What Are The Secret Desires of Your Heart?

 In this video, I talk about a time when my husband and I were clashing over how we were going to spend our weekends (my husband was traveling extensively for business on the weekdays). My husband wanted to spend them at home with just me and the children. I wanted to go out and have fun! I neglected to tell how the clash was resolved.

I listened to Keith and tried to understand why he felt this way. Then he listened to me. We came to an agreement that before I scheduled anything I would run it by him. Together we would decide which events to attend and which we should skip. We ended up missing a lot that year...and I learned a lesson in contentment and sacrifice. Keith is still a less social person than I am, but we have come to a place of understanding and self-sacrifice on both ends. Sometimes as wives we have to be willing to "go first".

James 1:12-18 ESV

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.


The method of Bible study I mention in the video above is called the S.O.A.P. Method:


1. S- Write out the scripture passage for the day.


2. O- Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.


3. A- Write down 1-2 applications from the passage.


4. P- Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.



Next Monday, we'll complete James chapter 1.

Walk with the King!

This post is linked to Raising Homemakers, Titus 2sdays, and We Are That Family.


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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This Blog Was Born From A Trial

Love notes for Daddy in his suitcase

This past winter, I did a video series from the book of James on my sister site GoodMorningGirls.org. 

For the next 5 weeks, I will be sharing those videos with you here on Women Living Well.  If you are in need of some direction in your daily quiet times, I hope you will pull out your Bible and follow along with me. 


For those who have already viewed these videos over on GoodMorningGirls.org, I hope you are gearing up to begin the Summer Book Club~ The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson!  We begin May 23rd but the Good Morning Girls groups are enrolling NOW - this is the final week!  We need all the returning groups to re-enroll and can't wait to meet all the new groups too!  (Questions about what Good Morning Girls are?  Read here.)

Today I begin in James Chapter 1:1-12 titled: Consider Your Trials Pure Joy.


In the video, I talk about a dark time in my life - which actually led to the birth of Women Living Well! I hope you will listen and follow along in James 1:1-12!

James 1:1-12 (ESV)
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.


"Our fight for joy is a fight to see God." ~ John Piper
Wednesday I'll be covering James 1:12-18 (and talk more about a marital clash we faced during this trial).  I encourage you to read ahead in your Bible!

Walk with the King!
This post is linked to A Holy Experience, We Are That Family and .

This Is What I Do When Life Hurts

The Making Your Home a Haven Challenge is over and I miss reading all of your link-ups already!!! Thank you for helping me make October special in my home - your accountability truly helped me! I have the most amazing readers ever! Keep it up!


Today I'm thinking about the reader who is frustrated with her home and feels that it is anything BUT a haven. I turn to Psalm 23 and I think about the inner dialogue of a woman who is hurting...


1 - The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. (want. want. want. I want...)

2. He makes me lie down (lie down...if only I could lie down for just 20 minutes...if only if only if only) in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. (quiet. quiet. quiet...this home is so loud...television, ipods, cell phones, chatter, I can't get a moment of quiet here).


3. He restores my soul (my soul. needs. restored. ...it hurts). He guides me in paths of righteousness. (I am so alone...I have no one who understands...if only I had someone to get me out of this mess. mess. mess. Someone besides me please clean up this mess!).


4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil (what if. what if. what if. what if I'm not enough?) for you are with me (you are? why are you so silent God?); your rod and your staff they comfort me. (comfort. who needs comfort. I am strong. I will pick myself up and press on. I am not weak.)


5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (overflows. overflows. overflows. Dirty dishes overflow, closets overflow, my trash cans overflow, my laundry baskets overflow, my calender overflows...if everything is so full - why do I feel so empty?)


6. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. (follow. follow. follow. I feel like difficulties, trials, disappointments, bad relationships and financial problems follow me... goodness? love? follow me?) and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (put on fake smile. I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever...BUT...I want. I want. I want. if only. if only. if only. my soul hurts. mess. mess. mess. I am weak. no. I am strong. empty. empty. empty.)


Do you hear the self talk? Do you hear what is happening between this woman's two ears? She is saying rotten things to herself about her life, about the people in her life, about her circumstances, and even about God. And then she wonders...why? don't? I? have? peace?


The problem is not out there - it's inside of her. Romans 12:2 says, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Do you want to see a change in your home? It starts in your mind.

The Lord is indeed your Shepherd and you shall not be in want. You must claim these truths. Let him lead you by still waters...are you thirsty? Sit still. Drink a tall glass of his living word! Let him restore your soul. He is with you. He loves you. You will one day dwell in his house forever. You only have one life and living it in the Eeyore state is not living at all!


Are you in a storm? Do you need help? Psalm 121:1 says, "I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

At the core - I am empty, ugly, self-seeking, insecure, questioning myself to death regularly (even cried for about 30 minutes in my husband's office this week over my fears. fears. fears. and failures). I hurt. I struggle. I wrestle. But then - I lift my eyes up to the maker of the heavens and the earth and this world pauses for just a moment and all my ugly thoughts and self talk are washed away by his love, grace and peace. The storms do not disappear but seeing a glimpse of the sunshine that awaits me, lifts me up when I am weak. I am weak. I am weak. He is strong. And so I rest. And he restores.

(If you are discouraged, I pray you will take just 5 minutes to let this song speak truth into your life. Stop the inner dialogue and habits of doubt and negative self talk and fill your mind with truth. truth. truth. You must hear the truth.)

Praise You in This Storm / Casting Crowns

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.


Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm


I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away


Chorus
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth


Walk with the King!

I am linking up here :

Our Family Went To New York City Last Weekend

Last weekend, I took the kids to see their daddy on a business trip 7 hours away in PA (really it was more like 10 with all the stops for the kids). Can I just say for the record - traveling alone with kids is hard. Even with the DVD player going and bags stuffed with toys, it's hard. We weren't able to leave our sin natures at home - so it wasn't long before there was bickering in the back seat (I was wishing I had a candle to light in the car lol!).

So we arrived in far east Pennsylvania and we met my husband. From there we took a train to Penn Station, a taxi to Battery Park and a ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. How grand she is!
Did I mention we waited in line for nearly 2 hours to catch the ferry? As an impatient American, that was not my favorite experience of the day! Did I mention there was a security check that made us feel like criminals? Did I mention how we were all squished on the ferry to the island?

From the Statue of Liberty we boarded the ferry to head to Ellis Island.
God had a life lesson in store for me!

My great grandfather came over on a boat from Hungary in the early 1900's - so I stood where he stood. As I read the history of the horrific 1+month boat ride from Europe - to the land of opportunity - I was humbled. The pictures of the travelers squished onto the boat with the clothes on their back and nothing but hope packed in their hearts touched me.

Suddenly the 10 hour drive, train ride, taxi ride, long line, security check and ferry ride seemed minor compared to what my Great Grandpa went through to see Lady Liberty!

Great Grandpa came with a dream - to make life better for generations to come and there I stood - living out his dream. Could he have imagined how amazing his great granddaughter's life would be - all because of his sacrifice? Thank you Lord for such a brave and visionary Grandpa!

His name is on the wall of Ellis Island - he is Jozsef M Degi. He left his wife behind to come and work and earn money to send for her. It took him TEN years to get the money to send for his wife - could you imagine? Her name is under his - Katalin Szasz Degi.
Their sacrifice is my reward.


As I looked at my overflowing trunk to come back to Ohio, I was humbled. I had more in my car for a 4 day weekend trip than my Great Grandpa had on the boat.


I want a piece of my Great Grandpa's courage. I want his fortitude. I want his vision. I want his strength. I want his endurance. I want his diligence. I want his hope.

Psalm 145:4,5

"One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works."

Tell your children how God has blessed your family and the people he has used to create your present. Tell the stories - let the next generation hear of God's marvelous works, his grace, his love. See to it that your children are inspired to have courage and hope like those who have come before them.

Walk with the King!

How To Handle Disappointment In Marriage

Last Monday I wrote a post titled: Is the Grass Really Greener In Other Marriages? I included a larger version of this youtube video parody of Taylor Swift's song Love Story. This video compares the dreams women have coming into marriage and the reality that it's much harder than we ever imagined, especially when we add children into the equation. Some of you responded saying it made you sad or teary.

I think this video conjured up the emotion of disappointment. Maybe the difficulties of marriage and parenting has caught you by surprise and you struggle with that. You are not alone in your struggles, let me share with you about a time when I was deeply disappointed.

I remember our first beach vacation with the kids. My son was 3 and my daughter was 18 months. I assumed it would be a great getaway - but to my horror it was more work than being home. We stayed in a condo where I was cooking breakfast and lunch and our dinners out were stressful managing the kids.

On the beach, I was not able to sit down for a moment to relax, I was chasing my 18 month old as she cheerfully ran up the beach, stuck her head in the sand or ran into the ocean. I had brought a book to read but never cracked it open. Then a rainy day came and everyone looked at me to entertain them! I was like Mary Poppins all day trying to pull tricks out of my bag to keep the kids busy. I was exhausted at the end of vacation.

I remember standing at the washing machine in the condo folding clothes and feeling completely filled with disappointment. I told my husband, I wanted just one hour alone on the beach. So while the kids napped, I went to the ocean and just sat there and cried. I cried and talked to Jesus and told him how I felt - and then I sat there in peace enjoying the peaceful breeze and sound of the roaring waves. Releasing those tears in prayer and pausing to take in the moment helped my inner wars to quiet down and be at peace.

4 years later I wish I could talk to that sad girl on the beach and give her hope. I wish I could have hugged her and said - what you are feeling is normal. You are learning selflessness - you are experiencing growing pains. It's going to be okay and some day you are going to laugh at the memories of this vacation. You are doing the right things. Don't give up and don't be discouraged. God sees you, he hears you and he loves you.


Here is How I have learned to handle disappointments:

1. Go straight to Jesus. It's okay to cry to him. He cares - he loves you so. One of my favorite passages to go to when I'm in tears is I Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Girls - I have soaked pillows meditating on this verse! Cast your cares on him...do you see why? Because he truly deeply CARES FOR YOU! You are not alone! He hears you and loves you so!

2. Change your expectations. Now that you see that reality does not match up to fairy tales accept this truth. Turn from critical and negative thoughts and open your eyes wide to see the blessings that are in your life. Count your blessings one by one - literally get out a piece of paper and do this! I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

3. Allow your family trials and daily struggles to mature you. James 1:3,4 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance MUST finish its work so that you may be mature and complete."

4. Have hope - this isn't the end of your story. Step back and look at the big picture. What is God teaching you right now through your trials that will help you in the next season of life. Colossians 2:2 "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

And take heart that you are not alone - you have sisters in Christ who are in the trenches with you. Be strong - "do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9


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.

Unanswered Prayer

Recently I have received gut wrenchingly painful emails from women who are suffering in broken and troubled marriages and a season of unanswered prayers. I tell my children often, "God is always watching, he is always listening and he cares for you". I pray that one day when "mommy" isn't there to comfort their hurts that this truth will be so ingrained in their minds, that they will always sense the ultimate comforter there with them.

On Monday in my quiet time I read Psalm 121, which says: "I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber."

Dear reader, if you are struggling with unanswered prayers - please know that God does not slumber. He is still in control. He will not let your foot slip. Please persevere in prayer.

I've attached this song by Casting Crowns titled "I Will Praise You In This Storm". As you listen - if you need to cry, cry. If you need to pray, pray. If you need to praise the Lord, praise Him. Ultimately, if you are carrying a burden - drop it right here and now into God's lap. Jesus says he is our great shepherd and we are his sheep - we are not donkeys. We were not created to carry heavy burdens. So leave your burdens with Jesus and praise him. The darkness will lift as you praise him.

Lyrics to I Will Praise You In The Storm

I was sure by now
God you would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day

But once again, I say
“Amen”, and it’s still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper
through the rain“I’m with you”

And as You mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives
And takes away.

I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are

No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side

And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again

My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper
through the rain“I’m with you”

And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth


So I say with confidence to you dear reader, "God is always watching, God is always listening, he does not slumber, He cares for you." Persevere in Prayer.


Walk with the King!

Finding Peace in the Midst of Chaos

On Thursday my video blog was about how God helps us in times of need. An Anonymous commenter said "But practically speaking... what does that mean? HOW does He help us when the baby is sick and the floors are filthy and we haven't slept in 48 hours and we don't have help to cook meals. It's one "theme" I haven't understood as a Christian."

I repsonded back to her in the comments section and shared with her how our outside circumstances may not change when we cry out to God in prayer - but our inner self - our soul and spirit - is comforted and calmed by the Prince of Peace.

I could go on more, to try to explain this concept but last week my sister sent me the link to her friend's blog. My eyes were opened immediately to the presence of God in the lives of this couple who just 10 days ago weathered a serious storm with grace. Here is a picture of how the Prince of Peace helps us when we feel weak.

Kim wrote this on their blog before the baby's arrival: At 21 weeks of our 1st pregnancy, our doctors alerted us to the presence of multiple developmental abnormalities with our growing son: Calvin. At 22 weeks it was confirmed that he has a chromosomal abnormality known as Trisomy 18. Trisomy 18 is typically fatal with only 10% of babies with this condition making it to 1 year old. Since our Calvin has some serious developmental abnormalities (severe heart defects, etc) he will most likely not live very long after birth. This has affected our lives unlike anything else, however we believe that God is in control of this situation and every situation.

Some people would say that our circumstances are not fair, and on a bad day we would agree, however, instead of looking at things in a negative light we are trying to view everything in light of God's sovereignty and yes, even in this difficult situation give Him praise. We can be thankful that we are able to conceive, we can be thankful for being able to feel Calvin move in the womb, for our special moments of bonding with him while he’s still here and most of all, we can be thankful that we have hope that through Jesus Christ we can be with Calvin again.

Calvin and his medical diagnosis is not a fluke or a mistake, he is our son and his life was planned down to the finest detail before the world was formed. God has formed him in the womb just like any other baby and his life has purpose. No matter how short his life, it will be full and God will use him in whatever way that He sees fit. Calvin will have the benefit of knowing that He was used of God in a mighty way through the lives of his mom and dad and for those around them. He has already taught us how to love and trust God and each other more deeply than we could have ever imagined. We know that this is happening for a purpose and although, we may never know what that purpose is (while on this earth at least) we know God works everything together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). We know that Calvin is a work of God and that his life is according to God’s purpose. And, we know that The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, Blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21).

To view the birth of this sweet baby click here. I can guarantee you that you will see with your own eyes - the presence of God in the lives of Kim and her husband Josh. When we walk with the King - he gives us a joy, hope and peace that this world does not understand. If you are feeling weak today in the midst of your circumstances - draw near to God and find encouragement in the strength of your fellow Christians who are enduring hardships with you.

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble."


Walk with the King!

Knowing God's Will

The first time I EVER babysat I did a horrific thing! I was babysitting for my neighbors across the street and I put their children down for a nap. Then I sat down in the living room to watch TV and moments later I noticed another neighbor outside. Being the extrovert that I am, I thought I'd go out and just wave high. Why Oh why did I feel compelled to wave??? So I stepped outside - and you know what happened - the door LOCKED!

My intentions were not bad...but I made a very bad decision and became a really incompetent babysitter quickly! Luckily, I could run across the street to my parents and call the mother BUT it was terribly embarrassing to admit what I had done. The family was gracious and did continue to use me as a sitter - but the fear I had that day that the door locked - still sticks with me. I had failed to do what was best - and I should have known better!

Have you been there? Completely locked out of the center of God's will? Have you done or said something you completely regretted and didn't know how to correct it?

Everyone has regrets in life. One thing I have learned from my regrets is that I must walk with God daily and take everything to him because my gut and heart can lead me in the wrong direction - I just don't trust myself anymore! God is my anchor and my guide. I want to be directly behind him and go where he leads me. But how can we know God's will? There is only ONE way - to be in his word and pray every single day.

Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Doing this one thing - renewing your mind daily in God's word will literally change the course of your life! It does not mean your life will be perfect - but it does mean you will remain in the center of God's will - and there's no better place on earth than resting in the center of God's will.

Daily we must seek to know God's will and it's in his written word. Daily we must renew our minds or we will be conformed to this world. Daily - daily - daily... here's the key word for doing this daily ...discipline - discipline yourself daily to Walk with the King! You can't afford to be locked out of God's will for just one day. Walk with the King and you will experience the truth of Romans 12:2 - "you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

If you don't know where to start - start with Romans chapter 12 - it is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible - my husband and I memorized this chapter together when we were dating. It has a lot of solid counsel for relationships. So dive in and rest in the center of God's will.

Walk with the King!

http://www.womenlivingwell.org/

Losing My Mind!

So I went to the attic the other day. I needed something that was up there. So up I went - boy was it hot up there! Then I walked to the back of the attic and stood there - hmph - I couldn't remember why I had gone up there - what exactly was it that I needed? I wandered around a little to see if I would see what I was looking for and remember and well - nothing came to me. So I stood there and thought...I'm losing my mind!!!

Now I'm starting to sweat because it's so hot up here - but I'm not budging because I know there's something up here I need - just what is it?... I think through what I was doing right before I came up to the attic - nothing is ringing a bell. ARGH! What did I need - now I feel stubborn - I am NOT going back down without whatever it was that I need - but WHAT did I need exactly? Did I take a wrong turn - did I go to the attic by accident???

I wrack my brain - it finally hits me - a bottle of lotion! Yes - I buy my lotion in bulk at Bath and Body Works when they have big sales and I store it in the attic! So I got my lotion and headed back down stairs - all sweaty!

Do you ever feel like you have so much going on you are losing your mind?

Peace of mind - do you long for it? In just 4 short weeks summer will be over and fall will be at our doorstep. Have you taken the time to watch the sun rise and just meet with Jesus peacefully in the warm summer morning? Have you taken the time to meditate on God's word and let the Psalms comfort you, the Proverbs counsel you, the gospels draw you nearer to Jesus and Revelation to fill your heart with hope? Have you sat with God and just talked with him about your struggles, pains, frustrations - giving him all your cares in exchange for peace? Are you seeking God's will for your life or some answers to some difficult situations? Have you sat still long enough to renew your mind in his word so you can know his will rather than lose your mind?

Slow down...enjoy these last few weeks of summer. Take the time today to renew your mind. Romans 12:2 sits on my window sill in the kitchen. It's a prayer I pray over my children before we leave the house sometimes. Pray this verse over each person in your household today: Lord , help us to "not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Then we will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Walk with the King!

http://www.womenlivingwell.org/

Are You a Planner?

This weekend we took the kids on a penny walk. What is a penny walk you may ask? A penny walk is when you go for a walk with a penny and at each corner you allow the children to flip a penny - if it's heads you turn right, if it's tails you turn left.

When you go for a walk in your neighborhood do you find yourself always going on the same path? We are creatures of habit so once we find a way that is comfortable we rarely shift from our comfort zone.

I must admit that the penny walk made me uncomfortable at times. It made me turn and head too far from home when I was tired, it took us past a house I avoid with BIG dogs, it made us go in a a circle one time - which was funny and then the worst thing happened! My son lost his penny! You would have thought his puppy died! He had a hard time rebounding from his loss and spent the last few minutes of the penny walk pretty sad. What could be worse than losing your penny on a penny walk???

I am a planner - I like to plan my day, my week and well - I'd plan out my entire year if I could. Are you a planner? Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Although I do believe that God wants me to be organized and wise about how I spend my day - and that requires planning - he does not want me to be so inflexible with my plan, that I do not seek Him and as a result step out of his will for my life. God is my penny - he wants me to ask him - which way do I go Lord? What should I do next? And then he wants me to put my trust in him and follow him.

The one thing I am SURE of, is when you are in the center of God's will there is a "peace that passes all understanding which will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6,7) This peace will get you through the toughest times - because you know you are smack dab in the center of where God wants you.

About 5 years ago, I was in my comfort zone. I had one little boy and another sweet thing on the way. I had the next 5 years of my life planned out - then God brought along a job change for my husband that took me WAY outside my comfort zone. At every turn, my husband and I have sought God - is this the way we should go? God faithfully answered. At the next turn, again we would seek God - now which way do we go? Again, God faithfully answered. Sometimes - like the penny walk - God took us on unknown paths, he took us on paths way outside our comfort zone, he took us on scary paths, and sometimes it felt like we were just spinning in circles going no where at all! But we certainly have not lost our penny!!! And as the penny says right on it "In God We Trust".

If you are at a crossroads today - please don't go forward without first seeking God. Wait on him to give you direction - and then go forward in peace. When you are walking with God daily - you will know his voice. Draw near to God - be still - listen - what is it that he is trying to tell you? Even if it takes you way outside your comfort zone - go now and obey. In God We Trust.

Have a Happy Memorial Day today! If you have some free time, take your kids on a penny walk and tell them about how God is their penny.

Walk with the King!

http://www.womenlivingwell.org/

What If You Knew You Only Had 6 Weeks to Live?

Last night I went to my favorite blog - "Girl Talk Blogs". It's written by 3 close sisters and a Godly mom - (I relate to them a lot since I have two close sisters and a Godly mom.) They had a link to a website titled "Death Is Not Dying" and when I went there I did not expect to find what I found - I found perspective and conviction.

I found a video of a Godly woman. She is just 37 years old with two young children (around ages 5 and 7). She beat breast cancer 5 years ago - but a few months back she learned that her cancer had returned to her liver and from there has spread to her bones and now her skull. Her days have been numbered to 6-16 weeks - but she felt compelled to speak and share with the world her message - "Death is Not Dying".

As I watched her video - my heart was broken for her - she talked of all the times she told her children "no- we can't do a craft right now - it's too messy", "no I don't feel like playing a game", "no - don't jump on the bed - then I'll have to straighten it." As a mom of children of little ones, I so relate to those moments! Cancer has changed everything - especially her perspective of playing with her children. She is finding herself saying - "yes" much more these days.

She profoundly implored her listeners to remember "I am not the only one dying - so are you." We don't know when our days will be up - tomorrow something tragic could happen and you could breathe your last breath. Death is inevitable for all of us.

What if you knew you only had 6 weeks to live? Would you change the way you play with your children? Would you be more patient with your husband? Would you draw nearer to God and care less about temporal things. Surely our perspective would change.

I know this video can be lengthy - and for moms with little ones it will be hard to get through the entire thing - but even if you only hear 10 minutes - I know that you will find encouragement to live your life completely surrendered to God.

When the video ended - I proceeded with my nightly ritual - I headed to the treadmill. As I walked down the stairs conviction hit me - I need to thank God for my healthy body. Too often I wish I were a different "cup size" when I should be thanking the Lord for my cancer free cup! Too often I wish the number on the scale was smaller when I should be thanking the Lord for my good health! God, forgive me for those days I am discontent with my healthy body. Thank you for giving me another day to hear the birds sing, to see the sun shine, to kiss my sweet husband and listen to the laughter of my children. Help me to live my life completely surrendered to you.

Walk with the King!

To read more about finding hope as a loved one battles cancer go to: Lorrain's Story

Waiting On God's Timing

Yesterday I talked about John 11:35: "Jesus wept." There is so much we can take from this tiny verse - specifically on waiting on God's timing.

John 11 tells us that Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus yet we see that Jesus hears news of Lazarus being deathly ill and he does not leave for 2 whole days! I found that strange at first but then verse 8 explains - because previously the Jews had tried to stone him! That certainly is a reason to wait!

When Jesus finally arrives He finds that Lazarus has been dead already for FOUR days! Mary sees him first and she says, "Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died." Then Martha sees him and says the same thing, "Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died." Do you sense their disappointment in Jesus?

His response to the women is filled with compassion: "When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled." He asked to go see Lazarus and when he arrived at the grave - "Jesus wept."

Then Jesus said- "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" Then he raised Lazarus from the dead to life again! The glory of God - the power of Jesus - God in the flesh - revealed before their very own eyes!

Jesus waited for the perfect time to reveal his glory. He waited over 2000 years to come to this earth, over 30 years to start his ministry on earth, He waited 2 days to begin his travels to Lazarus and He arrives 4 days after Lazarus has died - and He's at peace while everyone around Him is in turmoil. But verse 45 explains the result - many "put their faith in Him" and the "glory of God" was revealed.

Are you waiting on the Lord right now for something? Are you at peace as you wait for God to work in your life? His timing is not ours. He has a plan larger than we can see. Peace is the absence of fear - not of pain or grief. Jesus wept. But have no fear - wait peacefully and - if you believe, his glory will be revealed in His timing - not yours.

Walk with the King!

http://www.womenlivingwell.org/

A Verse to Memorize from Lorrain

Last night I sat in a room with over 100 women from my church and listened to Lorrain tell her story of living with inoperable cancer. When I see Lorrain in the hallway - she is always smiling - and she opened by saying - "I've been asked to share how I am able to have joy and smile in the midst of my trial and my answer is God - but I think you all want to hear more than that." - and we laughed!

About 7 years ago Lorrain battled breast cancer and won. Last year when she went in for a routine exam, she requested a chest exam where they found lung cancer. Lung cancer is rarely curable. So for the past year she has battled this mean monster. She has lost her hair - and as you can see in the picture it is back! But after chemo and radiation - this nasty cancer stuck around. She is now on a daily pill (just released in 2008) that keeps the cancer in a form of remission - but no one knows how long it will be effective. One side effect for her, is a rash that burns on her face. Lorrain has suffered a lot of blows to her vanity - and she shared how, even after losing her breasts and hair, this rash on her face has brought her to tears.

And then she said something that made me pick up my pen --she said - "I have a verse that all of you should memorize. This verse has comforted me." I heard paper rattle, pens click and I was hanging on every word and ready to hear -- what verse does someone turn to in a time such as this? Then she said it - "memorize John 11:35 " and she paused. I thought hmmmmm... John 11:35 - it's not ringing a bell - I've memorized a lot of verses but this one is not coming to me. "Jesus wept." she said.

That is not what I expected her to share - and the impact of that one line will stay with me forever. The shortest verse in the Bible "Jesus wept." has never really "spoken" to me before and now it has a loud voice. Yes, even Jesus wept. It's okay to cry. I try not to cry in life - it makes me feel weak. I am always embarrassed after I've cried. But "Jesus wept."

Then Lorrain said: "Someday we will look back at the dirty little speck we called earth and wonder why we ever asked for more time. But for now it's all we know.

"Life is a vapor."

Yes, Life is a vapor - and life really is a bowl of cherries - sometimes it's sweet and sometimes it's the pits. But Lamentations 3:22 and 23 say "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." If you too are in the midst of a trial - go ahead and cry, "Jesus wept."

Walk with the King.

http://www.womenlivingwell.org/

Anxieties - To Be Cast Not Carried

Are you anxious today about something? Maybe it's the future outcome of the election, or the failing health of a parent. Maybe you worry about your child's strong will and where that will lead them or the failure of your marriage. In this economy you may be fearing your husband losing his job or how you are going to make ends meet. We all have anxiety - or things that we worry about.

Anxiety can grow and grow until it's a burden that we carry everywhere we go. I have something on my mind this morning that I am worried about and so I turned to I Peter 5:7. It says "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

Our anxiety is to be cast onto God - not carried. But how do we literally do this? I mean how many times have we all prayed to God and given him our burdens and then within a day picked them back up and continued to carry them.

I discovered today that the key is in the second half of this verse. It is in believing that "He cares for you." Believe this promise. The command of this verse is to "cast ALL your anxiety on Him" and the promise is "He cares for you."

When this verse says "He cares for you" it means he knows every detail of your situation. He is involved in your life and will take care of you. You have no need to fear and can have comfort knowing that he is right there with you and will not leave you alone in your situation.

So today - whatever your fears are - cast them onto Jesus in prayer. The previous verse says God's hands are mighty! He is strong! And this strong God cares for you. Now go have peace - a peace that the world does not understand.

Walk with the King!

Courtney

http://www.womenlivingwell.org/

Life is Not Easy

As I packed my suitcases at the age of 17 to attend the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, I truly believed I was going to become a missionary some day in another country. But God had other plans for me. But he did not have other plans for a classmate of mine, Bonnie Penner.

A couple years ago I read about her in the Akron Beacon Journal and here's what it said "A gunman fired three bullets into the head of an American missionary Thursday at the clinic where she worked as a nurse. It was believed to be the first targeted killing of a US citizen in Lebenon in more than a decade. Bonnie Penner 31, was slain at the Unity Center, which houses a Christian Chapel and clinic. Investigators said they believe the gunman knocked at the door of the clinic and shot Penner in the head with a 7mm pistol. A colleague found Bonnie lying in a pool of blood."

As I type this, I can't hold back the tears that stream from thinking about her strong faith and sacrifice. She was a beautiful God-fearing woman who died taking the gospel to the people of Lebanon. I keep this newspaper clipping on my bulletin board because it inspires me to not shrink back from being bold with the gospel! People around the world are suffering to take Christ to the world - while I sit in my comfy cozy home and worry if my neighbors will stop talking to me if I talk about Jesus or church too much!!! Bonnie died for the gospel while I consider losing a friendship over the gospel as a hardship!

Maybe you've had some hard days lately with the kids, with your husband, with a friendship or at work. I read Acts 14:22 this morning and it says "we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God."

There is not much of a halo in real life - we all face struggles and hardships - that is what this verse tells us. If we follow Christ we can count on it costing us something. Life is not easy. If you are in the middle of a hardship you need to run to Jesus - yes - don't walk - run. God will comfort you -- IF you let him.

Walk with the King

Courtney

http://www.womenlivingwell.org/