Archive | August 2012

An ‘M & M’ Extra…..

I know. I know. It’s not Monday yet. Don’t worry I’m not sharing another verse. But I did have something to share about the two verses we have memorized thus far and it really would have made for a lengthy post on Monday, so I’m here with an extra.

The last two weeks our verses have been focused on our speech and our attitudes. Both verses have instructed us on what not to do. The first specifically states not to speak words that are corrupting and the second infers that we are not to complain as we do all things. What struck me is that in each the Lord has shown us why we shouldn’t be doing these things. As our Father, He gives us instruction and at the same time shows us how to better parent. When you were young, I’m sure you were probably told not to do something and you asked why not. The response you received back on occasion was ‘because I said so.’ You’ve probably said those words yourself. How much more effective it is if when we receive instruction we understand the whys behind it! Our Father could have just said through Paul, “Let no corrupting talk come from your mouths” or “ Do all things without complaining or disputing.” But He chose not to stop there. It really would have been enough. He is Lord. He said it. We’re to obey. But He wants us to know why. He wants us to know that He says not to do things for our own good not just because He said so. He wants us to know the whys because He loves us and wants what’s best for our lives. And what’s best often contains a don’t or a no.

Let’s take a quick look at our verses. Why shouldn’t we use what Paul termed ‘corrupting talk’? It doesn’t build others up. It doesn’t bring grace to those who hear them. Sometimes in anger or selfishness we would like to speak what is on our mind or should I say what’s in our hearts. But those words would affect our relationships for the worse. Who really wants to do that? In obeying the “negative” command, change comes to our hearts and we become more like Christ and our relationships prosper.

What about our verse from Philippians? Why shouldn’t we complain about the things we’re called to do? It blemishes our witness in the world. How can we bring glory to our Lord when we behave as those of this world do? He wants us to bring Him glory and has instilled that desire within us. He’s telling us what not to do so that we can glorify Him.

When I think that not speaking corrupting words will prosper my relationships and not complaining will cause me to shine like a light and glorify our Father, I want to run in the way of His commands. How about you? When I see the manner in which my heavenly Father instructs me by showing me why He’s commanding me to do what He says, it causes me to see how He desires we instruct or disciple the children in our lives. He wants us to help them understand the whys that come from a loving Father so they too will run in the way of His commands. And that we can do only as we abide in Him. See you Monday!

Raising Children Starts With Prayer II ~ Breaking Down Phil 1:9-11

Aug30

We are starting a new series here at T2 Women focusing on helping moms in raising their children. Let’s face it; it is a scary world out there! Children today are learning about things much earlier than their parents and grandparents did. Just take television programs: restrictions are being loosened and it’s tough trying to find something today that the whole family can sit down and enjoy together without being embarrassed or feeling as if they are setting poor examples for their children to follow, such as in the way they talk to one another. This wasn’t the case 40-50 years ago.

Advice for parents also runs the gambit! Do we discipline or do we hope the children will find their way on their own. Just when do we push them to succeed and when should we back off and accept their performance? Can we allow our kids to quit, or do we encourage them to keep trying? There are hundreds of questions each parent will face in their child’s lifetime. How can we be sure we’re making the right choices for our children? As a new mom I used to wish children came with an instruction manual, and then I learned we do have one! The Bible has every answer to every question you will ever wonder about! It’s all right there in one Book; you just need to go looking for it, and the best thing about it is, you never have to doubt you’re doing the right things again!! You can stand on its truths.

As I mentioned yesterday, the first place to begin is in prayer, and this prayer of Paul’s for the Philippians is a great prayer to pray for those you love most. Once we break it down a bit to see exactly what we are praying for, I’m sure you’ll agree.

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Phil 1:9-11

There are five things Paul is asking for here, and it’s important to note that they are all sequential. Paul prayed:

1. That our love may abound more and more.

2. With knowledge and depth of insight. so that we will

3. Approve what is excellent, pure, blameless, (the best!)

4. All for good works or a righteous life (right living)

5. So that we would glorify Christ.

As we look to see just a bit of what’s here, I’d like to start from the bottom and work our way up.

5.) “ …to the glory and praise of God”- We were put on this earth to glorify Him hands down. That’s why we were created and are here today; unfortunately, not many realize that, but that’s for another post and time.

4.) “…filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ”- How many of you want to raise your children to be men and women of great integrity for others to look up to one day? How many of you want them to shine as bright lights in this world and for others to know and recognize that God is with your son /daughter and for others to desire to follow in their footsteps? This is part of what this prayer is asking, but it’s not all.

3.) “…so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ “-We all, I believe, want our children to grow up and be able to discern not only right from wrong, but what is the very best in every situation. No wavering, no doubting, no hesitating, no excuses but to be men/women of integrity that will stand firm on their beliefs. One that others can and will look to.

1&2.) “…that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight- It begins with love!! But hold on here; it’s not just any love. It is not Eros – the romantic love, nor Philos – brotherly love. No, this love is Agape – God’s unconditional love and can only come from Him. It is a love of action verses a love of feelings. It’s defined in I Corinthians 13:4-8a: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

It’s God’s love and, therefore, it doesn’t come naturally, but comes from God and has the ability to grow within each of us through our “knowledge and depth of insight” into God Himself and His ways. Paul goes on in this chapter to explain just how important this love is, in that without this love we are nothing and wraps up the chapter by saying, “So faith, hope and love remain, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor 13:13) Now that we have a better sense of what this prayer is asking, look once more to this prayer of Paul’s amplified to gain a better sense of Paul’s urgency:

“And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance ], So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, ], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble]. May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and good works) which come through Jesus Christ, to the honor and praise of God.”

WoW! Can you see why Paul was so compelled to pray this for those he loved!? Shouldn’t we as well?

‘Til next time, sue

Linked to BetterMondaysLinkup.jpg, Simply Helping Him, Raising Homemakers, Mercy Ink, Deep Roots at Home

Raising Children Starts With Prayer!

Aug29

One of my childhood friends lost his son last week in a motorcycle accident, and my heart just aches for him and his wife. Losing a child is one of a parent’s greatest fears, for it’s just not supposed to happen, but it does happen at times. I think most parents want to see their children grow up and go off to live happily ever after and enjoy an even better life than they’ve had. Sadly, that’s not always the case. Much of our children’s lives are out of our hands, but there are steps we can take to get them started on the right path, and I believe the first and probably most important is prayer.

Praying, for most of us begins even before our children are born or even conceived. (Some of us pray and wait for years to even conceive a child.) Then there are all the prayers during pregnancy, hoping our child will be healthy, but the major prayers, I think, begin the moment we realize that we are now responsible for another human being!!

Do you remember that moment in your life? I still do; my daughter was actually already a few days old. My husband had just unlocked the door to our small apartment and swung the door wide for us to enter, and I froze right there on the spot; afraid to cross over the threshold, knowing that from that moment on, we were now responsible for the life of our beautiful little girl, who was completely helpless and totally dependent on our care! I remember looking down at her sleeping in my arms, and I knew I was not going to be a perfect mom; I’d make some mistakes, but I vowed in my heart at that moment that I’d try to be the best mom I could be, and I took an extra B-I-G step into our home.

Thankfully, we are never left completely on our own to raise our children. We can’t always be there with them, but there is One who can. We don’t have all the answers, but there is One who does! We will never have all the power it takes to heal the broken hearts and bodies, but we know there is One who knows exactly what it will take and possesses all the power to heal. This is where prayer comes in.

I often hear parents admit that they are at a loss as to how to pray even though Jesus promised us in John 14:13-14: “Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” The problem often lies in being unsure of God’s will for our children, but if it can be found in His word, then we know it has got to be His will for not only us, but our kids. One of my favorite prayers I like to pray for my family is found in the book of Philippians 1:9-11.

” And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Phil 1:9-11

Paul prayed this for the church at Philippi, whom he loved, but it’s what this prayer says that I think makes it so important for us to pray for those we love most. Take a look, start checking out what’s here, and tomorrow I’d liked to tell you more about what lies inside this prayer, for I’ve already kept you long enough today. Oh, just one more neat thing about this prayer today is that it doesn’t matter how old your children are; five or fifty. This is a “one size fits all” prayer, and you can begin to pray it for your children at whatever stage they’re in!!

‘Til next time, sue

Shining as Lights ~ M & M Monday

Aug27

Wow! The first week of memorizing God’s Word is under our belts! How did you do? Do you have any memorizing tips to share with the rest of us? Did the Lord use this verse in your life this week? We would love to hear from you! We’re here to encourage one another and to learn from each other and you are a big part of our community and our comment section is yours!

Last week’s verse surely gave us direction for our speech. The Lord wants us to be building others up with our speech not tearing them down or causing them to stumble. I don’t know about you but I want to please the Lord and He’s given me one way right here to do that. As I meditated on this verse, I was reminded of two other verses. Both are prayers. And I need to start in prayer to walk in this command. I thought I’d share them with you before we move on to our focus for this week. The first is Psalm 19:14. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight,O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” And the second is Psalm 141:3. “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” At the very least I need to write these verses alongside Ephesians 4:29 if not memorize them and make them a trio!

This week we turn to the book of Philippians. In Philippians 2, Paul is speaking about our relationship with others. We are to be humble like Christ who is our example. A bit further along, we find the verses we will focus on this week.

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,” Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV)

The author of Hebrews says that “the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (4:12) Would you agree with me that this verse certainly fits that description. Ouch. Do ALL things without grumbling or disputing. Can you say that you do ALL things without grumbling or arguing as some versions read? I can’t but that is the goal, isn’t it? Do I do what God calls me to do without grumbling or arguing? Sadly, I’ve had to say no to that last question recently. You can read about serving others in this post from Sue’s Building Your Home series

I pray that this week, we all move a bit closer to the goal of doing all things without grumbling. When we do, we will be acting as the children of God that we are and we will shine as lights in this world.

Cooking with Kids ~ DELECTABLE DIRT!

Aug24

~ The Perfect Recipe for Teaching Small Children to Cook! ~

Jack’s Masterpiece: DELECTABLE DIRT

I’ve always loved cooking with children! Cooking with preschool children is not only a great way to spend time together, it’s also a great way to help them develop their language, reasoning, reading, math and science skills. It also lets kids practice their fine and gross motor skills through chopping, mixing, measuring, etc. Cooking in general is a rich educational experience that can be lots of FUN!!

It’s been proven that picky eaters are more apt to try the foods they have helped prepare, and DELECTABLE DIRT is a perfect place to begin. I think between 2 and 3 years of age is a good age to start; just as soon as they begin to take an interest in cooking.

The other day it was Jack’s (2 1/2 years old) turn to start helping, and he was thrilled to be making DIRT for dessert. His older sister, Olivia was also happy to lend a hand!

Adding the crushed cookies to the top.

Both really got into using their hands to crush up the cookie crust after we placed all the cookies in a strong zip-lock bag. They also helped to measure and add the different ingredients to the mixing bowl, but there were just too many pictures to choose from, and the real fun began when it was time to decorate! You also notice here that we chopped up about 1/2 cup of M & M’s as our gravel which the original recipe didn’t call for.

Chopping M & M’s

This definitely isn’t the most attractive dessert I’ve ever made, but to Jack it was! He did it with just a bit of help from his sister and me, and the family all made over how good it was at dinner time.

Jack adding the finishing touches.

DELECTABLE DIRT
Recipe taken from: www.food.com http://www.food.com/recipe/dirt-pudding-110140

Ingredients:

1 (14 ounce) bag Oreo cookies
2 (3 1/2 ounce) packages French vanilla instant pudding
3 cups milk
1 cup powdered sugar
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 (12 ounce) container Cool Whip
1/2 cup M&M’s chopped (optional)

Instructions

Break up cookies, put 1/2 on bottom of preferred dish and save other 1/2 for topping.
Mix pudding and milk together, set aside.
Mix sugar, cream cheese and butter.
Add sugar mixture to pudding; fold in cool whip.
Pour onto cookies, top with remaining cookies.
Decorate
Let it cool in refrigerator.
Enjoy!

I thought Jack would really get into serving it up to the family after dinner, but he was much more interested in trying it out himself! I’m sure he thinks his first attempt at cooking was a complete success!

Jack enjoying the fruits of his labor!

Building Up Your Home ~ Part 5 ~ Prioritize!

Aug22

Despite all of today’s modern technology that has made our lives easier, we still seem pressed to complete all we have to do within 24 hours! I will be honest with you, I could write volumes on this one area, and trying to condense it all into one page is going to be tough!

This is an issue that has hindered women for centuries! The Bible gives us a great example through the story of two sisters, Martha and Mary, and what each did when unexpected guest came for dinner. Luke 10:39-42:

^”As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. Martha had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching.But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]!

But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things;There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.”

Which sister can you most identify with? What would you do if honored guests suddenly showed up at your home for dinner?

Mary seats her guests and takes a seat as well on the floor so she can enjoy the conversation. Not only is Mary oblivious to everything else around her, but Jesus goes on to explain later on that she has chosen “the good portion” or the “best”.

Martha, on the other-hand, is running around frantically trying to prepare and serve dinner. I’m sure she’s back there trying to tidy up, pull out the good dishes and cut some fresh flowers for the table, all while fixing dinner for these important guests. She could use a little help, and her sister is over there doing nothing, but sitting and getting to enjoy their guest! Is she the only one aware of this? Surely, Jesus of all people can see this, and Martha, in her frantic attempt to serve others, lashes out at the Master and accuses Him of not caring!

I can so relate to Martha, can you? I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve found myself running around, trying to “multi-task” and end up exhausted, frustrated, and lashing out at those who mean the most to me. Entertaining guests is just one example, however. There is something very important in this story that I don’t want you to miss out on. Each day we have a number of choices to make right down to what time we’ll start the day. What Martha chose to do wasn’t a bad thing, and just like Martha we, too, can make what appear to be good decisions at the time that end up turning out not to be the very best for us or our loved ones.

Early on, I had a really hard time saying “no.” If there were any way I could do what was asked, I would do my utmost to do it, simply because I found it too hard to tell them I couldn’t. The problem was that I would do what was asked often at the expense of my family. My time with my family or even my own free time for myself was sacrificed and what time was left wasn’t the best quality, for I was usually too tired by then.

I think working moms have it the toughest because they are forever being pulled by the demands of husband, children and jobs. Add to that school demands, social events and so forth and you can quickly feel like you are juggling too many balls in the air, just waiting for them all to come crashing down.

In our quest to choose what’s best, we need to start viewing our lives as on a scale knowing that a lot of little “good things” can often out-weigh “the best” and that each choice we agree to make may mean something else will be sacrificed.

The weightiest things should be the things we value most in our lives, things we wouldn’t give up for anything.

1.) Our relationship with our Lord needs to be first! The very first commandment is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” Luke 10:27. Our God is a God of order and if our lives are chaotic that can be a sign that we need more of Him in our lives. If we will give Him precedence in our lives and turn our schedules over to Him, we may find the rest of our day falling into place. (Hopefully I can write more on this later:)

2.) Husbands, for we are one. We are to love one another as we love ourselves. Ladies, your relationship with your husband comes before your relationship with your children. It is so important to elevate your relationship with your husband over your relationship with your children, and when you’ve got young, needy children, it’s not an easy thing to do, but first you’re a wife, and then you’re a mother. I’ve seen too many wives put their children above their husbands, in terms of their priorities, and end up without a relationship with their husbands when their children are gone. The best thing you can do for your children is to love their daddy!

3.) Our children come next, hands down. It’s all about quality and quantity time when it comes to all three of these areas.

After these three, everyone’s life is different. You can fit in work, volunteer service, extended family members, errands, chores, television, computer time, etc. There are many good choices that we need to make sure aren’t given a higher value than they should be.

I will leave you with one way to view your time with the top three. I always look at my time spent with God, husband and children as an investment in the future. The sacrifices of time spent today will always pay great dividends later on. Consider your time with the top three as investing in your future and shoot for gold!

Building Up ~ M & M Monday

Aug20

Welcome to the first installment of ‘M & M’ Monday! Thanks for joining us in memorizing and meditating on God’s Word. Feel free to memorize in your favorite translation. If you would like a visual reminder of our verse during the week, right click on our picture and set it as the desktop background on your electronic device.

In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul tells us that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.’ (ESV) I just love that – “all Scripture is breathed out by God.” What a description! Paul goes on to tell us how Scripture profits us. The verses I’ll be sharing the next few weeks fall under the training in righteousness category. The Amplified Bible describes training in righteousness as training “(in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action).”

If we are to live righteous, holy lives, we need to be mindful of how we use our tongues. Our verse this week is Ephesians 4:29.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (ESV)

This command comes after Paul’s exhortation to put off the old man and put on the new. Without the help of the Spirit within us, it would be impossible to obey and still at times we fail because we so easily turn from walking by the Spirit back to walking in the flesh. I’m grateful that when I confess my sin, God is faithful to forgive me and I can keep pressing forward toward the goal. Let’s pray this week that He would show us what category the words we speak fall into and that He would help us to refrain from any talk that is corrupting and to speak only what is beneficial to those who hear.

The words we choose to use are so vital to those who hear them. To read more about how words build or destroy, check out this post from Sue on building up your home.

Monday’s Coming…..

Aug19

It was really an encouragement to read the comments on Friday’s post from some ladies who have decided to join me in memorizing Scripture. The Lord knew I needed that as I obeyed His leading. It’s nice to have others to come alongside us to share the ups and downs, to encourage and to hold us accountable. Ladies, thank you for obeying our Father’s call. It’s not to late to join us if you haven’t yet!

Father, I thank you for the ladies who have committed to memorizing Your Word. I pray that you would bless us in our efforts and keep us faithful to our commitment. Please help us to commit to memory Your precepts. Use them in us and through us to bring glory to Yourself. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray.

Making a Commitment

Aug16

I have often found myself being prodded to memorize Scripture. I know that it’s an important spiritual discipline that God instructs us to engage in. I know that the benefits to hiding God’s Word in my heart are immeasurable. I’ve often thought what if one day I didn’t have such easy access to God’s Word as I do today? That surely seems highly unlikely in this technological era but nothing is guaranteed! Or what if, in my later years, my eyesight fails and I’m unable to read the Word of God but have only what I’ve stored within? So I’ve made the decision to memorize the Word. Over. And over. And over again. I start off strong and then fall away. Each time I make the commitment and fail, the harder it is to commit again. The excitement that accompanied that first decision to commit to memorizing has long since disappeared but the proddings to memorize and the reality that making such a commitment is beneficial remain. So I begin again – right here, right now as the ‘M & M’ Monday series begins here on the T2 Women blog.

I really didn’t expect to be making this commitment right now. But this I do know – the Lord is calling me to make it and in obedience I’ll walk forward knowing my only victory will come as He enables me to commit to memory His Word and to stick to my commitment.

How about you? Is He calling you to begin again to memorize His Word? Then why don’t you join me this coming Monday.

Run with endurance

Aug16

While I have been watching the Olympics, I am reminded of the verse Hebrews 12:1 (NLT), “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” During the Bejing Olympics, there was a runner that quit giving his full effort a little over half way through the 100m race. This bothered me greatly. Why would you not give all you have to set a record that might remain for years, decades, even a century or more? Why slow down just because you are going to win? This brings about a reflective question. Why do we as believers not run full force for the Lord having all our efforts, time, dealings bringing Him the utmost glory? Why do we slow down or put in less than our best (with his grace and help most assuredly)? I have been thoroughly challenged by this thought. Shall we give our all and run the race the Lord has set before us to our fullest ability and His ultimate glory? What a legacy we could leave for the generations to come!