Friday, June 13, 2008

Who comes first?

Good morning girls,

Here is a quote by Ginger Plowman for you to think on over the weekend.

"We tend to enjoy reading and memorizing Scriptures that pertain to 'us.' Often, we leave out the second half of a verse because it doesn't grab us like the first part. For example, the first part of Psalm 46:10 says, 'Be still and know that I am God.' We acknowledge this Scripture because it applies to us and our needs. It's comforting to 'be still before the Lord,' especially in the midst of trials and suffering. Can you recall the second half of that verse? I couldn't. The second half says, 'I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.' It applies to God's glory, not to us. The blessing we receive of resting in the Lord is secondary to the glory it brings God when we obey."

She then suggests looking at Eph. 2:6-7. The first part talks about us being seated with Christ in heaven. The second part tells why, "...in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed his kindness to us in Christ Jesus." She states, "The fact that we are raised up is on the means that accomplishes the greater purpose of revealing God's power and grace. We mustn't focus on the means, but the purpose, which is to glorify God in all things."

It's true that we memorize the Scriptures that comfort us and benefit us. In everything we do we must think of how it glorifies Him, putting ourselves last.

Keep your eyes on Him!!!
Love you all, Kelley
Seeking Jesus with you!
James 4:8

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

You are His bride!

Good morning girls,

"Perhaps you do not see yourself as the glorious bride that Christ adores. You may think, 'God could never want me because he knows about the things I've done in the past. He knows the things I secretly struggle with now.' Yet God sees us very differently than we see ourselves. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, God sees you clothed in the righteousness of his Son. He sees you holy and pure, cleansed and blameless - a bride to adore!"

"You are the bride of Christ. Developing your love relationship with him enables you to reproduce a bit of heaven in your earthly home."

If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior now is the right time to do it. There isn't anything stopping you. When you ask for his forgiveness you will be seen by God as Ginger Plowman explains in her book Heaven at Home which I've quoted here. No one is worthy in their own efforts to be the bride of Christ. (Romans 3:23) We must believe and accept His forgiveness then He will truly see you as holy and pure. I know this to be true because I have experienced it and still do on a daily basis. Spend time with Jesus. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you!! This will enable you to draw on His strength to create a "bit of heaven in your earthly home."

Trust in the Truth!
Love you all, Kelley
Seeking Jesus with you!
James 4:8

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Purpose

Good morning girls,

"God created you, the woman, with a wonderful uniqueness that enables you to build your home and family in accordance with his perfect plan. To follow his calling and accept your uniqueness is to fulfill your purpose. The purpose I write of is not being a wife, mom, and keeper of the home. It's glorifying Christ as a wife, mom, and keeper of the home....God created you to be his child, your husband's wife, and your children's mother. True contentment comes in knowing and loving who you are - and whose you are. Let us celebrate the beauty and fulfillment of being the nurturers and caregivers of our families. Let us glorify Christ as we delight in His plan for our lives. And let us be happy at home." Ginger Plowman

Consider these question as you go about your day and when you fall asleep tonight. Are you happy at home? And are you happy when the house is in perfect order and the chores caught up and everyone is obeying (whatever your ideal may be :)? Or are you happy because you know beyond any doubt that you are in the center of God's will as a wife, mom, and keeper of your home and you are glorifying Him in it all?

Purpose to glorify Him!!
Love you all, Kelley
Seeking Jesus with you!
James 4:8

Monday, June 9, 2008

Who do you delight in?

Good morning girls,

You have been chosen by God to be your husband's wife and your children's mother. You have been chosen to create a home for your family. It can be a stressful, "always on the go" home or it can be a relaxing home, a haven for your family. It's your choice because you set the atmosphere of your home. I like how Ginger Plowman says it:

"It is the gentle demeanor and pleasing smile of the woman that permeates the home with a sense of welcoming calm. In this, her king delights. The fragrance of her joyful presence is a tantalizing aroma that scents the home more sweetly than a fresh-cut bouquet of magnolias. How does the woman live out this 'joyful presence'? She doesn't do it by herself. She depends on Christ to enable her. To delight in who we are is to delight in Christ. We are his creation, his servants, his children. Apart from his work in and through us there is nothing in which to delight."

Ask yourself this - What's been my demeanor in the last week and how have I affected the ambiance of my home? If it brings a frown to your face then determine to change it this week starting today. But first, spend time with Jesus and depend on Him to enable you.

Delight in who you are!!
Love you all, Kelley
Seeking Jesus with you!
James 4:8

Ponder This

Good morning girls,

If you've ever read The Trumpet of the Swan, one of my favorite books, you'll remember that the young boy, Sam, loved to journal just before going to bed. He always ended his journal with a question. He liked to go to sleep pondering the answer. Today I'd like to encourage you to journal or write out your prayers. It's very encouraging to read back through them and see how God answers prayer.

So, in regards to being a Godly wife and mother ponder this question in making a peaceful home:

How can I bless God in the way I treat my family?

Even as I write this I'm convicted in many areas. Ponder on this over the weekend and as I read through Ginger Plowman's book Heaven at Home I'll share morsals of what I've gleaned.

Find strength in Jesus!
Love you all, Kelley
Seeking Jesus with you.
James 4:8

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Become Strong, Heed Discipline

Good morning girls,

"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:12-13

"Discipline means training to become stronger, not just correction when you do something." Hero Tales

Discipline is so important. The Bible says so much about discipline in Proverbs:
Prov. 10:17 - Heed discipline and you will not go astray.
Prov. 12:1 - Love discipline, love knowledge otherwise you're stupid.
Prov. 13:18 - Heed discipline and you will be honored.
Prov. 15:5 - A prudent one heeds discipline otherwise you're a fool.
Prov. 15:32 - Heed discipline and gain understanding.

How do discipline and mercy go together in one e-mail? Well, my husband (who happens to be the best Dad around :), teaches the kids grace and mercy. I would have never thought of this. Probably because mercy is certainly not one of my gifts. Every now and then my husband will give one of the kids grace and mercy. And at a time I think they are really going to get it. Have you every experienced grace and mercy when you knew you had messed up? It's a completely unexpected, overwhelming feeling of relief. I know because he gives me more grace and mercy than I deserve when I mess up.

Discipline does make you stronger. Since reading Hero Tales I'll ask my kids if they are acting up so that I can make them stronger. We all laugh and they become stronger. :) Remember the key to discipline is swift penalty with calm dignity 100% off the time.

Keep it real!!
Love you all, Kelley
Seeking Jesus with you.
James 4:8

Encouragement for Homeschool Moms

Now accepting applications-

Family seeking fun-loving, godly homeschool teacher. Applicant will be responsible for providing total educational development and daily personal care for children of multiple ages. Applicant will assume the following roles: cook, housemaid, nurse, taxi driver, administrative assistant, accountant, athletic coach, social director, computer technician, household and automotive repairman, gardener, course instructor in multiple subject areas and grade levels, and various other responsibilities. This is a full-time position-approximately 120 hours or more per week. Qualified candidates must be able to work well under pressure, multi-task, and prioritize work loads while maintaining a friendly, enthusiastic attitude. Quick thinking, good memory, and a varied background in extensive subject matter are a must. Promising candidates will be resourceful, adjust easily to distractions, and display creative, hard-working leadership abilities. Organizational and problem solving skills are a plus. Previous teaching experience and/or college preferred, but not required. If you're interested in working in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, this is the position for you! For more information on this exciting opportunity to earn fulfilling, one-of-a-kind rewards, please apply in person today.

After reading these qualifications, no wonder many parents walk away from this employment opportunity. Who can measure up to these standards? Praise God, you can! As you step out in faith and yield your weaknesses to God's strength, you'll not only get the job, you'll also successfully homeschool and discover the fantastic benefits of teaching your children at home.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Ephesians 6:10

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Be Blessed

Good morning girls,
For most school is over or just about over and you have a new summer schedule. I'd like to encourage you today to not let the summer schedule push out your time to read God's Word. Purpose to make time for it. Maybe even take more time than during school if your schedule allows. You could set a goal to read through Paul's letters, taking notes or doing an inductive study. Or find a book that takes your through the gospels or a deep study of Revelation. Maybe you could do a study on Proverbs or the Psalms. Whatever you you decide to study take heed of this:

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:22-27

Study the word intently, with eager attention.
You will be blessed!!
Love you all, Kelley
Seeking Jesus with you!
James 4:8

Monday, June 2, 2008

Share

Good morning girls,
I love it when my husband reads to me from a book that has encouraged him. So last night he was reading from a book titled Deeper Experiences of Famous Christians. As the title reveals, it's a book about people who had life changing experiences with God. Reading about these people brings excitement and joy to my own walk with God. It encourages my faith and my desire to take risks for Him. The curriculum I use has me reading true stories about missionaries to the kids. They are very exciting. We read how these people took risks to be obedient to God's calling on their lives which in turn changed many lives.

I say all this to encourage you to share. Share your testimony and how far God has brought you. I've been reading through Hebrews where we are encouraged to continue in meeting with fellow believers. We need to share with each other how God has worked in our lives to spur each other on. It is so encouraging to hear testimonies from others. And have you noticed that when you share you are even more confirmed your faith. Everyone is blessed.

Share what God has done for you!!
Love you all, Kelley
Seeking Jesus with you!
James 4:8