Who's your Timothy?

Have you ever heard something and it tends to stick in your head? Wise words you find yourself pondering day after day. Me too. The other day I listened to a teaching by Stephanie Shott and her words have stuck with me. She said, "The biggest impact you make may not be because of what you do, it may be who you raise."

She went on to reference 2 Timothy 1:5 where Paul says, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." This is the only time the two ladies are mentioned in Scripture, but I have to believe they are noted for a reason.

Paul, who loved Timothy as a son, was aware of their role in the young man's life. He knew the part they played was significant. Friend, if you are a mom or grandmother, God knows the same and much more about the responsibility He's given you.

As parents or grandparents we are raising up the future generation...we must not only teach them their ABC's and 123's, but must pass on our faith. This is more than teaching them right from wrong along with respect and responsibility. We need to instruct them on who God is and explain His plan for salvation. Our role isn't limited to instruction, we also must set an example. If we long for our children to one day live a life of faith, we must show them. If it's our hope they will turn to God for their daily needs, we must do it first. If we desire they be people of prayer, they need to see us humble our hearts and trust the Lord.

With 5 children of my own, I know this is not an easy task, but lately I've been reminded it is of utter importance. The work is worth it. I want God to work in and through my children, which means I'd better be willing to let Him work in and through me as I train them up.

Friend, maybe you're thinking I don't have any children so this post isn't for me, but that's not true. One, you can encourage your friends who are moms to live out this high calling and two, spiritually you have some "Timothy's."

Paul had no children, yet in 1 Timothy 1:2 he addresses his letter, "To Timothy, my true son in the faith..." Paul was a father figure to the young man who went on to preach and teach. He shared wisdom and truth. He set an example and offered encouragement. They spent time together and Paul wrote letters to him as well. The elder loved the younger, he cared for him and longed to see him.

In our world today, we'd call Paul a mentor and though the role may go unrecognized, it is priceless. As one who's had older women pour into my life, I know the value of being blessed by those who are a step ahead. I appreciate the wisdom others share, the example they set and encouragement they offer. Their prayers are powerful and presence in my life, whether close by or far away, often means more than words can express.

Friend, today I encourage you to think about your "Timothy's"...perhaps they live in your house and demand your attention, maybe they've grown up and live on their own or it could be they aren't even related at all, but no matter the reason recognize the connection. God has created it for a purpose. Thank Him for trusting you with the responsibility. Ask Him how you can share your faith and help build theirs. Pray for your Timothy's. Make yourself available. Be willing to do the work and make the sacrifice. Raising your "Timothy" is one of the most important things you can do!

While you're hard at work don't forget you are a Timothy too! Allow others to pour into you and help you mature in your faith. We are all works in progress and have more growing to do!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder to pour into the future generation. I lift each mom to you...may she know to the core that You've equipped her for the work you've called her to. May she make mothering a priority and find joy in the journey. Help her keep parenting in perspective and may she draw her strength from you, our heavenly Father. I also lift each woman who has spiritual children to you...may we remember you're blood connects us all. Thank you for the role spiritual moms and sisters have played in my life; the work you do through your family is vital. Help me speak life, make time and pour into those following in my steps. Set our eyes on you and fill us with your Spirit so that we can share our faith with "Timothy's" you bring across our path and into our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen 

It Never Ends

I posted this 2 years ago, but needed to read it again tonight as another harvest season unfolds. Friend, if you find yourself in the midst of a season that doesn't end, may these words and truths encourage you! Blessings from the farm!

The other night I took my husband supper as he unloaded corn in the dark and my son as he hauled it from the field. It was late and I was about to put our younger kids to bed, but the farmers worked on. At harvest (and honestly every season on the farm), the work never ends...there is always something more to do.

As the world went to sleep and the farmers pressed on, my mind went to work - this never ending work, it's not just a farming thing. Thoughts drifted back to my basketball playing days...if the season ended today, my philosophy was next year's started tomorrow. There was no off-season. There was always work to do and areas that needed improvement.

My roles no longer include playing or coaching, but I do have the title of wife and mom. Friends, those of you who wear these hats understand - there is ALWAYS more to do. Seasons come and go, but there's always work to do. Our kids grow and change more than my husband's corn and beans, we don't have the option of taking a year off or changing the growing rotation. We must press on and be diligent.

This idea is even more true when we look at our role as Christians. Following Jesus and being His disciple is not a role to take lightly and not a task we can complete by going to church on Sunday morning. Just like the farmer, we must work from sun up to sun down if we want to grow closer to the Son who saves.

Friend, I have to admit it but the other night when it was late and I was delivering another meal, I was a bit tired of the work harvest demands. Honestly, I really wasn't doing the work...sure it's changed our daily routine, I've made a few extra trips to get corn tested and have told my 12 year old to drive careful more than usual, but I'm not the one in the tractor, running the augur or making decisions.

But isn't that how it is in life? Am I the only one who sometimes gets tired of the work? I mean there's always more dishes, more laundry, more meals. And that's the easy stuff because there's also more sibling fights, illnesses and disobedience. That's just the physical stuff, but the spiritual and emotional things continue too - there's more tears, more anxiety, more sin. Daily we have new sins to confess and prayers to pray.

This work...it can get tiring and at times can even be overwhelming. The other day I found myself focusing on the what (work) and when (always) a bit too much. Through my morning devotional God spoke to my heart and reminded me of the who, how and why. As I read His Word my mind was renewed and perspective was changed. Friend, if you're there may these words from Him encourage you -

"Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. * Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. * Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the LORD and not to men, knowing that from the LORD you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. * We desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. * Run in such a way that you may obtain it." (Romans 12:11, Eccles. 9:10, Col. 3:23-24, Hebrews 6:11-12, 1 Cor. 9:24)

Friend, just like the farmer we have work to do...often it's hard, takes a lot of time and requires effort. We must put in the time working diligently from sun up to sun down and then get up and do it again tomorrow. We must remember WHO we are working for and not forget the purpose our work fulfills.

When my husband finishes the harvest and sells the crop, he knows the work was worth it. In the same way, when you and I finish our work and hear our heavenly Father say, "Well done my good and faithful servant" we will know our effort was not in vain. Today as we face a job that never seems to end or face work that is always there, may we hold on to Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

Praying for you now...may you know the work you do is the Lord's and may you remember He sees you and your efforts even when nobody else seems to notice! Finally, a big thank you to my friend, Brooke Sprung, for the pictures of an Iowa sunrise and sunset from a farmer's point of view. It looks like she's a professional photographer, but she's a full-time farmer diligently doing the work that never ends!

A Friend Like Paul

I appreciate this picture of my children...it captured a moment when they were friends not just siblings. Our 5 J's are normal children, who fight and have rivalries like all, but they also enjoy one another and remind me family can be friends. Which is what we need to do as members of God's family. We are sisters in Christ and can also be friends in the faith!

This morning as our pastor preached a unique thought crossed my mind. We've been studying 1 Thessalonians and as we worked through verse 12 of chapter 3 today, I thought, "I want a friend like Paul." That's not a bad thought, but it's not something I can control, which is why I believe the Spirit immediately put a new thought on my heart - "Be a friend like Paul."

I'm guessing chances are pretty high you're not in a verse by verse study of 1 Thessalonians or one of Paul's other books, so let me share a bit about him. Learning about this man of God can help us each be a faithful friend in the faith.

As I prepared to write this post, I quickly jotted down words that came to mind as I thought about Paul as a friend. Looking over them I noticed the first letters could be arranged to spell H-E-L-P. If you want to be a friend who helps others, I pray these examples from Paul give you some direction.

H - Honest
If you've spent any time studying a book Paul wrote you know he tells the truth. He is aware of what is going on in his life and the lives of those he is writing to. In 1 Thessalonians, he shares his heart with the people. He points out the good, but doesn't ignore reality either. He acknowledges his role and lives out his calling without fear of what the people will think.

E - Encouraging
Don't you love receiving a letter from a friend? Real mail is such a rarity in our world today, but it is a treasure. Words are powerful and our greetings are too. Think of the power in Paul's opening words to the people..."We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3) He goes on to remind them of shared experiences, powerful truths and life-changing promises. Paul's words provide encouragement, which is a gift we all need from time to time.

L - Love
We don't "see" love in Paul's letter in the same way we might include it in ours. He goes beyond closing with a simple and quick, "love you." Instead, he expresses love in different ways. First, he takes the time to put his heart on paper. Next, he shows the people the time they shared together was important as he recounts details. Finally, he tells of his desire to see them face to face. Reading his books assures you of the love he has for the people he ministered to. Do friends know you love them through the words you use?

P - Pray
The most powerful way we can help our friends is through prayer. Paul provides countless examples of this in his letter to the Thessalonians. He mentions prayers of thanksgiving and supplication. We see his prayers or recaps of them throughout his writing. We too must thank God for our friends and ask Him to help them.

Finally, the most important characteristic we need to take from Paul is his faithfulness. Clearly, he is faithful to our heavenly Father. His relationship with God is right, which enables him to be in good standing with those he loves, teaches and ministers to.

Friend, may you and I be faithful as well....first to God and then to the friends He's put in our lives. God clearly can use people in the lives of others, He did that with Paul and can do the same with us. How can you be a friend like Paul? Is there someone who needs your honesty, encouragement, love and/or prayers? Will you be faithful to be the friend God's called you to be?

Heavenly Father, thank you for friends. I'm grateful you are a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Thank you for the friends you've placed in my life. I'm grateful for their honesty, encouragement, love and prayers. Thank you also for your Word. May I learn from Paul's example and be a faithful friend. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Stay in Position

Last night my son played in his final JV football game for this year and God brought a truth to life for me. You see, three times over the past two weeks I've heard a teaching on submission. Clearly it's a topic God's again brought to my attention and reading friend, since He brought you here, I trust it's one He wants to speak to you about as well.

Now, before you close this window, I encourage you to read to the end. If you're a wife and Satan's tempting you to think, I've heard this before, read on. If you're single and think "this doesn't apply to me," read on - you have friends, sisters and co-workers who may turn to you for advice. Are you prepared to offer it?

I'm not going to spend a lot of time talking about what submission is...the placing of ourselves under authority or when it needs to take place. God does a good job of this in His Word -

"Submit yourselves therefore to God." James 4:7a

"Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders." 1 Peter 5:5a

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." Ephesians 5:22

"Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands." Ephesians 5:24

"But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God." 1 Corinthians 11:3

Like I said, God clearly commands us to submit in Scripture, but via a football illustration I want to encourage you to obey.

So to begin, a basic reality when it comes to football is players must stay in position. Athletes are taught ways to hit, tackle, throw and catch. They each play different positions, but they must all stay in position. The same is true for us as disciples of Christ and as wives in a marriage relationship.

Friend, as wives it's important, even vital that you and I stay in position. "Why?" you ask, let me share the thoughts that came to mind as I watched a game.

Staying in position...

PREVENTS PAIN - Football players are taught the proper way to hit and tackle. One of the biggest reasons coaches do this is for safety. If a guy leads with his head, he's more likely to get hurt. When we don't submit and do as God commands, we will experience pain as well. It may not result in a concussion, but we will hurt. The pain may not happen immediately, but eventually our disobedience will bring a consequence.

PROVIDES PROTECTION - Have you ever watched a quarterback try to make a play when his offensive line doesn't do their job? It usually doesn't work very well. The O-Line's job is to protect their quarterback and friend, our husband is called to do the same. But sometimes we're like the anxious QB who's afraid to stay in the pocket and don't allow our husband an opportunity to do what God's called him to do. Submission may feel like you are giving up, but remember the QB depends on the O-Line and we too can not only trust the man God has given, we can trust the One who gave!

PROMOTES PROGRESS - Let's look at another key player on the field, the running back. He too must stay in position. His job isn't just to run the ball, he must follow his blockers. These guys are the ones who help him gain yards. Friend, when we submit and put ourselves in right position first behind God and then our husband, we too will move forward. This progression won't lead to touchdowns, but may bring personal success and growth in God's kingdom!

PRODUCES PEACE - When it comes to football or most any sport, staying in position and playing your part are vital. It's true some positions on the team get more glory, but they are all important. When every player, from the superstar to the last guy off the bench knows and carries out their role, a fun team, and often successful team is formed. Friend, when we stay in position as disciples of Christ and women in marriage peace is produced. God is a God of order and peace comes when we stay in order.

So that's my quick lesson from the football field! I pray you are encouraged to submit to those God has placed over you and have been reminded that though the job is not always easy, it has a purpose!

For my married friends, I hope you can make this your team motto -

Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.

Psalm 34:3

Together may you and your husband live out your roles, stay in position and find success with God and for Him!

Faith Matters

Welcome friends, I haven't posted back to back on my blog for a long time, but today I'm sharing a devotional at Encouragement Café and I'd love for you to join me there. You can read, "The Girl Who Wanted To Die" by clicking HERE.

It was interesting to re-read those words today, on our son, Jed's 8th birthday. I think back to the fall of 1999 and realize if my plans had unfolded, life would look much different. Not just for me, but my husband and 5 children as well. Since my plan for suicide occurred before we were married, my 5 "J's" would not be here. On this day of celebration in our home, I'm grateful God's plans are higher than my own! (Isaiah 55:9)

I'm also reminded that our life is never just about us. We've been studying 1 Thessalonians and this short letter from Paul has much to say about faith and fellowship. Friend, your life and your faith matters. It obviously matters to you and impacts your relationship with God, but there's more.

In this book, we learn much about Paul's relationship with and love for the Thessalonians. He had been with them for a short while preaching the Gospel in not the best environment yet they responded to the Truth he pointed them too. Then he was called away.

Think for a minute about what happens when you are away from ones you love and those you've taught. Do you ever wonder how they are doing? Do you worry? Is it possible to be discouraged?

Well, in Paul's situation much went through his mind. He had heard reports...some good and some bad. He longed to see the ones he loved. He was in a hard place and needed encouragement. So he sent a mutual friend to check on them.

Timothy returned and "brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us as we long to see you." Notice he doesn't just say he's thankful they are doing well, he points out their faith and love. He was encouraged by their response to God and others.

He doesn't stop there as he goes on to say, "for this reason, brothers in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith." (1 Thessalonians 3:7)

Years ago, my lack of faith, would have left many people hurting and grieving. I believed the lie that I didn't matter, but my actions would have made a difference. Today I know believing the Truth matters and realize my faith makes a difference. Do you?

Can you encourage someone today with your faith? Perhaps God wants you to share your testimony? Maybe it's a smile or encouraging word? Or it could be living like Jesus in your home and loving those who know you best and sometimes see you at your worst? I don't know, but God does. Spend sometime in prayer and His Word, He will equip you and lead you as this day unfolds.

Remember somebody like Paul might be waiting to see your faith so that they too can say, "For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?"

Friend, I'd love to hear how you've been encouraged by another's faith? When you are discouraged or doubting how has a brother or sister helped you stand firm?

And a BIG thank you to all who've encouraged me, strengthened me and walked with me! I thank God for you and your faith!

Rooting out the Lies

Have you ever learned something and later realized you needed to be reminded of the same truth? Have you ever taught your children a lesson, but then time passes and you need to reteach? That happens at our house, so don't feel bad if you experience the same!

Today I found myself re-reading this post from 6 years ago and was grateful for the lesson God put on my heart and evidence of the work He's done in my children's hearts. Friend, if you are a mom longing to teach your children about identity in Christ, I pray this example helps you. If you are a woman who struggles with the lies the world and Satan share, I pray this lesson brings truth and helps you take your thoughts captive. So with that words from 2011-

Yesterday I shared a conversation I recently had with my 6 year old daughter and today we worked on how to respond if that happens again. To recap the story, Joy was upset when two other young girls said she looked like a boy. She was hurt, I was hurt, but we've both learned a lesson.

That night as Joy shared her experience with me, I was determined to not let these lies and doubts take root in Joy's heart like they had done in mine many years ago.

My teacher mind got going and I thought - How can I get Joy (and my other children) to understand this better? So today, the kids helped make a tree to put up on our school room wall. The entire time they were cutting and gluing, making branches, roots and dandelions, questions were being asked, "Why are we doing this? What is this for?" and on and on.


After talking about trees, I asked, "How are we like a tree?" The responses varied and a few being quite interesting, but hen our lesson began.

We all gathered around our newly decorated school wall and I shared Joy's recent experience with all the kids. I asked, "Is she a boy?"

Her 4 year old sister looked at me like I'd lost my mind and said, "No!"

I responded, "Jaylyn, you are right! So were those words about Joy true?" Again I hear, "No." So I ask, "What is the opposite of the truth?"

My 8 year old answers, "A lie." And little Jaylyn adds, "They are bad!!" "Right again, a lie is bad, kind of like weeds in the garden or dandelions around the tree."

We then turned our attention to the tree that had caused so much curiosity. Only now there were words on the dandelions (as you can see art is not my strong point - they are the yellow lollipop looking things!!) and on some of the roots.

We talked about  how we are like a tree and our roots are what make us strong and help us grow and stand tall. But sometimes things happen in our hearts just like they do on the other side of the window - weeds creep in and mess things up.

So I asked, "What do we do with weeds in the garden?" Three little voices tell me, "We pull them out!!" "Right again! So Joy why don't you come up here and pull out this weed!!" She thought that was great!!

But there was more, I went on to share when the weeds aren't there, the roots have a better opportunity to grow. Then we focused on one root specifically, one that said, "Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord." Psalm 45:11

We read the verse, talked about what it meant and Joy added some construction paper so the root could grow!! I pray the one in her heart grew as well!!


Minutes ago I asked Joy what she thought about our tree or what this meant to her...this is what she had to say, "Somethings that people say might make me cry, but they're a weed. I need to think about that and try not to cry and remember God made me. My roots need to grow and that's stuff that is really true cuz He thinks I'm beautiful just like you think that too."

We ended the day with a new picture, one without weeds, but ladies I believe we all know the ones in our heart grow back faster than the ones in our garden!! May we all remember to weed them out, so our roots can grow and we can be who God made us to be!!

Today, what weed do you need to remove? What root needs to grow? I'd love to hear what truth you can cling to as you grow in Christ today!

Harvest is Happening

Photo Credit: Brooke Sprung

Driving through the country side in Iowa this time of year makes you think of one thing - harvest. The other day as I went down the road I saw combines rolling and grain carts moving and I grew excited. That excitement quickly turned to shock.

We had not yet started combining and I was honestly surprised by my feelings. You see I've been a farmer's wife for 16+ years and a farmer's daughter all my life, I know a few things about harvest. The first being is it is work. Fall on the farm is busy and it can even be a bit stressful. The days are long and the nights are short.

Anticipation of the season has never brought excitement in me personally. Honestly, at times I've dreaded it, so I found myself surprised with my enthusiasm for a job that changes our routine. I found myself pausing my thoughts and really started thinking about harvest.

For a farmer this should be an exciting time...it's when we see the fruit of our labor. My husband started preparing for this after he harvested last year's crop. The kids and I played a part this summer as we picked rock and pulled weeds. We've invested so it should be exciting to see that come to fruition.

As God usually does, He used a farming experience to get me thinking about a spiritual concept. While observing field after field of corn and beans, Jesus' words in Matthew 9:37 came to mind. Here he tells His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few..."

Friend, are there people around you that need to hear about Jesus? Are there souls that need to be "harvested" for the kingdom? Are there opportunities for you to be the hands and feet of Jesus? How do you look at this? Does it excite you? Or do you see work? Busyness? Changes to your already full schedule?

Pause and pray. Ask God to give you excitement for the harvest. Surrender your plans and tell Him of your willingness to be a worker. Press on and remember Galatians 6:9 - "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

My thoughts didn't stop there as the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart, "God has a harvest to do you in you as well." Instantly, Galatians 5:22-23 came to mind. Paul says "but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

God doesn't have to wait until October to gather this harvest, this is fruit He should reap everyday. Just like our Heavenly Father grows our corn and beans, He is working in our lives, but we have a part.

John 15:5 says, "I (Jesus) am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit, apart form me you can do nothing." Friend, we must stay connected to Christ and abide in God's Word so that there will be a spiritual harvest.

There are things a farmer must do in order to grow a crop and the same is true for disciples of Christ who want to produce fruit. We find a valuable piece of the puzzle in John 12:24. Here we read of the importance of surrender - "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

Harvest time is rewarding, but it doesn't come easily. Life on the farm can be hard and it requires a lot of work. The same is true for us as disciples of Jesus. We are new creations, but we still battle our old selves and sin, so discipline is necessary. It helps us grow. That growth leads to fruit. So may we remember Hebrews 12:11 - "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Our corn is constantly growing, but harvest doesn't take place immediately. It's a process and there are stages of growth. The same is true for us, so as your excitement for harvest grows remember patience is needed. James 5:7 says, "Be patient then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near."

Friend, we started harvesting beans yesterday and a few hours in my excitement started to fade. The work can be overwhelming and the busyness of only day one can be defeating. As I left the field after helping my husband, I prayed for perspective. I asked the Lord of the harvest for eyes to see, a heart that understands and a body willing to work. And today, He provided encouragement from His Word. In 2 Corinthians 9:10 we read, "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness."

The harvest is happening! Let's be thankful for God's work and excited for the opportunity to join Him in reaping all that's been sown! Remember, God will give us all we need to do the work harvesting requires!