The Problem of Envy and Selfish Ambition

The day you were born-again you grew in wisdom. Your eyes were opened to god's wisdom and your life forever changed. There are many who are wise in the world's eyes but true wisdom comes only from God.

"Wisdom, does not mean knowledge. It does not mean information. It means the application of knowledge with divine power to the reshaping of life, transforming attitudes, transforming behavior into righteousness. Wisdom then is not what I know, wisdom is how I live. And so how I live according to the wisdom of God is a barometer on my spiritual condition." ~ John McArthur

James tells us in James 3:14 that envy and selfish ambition harbored in our hearts is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic wisdom. Take note of where this envy and selfish ambition lies - it lies quietly in our hearts where no one may see it...but there it lies and it leads us down a path into disorder.

This next quote is LONG lol!  but bear with me as John McArthur says it so much better than I ever could:

"So earthly wisdom is spawned by demons, it is reflective of sensual feeling and it goes no further than the fallenness of mankind. That is earthbound sensual demonic wisdom. And that's the way most people live. But Satan calls it wisdom.

When Eve was in the garden in chapter 3 verse 6, she looked on the fruit because she heard that the tree was able to make one wise. That was a lie. Satan always promises wisdom. And he always promises that you will know and be in the know and understand and be erudite and be educated. But the wisdom of the world proceeds from evil spirits. It proceeds from fallen angels. It proceeds from demons. It proceeds from Satan and his agents who are disguised as ministers of light when in fact they are ministers of darkness."  

This video below touches on worldly wisdom, God's wisdom and how I pursue peace in my daily life.  Peace is my theme word of the year!

James 3:13-18 ESV

Wisdom from Above

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.


Selfish ambition leads to disorder.  Is there disorder in your home, work place, friendships or church?  Perhaps selfish ambition has reared its ugly head.  Pursue wisdom from above - be pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.


Walk with the King!

Today is Women Living Well Wednesday! It's a Link-Up Day!!!

Join the fun, do a little blog hopping and don't forget if you join below -please add the Women Living Well Wednesdays button to your post so your readers can find us here! (posts can include the topics of marriage, parenting, homemaking, finances, recipes, organization and more!)

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I'm linked up here today:

My First Failure As a Mother

Pictures don't always tell the whole story. 


I could post picture after picture of me smiling with my babies or toddlers and you might be tempted to believe that I must have birthed easy children or am some sort of super mom to be always smiling. 

The reality is I have found motherhood to be a very difficult road.  The daily sacrifice and demands of being a mom can be overwhelming at times.

The truth is - I have struggled since my first born son came out of the womb!  And I have been a reading maniac, trying to figure this thing called motherhood out!  I was quite shocked when my first born screamed and cried for the first few months on end. 

Let me take you back to a dark moment in my life, when I first became "a mom"...

I hold my 6 week old baby in the rocking chair. He is restless and crying so I cuddle him in and begin to nurse. He drinks for a moment and then cries. What is wrong - why is he doing this? He latches on again for a couple minutes and then stops to cry...we do this for 45 minutes and now I am sweating, unsure of myself and uneasy with how nursing is going. We stop and I just rock him. He is peaceful. We rock. He sleeps.

I go to my computer and google "baby crying during nursing". I call my sisters - we discuss it - but I still don't find my answers. I open books - no answers...never in my life have I not been able to will something I want - a goal - into happening...He awakes, we again nuzzle into our chair and I bring him to my breast. Again he cries and fusses. No one told me this would be so hard?

It's Easter Sunday - I am so proud to bring my new baby out into public for the world to see - but I have a dark secret...our nursing sessions are stressful. I head up to my old bedroom in my parent's house where I try to nurse him but he refuses to eat. Tears well up in my eyes - what is wrong with me - what is wrong with him - what do I do?

I sit with the lactation consultant at the hospital. She weighs him and then I nurse him for 45 minutes and then she weighs him again...I wait to hear how much milk he took in... he took in 1 ounce. "1 oz...1 OUNCE in 45 minutes!!! What have I done?  What is wrong with me?  My baby boy is starving!" He is immediately given formula - I go home cyring - Crying over my first failure as a mother.Just sharing this truth is hard for me...it's hard to admit I did not do what is so natural for so many of you.  I want to give my children the best of me - studies show nursing is the best - and though I pumped for months and my son was a very healthy baby - I still feel guilt...and shame...over this failure. ~*I am teary even as I type this paragraph because it is still something that troubles me.  I hate the question - "did you nurse?"  and then my answer "I tried...I really did try...I don't know what went wrong?...I failed..."

And so you may ask...well what happened when your second baby came along???  "I tried...for 5 weeks, I exclusively nursed her...then my husband went on a business trip and I was alone for a week with the 2 children.  And in my fear...the dark fear that maybe she wasn't getting enough...and in my isolation with no one to reassure me...I gave up and gave her a bottle...I pumped and supplemented because I needed to see how much she was getting to have peace.  So the truth...I gave up...*tear...and I still have trouble forgiving myself for giving up so quickly...I failed." 

Have you ever laid in bed awake at night and wondered - Why me? I don't understand these circumstances God? Have you ever felt like a failure - like the rest of the world has it figured out and you are the only one who just can't seem to pull it together? Your will and determination just simply aren't enough? Your 2 year old won't let you buckle them in the car, your 3 year old bites, your 4 year old hits, your 10 year old struggles with reading, your teenager is defiant, or your grown child is making poor decisions and you sit there helpless.

 So what do we do?

"Cast all your anxious thoughts on him because he cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)


I remember laying in my bed one night when my children were toddlers and I had had a terrible day managing them.  I laid there crying over my motherhood failures and saying over and over until I fell asleep - "he cares for you, he cares for you, he cares for you, he cares for you, he cares for you, he cares for you, he cares for you." When Satan tempts you to believe otherwise - speak this truth until you find peace. Peace washed over my soul and on a tear drenched pillow I found rest. If you are asking God "Why me?" Stop asking and remember his truth - "He cares for you"- REST in this truth today.

Walk with the King!

Side note - I am not saying that not nursing your babies is failing them...but rather because I was so self-assured that I would nurse my babies till they were one yr old - I was shocked and disappointed at my failure to not reach "my goal"...God humbled me through this experience - I needed to be humbled...and he is still humbling me weekly lol! 

This post is linked to Raising Homemakers, We Are That Family, Hip Homeschool Hop and Time-Warp Wife.

My Search for the Simple Life

I mentioned in December that my theme word for 2011 is to "Simplify". I want to slow down and not sleep walk through life. And this video by Ann Voskamp (she was first on my list of top ten favorite bloggers of 2010) captures my heart brilliantly. Please give it 4 minutes - I promise you that it will speak into your soul and WAKE you up if you are sleeping walking through life! (I've never cried during a book trailer before but this one moved me because it spoke so deeply to my soul...the pictures are all taken by Ann and the voice is also Ann reading from her newly released book. It's kinda quiet so turn up your sound!)


Join me on the endeavor to pursuing capturing "moments...microscopic fleeting moments. We have got to figure out a way to stay awake! Life is not an emergency...All of this...is for you!"


Walk with the King!

My Theme Word For 2011

Snap! Christmas was over in a snap this year! I truly can't believe how fast the hours on December 25th went! All the days of planning, purchasing, decorating, baking and wrapping can fill us with expectations that this world can never fulfill. Don't get me wrong - we had a wonderful Christmas! But if your Christmas was less than dreamy, it serves as a reminder that all this world offers is empty. We must not always be chasing the next rainbow, the next high, the next good thing, rather than chasing our Savior. Nothing this world offers can satisfy our souls like knowing and walking with the King!


So as the Christmas lights fade, I stare at the aftermath and can't believe it's already over. In less than a week the tree will be down, the cookies will be crumbs and we will enter 2011.


Did you catch that? Brace yourselves, we are about to enter 2011! And so I'd like to assist you in evaluating your past year and choosing a theme word for 2011.


The final challenge of the December Peace Challenge is this: Find a minute this week to get alone...outside is best. There is something about the big open sky, the trees, and the sounds of nature that help us to see and hear God clearly. Take your Bible with you - visit Matthew 27 and 28, evaluate 2010 and commit 2011 to living your life completely for God.


Here's some evaluation questions to assist you in your time alone.


1. Evaluate Your Walk with God in 2010 - Were you daily in God's word and in prayer? How can you improve your walk with God in 2011?


Suggestion: Ponder your schedule and then write down a set time for a quiet time each day. Mine is 6:30am every morning. Consider starting or joining a Good Morning Girls group in the new year. I email my girls every morning Monday through Friday. Enrollment for the new 3 month session begins January 1st!


2. Your Marriage - What is one word you'd use to describe your marriage in 2010? Easy, frustrating, growing, romantic, hard, strong, amazing. What is one thing you know your husband wishes you'd change in your life?


Suggestion: Write down the steps you can take to change that area in your life. ie. being more organized, cooking healthier, being more flexible, being more respectful, kissing him like you mean it more often...

3. Your Children - What was a high point and a low point for each of your children in 2010? What is one thing that each of your children need from you in 2011?


Suggestion: Write down the steps you can take toward giving your children what they need. ie. manners training, reading to them more, one on one time, my undivided attention, memorizing God's word together...


4. Health - What healthy habits did I maintain in 2010? What unhealthy habits did I create in 2010 that I need to change going into 2011?


Suggestion: Write down some goals for 2011 in this area. Write out a plan for how you will reach them. Janelle and I will be talking about this area in the new year, so stay tuned here and if you want some inspiration to get you started - here's what my fitness notebook looks like.

5. Ministry - What ways did I use my talents for God in 2010? Pray about what God would have you do in 2011.

Suggestion: Surrender your life to God. Be willing to be used for his purposes - remember that each season of life brings different priorities and opportunities. Pray over this.


Choosing a Theme Word:

Pause and look over your evaluation. Now choose a theme word for the new year. Last year my theme word was connecting. I wanted to remain connected to God, while remaining intimately connected to my husband, connected with my children and connect on-line with all of you. It certainly was a year of connecting in 2010!

For 2011, my theme word is...drum roll please...simplify.

I want to simplify many areas of my life, so I have more space to pray, laugh, tickle, write, listen, create, rest, hug, read, connect, and love more deeply than I've ever loved. In my fall and December pursuit for peace in my home and in my heart, I have found that there are some things in my life that need to be simplified in order to create space for peace - so essentially - I'm pursuing peace through simplifying.

You will see some of this theme popping up in the new year on this blog, as it is on my heart and mind. So what is your theme word for 2011?

If you are participating in this challenge leave a comment below with how it's going - if you are a blogger copy this button into your blog post, write about how it's going and link up below!

Walk with the King!

I am linking up to: Motivation Monday, Hip Homeschool Hop, Finer Things Friday, Raising Homemakers, Making My H0me Sing Monday , Holiday Haven and Works For Me Wednesday. Please check out these blogs for more great homemaking ideas.

This Means War!

Ready or not - here comes Christmas! This is it! This week it all HAS to come together!


This is the week that Jesus' birth is celebrated around the world! There is no day on earth where Jesus gets more attention than on December 25th and you better believe our enemy, Satan, does not like it! He would love to see you buckle under the pressure of ribbons, bows, lights and cookie trays! He would love to see you frustrated and miserable. He does not want this to be a week of peace for you - he wants you to dread every family moment and be highly sensitive to every word others say so you will be bitter, angry and say things that you regret. He does not want you to find time to read God's word or enjoy JESUS, the very one we are celebrating!


Whether you know it or not - you are in a spiritual battle! And if this means war - what's our battle plan? I Peter 5:8 says "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."


Our plan must be to be self-controlled and alert! Self-control means - restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires. And alert means - on the lookout or watch against attack or danger; ready to act. So are we ready to show some restraint this week when things don't go our way? Are our emotions under control? Are we on the look out for the attack?


The only way we will have this superhuman strength to withstand the Christmas pressure is to step out of this horrific dreamland marketers have tried to sell us void of Jesus and be still with Jesus.


Here's this week's challenge: Christmas is just 5 days away and so much of our time is often spent helping the children to remember the "Reason for the Season". Now it's our turn. Once the kids are in bed get yourself a HOT drink (again we are warming the body as we warm the soul.) Get ALONE and turn out the lights by your Christmas tree, a lit fire, or a candle and just be alone with God. Pray, talk to him, I encourage you to sing Christmas carols or songs praising him, and just rest with Jesus.


It is in our still moments that music is born, rest is born, talking and laughing is born, prayer is born, love is born and peace is born.


And so, even as I am typing right this minute at 9:32pm on Sunday night...my husband is wooing me away from the computer, "Come have hot chocolate with me and let's talk." And I bristle and in my mind I think "But I have this blog post to finish and I had a few other things I wanted to get done tonight"...and then I remind myself "go and receive the love that is born in these quiet moments together."


Embrace the peace in your home that is there right before you in Jesus. Do not rush past his offer "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled." John 14:27.


If you are participating in this challenge leave a comment below with how it's going - if you are a blogger copy this button into your blog post, write about how it's going and link up below!

Walk with the King!

I am linking up to: Motivation Monday, Hip Homeschool Hop, Finer Things Friday, Raising Homemakers, Making My H0me Sing Monday , Holiday Haven and Works For Me Wednesday. Please check out these blogs for more great homemaking ideas.

Because We Do Not Rest - We Lose Our Way

Christmas is now less than 2 weeks away and I know that all of our to-do lists are a mile long. And because of our strong desire to make Christmas special and meaningful we women do not rest. And because we do not rest, we miss our target...our target for peace, joy and love. We feel overwhelmed, irritable, frustrated and unappreciated. Emotionally we lose our way.

We have been poisoned by the belief that more cookies, more presents, more decorations, more parties, more more more will make us happier. Even when we are pursuing something noble such as serving others at Christmas through charity the over-activity brings chaos to our homes and families.

This frantic pace most often means that we are also lacking in time alone with God to listen, to gain strength, and to gain wisdom. And sadly, we begin to act like the rest of the world. As the world grasps for joy in things and activity - we also begin to grasp for joy in things and activity. And then December 26th comes and guilt sets in...it's over...and maybe it was lots of fun...but we are left with this hollow feeling of the emptiness that things and activity bring.

Today in Ohio, we are in the midst of a icy snow storm. I am thankful for this forced dormancy. A time where we must stay inside. As I look out the window, I am reminded of how much of nature is dormant in the winter time. It is a time of rest for our plants and animals and come spring time these plants and animals will display the majesty of their creator.

In the same way, we women need forced dormant moments, where we come inside and rest. We need quiet and unproductive moments to be Women Living Well. We need to be drinking from the living well - that is the living waters of Jesus. We need to be in his word. We need to be in prayer. It may appear unproductive in the moment but figuratively speaking - come spring time - we will display the majesty of our creator when we have rested with our sweet Jesus.

So our challenge this week brings Psalm 23 to mind.

1. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. 3. He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Are you experiencing the green pastures, the quiet waters and the restoration of your soul that Psalm 23 speaks of from resting with your Shepherd?

Remember how the crowds pressed in on Jesus every where he went. Every where he turned there was a need unmet and though there was SO much to do - he withdrew to rest. Luke 5:16 says,"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."

If Jesus needed alone time with God then certainly we do. Just think of the wisdom he wants to impart to you, the strength and the peace you may be missing out on.

Give yourself permission to not have your to-do list all checked off in order for you to rest and get alone with God.

This week's challenge: Pull out your calendar and SCHEDULE a night where you will go to bed very very early. Take your Bible with you to bed and read in bed for at least 5 minutes. Read in Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2, Jeremiah 23:5, and Isaiah 53. These are prophecies that were fulfilled by the birth and life of Jesus. Get extra blankets for a warm nights rest, pray God gives you deep rest and that no one wakes you. Then turn out the lights and sleep. I pray that when you wake, you face the new day of Christmas stress with extra strength and vigor.

If you are participating in this challenge leave a comment below with how it's going - if you are a blogger copy this button into your blog post, write about how it's going and link up below!

Walk with the King!

I am linking up to: (In)courage, Motivation Monday, Hip Homeschool Hop, Finer Things Friday, Raising Homemakers, Making My H0me Sing Monday , Holiday Haven and Works For Me Wednesday. Please check out these blogs for more great homemaking ideas.

Girl - You NEED A Bubble Bath

"Go take a bubble bath."
"You should go to bed early tonight and get some extra rest."
"Let me get you a warm cup of coffee, a book and you sit down and take a break."


No one ever says these things to you do they? And so - I'm guessing you rarely do this. You rarely surrender to your weariness. I know this because you are just like me. I mistakenly believe that I can go and go and go like the Energizer bunny without consequence.


Electricity has created an artificial day during our nights. And so rather than resting like the rest of nature does - we try to defy nature and keep going as if it is morning time. We live in a world that runs 24/7. Computers, televisions, cell phones, ipods, restaurants, grocery stores and more are at our access 24/7. We live in a hyperactive culture and then we wonder why some of our children are so well...hyperactive?!

We must slow down and create slow moments because it is in our slow moments that we can see clearly.


Let me say that again because this must sink in if we are going to embrace the peace Jesus wants to give us. It is in our slow moments that we can see clearly.


When we are on the go go go - we can't see the person who is hurting and needs a hug. We can't see our husband who needs our tender affection. We don't have time to just linger on the bedside of our children to listen. We don't write encouraging notes to a friend who is hurting. We can't enjoy a sunrise, a surprise game of hide-n-seek, a spontaneously song of praise and we certainly can not hear God clearly.

I know we carry a long to-do list and heavy burdens at Christmas time. But consider Jesus for a moment - the burdens of the entire world were upon his shoulders. He knew of every single hurting man, woman and child. The needs he knew of were beyond what we can comprehend - and yet he did not help everyone. He did not rush in a flurry of speed to accomplish as much as he could before each sunset. He took time to stop and talk to individuals. He took time to wake early in the morning and get alone with God. He took time to rest when he was weary like the time he slept during the raging storm on the boat.

And so it is time for us to hush not rush.


Here's this week's challenge: Take out your calendar and SCHEDULE a night where you will take a warm refreshing bubble bath. Bring your Bible. Read the story of the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1, 2 and Luke 1,2.

Here's why: A bubble bath is something COMPLETELY free that only you can give yourself. It is something we do alone and a place where we can stop the rush, hush, reflect and see clearly. I know there is a temptation at the end of a weary day to turn on the television and have a snack. This is a common stress reliever - but it doesn't get us alone with God and it doesn't give us the peace that our souls long for. Television is empty. God's word is full.

An awesome bubble bath takes planning so here's what you need:
1. Privacy - all children asleep and the husband aware that you don't want to be interrupted

2. Hot water and loads of Bubbles - preferably ones that smell yummy!

3. Some soft classical music

4. A hand towel rolled up as a pillow

5. A cold drink to set beside the tub

6. Your Bible and if you are afraid you'll get it wet - exchange it for a good Christian book or simply quietness - reflecting on your day and talking with God in prayer.

Optional: a lit candle


Now sit back, RELAX, be alone with just you and God - 25 minutes and VOILA - you emerge a new woman.


Do not wait until the house is clean, the laundry is folded, and your presents are all wrapped. It will never be all done! Give yourself permission in the midst of your busyness to have a moment of peace - Peace on Earth.

If you are participating in this challenge leave a comment below with how it's going - if you are a blogger copy this button into your blog post, write about how it's going and link up below!

Walk with the King!

I am linking up to: Motivation Monday, Hip Homeschool Hop, Finer Things Friday, Raising Homemakers, Making My H0me Sing Monday , Holiday Haven and Works For Me Wednesday. Please check out these blogs for more great homemaking ideas.

Peace On Earth December Challenge - Come Link Up!

The first Christmas Carol was sung by the angels:


"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14


It was with the birth of Jesus that peace between God and man arrived. He came to die, to offer us forgiveness of our sins, and through our repentance we find peace with God. Yet it is hard to have a peace of mind during this insanely busy time for women. When we lack peace of mind, we lack peace in our homes. In our exhaustion, we become irritable and emotional. God can give us the strength to handle our challenging to-do list with grace and beauty but we need time alone resting, talking and just being with Jesus. He is our source of peace.

Jesus said "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28


I do not want to wake up on December 26th to find an empty feeling of guilt and exhaustion because I was so busy with the details of Christmas that I never sat down alone to just adore my precious Savior during the celebration of his birth!

So let me introduce you to the "Peace On Earth" December Challenge. Each week I will give you one practical tip and one spiritual tip that will bring you peace here on earth during this hectic holiday season.


Here's a few more details:

Here's the topic schedule for those who want to link up each week:

Today: Write at the top of your December calendar page - I Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." This will be a reminder every time you look at your calendar and feel anxious about all you have to get done - to pray. God cares for you. Release your worries to him and rest in him.


Also, go buy an extra large candle and light a candle everyday in your home in the month of December. I will be starting mine in the morning! But you can start yours at dinner time. I will be placing mine in the kitchen - the main hub of my home. Each time the candle catches your eye, say a prayer for peace in your home.


December 6th: As the warmth of Christmas has now begun to enter your home with the influx of decorations, cookie baking and friends, take out your calendar and SCHEDULE a night where you will take a warm refreshing bubble bath. I'll give you more details on what to include with this bubble bath. But until then, one main thing will be your Bible. Read the story of the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1, 2 and Luke 1,2.


December 13th: At this point, you're just 2 weeks from Christmas and there is still so much to get done. You need EXTRA rest! Pull out your calendar and SCHEDULE a night where you will go to bed very very early. Take your Bible with you to bed and read for 5 minutes. Read in Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2, Jeremiah 23:5, and Isaiah 53. These are prophecies that were fulfilled by the birth and life of Jesus. Get extra blankets for a warm nights rest, pray God gives you deep rest and that no one wakes you. Then turn out the lights and sleep.


December 20th: Christmas is just 5 days away and so much of our time is often spent helping the children to remember the "Reason for the Season". Now it's our turn. Once the kids are in bed get yourself a HOT drink (again we are warming the body as we warm the soul.) Get ALONE and turn out the lights by your Christmas tree, a lit fire, or a candle and just be alone with God. Pray, talk to him, I encourage you to sing Christmas carols or songs praising him, and just rest with Jesus.

December 27th: Christmas is over! And the New Year is before us. Instead of going inward like we have with the bath, bed, and fireplace, I'm going to challenge you to get out of your house. If you live in the north, you'll need to bundle up. If you have a safe neighborhood to walk in - go for a walk. If you do not, sit on your porch. The goal is to get out to the open sky and alone with God in nature. Take your Bible and get alone with God for 10 minutes. Read Matthew 27 and 28 about Jesus' death and resurrection. Commit 2011 to living for Jesus.


As you can see, not one of these challenges costs a penny. So often we seek peace by trying to buy more or accomplish more in the short time we have. We push the limits of our body by staying up late, and going and going and going. Rather than doing more, let's STOP. Just simply stop, rest and get alone with God. I think we will be surprised to find how life changing this time alone with our mighty God can be.


I need your accountability as I do this challenge. I am deeply grateful for anyone who is willing to join me on this December journey.


Jesus said in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled."


If you would like to join me and you are a blogger - just copy and paste this Peace on Earth Badge on your blog with this link attached:

http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/

and then link up below! If you are not a blogger, leave a comment in the comment section to let me know that you would like to join the challenge.

Walk with the King!

I am linking up to: (In)Courage, Motivation Monday, Hip Homeschool Hop, Finer Things Friday, Raising Homemakers, Making My H0me Sing Monday , Holiday Haven and Works For Me Wednesday. Please check out these blogs for more great homemaking ideas.

How To Make Your Home Sing!

Last week we had a two-fold challenge, "light a candle and every time you see the glimmer of it pray for peace in your home". I want to encourage you to keep your candles and prayers going.

This week's challenge is two-fold also: Play soft music everyday in your home. Choose worship, classical or another form of peaceful music that the family enjoys. Focus on using peaceful words and maintaining peaceful relationships. Remind your family to avoid seething anger, tattling, criticism or back talk. Role model gentleness this week.

Let's start with your music choice. If you need suggestions for music here are a few:

1. If you know how to play an instrument, play it this week! In our home, when I sit down to the piano to play, the atmosphere completely changes. All whining and complaining disappears and dancing and singing begins. This is what the book of Psalms is all about - making a joyful noise unto the Lord! So pull out your dusty instruments and start playing!

2. Sing or hum in the kitchen while you cook, in the bathrooms while you clean, or while you drive in the car. Force yourself to open your mouth and let your joy of the Lord be heard by your family. It will be contagious!

3. I like to listen to George Winston - my favorite CD is titled December. I have listened to it for 15 years. In college, it really helped me shut out the dorm noises and focus to study. Since then, this CD remains in the CD player ready to go at all times. Sometimes I put it on repeat mode and it will go for 10 hours straight! I love it! Here's a sample:

4. I like David Nevue - I discovered his music on the blog A Holy Experience. His music is similar to George Winston's in that it is classical piano music. To hear his music visit her site and while you are there - hang around a while and I think you will find inspiration. (I regularly open her website and let the music play while I hop around on facebook or write blog posts.)

5. I like Worship and Contemporary Christian Music - the sky is the limit on this - from hymns to Casting Crowns to the oldies like Michael Card. All of this music fills our family's hearts and mind with God's truth.

It doesn't all have to be slow. Music with a beat can lift spirits and add zest to a boring day. Pick a style that fits your mood and family and get that music going. Once you've determined your music and have it going - it's time to work on ourselves.

1. When you feel tempted to raise your voice, use a child's name in a snarl, furrow your brow into a scowl or speak rapidly in anger...purposely lower your voice to just above a whisper. Proverbs 15:1 says "A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger." Focus on gentle words, facial expressions, and touches.

2. Purpose to not let someone else's anger make you angry. Many times as a wife and mom I find myself responding to other's emotions. Someone in the family is grumpy and two minutes later I'm grumpy too. Someone in the family is speaking harshly and two minutes later I'm speaking harshly too. Purpose to stay in control of your emotions and not let the other members of your family dictate your mood.

3. Yelling at a bud won't make it bloom. Your home will not blossom into a haven if you are not controlling your temper.

4. Continue to pray for peace in your home. Persevere in prayer for your family. James 5:16b says, "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

If you are participating in this challenge leave a comment below with how it's going - if you are a blogger copy this button into your blog post, write about how it's going and link up below! Thank you all so much for your accountability. I so appreciate you joining me on this journey!!! We are in it together!

Walk with the King!

I am linking up here :

Trusting God When We Don't Understand Why

9/11 brings back a lot of painful memories - shock, horror, sadness, fear.

Heroes arose on this horrific day. Firemen sacrificed their lives to save many. God Bless their families.

I am also reminded of the amazing story of the widow of Todd Beamer. Todd, a man of faith, courageously led other passengers to overpower their hijackers on flight 93 to thwart the plans of their hijackers. Their plane crashed in a vacant field in Pennsylvania and all on board died that day. Todd is a hero.

"I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Lisa Beamer told interviewers "God says, 'I knew on September 10, and I could have stopped it, but I have a plan for greater good than you can ever imagine.' I don't know God's plan, and, honestly, right now I don't like it very much. But I trust that He is true to His promise in Romans 8:28."

Sweet Lisa is an example of a woman trusting God when she didn't have all the answers and couldn't understand why.

Is there something happening in your life that you just can't understand? Follow Lisa Beamer's example - Trust God. He has a greater purpose and plan that we cannot see. Meditate in Psalm 23 today and rest in his loving arms.

Walk with the King!

I Wish I Had a Counseling Degree

There are times I receive emails from my dear readers that contain questions far too difficult for me to answer. When the questions are beyond my experience or studies I often say "I'm sorry I am not a counselor. You need to seek out a pastor, trusted Godly friend or call Focus on the Family's 1-800 number (1-800-232-6459). I deeply regret this is beyond my expertise."


There are moments I feel inept to write on this blog because I am not a counselor - I just don't know all the answers and I so wish I did!~


Thankfully there is a counsellor all believers have access to who supersedes all counseling degrees - the Holy Spirit! Jesus says in John 14: 16-17 "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth."


Anne Graham Lotz says:

"Jesus described the Holy Spirit as "Another." The Greek word actually means "another who is exactly the same." So although the Holy Spirit is a distinct person, He is exactly the same as Jesus, but without the physical body. He has been described as Jesus without skin. Or, like an FBI agent, He is Jesus undercover."


Dear hurting Christian sister, you may feel all alone in your trials and difficulties. But you are not. Jesus has sent "another" counselor with the same mind, emotions, intellect and wisdom into our hearts to guide, comfort, direct, and help us manage our way through life.


Have you yielded to this Counselor the Holy Spirit? You must first be in his word, in prayer and in stillness - to sense his clear leading, comfort and guidance.


If you are hurting today - practice the presence of God in your life. Psalm 139:7-10 says:

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."

Know that he is always with you. Surrender your will to him. Be still - listen - move forward in peace.


Walk with the King!

If anyone knows of any other organizations with toll free numbers for readers who need a counselor can you please leave it in the comment section. I will use it as a resource for ladies who are hurting. Thank you for your help.

Dealing With Loss During the Holidays

For some, you will experience your first Christmas without a loved one. Whether through death, divorce or distance you are dealing with loss. I want you to know that you are not alone.

I am reminded of the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who on Christmas day, 1864, received word that his son, a soldier in the Civil War, had been wounded. Just two years before, Henry had lost his wife in a fire. As this devout Christian man sat alone with his grief, on the most joyful of Holy Days, he penned words of hope to challenge his own despair. He called his composition Christmas Bells. Little did he know that those words would someday be set to music and become a blessing to millions of people around the world.

If you are struggling to find peace in the midst of the holidays this song below and my dear friend Kelly's story may comfort you.

Kelly lost her father at the tender age of 10. Following his loss she went through a long journey of pain, sadness and depression. None of us are immune from life's tragedies and Kelly's story of hope and strength in God - is a source of inspiration to me. Read it here!

Walk with the King!