November's end and December's outlook

This isn't going to be a very good post so i am warning you now not to read it. November, especially the last week, was extremely difficult and trying and I do not want a do-over. However, it is over, God has given us all the strength and grace to over come with much glory to God, which is amazing, but we are SPENT!

I really was rejoicing in the gact that my outlook for T-Day, being away from our family and friend for the second year, was very well at peace. Then it turned out to be incredibly disturbing, more so than any holiday ever.

Looking ahead to December, i think it is hopeful that we actually bought a Christmas tree this year already. Last year we didn't even want to decorate (and our car got taken away). We can't find our decorations anywhere, though. We know that trees and decorations have nothing to do with what this season means, but neither should jsut this season just be a season.

so, i'm slow.....

Okay, so over the past two days i have had an epiphany. I realize, either i have, indeed, learned this before and forgot (which happens over and over and over and over) or i am just slow. I have been modeled this sooo many times over, and coached into thinking this way, but i think i get it! How can i word this just right...."a complaint is an opportunity for you to do something about it". If God is giving you insight to something, either in your life or someone else's, why would He just want us to 'complain', which clearly He doesn't (and calls it sin) but is our opportunity. It is an opportunity to serve selflessly or to allow the Holy Spirit to change us. I am thankful that God is giving me the opportunity to work through me to show me, and my children, what this looks like.

May I have the abundant grace to bring God glory and to model this to my children that they might get it a lot earlier than i have!!!!!

if i know......

If i know....and have enjoyed GOD, and delight in Psalm 16:11, and even have it plastered on my computer screen to look at a reflect every single day, and often, why.....WHY do i seek my satisfaction in anything else but GOD! Where HIS pleasures are ABUNDANT! I have tasted, seen, and dwelt in it! Why do i return to my flesh and my idols, and then deny i have them???? I guess this is why God enlightened Paul to write that "suffering produces persevereance, perseverance character, and character hope. And hope DOES NOT DISAPPOINT.....

....my hope is in HEAVEN! "Take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above!"

disappointment

Disappointment makes the heart sick as Proverbs says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick". Our hearts are sick but yearning to recover. I just got disappointing news about something we were excited about today. It is not hopeless and our God is BIGGER but we are disappointed. We are trusting, but we are disappointed. We really thought something that was impossible was possible and see it is not at this time, and we must endure an incredible hardship, for longer than we wanted, again. I am so glad that my life is not my own, and though my heart is crushed right now, I have this underlining trust that it is for the good, even though i cannot see the good, or even imagine any good.

This is my authentism. My anti-stuffing, and my dealing with things, right away, and not holding on, coming out. Truly, JESUS is GREATER than i, and i rejoice in that alone. Alone. Nothing else.

The Handy Gospel

Our pastor in California made up this 'handy' way to remember the gospel and to teach it to our kids. I have used this many times, both for my heart and my kids.

As you hold out our hand explain what each of the five fingers stand for:

-THumb-God is Supreme! (this can be explained and also what His standards are)
-Pointer-Man is an idolater (explaining how we fall short of God's standards)
-Middle-Jesus is the double cure; cleansing us of our unrighteousness and of our guilty conscience
-Ring-God gives us faith to trust in His promises
Pinky-God gives us the ability to repent, to turn from sinful behavior

I have found this to be the best counsel to any situation. Repeating this really keeps you in a right perspective.

Corporate Confession

Our worship leader/pastor wrote this and we read it as a corporate confession at church on Sunday. I need to read and live this!


"Father, we confess that we are glory seekers who seek after our own glory rather than yours. We have craved the approval of men and have avoided confrontation and speaking truth to one another in love. We have behaved differently around others in order to hide our true self and have lived as if we have forgotten our identity in Christ. Remind us, oh Lord, that you alone are glorious and that you are completely satisfied in Christ who has secured our standing and approval with you. Crucify our pride that leads us to fear others and help us declare in our hearts, our lives, and our mouths. "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1"

Be watchful!

Ephesians 6 has always been a favorite and very grateful for the privilege to teach it to the four children God has entrusted to me to grow, and have them hide it in their heart with memorization. This whole chapter has become a favorite of theirs as well now. I even have my children encouraging me when 'firey darts' are attacking me!

We must be on alert, always! True koinonia fellowship is a strong tool to be used in encouragement. We need each other to fight the battles, both seen and in our hearts! We must be on total watch because when this type of fellowship is occuring the enemy will attack! We must put on our armor to fight, to preserve oneness of mind, and pure love for the sake of the gospel! Remember Jesus said that when we are showing the world that we love each other the world will know that God is real! THis type of love is not of this world and is nothing less of amazing!

Philippians 4:8 always is a good 'sword' to use with thoughts. "Whatever things are ture, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS!!!! This verse is a reminder to take action! When thoughts that would tear down or discourage roar like a lion in your face, stop, and change your thoughts. Put on your armor and TAKE ACTION!