While many ideas are rattling around in my head, I have been busy homemaking, homeschooling, and simply loving on my husband and boys. Life truly is peaceful! I guess that is what happens when you let go and allow God to do His work. For more on this be sure to check out my first post on The Focused Homemaker--coming soon!
On Monday, this new website, supporting women on what is truly important and eternal, launches its debut. Many godly women will be contributing to this site, so be sure to stop by and check it out. Also, you will not want to miss out on all the giveways during the first week.
Blessings,
Keira
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
A Reward, Not a Burden
Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one's youth.
Psalm 127: 3-5
Wow! Our children are a reward from God. A reward! And yet, so often we feel troubled by them or think of them as a burden. I know that is how I have felt, and I repent that. I know that is how many moms feel.
In fact, at a recent bible study, the speaker said with a smile of her face, "I am at this stage in my life where all my kids are in school, and I get the good part of the day to myself."
Following that comment, there was roar of laughter.
Why do we laugh at this? If I had been sitting there a year ago, I would have probably joined in. But, now, I felt a sadness.
Granted, she was referring to time she could spend in the Bible, but seriously, why do we laugh at the joy we have in sending our kids off to school so that we get "me" time?
Is it because deep down we feel guilty or uncomfortable? Our children are a gift of the LORD. It should make us feel uncomfortable.
This weekend, as I was reading Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney, I came across this:
"What words or images come to your mind when you think about your children? Are you inclined like I was to think: work, responsibility, sacrifice, burden, more work?"
She continues:
"Our speech and actions are shaped by our thoughts. Therefore, we must make every effort to think Psalm 127 kinds of thoughts about our children. Thinking as them as a heritage, a reward, and a blessing will alter our attitude and provide fertile soil for our tender love to grow."
Now, I am not saying that the bible study speaker, in any way, does not think of her children as a reward or a blessing. But, we need to, as moms, watch what we say and encourage each other to think of our children as rewards and blessings from our LORD, not as burdens--ones that we are eager to send off in order to get "me" time.
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one's youth.
Psalm 127: 3-5
Wow! Our children are a reward from God. A reward! And yet, so often we feel troubled by them or think of them as a burden. I know that is how I have felt, and I repent that. I know that is how many moms feel.
In fact, at a recent bible study, the speaker said with a smile of her face, "I am at this stage in my life where all my kids are in school, and I get the good part of the day to myself."
Following that comment, there was roar of laughter.
Why do we laugh at this? If I had been sitting there a year ago, I would have probably joined in. But, now, I felt a sadness.
Granted, she was referring to time she could spend in the Bible, but seriously, why do we laugh at the joy we have in sending our kids off to school so that we get "me" time?
Is it because deep down we feel guilty or uncomfortable? Our children are a gift of the LORD. It should make us feel uncomfortable.
This weekend, as I was reading Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney, I came across this:
"What words or images come to your mind when you think about your children? Are you inclined like I was to think: work, responsibility, sacrifice, burden, more work?"
She continues:
"Our speech and actions are shaped by our thoughts. Therefore, we must make every effort to think Psalm 127 kinds of thoughts about our children. Thinking as them as a heritage, a reward, and a blessing will alter our attitude and provide fertile soil for our tender love to grow."
Now, I am not saying that the bible study speaker, in any way, does not think of her children as a reward or a blessing. But, we need to, as moms, watch what we say and encourage each other to think of our children as rewards and blessings from our LORD, not as burdens--ones that we are eager to send off in order to get "me" time.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Teach Me His Truths
Some days I have regrets, but I know that I must let go of those and not let them interfere with my mission. I know that I am exactly where I need to be right now--and yet I fall short of His glory each day. I know this because it is biblical and it is God's will (not just for me but for all wives and mothers).
I realize how far away from God's Word I was…I was living according to the world's path--the politically correct and socially accepted path--the one leading to much destruction. But, I was not on God's path.
When I am feeling regret, I can't help but wonder where all the Titus 2 women were when I was a young mother. While I did not officially accept Christ until nine years ago, I went to MOPS, and I did bible studies as a young mother. I attended church. But, even since then, where were and where are all the Titus 2 women?
Are the commands of Titus 2 so politically incorrect that no one, even in the church setting, dares speak about them or make them clear to young wives and moms?
We Need Discerning Women is a great post!
I pray that our LORD uses me to speak biblical truth without fear of offending people. I pray that our LORD surrounds me with discerning women who will teach me His truths and hold me accountable to His Word.
I realize how far away from God's Word I was…I was living according to the world's path--the politically correct and socially accepted path--the one leading to much destruction. But, I was not on God's path.
When I am feeling regret, I can't help but wonder where all the Titus 2 women were when I was a young mother. While I did not officially accept Christ until nine years ago, I went to MOPS, and I did bible studies as a young mother. I attended church. But, even since then, where were and where are all the Titus 2 women?
Are the commands of Titus 2 so politically incorrect that no one, even in the church setting, dares speak about them or make them clear to young wives and moms?
We Need Discerning Women is a great post!
I pray that our LORD uses me to speak biblical truth without fear of offending people. I pray that our LORD surrounds me with discerning women who will teach me His truths and hold me accountable to His Word.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Tears Tonight
Tears tonight from our youngest…feeling super sad about selling our house. Today was the first day that it was on the market, so I can totally understand how Evan is feeling. In fact, I was feeling emotionally weak yesterday. This home has been wonderful, and it is all Evan has ever known. What Evan doesn't understand is that our family is our home--no matter where we are, as long as we are together, we are home. He will understand that one day, though. And, he will go through this whole process under our protection and comforted by our unending love and care. Just as our whole family is under our LORD's protection and comforted by His unending love and care.
I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me. Proverbs 8:17
For I know the plans 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
Today my husband also got an email confirming that he is still in the running for an assistant professor position at a Christian university. When I first heard about this job several weeks ago, I was so emotional and brought to tears. It just felt so right--it was meant for him. We will see, though. We continue to pray over the job, but in the end, we know that God has a clear plan, and it has already been set in motion. We are simply following His lead.
Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand. Proverbs 19:21
I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me. Proverbs 8:17
For I know the plans 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
Today my husband also got an email confirming that he is still in the running for an assistant professor position at a Christian university. When I first heard about this job several weeks ago, I was so emotional and brought to tears. It just felt so right--it was meant for him. We will see, though. We continue to pray over the job, but in the end, we know that God has a clear plan, and it has already been set in motion. We are simply following His lead.
Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand. Proverbs 19:21
Walk in Wisdom
Yesterday at my bible study, the speaker focused our attention on wisdom and seeking that from His word. She referenced Proverbs 28:26 Trusting oneself is foolish, but those who walk in wisdom are safe.
As soon as she read the verse, I could not help but look at the application of this verse. My NLT study bible puts it this way:
"For many people, the rugged individualist is a hero. We admire the bold, self-directed men and women who know what they want and fight for it. They are self-reliant, neither giving nor asking advice. What a contrast to God's way. A person can't know the future or predict the consequences of his or her choices with certainty. And so the totally self-reliant person is doomed to failure. The wise person depends on God."
God is dependable, and He and keeps His promises.
Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and constantly loves those who love him and obey his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
During this journey, I have come to seek His word first and trust in Him. My husband and I are intentionally living according to His will, not the ways of the world or our own desires. It has been so liberating! Yes, liberating!
And, yet each day I fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Each day I have to remind myself of His power, provision, and presence.
Have a blessed day as you walk in His will!
Keira
As soon as she read the verse, I could not help but look at the application of this verse. My NLT study bible puts it this way:
"For many people, the rugged individualist is a hero. We admire the bold, self-directed men and women who know what they want and fight for it. They are self-reliant, neither giving nor asking advice. What a contrast to God's way. A person can't know the future or predict the consequences of his or her choices with certainty. And so the totally self-reliant person is doomed to failure. The wise person depends on God."
God is dependable, and He and keeps His promises.
Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and constantly loves those who love him and obey his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
During this journey, I have come to seek His word first and trust in Him. My husband and I are intentionally living according to His will, not the ways of the world or our own desires. It has been so liberating! Yes, liberating!
And, yet each day I fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Each day I have to remind myself of His power, provision, and presence.
Have a blessed day as you walk in His will!
Keira
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Watch Over Their Hearts
I know I am overstating the obvious when I say that technology has had a profound effect on our lives and our children's academic learning. Certainly there are too many benefits to list here, and that is not the point of this post. What I am becoming more aware of are the negatives.
In my last year of teaching, I was surrounded by some of the most amazing kids. Unfortunately, a good number of these eleven and twelve year olds seemed more concerned with texting, Facebooking, and video games than with their school work and learning. This obsession seemed to perpetuate a craziness of gossip, lack of sleep, and more missing or poor quality assignments than I had seen in my 13 years of teaching. And these kids came from good families.
I can't help but wonder if we, as parents, are too busy, too tired, too sucked in ourselves, or too blinded to tackle this issue head on.
It seems that we are in an age where spending more time in front of a screen than interacting with people or reading the Bible is the overwhelming norm. I can't help but wonder if this is contributing to the fact that we are getting further and further away from living according to God's will and more and more comfortable with the ways of this world.
If we adults are struggling with this problem, what is going on with our children?
Last night, at church, a fellow homeschooling mom shared that all her sister wants to do is play video games all day. Her sister is at the end of her high school career, but she does not seem interested in completing it.
Why is this? Why is the distraction of video games more alluring than all other things?
In the last few weeks, my eleven and eight year old have started playing Mindcraft, and they love it. But I am seeing some very scary things surface. They seem addicted to it…like they (((have to))) play it or check on their building so it doesn't get deleted.
Are we addicted? Are our children addicted?
A couple weekends ago, I observed my friend's 7th grade daughter interact with her phone. She could not seem to help but check it every minute. She seemed more consumed with interacting with her phone than the people around her. It was as if she was getting a fix from checking her phone. Now, this is a girl who comes from a very loving family.
Are we addicted to our technology to the point where it is distracting us from the most important things in our lives? God, our husbands, our children, our higher calling?
Are our children more consumed with interacting with their phones, video games, or iPods than interacting with their family, reading His word, playing outdoors using only their imagination?
Is our "family time" time when we are all sitting in the same room but each person is plugged into their device, therefore ignoring our family?
Are we raising children who will value screen time more than time with their spouse and children, or have lack the motivation to work?
Are we raising boys who will value technology more than time and intimacy with their wife or children? Are we raising daughters who will get their satisfaction from technology rather than time with God, their husband, or their children?
I can't help but wonder…
We are taught in Proverbs 22:6 to Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. As parents we have an important job.
In fact Deuteronomy helps us to relate the Word to our daily lives. Verses 4-9 are very clear in our responsibility as parents.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.
Are we able to accomplish this teaching and training when we are so distracted by technology ourselves? Are our children receiving the teaching and training from us, parents, if they are too busy or distracted by their gadgets?
So many questions…but so important to think about as parents.
Here are some simple things we have done to show and tell our kids that we value personal interaction and are committed to guarding their hearts:
Blessings,
Keira
In my last year of teaching, I was surrounded by some of the most amazing kids. Unfortunately, a good number of these eleven and twelve year olds seemed more concerned with texting, Facebooking, and video games than with their school work and learning. This obsession seemed to perpetuate a craziness of gossip, lack of sleep, and more missing or poor quality assignments than I had seen in my 13 years of teaching. And these kids came from good families.
I can't help but wonder if we, as parents, are too busy, too tired, too sucked in ourselves, or too blinded to tackle this issue head on.
It seems that we are in an age where spending more time in front of a screen than interacting with people or reading the Bible is the overwhelming norm. I can't help but wonder if this is contributing to the fact that we are getting further and further away from living according to God's will and more and more comfortable with the ways of this world.
If we adults are struggling with this problem, what is going on with our children?
Last night, at church, a fellow homeschooling mom shared that all her sister wants to do is play video games all day. Her sister is at the end of her high school career, but she does not seem interested in completing it.
Why is this? Why is the distraction of video games more alluring than all other things?
In the last few weeks, my eleven and eight year old have started playing Mindcraft, and they love it. But I am seeing some very scary things surface. They seem addicted to it…like they (((have to))) play it or check on their building so it doesn't get deleted.
Are we addicted? Are our children addicted?
A couple weekends ago, I observed my friend's 7th grade daughter interact with her phone. She could not seem to help but check it every minute. She seemed more consumed with interacting with her phone than the people around her. It was as if she was getting a fix from checking her phone. Now, this is a girl who comes from a very loving family.
Are we addicted to our technology to the point where it is distracting us from the most important things in our lives? God, our husbands, our children, our higher calling?
Are our children more consumed with interacting with their phones, video games, or iPods than interacting with their family, reading His word, playing outdoors using only their imagination?
Is our "family time" time when we are all sitting in the same room but each person is plugged into their device, therefore ignoring our family?
Are we raising children who will value screen time more than time with their spouse and children, or have lack the motivation to work?
Are we raising boys who will value technology more than time and intimacy with their wife or children? Are we raising daughters who will get their satisfaction from technology rather than time with God, their husband, or their children?
I can't help but wonder…
We are taught in Proverbs 22:6 to Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. As parents we have an important job.
In fact Deuteronomy helps us to relate the Word to our daily lives. Verses 4-9 are very clear in our responsibility as parents.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.
Are we able to accomplish this teaching and training when we are so distracted by technology ourselves? Are our children receiving the teaching and training from us, parents, if they are too busy or distracted by their gadgets?
So many questions…but so important to think about as parents.
Here are some simple things we have done to show and tell our kids that we value personal interaction and are committed to guarding their hearts:
- No video or iPod games during the week (at all)
- Only one hour of video and iPod games each day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- No use of phones or iPods in the car (at all) unless we are on a road trip (and even then only for limited time)
Blessings,
Keira
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Feminine Appeal--Feeling blessed by this book!
I just finished reading the first chapter of Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney. Wow! I am looking forward to this journey through the seven virtues of a godly wife and mother in Titus 2.
In the foreword Nancy Leigh DeMoss shares:
"Christian women--no less than nonbelieving women--are in desperate need of the truth. The look of frustration, pain, or hollowness in so many eyes tells the story of women who are generally disappointed with life. They feel victimized--even traumatized--by circumstances that have fallen short of their hopes and dreams. As far as they are concerned, life just isn't working.
And the problem goes even deeper than what is obvious at first glance. I believe this sense of confusion and distress among Christian women is because, by and large, we are profoundly disoriented about who God is and who we are, and about our calling and mission in life--as women. Almost en masse we have bought into a way of thinking about life and about womanhood, marriage, and family that is culturally accepted and politically correct but fundamentally flawed. For sure, it has not delivered what it promised."
The author, Carolyn Mahaney, shares in the first chapter:
"Isn't it telling that our culture requires training and certification for so many vocations of lesser importance, but hands us marriage and motherhood without instruction? Fortunately, God hasn't left us to fend for ourselves. He has provided invaluable wisdom for women in His Word.
If we question whether we are investing our lives in what is truly important, we have received the plumb line for women straight from holy Scripture. Look at the clear instructions found in the second chapter of Titus, verses 3 to 5:"
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Today I am incredibly thankful to be growing in Christ and learning to be the wife and mother God intended me to be. I continue to pray that our journey is a testimony that blesses and inspires you and yours.
Blessings to you all!
Keira
In the foreword Nancy Leigh DeMoss shares:
"Christian women--no less than nonbelieving women--are in desperate need of the truth. The look of frustration, pain, or hollowness in so many eyes tells the story of women who are generally disappointed with life. They feel victimized--even traumatized--by circumstances that have fallen short of their hopes and dreams. As far as they are concerned, life just isn't working.
And the problem goes even deeper than what is obvious at first glance. I believe this sense of confusion and distress among Christian women is because, by and large, we are profoundly disoriented about who God is and who we are, and about our calling and mission in life--as women. Almost en masse we have bought into a way of thinking about life and about womanhood, marriage, and family that is culturally accepted and politically correct but fundamentally flawed. For sure, it has not delivered what it promised."
The author, Carolyn Mahaney, shares in the first chapter:
"Isn't it telling that our culture requires training and certification for so many vocations of lesser importance, but hands us marriage and motherhood without instruction? Fortunately, God hasn't left us to fend for ourselves. He has provided invaluable wisdom for women in His Word.
If we question whether we are investing our lives in what is truly important, we have received the plumb line for women straight from holy Scripture. Look at the clear instructions found in the second chapter of Titus, verses 3 to 5:"
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Today I am incredibly thankful to be growing in Christ and learning to be the wife and mother God intended me to be. I continue to pray that our journey is a testimony that blesses and inspires you and yours.
Blessings to you all!
Keira
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)