Annoyances

A very unexpected and annoying thing happened this morning. Our phone number was spoofed and used to make robocalls all around the country. Many of those people called, tried to call us back. Since there is nothing the phone company can do, we decided to stop answering the calls. We created a new voice mail message:

"Some gooberhead decided to use our number to spoof and make robocalls. Our apologies if you were called by our number. Have a wonderful day!"

While the message is a little funny and sarcastic, I felt prompted to use a better choice of words. A few moments after praying about it, I knew there was a better choice of words...HIS. 

This is our new voicemail message:

"Our number was spoofed and used to make robocalls today. Our sincerest apologies; however, please know you are being prayed for, specifically, Ephesians 3:16-21. Have a wonderful day!"

And while it's still annoying to have the phone constantly ringing today, at least now it's a new reminder to pray. If you're reading this, I've prayed these verses over you, too. Let's all find a way to make the little annoyances of life less annoying by turning the focus onto Him. 

Make today for His Glory.

A Letter to my Son as He Graduates

Dear Son, 

You graduate next week. It's such an incredible milestone that is one of many you'll experience in your lifetime. Your Dad and I are so proud of all you've accomplished!

Son, it simply amazes me that we've reached this day in your life, as I could almost swear it was only yesterday we grew our family to four with the addition of you. Dad and I were absolutely thrilled to introduce you to your brother and the rest of our clan. As we experience this moment with you, we can scarcely believe the rapid pace that brought us here!

We've had such high expectations for you. You've risen and far exceeded all of them with great success. We love hearing about your goals and plans for your life; and even more so, we love watching you achieve them. Your passion for life and zest for adventure are some of your greatest assets. Hang on to those as you speed forward into your future. 

As you set new goals, you will find some will take more steps than others; and some will need you to stop and look before moving forward again. Each move will provide you with valuable lessons. Though you probably feel you already have life firmly figured out right now, I want to give you a few tips before you embark on your next journey. 

Go to class. Even though we know there will be days you'd rather be mountain biking & spending time outdoors, go to class. We've invested in you and your future. You're preparing for your future. Going to class will assure you are ready when your future becomes your present. 

Your Dad has worked hard to give you a stable home and encouraging environment. He is such a good example of what a Dad should be, and he's the only other person I know who loves you as much as I love you. Be sure to tell him, "I love you, Dad!" every once in awhile.

Our relationship is going to change. You're entering a new and exciting era of your life, even though you'll be living at home. As you learn to fly, I'll learn to let you go. Some days are going to be a challenge for both of us, as you spread your wings, and I adjust to your new come-and-go schedule. We'll probably make a few mistakes along the way. Just remember, I always have the best intentions. PS...my advice is pretty spot-on most of the time! :)

Continue to grow, stand firm in your faith, and read your Bible. Your great-Grandma told you Bible stands for 
Basic Information Before Leaving Earth. She was right. It is and will always be your Life-Line. As you leave a comfortable group of friends, who pretty much believe the same things you do, you are going to find those beliefs challenged. As you find your place in the world, remember who you are, and Whose you are. You are a child of the Most High God; a living, breathing miracle created in His image for His Glory. When life is going in a direction you didn't plan, cling to this.

When life seems hard, remember, you're not meant to go backwards. Put one foot in front of the other, and keep looking ahead. Life is a journey that only goes in a forward-moving direction. 

We are here when you need us. We want this next year to be the best ever for you. As you figure out what career you want and which path to take, we hope you remember you can discuss anything with us. Even though you'll be living at home, don't forget to hug your Momma's neck every once in a while!

Son, we cannot wait to see where God takes you on your journey! And no matter what...

We will always love you. 

1st Day of School

Last Day of School

Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children - Book Review

As my second child recently turned eighteen and my oldest is nearing twenty in another month, I've found my prayers changing for them. I also realize I'm more perplexed in what to, or even how, to best pray for them as they enter this new season of life. 

Thankfully, Jodie Berndt, has taken the time to write what I consider a field-guide to praying for my older children. While I've yet to experience all the situations outlined in each chapter, I'm glad to know I can simply flip the pages to one of the thoughtfully-arranged chapters, if we reach a common dilemma our adult children might face. I especially like each section begins with a bible verse to help remind me to return to scripture before praying.

I appreciated so many people contributed their not-so-perfect family stories for Mrs. Berndt to share. These are not meant to air their 'dirty laundry,' but to humbly show what God can do when we give our childrens' lives to him. Overall, this book is thoughtful, articulate, inspiring, but most of all practical. If you're at a loss for how to lift your adult child to Him, I recommend you grab a copy of "Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children."

Disclosure:  I was given the opportunity to review "Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children," receiving a copy from Handlebar Publishing. I have not been monetarily compensated, nor am I required to write a positive review. Views expressed are my own.

The Genealogy of Jesus

I made this upon the request of my sister. The translation is NIrV. Thought y'all might like to have a copy, too. Enjoy studying His family line!

Thanks be to You, God, for Your indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15

Adored - Book Review

My teen daughter has recently expressed an interest in the discipline of Quiet Time, those intentional moments we spend with God. We've discussed bible reading plans and online communities, yet she hasn't found exactly what she had in mind. She thought a devotional might be the answer. 

Disclosure:  I was given the opportunity to review "Adored," receiving a copy from Handlebar Publishing. I have not been monetarily compensated, nor am I required to write a positive review. Views expressed are my own.

When she opened the package, my daughter squealed with delight. She 'oohed & aahed' over the cover design. The blue and gold hand-lettered look is on trend with today's teens. I like the size (about 5.25"w x 7.5"l x 1.25" thick), as I think she will be able to tuck it into her backpack or Kavu without it taking up too much space. 

The pages are smooth with a pretty blue border on the outer pages that matches the cover. Though the print is small to my older eyes, my teenager can see the words clearly. There are 365 days of devotions, an entire year of reflection. My daughter especially liked the headings are numbered Day 1, Day 2, etc. instead of by Month & Day. When I asked why, she replied, "Because if I miss a day, I won't feel guilty. I can just pick up where I left off."

There is a bible verse at the top of the page (NIV translation is used) with a couple of paragraphs below, which are points to ponder. The wording is straight-forward, and will take under 3 minutes to read. Most of the pages seem to focus on why and how God not only loves us, but understanding He adores us. It is easy to 'hear' the author's voice, as if she is chatting with a friend. 

The bottom of the page contains a few ruled lines to write a prayer, journal a thought, or make a note. I think this book will allow my daughter to better enjoy her quiet time with Him. She'll have something to dwell upon, a piece of scripture to reference it, and most of all, connect with her Lord. 

The price point (Under $15 on most sites, though I've seen it as low as $10.99 on sale) makes this a wonderful idea for the teenager/young 20-something in your life. I would be comfortable giving it as a gift for a newly-baptized believer, stocking stuffer for a niece or neighbor, or even a 'just because' to a special church friend. 

I think this will become a well-loved page turner for my daughter. I look forward to discussing her thoughts on each day's devotions, and watching her grow in Him.

Hoping to Gain by Defining Beauty

I began a new bible study this week; and in an effort to help me process what I read, I want to write down my thoughts after each chapter. If you're interested in learning more about the study, click this link

or watch some videos at this link.

I was excited to start this study, hoping to gain some biblical insight and understand what His Word says about the body...then I read the first chapter's discussion questions. My mind swirled and my heart sank. I was going to have to dig deep, truly soul search, if I wanted to gain and glean. The hardest part of growing is the pruning; the clipping back of our beliefs & experiences, so we flourish in Truth and into the beautiful creation He intended.

The most difficult questions for me are the last two of chapter one:

How would you define beauty?

What do you hope to gain through this study?

Define Beauty 

Hmm...do I give the Christianese answer, or the world's viewpoint answer? I turned to my daughter and her friend, and asked them. They are fourteen, and regularly inundated with the obsession of chasing beauty. Their responses were a little surprising, and encouraging:  

Confident

Truthful

Helpful

I have so much to learn! They are looking beyond the surface, and deep into the hearts of the people they admire. 

Hoping to Gain

Not until I prayed about this question, did I realize I still had body image issues. I honestly thought for the most part I had dealt with the history of living life in this flesh He fashioned specifically for me. As I shared with my group what I hoped to gain from this study, tears from deep down bubbled up to the surface...and I'm not a crier by nature. 

My hope is to once-and-for-all truly believe in the depths of my soul that I am who the I AM says I am. I want to KNOW - without any doubt - that all those verses I quote to my children and sisters and friends are intended for me, too. 

Psalm 139:14

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

Job 10:10-12

You guided my conception
    and formed me in the womb.
11 You clothed me with skin and flesh,
    and you knit my bones and sinews together.
12 You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love.
    My life was preserved by your care.

Genesis 1:26-27

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” 

So God created human beings in his own image.
    In the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

So today, I begin earnest prayer. As I seek the Truth of beauty, I seek His transformation of my perceptions on this subject and a willing heart prepared to accept what He shows me in this journey. May my desires for the perfect body, instead match His desires for me to glorify Him with the body I've been given. It's time to move and grow. 

How do you define beauty?

Does the way you view your body

inhibit your walk with God?

The Journey to Steady

Click image to link up to FMF "Steady"

To participate in Five Minute Friday, all you have to do is write for five minutes on the word of the week, post your words on your own blog, and link up the post here.  This is meant to be a free write, which means: no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation. Just write.

Today's prompt:  STEADY

People often ask me how I manage the life I've been given. There is so much I don't share on this blog. You, reader, only get to see the glimmer I allow you to view. Today, I'll share just a little bit more personal than I usually do. I know I won't be able to go in depth because of time allowances, but here is a glimpse...

BEGIN...

Almost a decade ago, my dearest declined in health which forced a retirement from his career twenty-five years before he planned. It shifted the axis of our world, throwing our entire family off-kilter while we figured out our new life. 

We were a self-reliant couple. One of the qualities that first drew me to him was his quiet, inner strength. He worked hard, played hard, and I just knew he was the one God intended for me to spend with my days on this earth. 

I'm just as independent as my best friend, my love, my husband. We typically didn't turn to others when something went awry. We figured it out and went about fixing or doing what needed done. 

When life as we knew it came to a halt, we were thrown into a stunning new scenario. Life's dreams were ceased. Career pursuits halted, and honestly, we had no idea where we were going or what we were to be doing. 

And that has become the biggest blessing in our lives. 

Because these self-reliant, independent creatures we were suddenly had nowhere to turn ...except to our God. We learned to truly rely on Him. He is where we could draw strength. He is our might. He is the Source.

When the storms of life toss us, instead of flailing our arms helplessly about, we choose to lift them up, knowing He will be there to grab hold. He is our STEADY.

...STOP

We are forever grateful for the journey He's given us. 

We praise Him for showing us how to rely on Him.

Cheese and Crackers

I'm a visual person. It's one of the reasons I create WordArt from Biblegateway's Verse of the Day. I study the verse a bit, usually with a few different translations; and an image will come to mind. "Seeing" the verse, helps my heart to remember it. Today's verse is an ode to one of my favorite and often used phrases. 

You see, I have a terrible vice...I sometimes swear...like a sailor.

It's an awful habit brought on from years of practice, dating back to my tween years when I first learned to verbalize 4-letter words with my classmates at recess. It felt kinda naughty, but exhilarating all at the same time. Ah, the Enemy knew just where to grasp hold of me!

I'm working on my mouth, and living in the South has helped. 

You can turn simple, everyday words into a pointed phrase everyone will immediately understand; plus, the funny use of simple words diffuses the moment into something a bit lighthearted. 

I've developed a few to use instead of the obscene language of my youth. 

With that in mind, when Colossians 3:13 popped up on my screen from Biblegateway's front page this morning, I knew exactly the image to use. Forgiveness doesn't always seem the easy path. No matter the intention, it seems someone will find a reason to be offended. 

Does it make sense to you? Do you know the phrase that came to my mind?

NLT via Biblegateway.com

When I'm exasperated by a person or situation, instead of swearing, I now say:

"That really cheeses my crackers!"

Today, when someone cheese your crackers, frosts your cookies, or knocks you over with a feather, take a breath and give them a pass. Think of the wise words and simple truth stated in Colossians 3:13.

Free your heart from the angst of being offended. 

Show them kindness and love.

By doing so...you will show the world your Jesus. 

What is your favorite phrase?

Joy Complete in a Visit

To participate in Five Minute Friday, all you have to do is write for five minutes on the word of the week, post your words on your own blog, and link up the post here.  This is meant to be a free write, which means: no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation. Just write.

Today's prompt:  VISIT

BEGIN...

I love to visit. It's kind of an old-fashioned pastime these days. My world seems caught up in texts and tweets...short bursts of computerized conversations; so I love when I can slow down and take a moment to actually converse eyeball-to-eyeball with someone. 

I've learned so much about people, just by stopping to visit. 

The world doesn't really need to rush from activity to activity. 

We all need to slow down, make contact with strangers, who might need a friendly smile and two minutes of conversation. 

Today, I encourage us all to take time to tangibly connect with our words. Reach out to our loved ones, let them know we are thinking about them, praying for them, missing them. 

I imagine a visit will lift our spirits as much, if not more, than it does for the ones with whom we are visiting. 

...TIME'S UP! 

Who comes to mind you can visit today?

I have much more to say to you,
but I don't want to do it with paper and ink.
For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face.
THEN OUR JOY WILL BE COMPLETE.

2 John 1:12

The Need for Approval

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? 
Or am I trying to please man?
If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10

Let me just start out by saying, 'This is not a soapbox rant.' ツ 

I've been feeling this pull for a few days now. A pull to unplug from the quick-connect of social media for a while. While I dearly love Twitter (and now Instagram!), there's this need deep inside my heart to step away from all the tweets, retweets, likes, and hearts. 

After reading Galatians 1 this week, verse 10 leapt off the page. Now, I know I'm taking the verse a bit out of context to apply it to my situation (Paul is talking about his preaching the Gospel); however, hear me out. 

I like all the likes and hearts. I enjoy seeing how many people my posts reach. I truly love to encourage others by sharing my thoughts on His Word. But lately, I've had to stop and ask myself...

Am I doing this my glory or for His?

And that's where the need to step away and post less frequently applies to me. The change came about when I acquired one of those 'smart' phones. Social media was within reach whenever I wanted to look...and I've been looking too much. My nose has been glued to that little screen at times...and I don't like that. I like to experience life as it happens. I want to experience life as it happens. 

So, I deliberately removed all those fun little apps, and turned my phone back into its intended purpose...to connect with my teens and family and friends via text or (gasp!) a voice call. 

It's only been a few days, but I already feel so much better. My heart doesn't feel the need to see who liked what. I am more focused in my Quiet Time. Instead of reading and subconsciously thinking, "Now, which part of that verse/quote should I share?" I am intentionally centralizing my thoughts to, "Father, what are you speaking to me?"

While I'm not giving up on social media all together, I plan on you seeing me less frequently. I'm looking forward to going down this path He has set...though I won't be sharing much about it. ツ Relying on Him to show me the way. 

How does social media
affect your day-to-day life?

Journaling Bibles for Girls

When I was asked if I'd like to review the NIV Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition, I immediately replied, 'Yes!'

TeenGirl has been requesting one for quite a while. (A journaling bible is on my wish list, too!) She enjoys drawing, and like her Momma, is learning brush lettering. Writing thoughts and drawing a visual in our bible is near and dear to our hearts. My bible is loaded in the margins! 

Upon receipt, she excitedly opened the package. With a dramatic exclamation, she squealed in one breath, "Ooh! Look at it! It's so pretty! And it's in my favorite colors. And look at the shiny gold. And look! It has a blue bookmark AND a pink elastic one." 

Though it doesn't show well in the photograph, this bible is hardcover with gold-foil embellishments on the lacy floral designs. It shimmers as it catches the light, and is truly very pretty and girly. 

We opened the bible up to around the middle, near Psalms. The pages are sturdy, yet thin enough they make that lovely crinkly sound when you turn them. Each page has a 2-inch ruled-lines margin on the outer side of the page. TeenGirl's first reaction was a bit of disappointment. Her preference would have been for blank space; however, she quickly deduced the ruled lines would be perfect for brush lettering. 

From an older-eye standpoint, the print seems rather small. For TeenGirl, this is no problem. As for me, I'll be pulling out my dime-store glasses to read the verses. The NIV (New International Version) translation is one in which we are familiar. The modern language makes it easier for a young girl or teen to understand better than the old-English style of the King Jimmy (KJV). 

She had only two requests for modification:  

1) Tabs! Not just any 'ol tab will do. TeenGirl wants pretty colored tabs to match her pretty bible. Mom thinks if you're buying this for a new believer, you'll want to include tabs. Though each book is listed at the top of each page, tabs would make it so much easier to find the book you'd like to study.

2) Colored Pens Specifically, pens that won't bleed through the pages. Colored pencils will work just fine, but if you have a vivacious girl, the bright colors of an archival gel pen make a nice addition to this bible. (We found some TeenGirl liked at HobbyLobby.)

Overall, both TeenGirl and I love this journaling bible. She's inspired to study and connect to Him through drawing and lettering verses. My heart is thrilled she has the desire to deepen her relationship with Him and His Word. If you're looking for a gift for your tween or teen girl, this is an excellent choice.

Disclosure:  I was given a copy of the NIV Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a favorable review in order to receive the Bible.

Do you have a journaling Bible?

A Simple, yet Transforming Gift this Season

I originally posted this idea in 2014, on my former blog, Seams Inspired.

I've been thinking about many friends who could use a little love in their lives, 

so thought I'd share it again here just in case you need a quick gift this Christmas Season.

Two Dollars, Two Hours, Transform a Life

This idea has been pressing my heart for a few months.

It all started late last summer when I met a precious teen girl. She'd give bits and snippets about her life to me, her vivacious zeal drawing me in and causing remembrances of my youth when anything seemed possible. You remember those moments of wanting to emerge from the group? To stand out from the crowd and show the world you're a unique individual.

It's hard to be different

when you want to be accepted by your peers.

Her story is not mine to share, so I won't go into the details. I only know from the moment I met her, I felt compelled to pour love onto her and into her heart. She needs to know how beautiful she is, how unconditionally loved she is, how her uniqueness is celebrated by Him. 

I'm almost ashamed to admit how long I've been hearing Him telling me to do this. It's been months. I finally took the time to act on His prompt.

This project won't take much money or much time to complete, yet its heart effects will last a lifetime.

Pretty Container & Colorful Index Cards
$1 each from Dollar Tree

With the help of Biblegateway, I searched for Bible verses that had 'LORD says' in them. There are hundreds. While many won't apply because they are used by the prophets and seem woeful, there are more than enough for this project. 

Next I searched 'LOVE' followed by 'GRACE'. In under 2 hours, my intentions of having a month's worth of bible 'He Loves Me' verses was fulfilled. Actually, I was enjoying the process so much, I lost count while writing, and ended up with over 40 cards. 

Each card is handwritten with one verse and a catch. To make it truly personal, the person's name is inserted into the verse. Sometimes I think we forget the Bible is one giant Love Note written to each of us individually. For this reason, I believe it's incredibly important to personalize the verses as well as write them by hand. I know typing them up might seem quicker or easier, but taking the time...under 2 hours...to write by hand exemplifies you care.

~ Love Always, God

And something I didn't expect happened along the way of creating this little love basket of notes. 

As I wrote out cards,
I had my own heart-transforming connection with Him. 

I realized again His love, His grace, His peace; and THAT my friends, is priceless.

This Season, how will you show

others they are loved?

If you'd like to create your own version of the LOVE ALWAYS cards,

here's a little FREE PDF 'cheat sheet' you can download:

 Love Always, God

Praying for Our Next President

So, lately (much to my dismay), I'm a believer who vacillates between "God, I know You're in control of this election," and "LORD, the handbasket is in full launch, HELP!"

How can I stand on completely solid ground, and truly feel comfort in knowing His Plan and Purpose will prevail? The only way I know how to do this is to dig into scripture, and wholeheartedly pray for our  next president. 

Today, I ask you to join with me for the next 29 days until the election to pray specifically for the next leader of the United States of America. Whether you are on the right or left, it is your duty as a Christian to pray for our leaders. I don't want to know for whom you are voting. I just desire you to lift your candidate in prayer. 

I believe in the power of praying His Word. 

I believe the power is not in the ones who pray, 

but in the One Who answers our prayers.

I believe if we collectively gather in Spirit and lift these candidates to Him, our God will respond and bless this nation, as we turn to Him for guidance. 

I believe our country can be restored to its status of greatness if we return to His Ways.

The verses I will be praying (not in any particular order):

• Romans 13:1
• 2 Chronicles 7:14
• Many verses of Proverbs 29
• Proverbs 16:12
• 1 Peter 2:13-14
• 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Will you dedicate a daily moment 
to pray
for our next President?

It's Time to Build

I wasn't planning on writing a post today, though in the aftermath of tragedy befallen our country again and more lives lost, I needed to take a moment to digest it. FMF's writing prompt is BUILD.

Begin

I didn't look at the news last night. I didn't even look at it first thing this morning. And when I did, I was completely deflated...downright heartbroken, and even a little scared. Live were lost. Lives that mattered. They all matter...Black, White, Blue. We cannot keep tearing each other down with careless words, hateful speech, and costly actions.

It is time to build.

Build by measuring our words before we type or speak them.

Build with blocks made out of love.

Build by mortaring those blocks together with peace.

Build by beginning with a good foundation.

He is the foundation.

Without Him, we will continue down this road of brokenness and hate.

Stop with the political rhetoric and knee-jerk reactions.

Cease with the keyboard legalism and quickly passing blame. 

Now is not the time for Likes and ReTweets for snarky comments.

We need...

We need Love.

We need Him. 

IT IS TIME TO BUILD.

Time's Up.

Linking up with Five Minute Friday.