Language is a Gift

I've been reading Honey for a Child's Heart and Honey for a Teen's Heart, both by Gladys Hunt.  Both of these books are about the importance of reading to your children and WITH your children.  Reading together as a family creates a unique experience and precious memories.  I recommend them both!  But there was one particular passage that has been sticking with me, and that concerns the words we speak and hear and read.

Readers, Science, and more!

Hunt says:  It is no small thing that we are able to take these shining symbols known as words and communicate with each other.  We have this ability because we are made in the image of God.  He created the world with His own speech...He communicates with us with language and allows us to speak to Him and to each other with words.  This is a sacred trust.  Just as God created a world for us to line in, so with our speech we also create a world for others to live in...Careless words are an affront to our Maker.  What are we saying about ourselves, our view of God, and other people by our language?

School books for Hannah next year

There is so much we could say about words and speech and language, but I'd like to camp out on the words that we consume, that we invite into our lives and hearts and homes.  As a lover of reading, I have chosen to surround our home with good books.  I don't think I could ever truly have too many books (my husband may disagree!).  But the issue here is "good" books.  I want books that we can not only read together and think together over and discuss as pieces of literature, but that we can also filter Scripture Word through our reading.  Literature is a great way to apply Truth and Grace and Obedience and begin to practice how all of "life must be seen through the framework of revealed Truth".  Learning to read is about learning to think and learning to think Biblically.

Science and horses and more!

This is really difficult to post this mess!  I have more books than I have shelves for and this is not even all of them.  I have not read all of these yet, and I want to move past just being a book collector.  But I think it is important for us each to have ready access to good reading, and we are looking forward to plunging in to this reading experience as a family.  

Kids' Fun Reading

How Brave Are You?

That question was posed to us at a gathering last night.  Our friends, Ryan and Stacy had shared their adoption story of Luisa, and talked about books such as Radical, Crazy Love, and Reckless Faith.  These books stir many to want to or feel like they need to sell all they have and work in 3rd world countries or help the orphans or something along those lines.  I mean, that's Radical, right?  But what about us...that are farmers and teachers and workers with our hands...who are drawn to Oceana County?  Who have tried to leave and get pulled back into this country life?  How do we live this life in a Radical, Reckless way that Jesus calls for?  How have you been brave?


A few weeks ago, I felt anything other than brave.  I felt inadequate, humbled, uncertain about this task in front of me.  I had worked hard on this project...put time and effort and thought into it to make it my own.  My sweet friend called me to say, "Jen, have you got your thick skin on?  Because I think this needs a tweak here...a change there...reword this...add that..."


There I sat, unwilling.  I hadn't wanted to hear those words.  I didn't want to work on this project any longer.  It was late and it was due the next morning.  People were counting on me and I just wanted to cry.  I thought, "Lord, I did this for you!  Why isn't it good enough?  I put my best into this!"  


A slippery voice trickled up my spine and whispered in my ear, "It would just be easier to quit."  I began to wonder why I do this to myself, why do I put myself in these situations where I am vulnerable and where I can fail in such obvious ways?  It would be so much easier to wrap the covers of my life around me and let nobody peek into the real me.  Where everything is in its place and I'm in full control.  I mean, really...it would just be easier to quit.


Maybe it was pride that nudged me into working mode.  Quitting has never been an option for me.  It was all about, "Well, I'll show you!"  Then, I quieted my soul, took my friend's words into consideration, and poured more of my blood, sweat and tears into this project.  And yes, it was a much better final offering.


I shared this with another friend, and he asked what the response was.  All I could say was, "Overwhelming!" And truly it was because few came up to me to say, "Well done".  But I watched and I listened and I wondered.  And God blessed me with the knowing that because I was brave and obedient, people's focus had changed for the better.  The response was not my glory but His alone.
                                                            
I thought more about this brave thing, and the birth of my second daughter came to mind.  I had labored for several hours and the end was near.  I was hitting transition stage and it was becoming more than I could bear.  My thoughts were wild and unpredictable.  Frantically, in my mind, I was looking for the "Easy Button."  You know, the one that Staples advertises?  Where was it now that I needed it?  It was getting hard and I wanted out.  I groaned, knowing I can't undo the beginnings of my child.  And so, this baby that I had nurtured and grown inside of me, and had kept all  to myself, needed to be born and shared with the world.  


So it is with dreams.  We hold them inside, cradle them, nurture them.  But until we birth them, go through the painful process of sharing the dream with the world, does God give them life.  God takes the seed of our willingness to expose ourselves, to lay ourselves low to the soil, and He breathes His love onto us.  Maybe it's taking the plunge and sharing what following Christ looks like to your father-in-law.  Maybe it's faithfully giving 10% to God in church.  Or being OK with the elderly lady across the street that likes to come visit because she's lonely and welcoming her into our life.


Are you hitting the easy button?  It would just be easier not to do whatever it is, to withdraw.  
How brave are you?

Soul Food for Soul Hunger

Ever since a friend pointed out John 6 to me in a text message at 6:45 am last Friday, I've been camped out in this passage.  The "I AM" passages of John fascinate me, and this passage contains Jesus' statement:  


"I AM the Bread of Life"


Christ claims deity calling himself the I AM.  He is the new Manna given to the people who are needy and hungry.  Soul food for Soul hunger.  He doesn't just take the edge of the hunger until something more filling comes along.  


He IS the filling.  


Feast on the Giver of Life.

"Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, 

so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives." Psalm 90:14

To be full, have in God's love and mercy and faithfulness excess and abundance now in our youth, so that even to the end joyful praise to Him will be on our lips.

 "Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink -- even if you have no money! 

Come, take your choice of wine or milk -- it's all free! 

 Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? 

Why pay for food that does you no good? 

Listen, and I will tell you where to get food that is good for the soul! 

"Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, for the life of your soul is at stake.  

Isaiah 55:1-3a

Spiritual Anorexia.  Bulemia.  Remember that post?

"We live by every word that comes out of God’s mouth.  

God’s Word sanctifies us.  

As the words that have been formed in God’s mouth are digested as the Bread of Life in us,

 they begin to form our thinking, affections, and volitions in a wonderful way. 

If that's true, then we have an eating disorder on our hands!  I'm struggling with spiritual anorexia!  Am I now on a binge?  I hope that's not true...in the sense that I'm gorging myself with no real taste or ability to digest only to find myself in another anorexic binge.  Maybe this analogy makes you laugh, but I am dead serious.  Starving leads to body functions shutting down and doing without.  Spiritual deprivation from the Bread of Life will lead to parts of our lives being neglected and shutting down."

 I am in danger of starving myself.  I spent a few weeks gorging on the WORD, and then I spend days only nibbling, thinking that I was OK.  That I could go a few days without renewing my relationship with my Savior.  Just as I need food daily, throughout the day, I am only fooling myself by not nourishing myself as often with the True Bread.  When will I learn?

"Morning by morning he awakens me 

and opens my understanding to his will"  Isaiah 50:4

Practicing Easter: Can I get a Witness?

I'm so excited to think about extending Easter...Living Easter.


By Divine Providence, our homeschool Bible reading landed us right on track to read the Passion week last week, perfectly aligning with Easter.  And after that comes Acts.  And it's been amazing.  


The LORD Liveth! 
And blessed be my Rock
And let the God of my Salvation be exalted.


"You will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere!"


Good Ol' Peter, who is living un-Deny-ably after the resurrection.  Testifying of the LORD.  Proclaiming his witness to the Living Savior.


Am I a witness?  Do I know this Living God-Man?


I want to know Christ Crucified.
To know Him and this Resurrection Power.
"I am the Resurrection and the Life and He who believes in me will live."
"I am crucified with Christ.  It is not me who lives but Christ lives in me."


O Death, where is thy sting?  Our bodies are buried in brokenness,  but they will be raised in glory!  When that trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever.  With Him. ( 1 Cor 15)


So now, dear sisters, be strong and immovable.  Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. (I Cor 15:58)

Can I get a witness?


Isaiah 43:10 says, "But you are my witnesses, O Israel!  Says the LORD.  You are my servant.  You have been choses to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God.  There is no other God--there never has been, and there never will be.  I, yes, I, am the LORD, and there is no other Savior."


Can I get a witness?

Christ has Overcome

Monday evening was spent getting some grocery shopping done with my little man.  Tim had the girls at soccer practice.  On the way home, I was cruising to some Jeremy Camp, playing his latest "We cry out! The worship project" on my ipod.  My favorite is "Jesus Saves" after seeing him in concert the first time last summer at the Unity Festival.  Listening to other songs, though, landed me on "Overcome".  For the next 20 minutes, on the drive home, I kept hitting repeat.  This song had me praising the Lord and I was glad there are few others on the road to see me!

John 16:33 NAS

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage ; I have overcome the world.

It reminds of a friend's encouragement, from Isaiah 53, "By his wounds, we are healed."

What does healing look like?  What does overcoming feel like?  It is of the soul & spirit and I know that no matter what happens to my friend in his cancer or other trials that will come upon me and my loved ones, I know that there is a peace that passes all understanding for Christ has conquered the grave and he promises resurrection for his followers as well.   And this glorious peace comes after giving thanks.  Giving thanks always comes first, then the miracle.

Seated above, enthroned in the Father's love 
Destined to die, poured out for all mankind 
God's only son perfect and spotless one 
He never sinned, but suffered as if He did 

All authority, every victory is Yours 
All authority, every victory is Yours 

CHORUS: 
Savior, worthy of honor and glory, worthy of all our praise, You overcame 

[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/overcome-lyrics-jeremy-camp.html ]

Jesus, awesome in power forever,awesome and great is Your name, You overcame 

Power in hand speaking the Father's plan 
You're sending us out, light in this broken land 

We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb 
and the word of our testimony, everyone overcome


That is why I continue to count my gifts #206-229

• Passover fortelling of Messiah
• Holy Spirit presence
• The father my husband is to my children
• Girls retelling Scripture truths
• Dad's birthday.  Celebrate another year of life
• Daffodils peeking out of the snow
• Bringing a meal to celebrate new birth of Little Lauren
• Answered prayer
• Redemption and our Great Rescuer
• I am a Chosen Child of God
• Amazing creativity by other bloggers.  I'm blown away by other believers out there who write and photograph and create life for His Glory
• The world is all His, the King of Glory
• I can come into His presence to worship
• Kissing my husband good-bye this morning as he left for work
• A week of being more on track with my time spent with God
• A week of being at home
• This day so many years ago God's Son chose to die for me
• New life in Him
• My God is bigger and mightier than the grave
• Good Friday Celebration.  He is the Resurrection and the Life.  He who knew no sin became sin.  He who is righteous can now call me righteous.  Amazing Grace how sweet the sound.  Love now flowing down.  His hands and fee were nailed to the tree.  His Grace flows down and covers me.
• Girls attempting to work as a team in soccer for their 1st game.  Hilarious.
• BioDiesel.  Tim's been a great oil collector and he's starting the process again of making.
• More signs of life.  Hyacinths. Daffodils.  Tree buds.
• Rain and mist.  Not snow.

Word problems are heart problems

If you have ever read the book of James, you will remember that he speaks strongly on how we ought to speak to one another.  Some moments, some days, some hours, my words are so troubled, and so hurtful, and I know it's a reflection of my heart.  I want to be patient, I try to be firm and kind, and the children are griping and nagging and begging and whining.  And I lose it.  I say things out of anger and impatience.


Our family verse this winter has been this:  


"Kind words are like honey.  Sweet for the soul and healthy for the body." found in Proverbs


Selfish ambition, jealousy, envy, boasting, and lying all spill from the lips as evidence of the heart.  So as I consider what else James says about my words, I want to ask myself these questions:

•  Am I seeking the admiration of others for my words, power, wisdom, riches…or that they see Christ is me and me pursuing Him and living a life that reflects his character?
•  Does my speech exalt Christ?
•  “as for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died…what counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.” Gal 6:14-15
• Does my speech point to myself and my glory? or the Father and His Glory?

W  Word problems are heart problems


tru   Truth in the mind forms truth in the heart; new birth creates new affections & new speech patterns of the      
        Gospel.  


        The sanctification of the tongue is a work in us that is driven by the Word of God coming to us as we
        hear it and indwelling us as we receive it.


       The most important single aid to my ability to use my tongue for the glory of Jesus is allowing the Word 
       of God to dwell in me so richly that I cannot speak with any other accent.  (John Piper)

I struggle and strive to improve and I flounder and fail.  I wonder if it's worth it all.  I wonder if I'll ever get it right.  And then I realized that's it's not about my abilities because I'll always fail.  I come to the Father with humility and receive His Grace.


His divine power has granted us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises.  (2 Peter 1:3*)


It's only in HIS power, not mine, that I can accomplish these acts of obedience out of full love for my Savior.

Meet Jesus in the Moment of NOW

Religion is a substitute for Christ as a controlling ruler on a Cross where we can see Him.


Relationship is moving Him into our hearts where He is loose and can't be seen.


True Christianity isn't about obeying the law but giving ourselves fully to the One who made the law.  It's about bending my will to His when He says.

Bible in a Year and Devotional

This year, I set out with the best of intentions to read my Bible through in a year.  I have been extremely negligent in my quiet time with the Lord in years past, and having a daily plan, I think, will motivate me...as long as I don't get too far behind.  Truthfully, I committed to this about a week after the New Year, so I had to catch up at the beginning.  I am following a chronological plan that incorporates an OT reading for morning and a NT reading for the evening.  I am actually doing both readings at any point in the day that I can.  I am reading it in the New Living Translation through OnePlace.com.  I just saw that this site has an online registration for such things, but I have a printed checklist of passages that I'm using to keep track of my reading.

I am an on-again/off-again reader of on-line devotionals, such as Streams In The Dessert, hosted by Oneplace.com.  I read it today, and was amazed with how this fit in to where I'm at right now.  

In an address given to ministers and workers after his ninetieth birthday, George Mueller spoke thus of himself: "I was converted in November, 1825, but I only came into the full surrender of the heart four years later, in July, 1829. The love of money was gone, the love of place was gone, the love of position was gone, the love of worldly pleasures and engagements was gone. God, God alone became my portion. I found my all in Him; I wanted nothing else. And by the grace of God this has remained, and has made me a happy man, an exceedingly happy man, and it led me to care only about the things of God. I ask affectionately, my beloved brethren, have you fully surrendered the heart to God, or is there this thing or that thing with which you are taken up irrespective of God? I read a little of the Scriptures before, but preferred other books; but since that time the revelation He has made of Himself has become unspeakably blessed to me, and I can say from my heart, God is an infinitely lovely Being. Oh, be not satisfied until in your own inmost soul you can say, God is an infinitely lovely Being!' --Selected

Through different studies and attending church, I am hearing the message of surrender.  In fact, that's the theme I'm focusing on as I read through the Bible.  I didn't think I had a problem with surrendering to God or submitting to my husband, but I am convinced that this is a daily decision to lay aside my will, my desires, my wants, and place God over all.  This book, Follow Me, is really transforming my thinking on what a true relationship with God looks like.  Today's Bible study contained these passages: 

 "If I want the benefit of salvation, it will cost me my personal sovereignty, my independent autonomy, my own agenda, my "throne".  Why?  Because that is exactly what I must be saved from in the first place!...the heart of our sin problem is our self-centered need to be in control...Grace, the supernatural forgiving love and transforming power of God, is released through the deliberate act of giving up the kingdom of  self. Giving up is not a "work".  It is a cessation of resistance."

WOW!  There is so much there to chew over, to meditate on.  I have a self-centered need to be in control.  As George Mueller said above, God is an infinitely loving Being.  Can I trust Him enough to reliquish my control over to him?