Are Your Trials Making You Bitter or Beautiful?

Trials are part of the Christian life.  We were so encouraged as Lisa shared in this week's Real Life With Lisa.  We hope you will be as well.  

http://club31women.com/are-your-trials-making-you-bitter-or-beautiful-encouragement-for-when-youre-in-a-hard-season-real-life-with-lisa/

Special note of Encouragement for moms

Special women are a treasure to have in your life.  A dear friend and sister in the Lord shared something that her precious mother-in-law shared with her and I was so blessed by it that I asked her permission to share it with our readers.  Thank you Mrs. Deborah Smith!  May your words of truth and encouragement be a blessing to many more ladies!

How to build up your home and family...one word at a time

Another timely and powerful encouragement from Lisa Jacobson at club31women.com!  The power of our words...this one so hits me!  I frequently stand amazed at how much effect our words have, for the better and for the worse.

 I'm sure many of you have heard this saying, but this is a favorite one in our home, especially with such a cute little rabbit as Thumper saying it. :-)...

 

It also reminds me of the prayer in Psalms 19:14

Also the prayer in Psalm 141:3

Oh that the words that proceed out of my mouth would be that which is good to the use of edifying, that it would minister grace unto the hearers! (Eph. 4:29)  I know this is the desire of all of our hearts.  May the Lord help us to set a watch over this unruly member of ours (James 3:8) that our homes, families, churches, etc. would be built up...one word at a time.  It starts today.  Each word that comes out of our mouths is an opportunity to build up or tear down. What a challenge to take into each day!



Okay...on to the article! :-)
~Breanna

How to Build Up Your Marriage, Child, and Home . . . One Word at a Time

You wouldn’t think a word could make such a difference.
But it does.
On some days, all the difference in the world.
The difference between tears or a smile.
Between slumped shoulders or a hug.
Between healing or hurt.
Between building up or tearing down.

Funny, how only a few words can turn around an entire day. Even turn around an entire heart.
I know. Because I’ve seen it happen right before my eyes.

I’ve heard my husband say to our youngest son, “I like the way God made you!” and watch that boy stand that much taller.

Then not too long ago, I told that same Man, “You are such a good daddy to our boys!” Something I figured he knew. But he almost seemed surprised to hear it. Like it was a new revelation. I guess it’s one of those things I’ve thought for a long time, but never got around to saying. Until last week.

And you could tell it meant the world for him to hear it. Coming from me. Maybe especially coming from me.

But then it was my turn to be on the receiving end.
And that really did it.

It was a weekday and I was dashing between the laundry room and the kitchen. Chopping vegetables, then sorting dirty clothes. Slicing sausage, then changing out loads of laundry. Stirring the soup, then folding clean clothes.
Back and forth. Back and forth.
He was working on his computer downstairs, but watched me from his chair.
Even in my hurry, I could feel his eyes on me.

Then I heard him say it.
He simply said, “You are amazing.” Followed by, “Do you know how amazing you are?”

And I answered him honestly, “No, Honey. I don’t feel very amazing at all.”
“But you are.” Then he went on to list out a bunch of things that he appreciated about me and, quite frankly, several things I had no idea he’d even noticed.

And I smiled.
And I hugged.
And I stood that much taller.

So yeah, our words matter. Because a kind and loving word can make all the difference in the world.
At least they do in our little world around here.

So we’re working on building up our home, one word at a time. 

Lisa Jacobson

Praying for Our Children & Encouraging One Another

I was encouraged this morning by these devotionals as a reminder to always keep praying for our children (or in my case my siblings:-) ), and to make sure to take the time and thought to truly encourage each other as brothers and sisters in the Lord.  The battle for our souls in fierce and we must not forget these two weapons.

Praying for Our Children

“Bring him unto me.”  - Mark 9:19

Despairingly the poor disappointed father turned away from the disciples to their Master. His son was in the worst possible condition, and all means had failed, but the miserable child was soon delivered from the evil one when the parent in faith obeyed the Lord Jesus’ word, “Bring him unto me.” Children are a precious gift from God, but much anxiety comes with them. They may be a great joy or a great bitterness to their parents; they may be filled with the Spirit of God, or possessed with the spirit of evil. In all cases, the Word of God gives us one receipt for the curing of all their ills, “Bring him unto me.” O for more agonizing prayer on their behalf while they are yet babes! Sin is there, let our prayers begin to attack it. Our cries for our offspring should precede those cries which betoken their actual advent into a world of sin. In the days of their youth we shall see sad tokens of that dumb and deaf spirit which will neither pray aright, nor hear the voice of God in the soul, but Jesus still commands, “Bring them unto me.” When they are grown up they may wallow in sin and foam with enmity against God; then when our hearts are breaking we should remember the great Physician’s words, “Bring them unto me.” Never must we cease to pray until they cease to breathe. No case is hopeless while Jesus lives.

The Lord sometimes suffers his people to be driven into a corner that they may experimentally know how necessary he is to them. Ungodly children, when they show us our own powerlessness against the depravity of their hearts, drive us to flee to the strong for strength, and this is a great blessing to us. Whatever our morning’s need may be, let it like a strong current bear us to the ocean of divine love. Jesus can soon remove our sorrow, he delights to comfort us. Let us hasten to him while he waits to meet us.

Encouraging One Another

 “Encourage him.”  - Deuteronomy 1:38

God employs his people to encourage one another. He did not say to an angel, “Gabriel, my servant Joshua is about to lead my people into Canaan-go, encourage him.” God never works needless miracles; if his purposes can be accomplished by ordinary means, he will not use miraculous agency. Gabriel would not have been half so well fitted for the work as Moses. A brother’s sympathy is more precious than an angel’s embassy. The angel, swift of wing, had better known the Master’s bidding than the people’s temper. An angel had never experienced the hardness of the road, nor seen the fiery serpents, nor had he led the stiff-necked multitude in the wilderness as Moses had done. We should be glad that God usually works for man by man. It forms a bond of brotherhood, and being mutually dependent on one another, we are fused more completely into one family. Brethren, take the text as God’s message to you. Labour to help others, and especially strive to encourage them. Talk cheerily to the young and anxious enquirer, lovingly try to remove stumbling blocks out of his way. When you find a spark of grace in the heart, kneel down and blow it into a flame. Leave the young believer to discover the roughness of the road by degrees, but tell him of the strength which dwells in God, of the sureness of the promise, and of the charms of communion with Christ. Aim to comfort the sorrowful, and to animate the desponding. Speak a word in season to him that is weary, and encourage those who are fearful to go on their way with gladness. God encourages you by his promises; Christ encourages you as he points to the heaven he has won for you, and the spirit encourages you as he works in you to will and to do of his own will and pleasure. Imitate divine wisdom, and encourage others, according to the word of this evening.

- Charles Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Meditation for September 17th

~Brittany

Motherhood: What Every Woman on a Mission Should Know

To especially encourage the mamma's!  :-)  But also for any gal, big sister, etc., busy in her home and serving her family, these are great reminders and encouragements from one of my favorite authors, Lisa Jacobson.  :-)

~Breanna

The Lord has given me a calling.
 
A high calling, really.
A high calling that requires a woman to stoop low.
To scoop up babies, to pick up toys and to clean up messes.
To wipe runny noses and patch up scratched knees.

It’s known as Motherhood and there are times when it doesn’t feel like all that grand or glorious of a calling.

And there are times when it does.
Like when the little ones snuggle into my arms, or the older ones look to me for answers. When I’m needed to comfort their hearts or speak truth into their young lives.
Then it’s nearly breath-taking.
All this because God has made me their mother.

He has put these children – and these challenges – in my life as part of what He is doing in this world.

Rather amazing.
So when I consider the wonderful privilege of motherhood, I feel blessed beyond words. And I know you do too.
But when I don’t stop to consider?
That’s when I can feel overwhelmed by its dailyness and the seemingly smallness.
Then I experience frustration. Defeat and discouragement.
On those days it feels like we’re going nowhere.

I have to stop and remember I’m a woman on a mission.

And as a mission-minded woman I want to be prepared for the important work that’s before me.
It’s not enough to merely muddle-through motherhood, I want to embrace it and make the most of it.
As do you.

Embracing the Mission of Motherhood

 

Scripture-Filled.

When a mother is pouring out all day, she needs to be filled up too. Spending time in His Word is essential. If hours of uninterrupted time aren’t available (right!), try posting Bible verses throughout the house – in the kitchen, laundry room, bathroom and other popular places – to memorize and meditate on throughout the day.

Sift Through Priorities.

One of the challenges of motherhood? EVERYTHING is  important. Meals, cleaning, organizing, driving . . . Oh yes, and caring for their hearts. But there are times when we have to let go of good things, in order to get best things done. We might have scrambled eggs for dinner because I spent the afternoon helping two sisters learn to love each other. No need to be hard on myself – I’ve chosen the better part.

Seasons of Life.

Much frustration can come from bucking up against this reality of life. A new baby puts us in survival mode. Sleep, food, and basic hygiene is often all that can be achieved in such a season. Sickness can be a similar experience. A loss or a move can set us back for months. But if this is what The Lord has brought into our lives? Then this is what He intends for us.

And so . . . .

 

Soften Your Heart.

To the lessons the Lord has for you and your family. Don’t merely try to “get through it”, but desire all that He wants to do through your circumstances and trials. Then you’ll grow – and your children will grow right along with you. Much is gained, even if little is accomplished.

Stop Sighing.

It’s so easy to slip into the unconscious habit of sighing. A small set-back. Sigh. More work to be done. Sigh. So much training left to do. Sigh. Not only does this defeat your spirit, but that quiet sigh communicates your discontent to your children far too loudly.

Instead . . . .

 

Savor the Sweetness.

Of this precious time. Look for and enjoy the bright moments. Laugh at the funny antics of your children. Listen to their creative ideas. Kiss their darling cheeks and help them see God in the small things. Pour His love into their lives while you have the chance.

Let’s set our sight on this high calling.

It’s when we get to looking down at all the sticky spots and work left undone that we get discouraged. So let’s keep looking up.  Looking up to the God who gave us this beautiful gift called motherhood.
Yes, we are truly blessed with a high calling.
Women with a mission.

Her children rise up and call her blessed (Proverbs 31:28).

In His grace,

Teaching Sons

A dear family friend shared the article below with us years ago and we were very blessed by the help that it gave to us with our oldest son at that time.  I am enjoying my little "Tiger" more and more every day and am so thankful for him.  In our family, we have found boys to be a bit more challenging to train, but those little guys are so special.  I pray daily for our two boys that they will love God and be fully surrendered to be used by Him.  May we never grow weary in this most important ministry of pointing our children to Christ.  I hope this article will be an encouragement and blessing to you as it has been to us over the years.  ~Karen

Teaching Sons to “Take Hold” of a Task

instilling a heart for excellence and diligence in service

Do you ever get frustrated and angry when your son doesn’t follow instructions completely? Recently, this is something I have struggled with. My angry responses to my young sons’ mistakes dampened the joy in our home, and I knew that something needed to change.

There is something rare and wonderful about a young man who knows how to attack a job and bring it to completion. It is something that can be learned, but it is not common at all. I have heard it referred to as “taking hold” of a task or project. Taking hold of tasks usually does not come naturally to a young man. Boys tend to indulge in folly and to be slothful. They need instruction, supervision, accountability, encouragement, prayer, affirmation, love, and interest. They especially need positive, joyful examples.

Rather than being remembered by my sons as a demanding, harping, negative, angry dad who is never pleased with them, I came up with a plan. This plan allows us to learn, worship, and work together. As a father, I want my sons to remember me as a dad who helped them develop the skill of taking hold of tasks with diligence and excellence.

Helping a Son Learn to Take Hold

To help my sons develop this important skill, I am teaching them to follow these simple steps when given a task. I have referenced character qualities and a command from Christ’s teaching that can provide further inspiration and direction for following these steps.

1. Listen

Carefully listen to the instructions your authority gives, and write them down so you will not forget them.
Character Qualities: Attentiveness
Command of Christ: Hear God’s Voice. (See Matthew 11:15.)

2. Repeat

Repeat the instructions aloud so your authority knows you understand and has a chance to clarify the directions if necessary.
Character Qualities: Orderliness, Responsibility, and Diligence
Command of Christ: “Take my yoke” (Matthew 11:29).

3. Execute

Follow all the instructions joyfully, wholeheartedly, as unto the Lord. Learn to take initiative to do the things that obviously need to be done in order to fulfill the goals of the one who is in authority. For example, if you are told to empty the trash, go beyond that and replace the liner. You can also include spare liners beneath the primary liner for later use.
Character Qualities: Thoroughness, Diligence, Initiative, Joyfulness, and Obedience
Command of Christ: Be a servant. (See Matthew 20:26–27.)

4. Exceed

Always do a little something more than what is expected. The second mile is where the witness of genuine love and the ministry of service begin. Jesus once said to his followers, “What do ye more than others?” (Matthew 5:47).
Character Qualities: Alertness, Enthusiasm, Determination, and Availability
Command of Christ: Go the second mile. (See Matthew 5:39–41.)

5. Report

Go back to your authority, report what you did, and ask if there is anything more that you can do. You need to learn to submit to the accountability of others. We are told that every man must give an account of himself to God, and it is God who delegates authority to those who are over you, so you want to learn to be thorough in your accountability to them. We are to live and work in such a way as to earn the praise of “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” at the end of the task. (See Matthew 25:21.)
Character Qualities: Accountability, Humility, Obedience, and Punctuality
Command of Christ: Await My return. (See Matthew 24:42–44.)

Getting Started

Teaching boys isn’t easy. It requires love and patience, because they will make mistakes and it will take time. To get started, I suggest you begin by having a special meeting with your son to explain the new idea. Have him write down the steps and memorize them. As he gets started, take time to role-play and practice with him. Repeatedly coach him to repeat the steps. Have him practice by following these steps for someone else (his mom, a widow, a neighbor, or a friend). Always find ways to praise him for following any part of the instructions.

Review the steps, and bless him by saying, “You did a great job. You repeated the instructions back, you followed through with all the details, and you did something extra. Now when you report back and ask if there is anything more to do, you will be doing what only a small percentage of young men your age in the world would do. When you get that down, your services will be in demand. Bosses love guys who report back and ask if there is anything else they can do. You have a very bright future.”

The Importance of Our Role

Once a young man came to a business that I was managing. He wore a dirty, wrinkled black trench coat. His hair was dirty and disheveled. He had body piercings and tattoos. His opening line was, “You hirin’?”

I felt bad for the young man. I could foresee that his job prospects were dim, so to help him I said, “No, we are not looking for help right now, but would you be interested in some ideas that will help you get a job?”

Without looking directly at me he said, “No, man. I just did a job program, so I already know that stuff. I’m just tryin’ to find somebody who’s hirin’. It’s like there’s no work anywhere around here.”

He had a point. In our town, jobs were scarce. But I also knew many of the business leaders in town, and I knew they would say that clean-cut, hard-working, bright young men were even more rare. There were jobs to be had for young men like that.

My heart went out to the young man, and I remembered looking for a job one afternoon when I was his age. My Dad coached me on grooming, how to shake hands, and what to say. Before we left, he even led me through a little role-play so I would be comfortable with the wording. He taught me how to get a meeting with the one in charge of making hiring decisions. He then drove me from place to place and waited in the car while I went from business to business seeking a job. Years later, I learned that his heart went out to me when he saw the disappointment on my face as business after business turned me down. He wept and prayed that the Lord would bless me with work. Within a few days, I had two job offers.

I was pretty sure this young man had no one coaching him, waiting for him in the car, or weeping and praying for him.

There are a lot of things I cannot give my sons, but one thing I want to do is teach them how to take hold of a task. If I can teach my sons to be the kind of young men who attack a job and follow through on a task, I think they will be better equipped to make their way in the world. They will always be able to put bread on the table. They will have a platform from which to reach higher. Others will impart knowledge and skills to them. Older men with valuable skills will consider them worthy of their time and training, and they will have the heritage of my own example of setting aside frustration and taking the time to train them in the way they should go.

—by Ken Pierpont
Used by permission.

January 2007

Ken Pierpont’s desire is to inspire others and build strong families by communicating the truth about Jesus Christ in his life and family. He leads his family in ministry at churches, retreats, conferences, and other events. Ken is a husband to Lois and the father of eight children. Learn more about Ken at kenpierpont.com.

J.R. Miller On Everyday Task

“There is no other way in which one's life will so surely and so quickly become transfigured — as in the faithful, happy, cheerful doing of everyday tasks. We need to remember that this world is not so much a place for doing things — as for making character. Household life is not primarily a sphere for good cooking, tidy keeping of things, thorough sweeping and dusting, careful nursing and training of children, hospitable entertainment of friends, and the thousand things that must be done each day. Home is a sphere for transforming souls into radiant beauty. But we must take heed always that we do our tasks, whatever they are, with love. Doing any kind of work unwillingly, fretfully, with complaint and murmuring, hurts the life.”

J.R. Miller

Daily I am very blessed and encouraged by quotes that Brother Tony Konvalin post on his website What They Said. You can subscribe by email and they will be delivered to your in box each morning to encourage and challenge you as well. :-)

Valleys turned upside down become . . .

" and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way."  Numbers 21:4
When the children of Israel left Egypt, they were sighing.  Satan has stolen their song.  When difficult times came, they took their eyes off God and saw only the difficult.

Am I speaking to someone who has fallen into that trap?  The blessings of God are falling like raindrops around you, but you're so busy counting your problems that you forgot to count your blessings.  Did you know that God inhabits the praises of His people?  In Psalms 22:3 David said: "but thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel."  In Psalms 16:11 we read, "in thy presence is fullness of joy, at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

The point of it all, dear Christian, is this, we need to be quite careful not to become a reflection of our problems.  Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there!  And when the way is difficult and discouraging, keep your eyes on Him.  He is as worthy of our praise when we're in the valleys as when we're on the mountain. God made the valleys just like He did the peaks.  If you'll offer up your praises in the valley, He just may very well turn that valley upside down and change it into a mountain!

Taken from the August 31,2014 Wheeler Grove Baptist Church bulletin.  Written by their pastor Brother Kara in the Pastor's Corner section. What a blessing to worship with them that day while we were up visiting Seth's Dad.

You Do Not Walk Alone

Oh be encouraged dear ones!

Encouraging Paul Washer Quotes

Paul Washer posted these two tweets on twitter today that blessed and encouraged me.  I hope you will be blessed as well by these godly reminders!

~The days are quickly passing. While it is day and while we have strength, let us give ourselves

 (heart, soul, mind, & strength) to His will! 

 

~All our trials have an eternal purpose.  The obstacles in our lives do not restrict us, they recreate us into the image of Christ

My Ways Are Not Your Ways

I was reminded of this song while talking with a dear friend tonight.  A precious elder of ours shared this several years ago with us and it has since been a family favorite. 

::My Ways Are Not Your Ways::
1) Oft the way to the goal seems so weary and long,
Trials almost take away my song;
Then we sigh and we cry and we ask,
‘Father why does this life my wishes all deny?’

Chorus-
My ways, my child, are not your ways,
My thoughts are higher than thine.
Let me lead you each step of this long weary day,
Let me clasp thy trembling hand in mine.
2) It is my hearts desire to do His blessed will,
And to serve my Master every day;
But when things all go wrong and the world doubts me still,
Then, oh Lord, I can-not understand.
3) So I’ll leave all to  Him, He has promised to share
All my load and ev’ry care to bear.
There is joy in my heart and on my lips a song,
Even tho’, Lord, I don’t understand.

Big Problems and An Almighty God

I was so encouraged this morning when I read Matthew Jacobson's post.  I could so relate to what he wrote.  Life is not always just smooth going.  Right now, we Alexander's are feeling that way.  And yet . . .  is not our God bigger than any of our problems???

Here is the link over to the post by Matthew that was such a blessing to me and really helped me to have a right focus for today .
Matthrew Jacobson Post Big Problems And An Almighty God
I hope you will be encouraged and blessed as well.  ~Karen

Tony Konvalin posted this quote on his blog at What They Said that I thought went so nicely with Matthew's post.

"A Christian, for the sweet fruit he bears to God and men, is compared to the noblest of all plants, the vine.  Now as the most generous vine, if not pruned, runs out into many superfluous stems and grows at last weak and fruitless: so doth the best man, if he be not cut short of his desires and pruned with afflictions."

Joseph Hall

Is your candle lit???

Guest Post by Hallie Brush on the Joy of doing Dishes :-)

A dear friend of ours posted this article on her blog and I was so blessed by it that I asked permission to share it with our readers as well.  I hope you will be as encouraged as I was.  Thank you Hallie for allowing me to share it.  Also, Andrew Howard then shared the song by Scotty McCreery.  What an encouraging combo!  Thanks for both of you for the encouragement you both have been to our family and hopefully to our readers.  

Dishes and Joy

 Yes, dishes.  Of all the things I could blog about, dishes is the chosen topic this time around.  Stick around and you'll see why. :)

 The other as I was talking/chatting with a friend dishes came up in conversation.

 Now, doing dishes doesn't seem to be a favorite task with most.  I've never really given it much thought.  Personally I like doing dishes. I could (and do) do dishes all day.  Granted, it would be very nice to get other things done too... but doing dishes is still something that I enjoy most of the time.

 But, in this conversation I was being my typical nutty self, and went all goofy about getting to stay home and do dishes instead of having to to go fishing.  And the thing he said in response really struck me, and I've been thinking, I mean really thinking about it ever since. 

"Ha. Never seen anyone so happy to do dishes. ;-)" That got me to thinking. Why? Why don't we get excited about doing dishes? 

There are a score of reasons for not liking to do dishes.... They take longer than anyone has time for. Dishes is a never ending job, you have to do it multiple times a day, everyday for life. There are so many other, important things to do, there's just not time to do dishes. 

Dishes. Something we all use daily, has become a drudgery. 

Why? 

As children of the King, aren't we to be rejoicing? Aren't we to be cheerful workers? God gave us the ability to work, and He gave us the work to do; why do we allow it to annoy us? Why do we make it a drudgery? 

 There is so much good to doing dishes. 

I'm sure we could all write up a nearly endless list of reasons why dishes are a pain to do... but how many of us could write up a list of equal size about why dishes are enjoyable? 

To me (anymore, as it didn't used to be this way) doing dishes is a joy. You know what it means to have a sink full of dirty dishes?! You know what a blessing dirty dishes are?! Dirty dishes are such a blessing! I want never to be out of dishes to do. 

Now, before you all get to thinking that I have completely lost any sanity I might have had left... 

Here's how dirty dishes are a blessing...

1) Dirty dishes means that God is making provision for you. 

2) Dirty dishes means that God has blessed you with people to serve. 

3) Dirty dishes means you have companions. The more dishes there are the more people you have around (usually)

4) Dirty dishes means you have time to spend in prayer and thanksgiving. 

5) Dirty dishes means you aren't idle.

6) Dirty dishes means you have opportunity to practice cheerfulness and serving. 

7) Dirty dishes means you have opportunity to practice housekeeping skills. 

8) Dirty dishes (usually) means you've brought pleasure to someone. 

 Need I go on? Or do you get my point? 

Have you ever thought about just how important dishes are?  

I know most of us (my readers and I) want to be reformers. Have you thought of the importance of dishes in the reformation effort? Why, if someone doesn't do the dishes, then there aren't clean ones to use the next time around, which eventually results in starving people, and therefore no reformers... guess doing dishes is a pretty important task, huh? 

Okay, so maybe that is a little exaggerated... but not so much when you think about it... 

If having clean dishes is that important, and dishes don't do themselves... I guess that would make the person that washes them fairly important too, would it not? 

You see, my point here is that we have to choose to enjoy our work. Every little task is important in the work we are doing. No job is too small. Each plays a special part in the reformation effort, and who are we to shun any one of them? 

I find if I'm getting tired of doing dishes, I start thinking about how miserable life would be if I had no family to do dishes for. If you choose to look for the good in something, it is far more enjoyable. Then, as children of the King, we go around rejoicing as His children should. 

You see, I get very down seeing others around me going on mission trips, getting married, starting churches, going to college, working a million and one jobs... and what do I do? 

I stay home... and do... dishes. 

But! Someone has to do dishes! Someone has to do the "small" "unimportant" jobs... and really, they aren't "unimportant". They are just as needed as anything else. 

So, while other serve their Lord going on mission trips, or ministering at work, or going to college, or whatever. I will serve my Lord at the sink. I will stand at my post, and joyfully serve Christ, through serving others in doing dishes. 

'Tis glorious to be "chief cook and bottle washer", and by God's grace I will do it to the best of my ability, and praise Him all the while. :D 

Joyfully serving the Father,

Hallie

http://biblicalwomanhoodp31.blogspot.com/

He Will Sustain You

"Cast your burden upon the LORD--and He will sustain you." 

- Psalm 55:22

The promise is not that the Lord will remove the load we cast upon Him, nor that He will carry it for us, but that He will sustain us so that we may carry it. He does not free us from the duty, but He strengthens us for it. He does not deliver us from the conflict, but He enables us to overcome. He does not withhold or withdraw the trial from us, but He helps us in trial to be submissive and victorious, and makes it a blessing to us. He does not mitigate the hardness or severity of our circumstances, taking away the difficult elements, removing the thorns, making life easy for us, but He puts divine grace into our hearts, so that we can live sweetly in all the hard circumstances.  
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"
 - Philippians 4:13
-- J. R. Miller

A dear brother shared this with us this morning, Thanks Isak! :-)  Oh to cling to the truths that Mr. Miller spoke here about casting our burdens upon the Lord.  I have been so encouraged as I have seen this verse played out in our home this week.  We have been dealing with something that in some ways really has seemed like a death to us.  It has been hard.  When you love people it so difficult when the Lord removes them.  But just as this says, as we cast our cares upon Him, He did not remove the hurt and sting, but He has sustained and strengthened.  

One day I felt as if the battle was really being lost.  I have been praying and fasting and yet discouragement was overwhelming to one in our home.  The Lord laid it upon my heart to call in "extra troops", so I asked just a few of my sisters in the Lord to pray with me and although I know that I should not have been so amazed to see the power of prayer, I was.  It was so amazing!  We serve an awesome God and I know in our home the trial that God has called us to go through, although it has and really continues to be hard, has been such a faith building experience.  Thus we can see and understand just a bit more why we are called to:

 Rejoice evermore.

 Pray without ceasing. 

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

(1Th 5:16-18)

~Karen

Beauty in the Broken~Song

Someone had recently shared this song with me and I was very blessed by the truth in the lyrics of this song.  I hope you are blessed and encouraged by it as well!

 In light of the current crisis in our country, and the many fears of possible future events:

I would rather die with other like-minded Christians, than to be safe all by my self.

In the end, only those who's garments have been made white by Christ will be safe.  These are the ones who overcome the tribulations of this world.  (see Revelation 7:13-14)  So if Christ is our only source of true safety, we should make sure we are with other like-minded Christians.  Then we can be an encouragement to each other, ban together to stand up and fight for what is right, and be stronger to reach out and share our hope with those around us.    

Posted by: Brittany

Another mess . . .ahh . . . these kids!

Ever feel like that?  This morning I was reminded of a precious verse that has carried Seth and I through many years of parenting.

 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
(Pro 14:4)


What a blessing each of those little "oxen" are!   May there be much increase in the kingdom of God as we are faithful in the day to day parenting of our children.