Celebrating a birthday and baptism… 9 Jun 2014 1:41 PM (10 years ago)
On Memorial Day weekend we had so much to celebrate. My daughter’s 7th birthday was on that Saturday followed by her baptism the next day. I cannot believe Grace is now 7 and love knowing she has asked Jesus into her heart is priceless. It could not have been a more memorable weekend. Grace accepted Jesus as her savior almost 2 years ago, but we wanted to wait for her to be baptized until she was a little older, making sure she better understood the meaning of baptism. She has been asking to be baptized for a while.
The video below is our pastor, Eric, talking with Grace before the baptism. He was asking her why she wants to be baptized. So precious.
Beauty…It’s a heart thing. 21 May 2014 6:25 PM (10 years ago)
Some would say the official start to summer begins this weekend with the celebration and remembrance of Memorial Day. We will still have another week of school, but the neighborhood pool will be open for business. Does the idea of the pool and a swimsuit cause anxiety in you? I have to admit, being a plus sized women who has struggled with my weight for most of my adult life, I greatly dislike the idea of putting on that suit. But, I love being in the sun and pool. The smell of sunscreen makes me happy…. And so, I have to suck it up and get over my insecurities for the enjoyment of the sun and water. I choose a modest suit that will “hide” a few of my flaws….. or at least lull me into thinking my flaws are covered. Ha ha.
But really, are the size of my thighs that important? Do the other moms at the pool really care and judge me for how I fit in my suit? Or are they too busy thinking the same about their flaws and their insecurities? More than likely it is the latter. We woman are pretty tough on ourselves. We have bought into the lies of this world that beauty is skin deep. We think people will judge us and like us only for how we look, not for who we are on the inside.
I have bought into this lie. I admit it. I know I spend way too much time thinking about what outfit I will wear to such and such event, or how my hair looks today. I usually have make up on, although you will occasionally find me out and about running to the grocery store without makeup…. In my younger days, I would have never done that. I guess with age does come some wisdom. But, I like to look nice and present myself in a pleasing manner. Is this wrong? I don’t think so. But, when I let it consume me or cause me to think less of myself because I am having a “bad hair day”, then something is wrong.
Also, I worry I am passing these same thoughts and beliefs down to my daughter. She turns seven years old this weekend and she loves to get dressed up. On most days she would rather be in a skirt than jeans or shorts. She wants something “pretty” to adorn her shirts. There needs to be a fancy headband or bow in her hair…… She cares how she looks and loves to be fancy. I don’t mind her getting dressed up and feeling good about what she is wearing. However, I do not want her to start thinking her worth comes from this outward beauty. She must know is comes from within.
This is my concern and struggle -to break my own pattern of insecurities about appearance and self worth so that my daughter will see the heart is what matters most.
I know I shared previously about some of the books I am reading. Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss writes about this lie – “Physical beauty matters more than inner beauty.”
She says :
The deception that physical beauty is to be esteemed above beauty of heart, spirit, and life leaves both men and women feeling unattractive, ashamed, embarrassed, and hopelessly flawed. Ironically, the pursuit of physical beauty is invariably an unattainable, elusive goal – always just out of reach. (Lies Women Believe, pg 78)
Oh my goodness! This is so true. We will never be able to attain that “perfection” the world says is beautiful. I need to stop comparing myself to others and love myself for who I am and for who’s I am in Christ.
I am not saying I want to stop caring about what I look like or wear, all together. Not at all.
I love how DeMoss states it:
Don’t be afraid to be feminine and to add physical and spiritual loveliness to the setting where He has placed you. You are a child of God. You are a part of the bride of Christ. You belong to the King – you are royalty. Dress and conduct yourself in a way that reflects your high and holy calling. (Lies Women Believe, pg 80)
I am royalty and I should reflect my high and holy calling. This is cause to rejoice in who I am.
I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
Your beauty should not consist of outward things like elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothes. Instead, it should consist of what is inside the heart with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very valuable in God’s eyes. For in the past, the holy women who put their hope in God also beautified themselves in this way, submitting to their own husbands, 1Peter 3:3-5
I am not trying to get into a discussion about wearing jewelry, or makeup, or how you adorn your hair. This is about representing Christ and letting the world see me for who’s I am not who I am.
DeMoss says, “The outward appearance of the Christian woman is to reflect a heart that is simple, pure, and well-ordered.” She goes on to say, “she reflects the true condition of her heart and her relationship with the Lord, and she makes the Gospel attractive to the world.” (Lies Women Believe, pg 81)
Ultimately my life should be about the Gospel; how I am living it out in my daily life and how I am raising my daughter to do the same. If I am spending all my time worried about my appearance, hiding my perceived flaws, and feeling so insecure with myself I can’t talk to someone….. then how am I going to share my story of Christ’s redemption in my life? How am I going to tell how He saved me and turned my brokenness into glorious beauty?
That is what my life should reflect – His glorious beauty in me.
God’s sees the heart.
Yes, it’s a heart thing.
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting. But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30
I am a child of God, a part of the bride of Christ, and I belong to the King.
I AM ROYALTY.
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Here is what happened this week… 17 May 2014 6:38 AM (10 years ago)
It is that busy time of year… kind of like the weeks leading up to Christmas, but not. The school year is coming to a close and Spring has arrived. There are dance recitals, ball games, end of year parties, teacher gifts to prepare, summer plans to nail down, plus all the regular weekly activities. Life is good. So, I thought I would share a few pictures from our past week, because what is a blog for but to log the activities of our lives and share them with friends and family?
This week Grace had her first softball game. Many 5 and 6 year old girls running around not sure if they are supposed to hit, run, catch, or play in the dirt, it was quite entertaining.
Please take note of her final entry. As I volunteered in Gracie’s class this week, I came across this page which Gracie had completed on Valentine’s Day. I had to share. Her final answer on the page made my day! My first grader LOVES GOD and she tells her friends at school all about it. (FYI she attends public school.) #Proudparent #sharing faith #teachingchristianheritage
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be up on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Grace brought home much of her artwork from this past semester. She was so proud of her owl, especially after we hung it on the wall in our family room. I love encouraging her to be creative and rejoice in her creations.
Today is dance recital day….. So, I am sure you will be seeing a picture of that event at a later time. 
Have a great weekend and make the most of it with the ones you love.
What are you reading and is it changing your heart? 14 May 2014 9:26 AM (10 years ago)
I have always been a reader. I loved to read a good book of fiction that would draw me in and transport me on an adventure, try to solve a mystery, visit a past period in time…. The list goes on. But, I have never been a big non-fiction reader: faith-based self help, history, biographies….never had a draw for me. However, lately things have changed.
I have a pile of books I am rotating on a daily basis and many electronic books sitting in my Kindle App library waiting to be read – and none are fiction. They all have to do with growing my spiritual walk, being inspired by someone else’s faith journey, or leading me to a more abundant life in Christ. Basically, it’s about God and my life with Him, not just my desire to be entertained with a “good read”. Does that make sense? I am not saying reading the other is bad. Not at all… unless those books are leading you down a path of lust, desire, and self fulfillment without God. Then, I would say you may want to reconsider what you are allowing to consume your mind and thoughts.
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:21
I am finding I want other things to consume my mind and thoughts. So, what am I reading? I have four books I am currently rotating. I guess I could just sit down and read one to completion then move on to the next. That is what I would usually do. However, right now all four are important to me and, depending on the day, I desire one over the other. Here is my list…
The Healing Path – How the Hurts in Your Past Can Lead You to a More Abundant Life by Dan B. Allender, Ph.D
Lies Women Believe and The Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Rhinestone Jesus – Saying Yes to God When Sparkly, Safe Faith is No Longer Enough by Kristen Welch
Nehemiah – a Heart That Can Break by Kelly Minter
I find God is drawing my heart to books that will draw me closer to His heart and I like it. I am at an uncomfortable place in my life…. I don’t think I am happy continuing my walk with God in the way I have been doing it. Because, honestly, I haven’t done much with my walk for Him. Oh I go to church, I attend bible studies, I even led the bible studies in the past. There was serving as a MOPs officer, singing and c0-leading the worship team…… lots of acts of service. I know these things were important and helped me grow in my faith and walk. But, through it all, I am not sure my heart changes were so dramatic that I can say I really KNOW God more intimately because of them. I want the more intimate walk. I need it.
I am 43 years old, I became a christian at the age of 7, and have tried to live a life worthy of being called a christian. But, I have failed and sin, as we all do. I have repented and sought reconciliation with God, at times throughout my adult life. I love God and know He is faithful. Living a life without His hand on me is unimaginable. But, I do know it’s not enough. I want more. So, I pray, read, and seek my God and am asking Him to show himself in a more intimate way. I want to do as He leads and be willing to obey what He asks of me…. whatever that may be. And that is kind of uncomfortable to me. Actually – scary. What will He ask of me? What will I have to give up? How will it affect me and my family? Questions, questions, questions. But really there is only one answer… God. Jesus. The Holy Spirit. Okay, that was three answers. But they are all One and whatever God asks of me, He will empower me to do. And more importantly, I know there will be a blessing at the end and throughout my obedience. I don’t mean a monetary or physical blessing…. but a blessing to my heart. That I know for sure.
And so… I read. I read to seek answers how to heal from past pain (The Healing Path). I read to reveal the lies I have believed about myself and God, learning what His truths mean for me (Lies Women Believe). I read to see how other pilgrims on this path have said YES to God and the results of their obedience(Rhinestone Jesus). And finally but most important, I study his word with the help of study guides (Nehemiah…) to examine what the Bible – His word- has to say about my situation, my life, His path for me, and the journey He is calling me toward.
I continue to attend church (LifePoint) and hear powerful, anointed sermons each week. I participate in a weekly bible study. I also meet with a discipleship group where we are holding each other accountable, praying for one another, and encouraging each other as we study God’s truth. My husband and I pray together and talk about how God is moving in our home, our marriage, and in our personal walk. I do these things because each helps me focus more fully on Him as I grow in a more intimate relationship with the One who created me and loves me more than I can imagine.
What about you? Is there a particular book that strengthened your faith and or grew your walk? I would love to hear from you.
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Wishes for my girl… 8 May 2014 1:20 PM (10 years ago)
This picture always cracks me up. It was taken three years ago and whenever looking at it, I cannot help thinking it looks like a mugshot. That eyebrow slightly raised and semi smirk….. is she secretly scheming to take over the world? I hope so. I want Grace to always feel she can do anything she puts her mind to. I want her to know there are not limits. Dream big. Work hard. Make sure God is in the plan and ask Him to help her succeed. I want her to love Jesus in a way I could never even imagine. I want her to say YES when God calls her to be more for Him and less of her. I want all these things and so much more for my daughter.
Let her always remember this….
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul. “Therefore I will hope in him” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. Lamentations 3:21-25
The Wisdom for My Daughter graphic was found of Pinterest.