometimes our strength and our attitudes are waning and the service is not done.  If we tap into the joy of the Lord, we will truly be strengthened.  We can face difficulty and struggles, and yet do so with a positive and peaceful attitude.  I don't know about you....but there are days that I need that!

I share this with you in honor and memory of my aunt, Carolyn J. Morr, and what she taught me.

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A Blessed Mama Part 3 by Dawn White

Title:  A Blessed Mama - Part 3

Scripture:  "Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her." - Prov. 31:28

In Parts 1 & 2, I shared some ideas that will help you reach the goal of your children rising up and calling you blessed.  Those were 1) Date Night - a special time with each child, 2) Respecting their Daddy, 3) Tarrying at bedtime (one of my favorites), and 4) talk to them, and keep talking to them.  In this final part, I want to share a bit on having fun, and the power of declaring the Word over your children.

5) Teach them how to have fun - This particular quality comes much easier for my husband than it does for me.  But, I've come to understand and appreciate the importance of teaching your children how to have fun.  The reality is - if you don't teach them how to have fun, someone else will.  It is important to us, that our daughters know how to have good Godly fun.  So, we set out to have fun with them.  The activities have changed, of course, as they have gotten older, but we still engage in fun activities.  Some of the things we have done throughout the years are picnics in the yard, pizza parties in the family room (this is nothing more than spreading a blanket on the carpet and everyone sitting on it to eat pizza - the younger ones love it), playing hide and seek after dark, playing hide and seek in the mall, doing ding dong ditch to a friend, etc.  We've even gone so far as to take our teenagers TP'ing (I know you question how Godly that is, but we did it to accepting friends and laughed hysterically).  Most recently we went out for an evening drive with the top down on our convertible.  We parked on a country dirt road.  Our teenagers sat up on the back seat and sang Christmas Carols among other songs.  

The nice thing about these activities is they are so much fun, but more importantly, relationships are strengthened in the fun and laughter.  Many times we are in tears from laughing so hard.   We cherish those memories and talk about them for years.  As mama's we have so much to do, but it is important that your children know you can have fun as well as be productive.  Children love to have fun....I know you want to be the one teaching them how to do it.

6) Declare the Word - Although this is my last tip, it is at the top of my list in terms of importance.  I try to declare the Word of God over my family every chance I get.  Again, I implemented this tip when weathering a parenting storm, but it has blessed me so tremendously that I use it in both calm and stormy conditions!  

Isaiah 55:11 says, "So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."  The promise in this scripture is that God's Word will do what it says, so I declare the Word.  In Job 22:28 it says, "You shall declare a thing and it shall be established unto you."  I believe this is good or bad, whatever you declare will be established.  If the Word of God is going to do what it promises, then I have decided that's what I'm going to declare.

I have a list of scripture that I declare several times a week as I am walking.  These include scripture for protection, spiritual growth, building character, being a Godly wife & mother, etc.   At first it may seem ritualistic, but it is the Word of God and as I'm declaring it, things begin stirring in me.  I've experienced change in my own household and family simply by standing in faith and declaring God's Word.  It is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and it does not return void.

I've come to understand, as I'm sure that you have to, that parenting is the most challenging of roles, and yet it is also the most rewarding.  As you pour your heart and soul into your children's lives, remember to - 1) spend special time with them individually, 2) treat their daddy with respect, 3) tarry at bedtime, 4) talk to them continually, 5) teach them how to have fun, and 6) declare God's Word over them.  I believe these tips will contribute much to you being titled 'A Blessed Mama'!

You Are Special Dear Mama!

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A Blessed Mama Part 2 by Dawn White

Title:  A Blessed Mama - Part 2

Scripture:  "Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her." - Prov. 31:28

In Part 1, I shared a couple of ideas for achieving the goal of your children rising up and calling you, as their mama, blessed.  I'd like to continue that same theme in Part 2, offering a couple more ideas.  Again, these are things that I've learned in my 17 years of parenting...I wish that I could say I started out with these techniques, but the truth is, most were adopted in trying to weather a parenting storm.  My heart's desire is that you, dear mama, can learn from my mistakes.

The first two tips were 1) Date night - establishing a date with each child each month, and 2) Treating their Daddy with respect.  The next two tips are 3) tarry at bedtime and 4) talk to them, talk to them, talk to them!

3) Tarry at Bedtime - I understand that the very name of this tip runs contrary to a mama's heart.  Most of our kids don't need encouraged to tarry at bedtime...they seem to have that mastered!  Understanding that, I believe there can be much gained if we learn how to tap into that 'tarrying skill'.  

This tip I stumbled onto due to the schedule I was working.  In order to avoid daycare, my husband and I had set up our schedules so that I worked early mornings and he went into work later.  Because of this schedule, I went to bed much earlier than he did, typically at the same time our daughters did.  With this arrangement, I learned that when the lights were out and we would be lying in bed talking about what we needed to pray for, they would spill what was in their hearts.  I learned much more about their day and their struggles at bedtime.  Thus, I learned to tarry at bedtime.  For us, that means that we have to start the bedtime routine earlier to allow for this time, but, the benefits are well worth it.  

I don't do that so much anymore with our teenagers, but  just last night, I was going to bed and one of our teenagers came and laid on the bed beside me.  I learned much of what was on her heart, with the lights out and the relaxed mood that bedtime brings.  Sometimes I take advantage of the teachable moments, but many times, I just listen.  They need to know that you will take the time to listen.  As one child said, "I want you to listen to me with your eyes."    Don't rush bedtime, it's a time of day that can be such a blessing for you and your child.

4) Talk to them, talk to them, talk to them - did I mention, talk to them?  This tip is one that I've tried to practice, but was also confirmed to me through a friend's experience (I'll explain later).  When our babies are younger, it's easy to talk to them.  We can talk to them about anything and everything.  However, I've learned that when they hit that teenage threshold, they're not always real interested in your perspective and what you have to say.  Talk anyway.  

I once had the opportunity to visit with a Jr. High School teacher.  She was sharing some of the heartbreaking events that took place in the school.  Given those scenarios, I asked her what advice she could offer to parents to head off some of those experiences.  Her response, "Talk to them.  They'll act like they're not listening, but keep talking anyway."   And so I've adopted that strategy.  I offer guidance, thoughts, and counsel, even when it's not solicited.

I have a friend who used that same strategy.  She has a son who gave her some challenges growing up...ok, well a lot of challenges.  He tried most tricks that are in the book and even created some of his own.  But, she never quit talking to him.  When he got in the shower, she went in the bathroom and talked while he was showering - he couldn't walk away that way!  When he was a senior in college, she got her reward.   He wrote her a letter and thanked her for always holding him accountable and always being there for him.  Despite some tough parenting decisions and the implementation of lots of tough love, he did rise up and call her blessed.  I know you, dear mama, want that letter as bad as I do.  Don't stop talking to them.

From my heart to yours, be blessed Dear Mama!

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In A Day of Three & Seven by Alexandra Fleege

In A Day Of Three And Seven

I see, I live, I feel, I breathe three and seven, the ages I see. What I hear?  Oh please mommy???

Sweet, gentle, loving kind, happy, sad, crying, boastful, tearful, joyful, lazy, rude, so forgiving… 

TV, Nintendo Wii, beagle and guinea pigs. Toys toys and baby books and more toys- favorite things to me, as I see these I see three and seven.

Can we go to McDonalds? I hear- not today I say.

Happy Meal please, so many dreams, hopes, desires, thoughts questions- oh the questions, too many to say.  CURIOSITY- UN endless to me- treasuring each day, as it goes so quickly, I have heard say.

Can I make it last??? Everyday?? If I could I would- and so I find a way- in my heart I write down what they think and do and how they play, I take pictures with the camera of my mind- run, laugh, sing, cry, shout, scream, plead, enjoy  so many things all in a day- of three  and seven.

Every day I live aware of borrowed time I have to share.  They are with me constantly- I have new inspiration and old remembrances as well – the first time I saw three and seven I was a child, now I get to see through their eyes, what I did not see for years- happy ,  free to play and be me.

Children gave me a new way to see, I had forgotten.  I hope to see this way forever as I also am three and seven put together.  I know I will be old one day, but inside there is still a child longing to play- play with me I hear- and sometimes say- not now I am to busy to play, but the child within says I want to play!!!!

So maybe we grow up believing that the little child is gone forever but this is not true you see, it takes a child to find one, whether your child ,or a grandchild , a neighbor or a friend’s child , nephew or niece they will reach in and find that child once again, and if you let them, the child within will come out and play.

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A Blessed Mama Part 1 by Dawn White

A Blessed Mama

Part 1

Scripture:  "Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her."  ~ Prov. 31:28

Her children will rise up and call her blessed...isn't that the desire of every Mama's heart. And yet, there are days when I'm pretty sure that our daughters are calling me something, but blessed just isn't quite it.   The fact is that parenting isn't an easy job, and it's not always smooth sailing.  I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I have made many many mistakes.  And, with that, I have learned some tough lessons.  In this devotion, I'd like to offer some tips/ideas that have helped us weather the storms and emerge stronger.  

1.  Date Night - For several years I heard Dr. James Dobson promote this idea.  I always thought it was a great idea, but reasoned that there was no room in our schedule for me to take each of our 3 daughters on a date once per month.  Then we found ourselves in a 'parenting storm'.  I felt like I was losing touch with one of our daughters and so, out of desperation I began having a date night with each daughter.  That was several years ago and I can now tell you that it is a priority in our schedule.  Not only do I look forward to this one-on-one time with each of them, but they also look forward to having my undivided attention...even our 15 & 17 year olds.  Date night is something we all love and cherish.  

In order to keep it manageable, our date nights are fairly simple.  It doesn't have to be extravagant to be rewarding.   Sometimes they choose what we do, other times we decide together, and sometimes I will surprise them with something that I think they will really enjoy.  I'm reminded that our 8 year old, who was probably 5-6 at the time, chose to go to a Home Improvement Center and play on their playground equipment (it was set up for this).  Talk about a cheap date...but she loved it.

It is also during these times that they are relaxed and know they have your complete undivided attention.   Especially with our teenagers, this can be a time when I find out deep matters of their heart.  It provides a great opportunity to talk through hurts/stresses/issues/etc.  And because we love the gift of laughter at our house, we always have fits of laughter at some point on our dates.

As Mama's, our calendars can be so extremely busy and as we look at the month, a date with each child can seem overwhelming.  But for me, I believe this is a primary stepping stone for my daughters to reach a point where they rise up and call me blessed.

2.  Treat Their Daddy With Respect - I recently attended a pastor's conference in our area.  As I was observing the various pastors and their families, I noticed that there was one teenage son who was so respectful and attentive to his mother, and in public....according to many teens, that is NOT cool!  At any rate, I knew without a doubt that this attentiveness had to have been modeled by his father.   This young man knew that his mother was to be treated with respect and knew how to do that.  The reverse is true for us as Mamas.  We have to model how to honor our children's father, how to submit to him as head of household and our family leader.  

I understand that some are divorced, and you may no longer live with your children's father.  The necessity is still the same....as Mamas, it is still our responsibility to teach them how to honor him.  Perhaps their father's actions are such that honor and respect do not seem deserved.  There may be abuse, dysfunction, etc.  I understand that too....I have lived that personally.  The difference is this, you honor and respect the man for who he is - he is your children's Daddy.  You do not have to give honor and respect to his behavior/actions.  Your children need to see you treat him with honor and respect.  Because he is their father, if you bad-mouth him, you are also bad-mouthing a part of them.  But when you honor him, you also honor them.  

In 1 Peter 3:3-4 women are instructed about inner beauty, specifically in regards to their husbands.  It says, "Do not let your adornment be merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel, rather let it be the hidden person of the heart,  with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."  It is a gentle and quiet spirit that honors.  Your children will surely call you blessed if you honor their father, whether he deserves it or not.

From my heart to yours, these are a couple of tips that have blessed our family.  In Part 2, I will continue to share ideas and lessons learned.  

Be Blessed, Dear Mama!

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What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up by Trish Yanney

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

One day I was sitting with my son Austin and I asked him, “Son what do you want to be when you grow up?”  He responded, “Well, mom, I want to be an astronaut.”  Since then I have asked the same question and his answer seems to change as to whatever he is role playing at the time.  We go from astronaut to firefighter, to cowboy all depending upon what he is watching and playing with at that time.  And of course we moms always respond with, “Well, Austin, it is important that you do what God has called you to do because that will make you the most happy.”  This is good advice!  

Did you know we can know what God has called us to be?  But how do we find that calling?  God has given us the blueprint for life and that is His Word.  We can find ourselves in the Word and we can begin to walk His plan out for our life.    

   

Before I was married the Lord began to teach me how we can find ourselves in the Word and begin to confess over ourselves the Word until it becomes a reality in our life.  We see this principle in the life of John the Baptist where he found himself in the Word of God where he answered those who questioned him about his calling in life.  

John 1:19-23 says:

19Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"

20He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

21And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No."

22Then they said to him, "Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?"

23He said: "I am 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Make straight the way of the Lord," 'as the prophet Isaiah said."

(NKJ)

He didn’t just answer these men based on something he would like to do.  He found himself in the Word of God and confessed what God said about him.  

We also see this same principle in the life of Jesus who is our Lord and Savior and whom we are to be like.  

Luke 4:16-19 says:

16So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.

17And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:

18"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed;

19To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

(NKJ)

  

Jesus had to be a student of the Word and as he studied the scriptures He found Himself in the Word and began to fulfill that Word that was spoken by the prophets concerning his life and ministry.

God has given us His Word so we can find our purpose and calling in life and we can begin to walk out what the Word says about us.  

What is your calling today?  Ask the Lord to reveal your plan through His Word.  It is a hidden treasure and as you diligently dig deep into His Word the secret mystery will be revealed and you will experience true joy in life as you fulfill His calling.   

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Spinning, Spinning, Spinning....& Standing by Dawn White

Spinning, Spinning, Spinning...And Standing!

Scripture:  Eph. 6:13 - "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

Do you remember as a child spinning round and round, getting very dizzy and then trying to walk?  As you spun round and round, you lost control of your balance and then would giggle and giggle at the sight of trying to walk as if you had balance.  The staggering and stumbling were quite a sight!

I would like to suggest that there will be times in our spiritual walk when things seem to have spun out of control.  We can lose our balance and thus our focus.  We may begin to stagger and stumble in our walk, all the while trying to regain balance and control.

In Ephesians 6:13, Paul instructs that after we have done all to stand, we are to stand.  Just as it is difficult for the spinning child to stand, it can be difficult for us to stand our spiritual ground.  However, if we offer the spinning child something to hold onto, something to steady them, he/she is much more likely to be able to stand steady.  And the good news is, there is something to help us steady ourselves in the spiritual sense also.  God never instructs us to do something without equipping us to be able to do so.

In recent months, God has been growing me in this area.  There are two principles that He has taught me that are useful in helping to steady my spiritual balance. 

The first is the power of His Word.  I have learned the power of not focusing on the circumstances, but rather focusing on God's promise.  When my mind begins to stray or focus on the natural, getting into the Word and declaring it out loud will bring me back into balance very quickly.  I have to admit, sometimes I'm even surprised myself at how quickly it works.

And, there's a reason it works.  Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word is living and active.  Verbalizing the Word of God brings changes on two fronts.  The first is you begin to see your circumstances as God does, and the second is it brings changes in the Spiritual realm.  Declare the Word - it will calm the spinning and allow you to steady your spiritual balance.

The second thing I have learned is KYMS - Keep Your Mouth Shut!  I once worked for a gentleman that kept a post-it note on the table in his office.  The post-it note had the letters KYMS written on it.  This man knew there was a time to speak and a time to listen.  This post-it note was a reminder to him that keeping quiet is beneficial.

And, so I have learned.  I'm a fairly straightforward person.  I like all the cards to be on the table.  Then we can talk and talk and talk about them.  So, as things begin to spin out of control in my life, I would declare God's Word, and then jump into action to make it happen!  Oh my - the struggle it was for me to stay quiet and let God move.  Psalm 46:10 says - "Be still and know that I am God."  Believe it or not, 'still' in this scripture does not including talking, analyzing, or resolving!  It is simply being still - being peaceful and confident that God has your back.  He is fully able to follow through.  I have to admit, the reason I struggle with this is that often God's timeline and my timeline are not in sync.  So, I feel the need to synchronize His with mine!  Ughh - don't do this!  

If you allow God to be God, to synchronize your timeline with His, you will stand in awe at the outcome.  When I've been able to do these two things successfully, I've seen God do exceedingly abundantly more than I could think or imagine (Eph. 3:20).

When you're staggering and stumbling, dizzy and have lost focus, when things are spinning out of control, it is possible to stand firm.  Declare God's Word and let God be God - you won't be disappointed!

Blessings

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Watchman In The Spirit by Trish Yanney

Being a Watchman in the Spirit

I have found myself in the Word.  Proverbs 31 is my favorite passage in the Bible and my goal in life is to strive to be this type of a woman. So today we are going to be talking about being a Proverbs 31 woman.  There are many facets to this but the one I want to share today is found in two places in the Bible.  Let’s look at Titus 2:3-5 where the Lord commands the older women to teach the younger women:

Titus 2:3-5

3the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things--

4that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,

5to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

Also in 1 Tim 5:14, we are given instruction to manage the house:

14Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

What does it mean to be a keeper of the home or manage the home?  Strongs defines the word “keeper” as a guard or a stayer at home, or domestically inclined.  

Is a keeper of the home just a housewife that takes care of the clothes, dishes, and the house?  Is there more involved than just this?  I believe this position is a key to the success of the family.  It was established by God and very valued by God.  I believe  the keeper of the home has been set by God to be a watchman or a guard of the treasures that God has endowed to her.  

What does a watchman do?  The first element of the watchman is the  important position the watchman carries in the army.  A watchman is placed by the army in an elevated position in order to see and protect the army from the enemy.  In order to perform his duties he sits at the high place.  God values the position of the keeper of the home and we must regard this position as a high elevated position.  The world has tried to keep mom out of her place by placing pressure on the family that in order to be somebody you must have a secular career.  There is no value in the world’s eyes on being a keeper of the home.  It is time that we see the value of our place at home.  In Prov. 4:12, it says, “The wife is the crown of her husband.”  We must honor and esteem this high position because it is very valuable in His Kingdom.

The second duty of the watchman is to take orders and carry them out.  We as the keeper of the home are to take orders from the Supreme Commander but also to submit to the commander that the Lord gave her and that is our husband.  Ephesians 5 gives us instruction that we are to submit to our own husbands as to the Lord.  Honoring and submitting to our husband’s leadership will empower him to do great things for God.  

The watchman’s job is to report any suspicion to the commander.  Women are compared to radar.  They have a sensitivity to things in the home.  Because of this we are keen to the things of the spirit and take care of things in the realm of prayer.  Praying in the Holy Ghost will provide security for your household.  How many times can things be avoided in our husband’s life or our child’s life by our prayers.  One year my husband was teaching in the Bible school and I had a funny feeling about one of the female students.  My radar was going off for Bill to be very careful concerning this person.  He was very appreciative and heeded my advice.  Later during the school year this particular student had an issue of immorality and had to be dismissed from school. Proverbs 31:27 says, “She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.”  We must watch over the ways of our household and protect the ones that have been given into our care!

Lastly, the watchman also sets an atmosphere of security in the home.  Why do convenient stores keep policemen in their parking lot at nights?  To provide a level of security that will protect and ward off any intruders that would attempt to bring harm.  Just like the police, a mom being at home provides an element of security for her husband and children.  Just knowing that mom is there will prevent evil from even attempting to come in the parameters!  

Remember your position as a keeper of the home!  You are very valuable in the sight of God.  He has given you an elevated position to protect your family.  By submitting to your Commander and Chief and submitting to your husband as to the Lord, you will empower your husband for success.  Be sensitive to the leadings of the Spirit and cover your family in prayer.  Take your position and set an atmosphere of security in your family and YOU will be God’s “Watchman” on the wall! 

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Then All of the Sudden by Dawn White

And Then All of the Sudden...

Scripture:  "But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."  2 Peter 3:8

We have a crabapple tree outside of our bedroom window.  Now, I've never found a use for the crabapples (I haven't tried real hard either), but this tree has the most beautiful blooms in the spring of each year.  They are a beautiful pink color and the tree is just covered with them.  Each spring, I look forward to the beauty of this tree.  However, these blooms never stay around long enough for me.  If it is a good year, we'll see them for a week.  However, if we experience very strong winds at all, the blooms are gone in no time.  I can enjoy the blooms one day, and then all of the sudden, within an afternoon, they will be gone. Nonetheless, I love that tree.

Isn't that the way it is with God.  Just as the wind sweeps through and takes all the blooms from the tree, the Spirit of God can move and change your circumstances.  And, all of the sudden, things will be completely different.  I've been studying some accounts of this in the Word.  I'd like to call out a few who experienced a move of God that radically changed their circumstances.

In Genesis 37-41, we can read the story of Joseph.  Please allow me to paraphrase the events of his life for the sake of space.  The Lord had given Joseph a couple of dreams in which his brothers would bow down to him.  Joseph shared these dreams with his brothers and father.  His brothers became jealous and angry, so they began a plot to ensure that this never happened.  Through their various plots, Joseph was thrown in a pit and left to die, rescued and sold into slavery, accused of a crime he didn't commit and thrown into prison.  Scholars vary on their interpretation of how long Joseph was in prison, but it appears to be somewhere between 15-20 years.  All of these disheartening circumstances seem to initially stem from Joseph having a couple of dreams that he shared with his family.  Seems like a harsh road for sharing a couple of dreams.  Regardless, as Joseph sat in prison one day, the Pharaoh had a dream and was unable to find anyone who could interpret it.  His cupbearer remembered that Joseph could interpret dreams.  So Joseph was summoned and interpreted the dream.  Pharaoh was so pleased that he put Joseph second in command in Egypt.  In the matter of a day, Joseph went from prisoner to second in command in Egypt.  All of the sudden, in one day, God moved and his life was radically different.

We can also look at Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9.  David had made a promise to Jonathan that when he became King, he would spare the killing of Jonathan's lineage. The custom of the day was that the new king would take the lives of any remaining family members of the old king.  Because Jonathan's dad, King Saul was reigning, Jonathan knew that when David became king, according to custom, all of Jonathan's family would die.  Since Jonathan and David were the best of friends, Jonathan asked David to promise to let his family live when he became king. David agreed.  However, Jonathan and Saul were both killed in battle.  Fear ran through the territory and Jonathan's servants picked up his young son, Mephibosheth, to try to escape.  In the chaos, the boy was dropped and both ankles broke and injured to the point that he was crippled and not able to walk from that day forward.  So, here is Mephibosheth a crippled orphan living in an orphanage.  As David assumed the throne and began his kingship, he one day (years later) remembered that he had made the promise to Jonathan.  He sent word asking if there was anyone remaining in Jonathan's lineage.  Mephibosheth was summoned to the palace.  Mephibosheth was scared to go, believing that David's intent was to kill him.  But rather, David moved Mephibosheth to the palace where he ate that the king's table every day.  All of the sudden, Mephibosheth was moved from an orphanage to the palace.  God moved, and the changes were radical.

Perhaps you've been standing for quite some time, believing that God is going to move and your circumstances are going to change.  My encouragement to you is to keep standing.  According to the scripture in 2 Peter 3:8, in God's timetable, 1 day is like a thousand years.  Although it may seem to be taking FOREVER on our end, but all of the sudden God will move and the landscape of your life will be totally different.  It was for Joseph, it was for Mephibosheth and countless others.  It will be the same for you too.

In Galatians 6:9 it says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." [emphasis mine]  As a friend of mine says, "I have the paperwork that it will be done."  This promise is your paperwork...it will be done.  Keep believing - your 'all of the sudden' is on its way!

Be Blessed!

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