Over Christmas I found myself dealing with a struggle I thought I had overcome, but over the last 20 days I've noticed the battle is still there. For nearly 2 weeks prior to Christmas we had sickness in our house and it wasn't the 24 hour flu. People (my husband and 5 kids) were sick for 4 days at a time...looking back I'm grateful we had some overlap!!
Through it all I'm thankful I stayed pretty healthy and I also realized there is a reason I never pursued nursing!! I also discovered another thing...sometimes I still struggle with equality. Early on in marriage I knew this was true; I hate to admit that I was an official score keeper in our house. I knew how often Job did something fun and what extra money he spent. Then along came kids and it seemed I was the one tied down...the one who gave up my job, some hobbies, my freedom. It pains me to type that, but friend that was reality. I compared everything and had the mindset that things should be equal.
Thankfully God opened my eyes to the sin that was in my heart and the reality of Genesis 3:16 in my life. Our heavenly Father also helped me open up and share my struggles with Job. We've come along ways since those early years! But last month God helped me take what I believe will be a big step in really overcoming this wrong mindset.
You see as I comforted and dealt with sick children, my typical Christmas prep work was left undone. We had baked cookies, but never really got around to frosting them. Decorations were left in the box. Traditions were forgotten. Sickness consumed our days...or so it seemed.
When the kids weren't sick they were disappointed with the change in plans and missing traditions. To be honest I was a frustrated and tired Mom and again had to surrender control. I wanted to make my kids better. I wanted to make Christmas perfect. I wanted everyone to be happy. Everything I wanted to do, I couldn't.
Christmas eve came and one of our little guys still wasn't 100% so I stayed home from Christmas Eve service with him and his lil brother. That was hard and again I found myself keeping score in my marriage. I didn't say anything to Job, but as the grumblings went through my mind and as my little guys drifted off to sleep God put a verse on my heart.
Philippians 2:6-8 came to mind, "Who, although He (Jesus) existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
The phrase, "did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped" hit hard and would not go away. I wasn't seeking equality with God, but I sure was with my husband. In my eyes his job seemed easy...he had been sick for 4 days, but I'd been taking care of sick kids (and him) for a long time. He provided finances for presents, but I did all the shopping, hiding and wrapping. My focus was ALL wrong...that's what keeping score does...it puts you against them. Friend, our husbands are not our opponent - they are on our team!! Trying to keep things equal and wanting all the good it seemed Job was experiencing led to problems too.
As I thought about Jesus' example all of this became clear and God revealed one sin after another. He also reminded me - if Jesus, who is God can give up His desire to be an equal, I need to let it go as well. I need to empty myself and be a servant....and friend, if you call yourself a believer, God expects you to do the same.
Now don't take me wrong...this is not a license for someone to take advantage of you or harm you, but instead an opportunity to live like Jesus did. A chance for us to embrace God's sovereignty and share His love. Oh friend, I know this is not an easy task...it can be simple to read these words and agree with them, but when sickness hits, changes come and life is unfair - it is hard!!
But friend, Jesus, the One who didn't strive for equality or keep score with us, died so one day we could go to heaven. That is not all though, He died so today He could live in you and me. Friend, the power that resurrected Christ is in us. It will help us put the score book down and will equip us to serve others, especially the ones we love the most!
My prayers for us today is to live out Ephesians 5:1-2 - "Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Thoughts about Worth
Welcome to those of you joining me from the Encouragement Cafe today. It's an honor to be sharing a devotional there...you can read it by clicking HERE. I'll ask you the question that is the title of the devo - "Have you ever felt unworthy?"
My answer is a BIG ole YES! But I truly would love to hear your experience with this struggle that I've come to believe we all experience. Next month I'm going to be sharing about this very topic at a Valentine's Tea and I'd appreciate learning more about others' battle with these feelings. So please share in the comments or send me an email at jillberan@yahoo.com - thanks!!
A couple of weeks back our pastor preached on Philippians 3:17 where Paul says, "Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do." I grew up idolizing (I now know that's a bad thing) basketball players and coaches...I followed their example and wanted to be like them. When I became the varsity player and later a coach, I took the responsibility of being a role model seriously and strived to set an example others could follow.
My days in the gym are over, but this recent sermon has me thinking about the example I set because people are still watching - especially 5 youngsters in my house! Our pastor instructed us to think about who's example influences us and as he shared I was grateful for the people God brought to mind. Ones who encourage, speak Truth and point me to Christ. People who follow hard after God, read His Word and follow His lead.
Then he encouraged us to think about the example we are setting...what do people see when they look at me? Am I walking a walk I want them to walk? Do I want them to imitate me?
Friend, the things we do and say, the life we live and the One we serve are important. People are watching. We are setting an example. The question is - Is it a good and Godly one?
These questions brought to mind a time from years ago...back in 2009 I had a conversation with my daughter Joy who was days from turning 5. She had tried on a new dress and told me, "I'm not pretty." I remember being shocked that such a young child could already struggle with these thoughts. I also remember God speaking Truth to me as I shared it with her.
Five years have passed and I wish I could tell you we never had this conversation again, but I can't...actually as she continues to grow and approach the teen years it seems to happen more. She's actually added another line, "You're just saying that." Those are words I know all to well! Though they don't often come out of mouth, they have run through my mind.
Friend, you and I can share Truth with others and tell them who they are in Christ, but we also must believe it and live it out as well. It's important for me to tell my daughters who God says they are, but those words will have more power when they see me living them as well. Today will you join me in embracing your WORTH and setting an example for others to follow.
"You are altogether beautiful,my darling; there is no flaw in you." Song of Solomon 4:7
"Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord." Psalms 45:11
My answer is a BIG ole YES! But I truly would love to hear your experience with this struggle that I've come to believe we all experience. Next month I'm going to be sharing about this very topic at a Valentine's Tea and I'd appreciate learning more about others' battle with these feelings. So please share in the comments or send me an email at jillberan@yahoo.com - thanks!!
A couple of weeks back our pastor preached on Philippians 3:17 where Paul says, "Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do." I grew up idolizing (I now know that's a bad thing) basketball players and coaches...I followed their example and wanted to be like them. When I became the varsity player and later a coach, I took the responsibility of being a role model seriously and strived to set an example others could follow.
My days in the gym are over, but this recent sermon has me thinking about the example I set because people are still watching - especially 5 youngsters in my house! Our pastor instructed us to think about who's example influences us and as he shared I was grateful for the people God brought to mind. Ones who encourage, speak Truth and point me to Christ. People who follow hard after God, read His Word and follow His lead.
Then he encouraged us to think about the example we are setting...what do people see when they look at me? Am I walking a walk I want them to walk? Do I want them to imitate me?
Friend, the things we do and say, the life we live and the One we serve are important. People are watching. We are setting an example. The question is - Is it a good and Godly one?
Five years have passed and I wish I could tell you we never had this conversation again, but I can't...actually as she continues to grow and approach the teen years it seems to happen more. She's actually added another line, "You're just saying that." Those are words I know all to well! Though they don't often come out of mouth, they have run through my mind.
Friend, you and I can share Truth with others and tell them who they are in Christ, but we also must believe it and live it out as well. It's important for me to tell my daughters who God says they are, but those words will have more power when they see me living them as well. Today will you join me in embracing your WORTH and setting an example for others to follow.
"You are altogether beautiful,my darling; there is no flaw in you." Song of Solomon 4:7"Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord." Psalms 45:11
Thursday, January 1, 2015
The Start to 2015
Another year has come to a close and again I'm thinking the same thing - "It went so fast!" At the start of each year, my mind often goes to thoughts about living intentionally. It seems so easy for time to go by and I look back and see how it was wasted. I would never throw money away like I do time. How about you?
Friend, our days are numbered and once they are gone, they are gone, there's no going back. Thankfully God doesn't want us to live with regrets, but He does expect us to learn from mistakes. So this year what changes do you want to make? How will you use the 365 days 2015 holds?
Philippians 3:13-14 says, "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Friend, the past is past...in His Word, God instructs us to forget it, but He also directs us to strain and press on.
I'm not sure how many people are heading into the the new year thinking about straining...that word takes me back to New Year's Day early morning basketball practice over 20 years ago. It was the practice we all dreaded, but as an athlete driven to succeed it was something I did. Oh, to approach my walk with Christ with the same discipline, dedication and desire. Friend, may 2015 be the year you and I press on. May it be the year we don't just set lofty goals and dream big dreams, but one where we commit to straining, to doing the work that growing in faith requires.
There's no 3 step program to accomplish this, but seeking God, starting our day with Him and staying focused will help. A few years back, Wendy Blight shared her New Year's prayer and it's become something I do as well. It's a simple way to start the year, but also a powerful tool as we walk in faith. As the year goes by I pull it out and pray it from time to time and when the year is done it helps me reflect on all God has done.
Yesterday I started thinking about the prayer I would write and 4 M's came to mind - myself, marriage, mothering and ministry. This morning as I wrote my New Year's Prayer, I gave the 4 M's to God and shared what He put on my heart. I trust this prayer will be answered and know it will be a tool He will use in the year to come. Friend I encourage you to visit Wendy's site to learn more about this (click HERE) and I pray you will consider writing your very own prayer as well. If you want to live the year with God and for Him, we must start it by praying to Him!!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, You are good, You are present and You are working. Thank You for walking with me, equipping me and using me in the year that has passed. As 2015 unfolds, I pray that I would keep my eyes on You and continually renew my mind so that You would continue the work You’ve begun. Thank you Father for being the One who is always there…Your Word says You will never leave or forsake me and You haven’t. May I trust in You with all of my heart; take away my desire to lean on my understanding.
Lord, I know you are again drawing me out of my comfort zone and I ask for focus…help me tune out the lies and dig deeper into Your Word. May it be a light unto my path. Help me be like Mary and respond with obedience and do the good works You’ve created me to do. Help me be like the wisemen and seek You. Help me be like the shepherds and share Your good news. As I walk the path You’ve planned may I do so while praying continuously. May this be a year that I draw closer to You and allow You to do more through me. Help me run the race with endurance, perseverance, purpose and discipline. Open my ears to hear from You and tender my heart to receive all You have for me.
Father, I also lift up my marriage to You. Continue to draw Job and I closer to You and one another. May we truly desire to be a picture of You and the church. Help me lay aside my selfish wants, humble myself and put him first. Unite us with a passion to follow You, love You and serve You.
As another year passes, my kids have grown older and mothering changes and in ways gets harder. Lord, I ask for wisdom…help me be the Mom that each of the kids need. Give me patience and help me be consistent. Give me eyes to see them the way You do and equip me to help them grow closer to You. Help me be an example who walks the walk and a teacher who points them to You. I long to encourage them to be the people You created them to be. Draw us closer to You and strengthen all the relationships that exist in our house.
Lord, I also pray for the ministry You’ve called me to. First and foremost I pray for priorities…help me always remember my home is where it all begins and matters most. I also ask for wisdom…help me know when to say “Yes” and when to say “No” so that I can do what You call me to do. Lord when I do step out I ask You to give me the words, whether I write them or speak them, and the courage to share them with passion. As I share my story, may I encourage others in theirs and equip them with Your’s. Help me remember Lord that I serve an audience of One and help me strive to please You, not man. Father, like Joshua help me be strong and courageous and do what You’ve commanded me to do trusting You will not leave or forsake me.
In the year to come may the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart please You Lord and may they also build up the body and bless those who hear. Lord thank you for drawing me closer to You, breaking down some walls and helping me grow in my faith in 2014. Your love is incomprehensible, but I’m grateful for how You give me more and more understanding as I walk with You. Help me embrace it and share it Lord. Father, I give this year to You and boldly ask You to do more than I could think or imagine. I love You, I trust You and I need You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Friend, our days are numbered and once they are gone, they are gone, there's no going back. Thankfully God doesn't want us to live with regrets, but He does expect us to learn from mistakes. So this year what changes do you want to make? How will you use the 365 days 2015 holds?
Philippians 3:13-14 says, "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Friend, the past is past...in His Word, God instructs us to forget it, but He also directs us to strain and press on.
I'm not sure how many people are heading into the the new year thinking about straining...that word takes me back to New Year's Day early morning basketball practice over 20 years ago. It was the practice we all dreaded, but as an athlete driven to succeed it was something I did. Oh, to approach my walk with Christ with the same discipline, dedication and desire. Friend, may 2015 be the year you and I press on. May it be the year we don't just set lofty goals and dream big dreams, but one where we commit to straining, to doing the work that growing in faith requires.
Yesterday I started thinking about the prayer I would write and 4 M's came to mind - myself, marriage, mothering and ministry. This morning as I wrote my New Year's Prayer, I gave the 4 M's to God and shared what He put on my heart. I trust this prayer will be answered and know it will be a tool He will use in the year to come. Friend I encourage you to visit Wendy's site to learn more about this (click HERE) and I pray you will consider writing your very own prayer as well. If you want to live the year with God and for Him, we must start it by praying to Him!!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, You are good, You are present and You are working. Thank You for walking with me, equipping me and using me in the year that has passed. As 2015 unfolds, I pray that I would keep my eyes on You and continually renew my mind so that You would continue the work You’ve begun. Thank you Father for being the One who is always there…Your Word says You will never leave or forsake me and You haven’t. May I trust in You with all of my heart; take away my desire to lean on my understanding.
Lord, I know you are again drawing me out of my comfort zone and I ask for focus…help me tune out the lies and dig deeper into Your Word. May it be a light unto my path. Help me be like Mary and respond with obedience and do the good works You’ve created me to do. Help me be like the wisemen and seek You. Help me be like the shepherds and share Your good news. As I walk the path You’ve planned may I do so while praying continuously. May this be a year that I draw closer to You and allow You to do more through me. Help me run the race with endurance, perseverance, purpose and discipline. Open my ears to hear from You and tender my heart to receive all You have for me.
Father, I also lift up my marriage to You. Continue to draw Job and I closer to You and one another. May we truly desire to be a picture of You and the church. Help me lay aside my selfish wants, humble myself and put him first. Unite us with a passion to follow You, love You and serve You.
As another year passes, my kids have grown older and mothering changes and in ways gets harder. Lord, I ask for wisdom…help me be the Mom that each of the kids need. Give me patience and help me be consistent. Give me eyes to see them the way You do and equip me to help them grow closer to You. Help me be an example who walks the walk and a teacher who points them to You. I long to encourage them to be the people You created them to be. Draw us closer to You and strengthen all the relationships that exist in our house.
Lord, I also pray for the ministry You’ve called me to. First and foremost I pray for priorities…help me always remember my home is where it all begins and matters most. I also ask for wisdom…help me know when to say “Yes” and when to say “No” so that I can do what You call me to do. Lord when I do step out I ask You to give me the words, whether I write them or speak them, and the courage to share them with passion. As I share my story, may I encourage others in theirs and equip them with Your’s. Help me remember Lord that I serve an audience of One and help me strive to please You, not man. Father, like Joshua help me be strong and courageous and do what You’ve commanded me to do trusting You will not leave or forsake me.
In the year to come may the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart please You Lord and may they also build up the body and bless those who hear. Lord thank you for drawing me closer to You, breaking down some walls and helping me grow in my faith in 2014. Your love is incomprehensible, but I’m grateful for how You give me more and more understanding as I walk with You. Help me embrace it and share it Lord. Father, I give this year to You and boldly ask You to do more than I could think or imagine. I love You, I trust You and I need You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Christmas Greetings!
Merry Christmas
From Our Home To Your’s!!
One of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is hearing from you!! We all enjoy the pictures and updates, so thought we’d share ours too. 2014 has been a good year…life on the farm has been busy, overall we’ve been blessed with good health (2 days after typing this sickness hit and a week later hasn't left yet!) and made many memories.
Highlights from the year include - Labor Day camp-out with the Beran’s, Wisconsin Dells with the Biwer’s, coon hunting with Grandpa, sewing with Grandma Marie and shopping with Grandma Judy, fishing at Dalyn’s, AWANA’s, and no dull moments in “Beranville”.
James D. enjoyed his first football season, Joy went to her 1st FCA camp and has officially started basketball, Jaylyn enjoyed playing softball, Jed treasured his puppy, Jake, and learned sometimes life ends all too soon, and Jesse has become the family clown making us laugh daily. J.D. and Joy also enjoyed their first week of summer camp at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch.
As I list all my little J’s, I am thinking of another baby J…one we focus on at Christmas time. The familiar song says, “What child is this?” and a popular verse answers this question - Isaiah 9:6 tells us, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
There are many things that can consume our mind this time of the year, but we are attempting to focus on the one thing…Jesus! Our faith in Him is what will carry us through the good and the bad. He has provided strength, peace and joy in the year that has passed and we trust He will do that in the year to come.
We pray this Christmas you are able to enjoy time with family and friends!! In 2015, may we all get to know the One we celebrate - Jesus, the Child born in the manger who came to be Christ our King and Lord our Savior!
Merry Christmas!!
Blessings from the farm,
Job, Jill,
James D. (11), Joy (9),
Jaylyn (7), Jed (5)
and Jesse (3)
“I want to know Christ, yes to know the power of His resurrection and
participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death…”
Philippians 3:10
Thursday, December 18, 2014
A Look at the Wise Men
If you grew up in the church or set up a nativity for Christmas, I'm guessing you know about the wise men. Perhaps like many, you could tell me - they were three men from the east who brought gifts for Jesus. You may even mention magi and astrologers along with gold, frankincense and myrrh. But friend, do you realize there's more to these men than we grew up understanding?
We find their story in Matthew 2:1-12, please take a minute and read it in your Bible or simply click HERE to read it in its entirety. These words may be familiar, but I want to challenge you to dive a bit deeper with me. Over a week ago I was challenged by 5 simple words when I read this statement - "Wise men still seek Him." I'd heard this before, but God used it to take me on a journey and I pray He does the same for you. Let me ask you a few questions and I encourage you to think about your answers before reading my thoughts.
Who were the wise men? These men were magi also known as astrologers who traveled from a distant land, which reminds us Jesus came for all. Researchers don't know how many...the song "We Three Kings" gives us a number, but Scripture does not. It is estimated they traveled nearly 1,000 miles and arrived when Jesus was 1 or 2.
Why did they come? In verse two we find our answer - they came to worship! One commentator also mentioned how they knew something of Jesus and wanted to know more.
How did they find Him? They followed the star, asked questions and knew what the prophet had said -"But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel."
How did they respond when they found Him? Verse 11 says, "On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him.Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." There is a definite sense of reverence and the idea that they understood this truly was no ordinary baby. Also interesting to note the difference in their reactions to the two kings - they bowed for the baby Jesus, but that is not mentioned in their interaction with King Herod.
What lesson can we learn from them? Seeking is something the wise men did and is what we are called to do...may we learn from and be encouraged by the example they set. Seeking takes time, work and effort...we must persevere if we want to find Christ and see God. They presented gifts that were valuable to Jesus, do you? Do I? Matthew Henry said it well, "What God favors us with, we must honor Him with." In verse 12, we are reminded of another important truth when it comes to our faith - "And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route." The wise men listened to God rather than following King Herod's orders; friends may we too live to fear and obey God, not man.
As I've studied the wise men a bit more and learned a few things I never knew I've been encouraged and convicted. I haven't mentioned verse 10, but that short sentence hit me like it never has. Here we read, "When they saw the star, they were overjoyed." Their joy didn't come when they found Jesus, they were overjoyed when they saw the thing that would lead them to Him. As I thought about this, God impressed on my heart that the Bible was my star and too often my reaction is no where near to the wise men's. Praying you, and I, will experience joy when we see His Word because we know it will help us find Jesus.
In closing, I hope this little look at the wise men has been beneficial for you and I pray you take sometime and think about these questions. This Christmas may be the wise women who still seek Him!!
Why do you seek Jesus?
How do you respond when you find Him?
What can you give Him?
Some words to encourage you as you seek Him, the One who loves you, this Christmas season -
We find their story in Matthew 2:1-12, please take a minute and read it in your Bible or simply click HERE to read it in its entirety. These words may be familiar, but I want to challenge you to dive a bit deeper with me. Over a week ago I was challenged by 5 simple words when I read this statement - "Wise men still seek Him." I'd heard this before, but God used it to take me on a journey and I pray He does the same for you. Let me ask you a few questions and I encourage you to think about your answers before reading my thoughts.
Who were the wise men? These men were magi also known as astrologers who traveled from a distant land, which reminds us Jesus came for all. Researchers don't know how many...the song "We Three Kings" gives us a number, but Scripture does not. It is estimated they traveled nearly 1,000 miles and arrived when Jesus was 1 or 2.
Why did they come? In verse two we find our answer - they came to worship! One commentator also mentioned how they knew something of Jesus and wanted to know more.
How did they find Him? They followed the star, asked questions and knew what the prophet had said -"But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel."
How did they respond when they found Him? Verse 11 says, "On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him.Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." There is a definite sense of reverence and the idea that they understood this truly was no ordinary baby. Also interesting to note the difference in their reactions to the two kings - they bowed for the baby Jesus, but that is not mentioned in their interaction with King Herod.
What lesson can we learn from them? Seeking is something the wise men did and is what we are called to do...may we learn from and be encouraged by the example they set. Seeking takes time, work and effort...we must persevere if we want to find Christ and see God. They presented gifts that were valuable to Jesus, do you? Do I? Matthew Henry said it well, "What God favors us with, we must honor Him with." In verse 12, we are reminded of another important truth when it comes to our faith - "And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route." The wise men listened to God rather than following King Herod's orders; friends may we too live to fear and obey God, not man.
As I've studied the wise men a bit more and learned a few things I never knew I've been encouraged and convicted. I haven't mentioned verse 10, but that short sentence hit me like it never has. Here we read, "When they saw the star, they were overjoyed." Their joy didn't come when they found Jesus, they were overjoyed when they saw the thing that would lead them to Him. As I thought about this, God impressed on my heart that the Bible was my star and too often my reaction is no where near to the wise men's. Praying you, and I, will experience joy when we see His Word because we know it will help us find Jesus.
In closing, I hope this little look at the wise men has been beneficial for you and I pray you take sometime and think about these questions. This Christmas may be the wise women who still seek Him!!
Why do you seek Jesus?
How do you respond when you find Him?
What can you give Him?
Some words to encourage you as you seek Him, the One who loves you, this Christmas season -
"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul." Deut. 4:29
"I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me." Proverbs 8:17
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Ordinary Days
Most days around our house are pretty typical...farm chores, homeschool, meals, laundry, a sports practice or church activity. I hesitate in using the word "normal" because no day is ever the same, but our life is pretty ordinary. I don't know about you, but sometimes when things are "ordinary" I can lose focus and motivation. The other day I was encouraged to do something else in my ordinary...to look for Someone.
In a devotional, Wendy Blight challenged readers to pray a simple prayer and I did. In the early morning hours I offered up these words, "Lord, let me see You in the midst of my ordinary." Our day progressed and early on I was intentionally looking for God, but nothing out of the ordinary showed up.
By late afternoon, my intentionality had faded, but my desire to complete the tasks of the day was strong. I was sitting in one room working on school with our 3 oldest kids while our little boys played in the other room. Suddenly Jesse, our 3 year old, ran into the room, shouted in his deep little man voice, "Mom, come here, me have a present for you." Without even giving me a chance to say, "Just wait a minute," he grabbed my arm and took me to the tree.
There I found a blanket covered "package"...one that looked similar to those I've seen in the past and Jesse did his "Ho, Ho, Ho!!" He helped me open the gift and was thrilled to help me find Jed, his 5 year old brother.
Without even "looking" I instantly saw and experienced God do an extraordinary thing in our ordinary day. One, and most importantly, He reminded me of Psalms 127:3...children truly are a gift from Him. Jesse was so excited to "give" me his brother and Jed grinned from ear to ear as I "received" him. The thing is my kids are gifts I need to embrace and enjoy daily not just when they wrap each other in blankets and hide under the tree.
I have to admit Christmas is a time that can stress me out...I'm not a great shopper so gift buying brings pressure, there's the money involved and time it all takes. The season brings more excitement to my kids which some times translates to frustration for me. But as God did an extraordinary thing in our ordinary day, I was reminded of the simple pleasures we can find and the joy they bring.
Finally, through His answer I was reminded that He is always there and like I shared in my last post He is always working. The thing is I'm not always looking! How about you? Today will you join me in asking God to open the eyes of your heart so you can see Him? I believe He will show up!! Stop by to share what He does in your ordinary life!
In the meantime, my little guys were more than happy to reenact the story I described above...next to Jesus, I have to say they are the best gift ever!!
Monday, December 1, 2014
Always Working
Last night, my husband and I put the kids to bed like we do most nights. One of my little guys begged me to snuggle a bit and I did. Nearly twenty minutes later I headed back down expecting to find Job watching the football game; he wasn't. I figured he'd headed to bed himself, but he hadn't. Then I heard pounding coming from the basement and knew that wasn't a good sign.
I found my husband and also found out we had a problem - on a night when the temperature was expected to be near zero our furnace was not working. I did what I could to help and as I stood there getting chillier by the minute holding a flashlight that only worked when it wanted to thoughts went to my kids. They were all warm in their beds and had no idea of the problem that was taking place in their own home and the work their dad was doing to take care of them.
As these thoughts ran through my mind, God put another one on my heart - "Jill, you're just like your kids. You are unaware of the things, the problems, going on around you and you don't see half the work I do for you." I type those words and they sound king of mean, but friend as God whispered them to my heart they were good and reminded me of the powerful, loving, kind Father you and I have in God.
Like my husband does for our kids, He is always looking out for us, protecting us and providing for us. He longs to take care of us and does. My kids see their dad and often join him in working through the day, but last night they had no idea he was working on their behalf. The same can be true of my understanding of what God does...at times I see His work, others I join Him in it, but last night I was reminded of the truth in John 5:17, "But Jesus replied, 'My Father is always working and so am I."
About an hour into our work, I was ready to give up. We'd been able to get our old furnace running, so we had heat, even if it wasn't efficient heat I knew it would get us through the night. I'd looked at the manual and though it was the English version it seemed like a foreign language to me. The wires, cords, buttons and switches had left my mind a mess and I was pretty sure if we hadn't solved the problem yet it wasn't going to happen.
Job, on the other hand, was driven to figure it out and get it fixed. As I watched him work, I was given another important lesson. God knows everything. I may look at my problems and see the mess, think it's impossible and be ready to give up. God on the other gets it, He knows exactly what to do. What looked like a mess to me was something my husband had knowledge about and as long as I did what he asked (hold the flashlight and get him tools) he could do the work. And friend, God is the same only on a bigger, perfect scale. Our situations, our lives might look like a mess, but He knows, He understands and He is able.
Today I pray we will remember that our Heavenly Father is always working...He loves us, cares for us and will provide for us. May we thank Him for that and choose to trust Him with all that is not working in our lives today. It may seem to take longer than you'd like, but He will come through and provide exactly what you need. And may just teach you a lesson or remind you of a promise in the process!!
"We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves Him. They are the ones God has chosen for His purpose." Romans 8:28
I found my husband and also found out we had a problem - on a night when the temperature was expected to be near zero our furnace was not working. I did what I could to help and as I stood there getting chillier by the minute holding a flashlight that only worked when it wanted to thoughts went to my kids. They were all warm in their beds and had no idea of the problem that was taking place in their own home and the work their dad was doing to take care of them.As these thoughts ran through my mind, God put another one on my heart - "Jill, you're just like your kids. You are unaware of the things, the problems, going on around you and you don't see half the work I do for you." I type those words and they sound king of mean, but friend as God whispered them to my heart they were good and reminded me of the powerful, loving, kind Father you and I have in God.
Like my husband does for our kids, He is always looking out for us, protecting us and providing for us. He longs to take care of us and does. My kids see their dad and often join him in working through the day, but last night they had no idea he was working on their behalf. The same can be true of my understanding of what God does...at times I see His work, others I join Him in it, but last night I was reminded of the truth in John 5:17, "But Jesus replied, 'My Father is always working and so am I."
About an hour into our work, I was ready to give up. We'd been able to get our old furnace running, so we had heat, even if it wasn't efficient heat I knew it would get us through the night. I'd looked at the manual and though it was the English version it seemed like a foreign language to me. The wires, cords, buttons and switches had left my mind a mess and I was pretty sure if we hadn't solved the problem yet it wasn't going to happen.
Job, on the other hand, was driven to figure it out and get it fixed. As I watched him work, I was given another important lesson. God knows everything. I may look at my problems and see the mess, think it's impossible and be ready to give up. God on the other gets it, He knows exactly what to do. What looked like a mess to me was something my husband had knowledge about and as long as I did what he asked (hold the flashlight and get him tools) he could do the work. And friend, God is the same only on a bigger, perfect scale. Our situations, our lives might look like a mess, but He knows, He understands and He is able.
Today I pray we will remember that our Heavenly Father is always working...He loves us, cares for us and will provide for us. May we thank Him for that and choose to trust Him with all that is not working in our lives today. It may seem to take longer than you'd like, but He will come through and provide exactly what you need. And may just teach you a lesson or remind you of a promise in the process!!
"We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves Him. They are the ones God has chosen for His purpose." Romans 8:28
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