Have you ever watched the shows “Hoarders” or “Fixer Upper”? Well, my intention is to describe what happens in my life when, spiritually speaking, I let the Holy Spirit take my Hoarder Home and turn it into The Ultimate Fixer Upper! -Matthew 20:28 “Jesus did not come to be served but to serve…”
The Grace, Space and Pace to Run Your Race
The Book of Ecclesiastes says “My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.” Are you delighting yourself in the Lord and the privilege He’s blessed you with of partaking in the sacred roles of wife and mother while upon the earth? If so, a delightful countenance would be your reward, according to Solomon. Do you walk around downtrodden, heavy laden, overburdened and stressed or do you understand how Solomon also goes on to say that there is nothing better than to find satisfaction in your work? Actually, he boldly proclaims how “enjoying your lot in life is the gift of God!” As one of the wisest men who ever lived, Solomon declares that “there is nothing better for us than to enjoy our work!” His words are paramount for any Christian Sister to accept God’s grace and space and pace solely marked out for their distinct race!
As of late, my heart was drawn to the importance of appropriating God’s grace for our life’s race while simultaneously spurring others on in theirs! This entails focused intensity yet integrity while we run! We dare not contend with fellow believers as if they’re our competition but rather view them as comrades with us on the same winning team! Since every woman has been given such a massive mission as a helpmate, caretaker, comforter, teacher and so on, in my opinion, there is no room for such rivalry amongst Sisters! If we receive our responsibility as a high calling from our Creator Himself and gladly accept our allotment with gratitude, then the only other reasonable response to our female peers would be cheering them on in their work! Continue reading “The Grace, Space and Pace to Run Your Race”
Jesus is The Anchor for My Soul
Recently, our family went on a vacation to the Atlantic Ocean where Jesus reassured me, yet again, how He is the Anchor for my soul! Consequently, this blog will be written merely as an analogy comparing the condition of my soul to a novice brought out to the deep. So, for all my sea-faring friends and readers, I hope this post calms you the next time God leads you through a tumultuous voyage to remind you how He is still in charge of the winds and rains!
Healing What’s Unseen
This Passover season, I felt it was necessary to not only share about the One who rose from the grave, defeating death, hell and the grave in the earth but how He comparatively overcame those same soul diseases in each of us which in the past have left us disabled, blind, lame and paralyzed! So, let this blog be your prescription.
Let’s take an assessment? Do you feel you may need a tourniquet for your heart? Are you bleeding out somewhere internally, unawares? Symptoms may include but are not limited to: depression, anger, suppressed emotions, hopelessness, prolonged pessimism and/or a loss of desire for life in general. The real question (as posted above) is: Are you willing to seek healing for the unforeseen, hurting, desolate parts of your soul?
There are spaces within us which lie untouched because we are not yet ready and are unwilling to completely fall into the arms of Jesus by surrendering our deep and secret woes, fears and burdens into His care. It is as if those compartments inside us are barred off tightly from anyone or anything entering in behind the walls. And those walls have probably been reinforced over time because our former modes of protection from enemies, both foreign and domestic, once worked in order to keep us safe, hidden and far away from danger. (I get it. That is why I can write about these types of topics in the first place.)
Unfortunately though, as true as it may be that once upon a time our defense mechanisms were the best methods we knew to survive, presently they actually block out the Spirit’s presence from moving through the hidden rooms of your heart where Jesus wants full access. It’s just like a Doctor who is treating you would require FULL ACCESS. The cool thing here is that Jesus already knows your diagnosis and has the “medicine” for what is wrong. So, why not trust God with the battered, beat down, broken portions of our souls? It’s not survival of the fittest anymore. No, now Jesus wants the weary, burdened aspects of you and me. Can you show Him your battle scars and believe that He will dress them for you? Our Lord asked the handicapped man at the pool this question, so before moving on I will ask it, too. And if you answer “yes”, then by all means… read on.
“Do you WANT to get well?”
Love Like Nurses: (The High Calling of Motherhood!)
The King James translation of First Thessalonians 2:7 reads: “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children“. The word “cherish” is a verb meaning “to care for tenderly; nurture.” My children are learning verbs in grammar so they know that a verb is an action word. Therefore, we must show our love by what we do. And according to the Scripture mentioned above, one aspect of how we moms can show care for our children is to love them like nurses! Continue reading “Love Like Nurses: (The High Calling of Motherhood!)”
In The Potter’s Hands
For my 10 Year Wedding Anniversary, let’s take a look back at what my refinement has been like as a piece of clay in the Potter’s hands! Over the years, The Divine Potter has meticulously and miraculously molded me into His image so that I could become the Cristine I was created to be for God’s Glory! Over time, every squeeze of His hands applied just the right amount of pressure and was used to transform my ways and will to Christ’s likeness. It didn’t always feel good, to say the least, but a fire is meant to burn after all! Continue reading “In The Potter’s Hands”
Character for the Kingdom!
Character training is a main vein that runs through the thread of our parenting style. In being a Godly mother and father, we understand the value of raising children for the Kingdom who will exemplify Christ to everyone they meet. This is the very reason why we take the time to passionately pour into them. As parents, my husband and I believe God’s divine plan means that we should have the most influence over our children. This is a major undertaking which encompasses teaching, training and mentoring our son and daughters on how to follow the Lord wholeheartedly. Continue reading “Character for the Kingdom!”
Over It to Overjoyed!
Moving from “over it” to “overjoyed” is the difference between trusting in self and trusting in the Lord! With the combined roles of Daughter, Godly wife and homeschooling mom, I’ve come to recognize how my sole source of pure joy is from Christ alone and not self! Experientially, I’ve also learned that there’s no possible way for me deliver my duties with diligence without a keen insight into what my Heavenly Father’s desires are for me and my household. Moreover, there’s the added responsibility in upholding the position of friend, loving neighbor and faithful witness. Yes, we women wear many hats and that could seem overwhelming at times. Yet we can rejoice knowing we’re not left on our own! God’s Spirit instructs us in how to order your days aright while providing all we need to carry out those plans! And that is where genuine joy is found! Not that I follow every instruction perfectly, of course, but I can verify how peace is present when I do adhere to the Shepherd’s voice! Listening to Him over what I think best brings such simplicity and the utmost joy to life!
Continue reading “Over It to Overjoyed!”
Loving Me Back to Life
Nothing compares to a sacred, God-ordained marriage where God is your first love and your husband is your second. It is a true blessing from above. And did you know that your marriage is your ministry? Being a Godly spouse is your God-given commission to give Him Glory as well as make you more like Him through the sanctification of the one-flesh union. Below I will share how I was taught this Truth by watching the actions of my husband towards me in the worst of times. And if anyone knows how much time, energy and effort goes into such a sacrifice, it is my husband!
Discipleship
Discipleship. This has been MAJOR in my life. A disciple is a student. In this case, I’m referring to being a follower of Jesus. Nothing compares to our relationship with God and the unquenchable longing to draw nearer still. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher. If you grant Him room, our Rabboni will lovingly instruct you. (This is the Hebrew word the first disciples used to call Yahushua their Teacher). Jesus desires for you to yearn for Him as to learn from Him. Matthew 11 says: “…learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.” Continue reading “Discipleship”