After spending several days this past week under the weather, I am finally feeling back on track. Yippee! I also had our oldest son home from school, for fall break, so I wanted to focus on all my boys--Collier just walked out the door going back to school. Not yippee! I can't wait to have him homeschool!
So, yesterday's sermon was amazing--I had to write about it as God was clearly speaking to me though our guest pastor as he spoke on Philippians 3:1-16. Paul's experience clearly justifies all that we have done to let go and turn our life toward Him and Him alone.
During Paul's imprisonment, he wrote Philippians and, in this passage, explained the joy that came from the gain of knowing and pressing toward Christ. When Christ redeemed Paul, he had turned away from all his past gains, credentials, and all that he had known, been educated in, believed in, and stood for. By letting go of his past, he gained so much.
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count then but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:7-9
When we made the step to fully walk in faith and trust God and His promises, it certainly did not logically make sense. Why would we willingly give up a secure job and a whole salary when it was hard enough to make it on two? Why risk losing our home? Why risk our finances by not having healthcare coverage for me? Why? Because we had to make changes to live according to God's commands. And, God promises in His Word to provide.
For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:25-27
In talking to many over these past few months, the one thing that people seem to hold onto and refuse to hand over to God is finances. We have been there! I think back to several opportunities we had, when we came to a fork, to let go and put our trust in Him in regard to our finances. We didn't! We held onto them and have suffered since. When we fully hand them over to God, we are also giving Him the glory. He is our provider and He alone deserves the glory. That, of course, is in direct opposition to the mentality of the culture we live in where we take the glory for our hard work and our accomplishments, financial or otherwise.
For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Letting go is not easy nor does it logically make sense, but then I think back to Paul. Did it make sense for him to give up his status, credentials, etc. to follow Christ? And, yet, what did Paul do? See, God gives us the grace and leading, but we must let go in order to follow.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Blessing My Husband--With English Muffins
One way that I enjoy blessing my husband each week is by making Sourdough English muffins. He loves these homemade muffins each morning for breakfast.
This recipe can be found online, too. He prefers them with cinnamon and raisins.
This recipe can be found online, too. He prefers them with cinnamon and raisins.
Letting Go
How often do we struggle to get rid of old stuff, thinking
that we might “need” it one day? We do the same thing with control and the ways
of this world—we hang on rather than let go and let God lead us on His path and
according to His Word? But, until
we let go of our worldly ways and our constant control, will we ever really be
able to follow His ways and bring Him the Glory?
To read the rest of my post, visit The Focused Homemaker.
For His Glory,
Keira
Sunday, October 7, 2012
My Prayer
LORD, I pray today and each day that your will be done, that I walk in faith trusting your promises, and that I do not do anything to cause us to fall away from the path you have set before us. I pray that each day I follow your will, the commands in your Word, and that everything I do glorifies and honors you. Amen
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Supporting My Husband in His Role
This week my husband started reading Family Shepherds by Dr. Voddie Baucham Jr. I am thrilled and could not help but skim through it myself.
While Ed has been a wonderful and loving husband for over 18 years, it is amazing to see the beautiful changes that have been taking place as I have let go of trying to control things. And, as I have changed my behavior to reflect that of a godly woman, wife, and mother, it has finally allowed Ed to step up to his God-given role--the shepherd of our family. I realize now how I stood in the way of God's plan…and I was certainly not respecting my husband's calling.
Unfortunately, going into my marriage, I had a very worldly view of the roles of men and women and husbands and wives--how misguided I was. Now, as a believer, I know all I need to do is look to His Word for guidance. Our LORD has it all laid out for us. After all, He created man and woman and marriage. And, as Christians, we must abide by His commands with intention.
I love Dr. Baucham's biblical description of a family shepherd's role:
As family shepherds, our primary mission to love our wives as our own selves. We must not allow anything to interfere with this mission.
He goes on to say:
A true family shepherd must be a man of the Word--a man of theology and doctrine. The man who desires to lead the family he loves must also be a true lover of the Lord's Word.
Unfortunately, for all too long, has the world distorted what a healthy marriage should look like--not recognizing God's design based on love, respect, and very defined roles. Perhaps that is why so many marriages end divorce…or struggle day in and day out.
In regard to parents, Dr. Baucham stresses:
As a father, I resonate with the apostle John's words: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (3 John 4). However, like every family shepherd, I struggle with the tendency to prioritize and concentrate on other pursuits. We must remember that there's nothing more "real" or more consequential than the fact that our children are immortal souls who must stand one day before God.
Have you ever considered this? When you look into the eyes of your children, do you mostly see a future doctor, lawyer, or linebacker? Or do you see a person who'll spend eternity in either heaven or hell? Do you see a soul that must bow the knee to Christ?"
Wow! Our mission as parents is huge!
What divine timing then that last night we watched the movie Courageous. The movie portrays a beautiful example of men making a godly resolution to shepherd their families--giving everything to love and lead their wives and children. The character Adam Mitchell's speech at the end tells it all. What a beautiful world we would live in if all fathers would lead their families according to God's plan instead of for themselves or according to the world's ideals.
"...I now believe that God desires for EVERY father to courageously step up and do whatever it takes to be involved in the lives of his children. But more than just being there providing for them, he is to walk with them through their young lives and be a visual representation of the character of God, their father in heaven. A father should love his children, and seek to win their hearts. He should protect them, discipline them, and teach them about God. He should model how to walk with integrity and treat others with respect, and should call out his children to become responsible men and women, who live their lives for what matters in eternity. Some men will hear this, and mock it. Or ignore it. But I tell you that as a father, you are accountable to God for the position of influence he has given you. You can't fall asleep at the wheel, only to wake up one day and realize that your job or your hobbies have no eternal value, but the souls of your children do. Some men will hear this and agree with it, but have no resolve to live it out. Instead, they will live for themselves, and waste the opportunity to leave a godly legacy for the next generation. But there are some men, who regardless of the mistakes we've made in the past, regardless of what our fathers did NOT do for us, will give the strength of our arms and the rest of our days to loving God with all that we are and to teach our children to do the same. And whenever possible to love and mentor others who have no father in their lives, but who desperately need help and direction. And we are inviting any man whose heart is willing andcourageous , to join us in this resolution. In my home, the decision has already been made. You don't have to ask who will guide my family, because by God's grace, I will. You don't have to ask who will teach my son to follow Christ, because I will. Who will accept the responsibility of providing and protecting my family? I will. Who will ask God to break the chain of destructive patterns in my family's history? I will. Who will pray for, and bless my children to boldly pursue whatever God calls them to do? I am their father. I will. I accept this responsibility and it is my privilege to embrace it. I want the favor of God and his blessing on my home. Any good man does. So where are you men of courage? Where are you, fathers who fear the Lord? It's time to rise up and answer the call that God has given to you and to say I will. I will. I will!"
For all too long did I stand in my husband's way to fulfill his calling and responsibility to lead our family. Today I am thankful to realize what I can do, as a godly wife, to support my husband in his role rather than hinder it. God knows my amazing husband deserves that!
To His Glory,
Keira
While Ed has been a wonderful and loving husband for over 18 years, it is amazing to see the beautiful changes that have been taking place as I have let go of trying to control things. And, as I have changed my behavior to reflect that of a godly woman, wife, and mother, it has finally allowed Ed to step up to his God-given role--the shepherd of our family. I realize now how I stood in the way of God's plan…and I was certainly not respecting my husband's calling.
Unfortunately, going into my marriage, I had a very worldly view of the roles of men and women and husbands and wives--how misguided I was. Now, as a believer, I know all I need to do is look to His Word for guidance. Our LORD has it all laid out for us. After all, He created man and woman and marriage. And, as Christians, we must abide by His commands with intention.
I love Dr. Baucham's biblical description of a family shepherd's role:
As family shepherds, our primary mission to love our wives as our own selves. We must not allow anything to interfere with this mission.
He goes on to say:
A true family shepherd must be a man of the Word--a man of theology and doctrine. The man who desires to lead the family he loves must also be a true lover of the Lord's Word.
Unfortunately, for all too long, has the world distorted what a healthy marriage should look like--not recognizing God's design based on love, respect, and very defined roles. Perhaps that is why so many marriages end divorce…or struggle day in and day out.
In regard to parents, Dr. Baucham stresses:
As a father, I resonate with the apostle John's words: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (3 John 4). However, like every family shepherd, I struggle with the tendency to prioritize and concentrate on other pursuits. We must remember that there's nothing more "real" or more consequential than the fact that our children are immortal souls who must stand one day before God.
Have you ever considered this? When you look into the eyes of your children, do you mostly see a future doctor, lawyer, or linebacker? Or do you see a person who'll spend eternity in either heaven or hell? Do you see a soul that must bow the knee to Christ?"
Wow! Our mission as parents is huge!
What divine timing then that last night we watched the movie Courageous. The movie portrays a beautiful example of men making a godly resolution to shepherd their families--giving everything to love and lead their wives and children. The character Adam Mitchell's speech at the end tells it all. What a beautiful world we would live in if all fathers would lead their families according to God's plan instead of for themselves or according to the world's ideals.
"...I now believe that God desires for EVERY father to courageously step up and do whatever it takes to be involved in the lives of his children. But more than just being there providing for them, he is to walk with them through their young lives and be a visual representation of the character of God, their father in heaven. A father should love his children, and seek to win their hearts. He should protect them, discipline them, and teach them about God. He should model how to walk with integrity and treat others with respect, and should call out his children to become responsible men and women, who live their lives for what matters in eternity. Some men will hear this, and mock it. Or ignore it. But I tell you that as a father, you are accountable to God for the position of influence he has given you. You can't fall asleep at the wheel, only to wake up one day and realize that your job or your hobbies have no eternal value, but the souls of your children do. Some men will hear this and agree with it, but have no resolve to live it out. Instead, they will live for themselves, and waste the opportunity to leave a godly legacy for the next generation. But there are some men, who regardless of the mistakes we've made in the past, regardless of what our fathers did NOT do for us, will give the strength of our arms and the rest of our days to loving God with all that we are and to teach our children to do the same. And whenever possible to love and mentor others who have no father in their lives, but who desperately need help and direction. And we are inviting any man whose heart is willing and
For all too long did I stand in my husband's way to fulfill his calling and responsibility to lead our family. Today I am thankful to realize what I can do, as a godly wife, to support my husband in his role rather than hinder it. God knows my amazing husband deserves that!
To His Glory,
Keira
Thursday, October 4, 2012
That Which is Good, Not a Druid Ritual
As most of you know, from this previous post, we have decided to not participate in Halloween anymore. When we talked about it with the kids, they were disappointed but understanding. Since then, it has not been a big deal.
Today we read Mommy, Why Don't We Celebrate Halloween? by Linda Hacon Winwood.
This book, offering Scripture and history, explains why it is so important for us, as Christians, to not celebrate Halloween. The history of Halloween is enough to immediately end this practice, but more importantly His word speaks His will. While it may seem harmless and fun (Satan is so clever in his ways and temptations), it is still participating in something that is not honoring our LORD.
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17
Abstain from every form of evil. 1Thessalonians 5:22
And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:32
For so long we have conformed to the ways of the world, so it is important to be reminded of His word when following His lead:
And do not be conformed by this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Honoring Our LORD,
Keira
Today we read Mommy, Why Don't We Celebrate Halloween? by Linda Hacon Winwood.
This book, offering Scripture and history, explains why it is so important for us, as Christians, to not celebrate Halloween. The history of Halloween is enough to immediately end this practice, but more importantly His word speaks His will. While it may seem harmless and fun (Satan is so clever in his ways and temptations), it is still participating in something that is not honoring our LORD.
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17
Abstain from every form of evil. 1Thessalonians 5:22
And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:32
For so long we have conformed to the ways of the world, so it is important to be reminded of His word when following His lead:
And do not be conformed by this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Honoring Our LORD,
Keira
Monday, October 1, 2012
Are You Lamenting?
At our bible study last week, the focus was on the Psalms of lament, so the teacher asked an important question. She posed, "Do you think people in our culture know how to lament? If not, why not?"
First of all, what does lament mean? According to the Online Dictionary, it means:
I thought about this and came to realize how powerful a recent time of lament was for me--it changed my life. A year ago, as I was lamenting over the craziness of our life and the worsening of our public school system, I came to see God's Word. In the midst of my frustration, I realized that I was part of something that was falling short of God's will. So as I lamented before God, I humbled myself, fixed my eyes on Him, and He showed me His will.
I cry aloud with my voice to the LORD;
I make supplication with my voice to the LORD.
I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare my trouble before him.
Psalm 142: 1-2
For my eyes are toward You, O God, the Lord;
In You I take refuge; do not leave me defenseless.
Psalm 141:8
Make me know Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
Psalm 25:4
And, I was set free!
"Bring my soul out of prison,
So that I may give thanks to Your name;
The righteous will surround me,
For You will deal bountifully with me."
Psalm 142:7
Today, I give thanks to God for my times of lament. They stop me in my tracks and help me fix my eyes on Him. They help me focus on what truly matters!
Are you in the midst of lamenting? Find purpose in it as you listen to God and look to His Word for His will during this challenging time.
Blessings,
Keira
First of all, what does lament mean? According to the Online Dictionary, it means:
v.tr.
1. To express grief for or about; mourn: lament a death.
2. To regret deeply; deplore: He lamented his thoughtless acts.
n.
1. A feeling or an expression of grief; a lamentation.
2. A song or poem expressing deep grief or mourning.
I thought about this and came to realize how powerful a recent time of lament was for me--it changed my life. A year ago, as I was lamenting over the craziness of our life and the worsening of our public school system, I came to see God's Word. In the midst of my frustration, I realized that I was part of something that was falling short of God's will. So as I lamented before God, I humbled myself, fixed my eyes on Him, and He showed me His will.
I cry aloud with my voice to the LORD;
I make supplication with my voice to the LORD.
I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare my trouble before him.
Psalm 142: 1-2
For my eyes are toward You, O God, the Lord;
In You I take refuge; do not leave me defenseless.
Psalm 141:8
Make me know Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
Psalm 25:4
And, I was set free!
"Bring my soul out of prison,
So that I may give thanks to Your name;
The righteous will surround me,
For You will deal bountifully with me."
Psalm 142:7
Today, I give thanks to God for my times of lament. They stop me in my tracks and help me fix my eyes on Him. They help me focus on what truly matters!
Are you in the midst of lamenting? Find purpose in it as you listen to God and look to His Word for His will during this challenging time.
Blessings,
Keira
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