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I never thought I would hear myself say this phrase (“because I said so…”) to my children…. until now. They’re at the age where they want to question my decision or direction for them, all a part of growing up. My goal with this stage is to help them make good decisions for themselves. The good news is that they don’t question my authority, only the manner in which I require them to complete a task. Gently assuring them that if they just listen to their mama and follow my direction, their tasks would be easier and less frustrating.
How much more is God like that with us. I don’t question God’s authority in my life. But sometimes, if I don’t watch it, I let doubt creep in on how God brings about his plan into my life. And I can just hear Him say it now…’Because I said so’. It’s ‘Trust me’, ‘Believe in Me’, ‘Know that I have the best laid plans’ for your life statements all summed up in those 4 little words, because I said so.
So instead of questioning, I choose to trust.
Peace – Isaiah 54:10 ‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
Provision – Philippians 4:19 ‘And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus’
Protection – Isaiah 54:17 ‘No weapon formed against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you’
I choose to speak God’s word and his promises into my life… Because HE said so.
Hebrews 12:1 ‘ … and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistance the appointed course of the race that is set before us.’ — I LOVE this. Not only because I love to run and the analogy fits me well but I love that God directs us to stay the course with patience. Which to me means that there are going to be things that will distract, encumber, and discourage. But HE who is faithful will deliver me from that if I allow it. So amazed at God’s love and and encouragement.
I choose today to be steady, not easily turned, not wavered but set on the course God has prepared for me. And I pursue his calling on my life. I pray for wisdom and blessings to rain on me and my family. I cast out fear, worry, doubt, sickness, strife and bitterness. I will dwell in His perfect love.
Recharging… this is probably one of my most unused tools in my mama toolbelt. There’s a reason why God made the earth and everything in it in 6 days and RESTED on the 7th. Unfortunately it’s a biblical principle that looks better on paper than in practice in my life. But not anymore. I struggle as a working mom to want to be that ‘super’mom. Which means to me that I have to be a good wife, an everpresent and engaged mother, respectful daughter/grandaughter, thoughtful friend, and exemplary employee. But at the end of the day, I’m completely drained with nothing left.
God first… and always God first. First in my thoughts in the morning, first person I go to when I feel discouraged or fear, first, first, first.
– Read and Memorize His word (it’s what my soul longs for and what I need at all times)
– Listen to worship (how wonderful will it be someday to be in worship ALL the time in heaven… i can only
imagine)
Husband is next
– Be there to greet him when he gets home
– Meet his needs
– Love him unconditionally
– Make time for him
– Go to bed at the same time
Children come after
– Give them God’s word everyday
– Love them unconditionally
– Practice discipline in love
– Play and laugh with them every day
Me time
– Run/Exercise
– Do something crafty!
Here’s my list.. it’s a start. Looking forward to see how God uses me in his amazing plan!
You have a choice, every day, to make a difference. To speak/answer softly, to make a good choice, to be diligent, to overcome. It’s a choice. No one can make it for you. No one can cause you to succeed. God provides the roadmap, all you need to do is take the step. I know, easier said than done. And I live in that thought every day.
When I woke up this morning I really didn’t feel like getting up, getting everything ready for my family, or going to work. I just wanted to snooze (for a couple more hours). BUT there’s something about reading my daily verse and spending time with God that changes how I want (and chose) to go about my day. I am empowered. I choose to empower my life with God’s promises. I choose life.
I know there are dozens of verses in the Bible that tell us that diligent hands will prosper, that they will rule, that we will never lack. So the next time you don’t feel like getting up, or when you feel the weight of your ‘routine’ life… go to God’s word and be diligent about it. Ask Him to show you how he sees you. Read Proverbs 31 and know that all of that ‘goodness’ and grace are already instilled in you. Walk in the moment, the empowered moment and make it count.
‘What you continually say with your mouth will be imprinted in your heart.’ – Something my pastor shared this past weekend. I choose today to speak life, blessings and healing. I choose today to plant good seed. May the meditation of my heart be pleasing to the Lord.
What God says…
Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord what ever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
Isaiah 58:11 “The Lord will guide you always, he will satisfy your needs in a sun scorced land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”
Proverbs 12:14 “From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things, as surely as the work of his hands rewards him”
I have without a shadow of a doubt that God is working on my behalf. Thankful for the things that I don’t see but know that they are ever present and coming. Thankful that God has every good and perfect thing for me and my family.
May the Lord make you spiritually strong and economically creative….
One of the lessons learned from our church is to pray blessings over our children, and to do this daily. Do it from their infancy, and if you haven’t – it’s never too late to start. Our children need to not only see God exemplified through us, they also need to hear it from our mouths.
I pray that the Lord pour wisdom on my husband and I to train our children to be strong, independent, respectful and honorable. That they learn not to depend on others for their success but to God for wisdom in pursuing their gifts and talents and have exceedingly and abundantly above all they can even imagine. To learn and meditate on God’s word so that they know without a shadow of a doubt who they are in Him. To be faithful in the small things and to not shy away from hard work. To live a blessed life…
‘A gentle answer turns away anger’ Proverbs 15:1
I thought a lot about this verse last night after a very stressful day. Managing oneself, one’s marriage, family and career is no small feat. And the way we choose to respond to every circumstance makes a difference. As I pondered this verse I began to think that maybe this verse wasn’t written just to teach us how to respond to others but also to help in my own restoration process. When I choose to respond in kindness, my temperment is more calm, my thoughts are more clear, and I’m in a better place.
I want to make a difference, better yet – I want to be the difference. I want my husband to know that I honor and respect him, for my children to know that they are loved unconditionally. To discipline them in love so that they can grow in grace. Another small step.
Enjoy the Journey 