Joy in The Truth

February ~ Love, Respect, Honor

2012-02-01T06:30:00.001-05:00

February is highlighted by Valentine's Day and remembrances for those in our love whom we love. I appreciate Valentine's Day and the warm thoughts and fun expressions it invites us to give and receive. Celebrating my family and friends and lavishing love on them is one of my heart's passions.

But I'll be honest. Sometimes I think the boys and men in our lives are not remembered meaningfully on Valentine's Day. Yes, they want to know they are loved. But really, they want to know they are respected.

Women need love.

Men need respect.

It's as simple and as

complicated as that.

— Emerson Eggerichs

The live Love and Respect Conference with Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs is coming to our church on Friday evening March 2nd and Saturday morning/early afternoon March 3rd. This conference is heart- and life-changing for married couples (whether they deem their marriage healthy, troubled, or anywhere in between), engaged couples and singles. Click here for testimonials.

With scripture as his basis, Emerson demonstrates that love and respect are the two essential ingredients for a successful marriage. Click here for an overview.

Love is a beautiful and obvious foundation for any relationship. But showing a man (of any age) respect is often lost in our culture. Even a glimpse through God's Word proves that our expression of unconditional respect for our husband is paramount and consequential.

As love is to a woman's heart, so is respect to a man's soul.

This month of February, I am going to daily be intentional to speak or write words of respect and honor to the men in my life.

To daily tell my husband I respect him and to show him that respect through my actions.

To thank my husband for how he works and provides for our family.

To tell him I respect how he is honorable in his relationships and how he handles situations.

To tell our son, Joshua, that I respect him and appreciate so much who he is and who God is making him to be.

To tell my brothers how proud I am of them for so many reasons.

To thank my father-in-law for his dedication to his family and for raising a fine son.

Honoring the men God has placed in my life. While these thoughts are always in my heart of gratitude, I want to be intentional about telling them. Whether I write it down for them or tell them in person or over the phone, each day I am making it a priority to express my respect and to honor them.

Will you join me in this daily expression of respect and honor to the boys and men in your life this month of February? There are only a few rules.

1.) Honor does not embarrass. If you honor a man in your life publicly, be sure it won't embarrass him.

2.) Do not honor another woman's husband, unless it is your brother, father, father-in-law, relative, or unless you have received permission from her to do so.

Whether you are single, engaged or married (even if you are in a struggling marriage), you can express your sincere respect and honor for the men and boys in your life. I hope you'll join me this month.

Special Invitation ~ Do you live in the Philadelphia area (or within driving distance) and would like to attend the Love and Respect Conference on March 2nd and 3rd but your current resources would restrict you from coming? By God's grace and for His glory, Jim and I would like give away one registration for a couple to attend! Email us at histablefortwo@live.com and let us know of your interest and why you would like to attend. If you are selected, we will contact you on Valentine's Day.

...all the women will respect their husbands,

from the least to the greatest.

Esther 1:20

Her husband is respected at the city gate...

Proverbs 31:23

...the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 5:33

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands,

so that even if some do not obey the word,

they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,

when they see your respectful and pure conduct.

1 Peter3:1-2

An iPhone and An Answer to Prayer

2012-01-28T08:30:00.000-05:00

If I take the wings of the morning,

And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

Even there Your hand shall lead me,

And Your right hand shall hold me.

Psalm 139:9-10

If I drive my car to the Verizon Wireless Store

And dwell in the sea of gigabyte savvy people

Even there Your hand will guide me

To the right salesperson to help me.

~Sharon~

I am not sure what a gigabyte is. I don't own an iAnything. And I have a Smarter-Than-Me cell phone.

So, when my sweet husband decided we would give Joshua his very first cell phone this past Christmas, I needed his guidance. I would fly and he would buy. Before I could fly to the cell phone store, Jim would have to tell me what to buy.

After doing some research on-line, Jim chose a cell phone for Joshua and texted to my cell phone exactly what I should ask for at the Verizon wireless store. While I am rather good at using computers, cell phones and the such, the thought of gigabytes, generations, memory capability, service plans and application usage just makes my head spin!

So on my way to Verizon, I said a little prayer to God. Please go before me, God, and let this be a smooth and efficient purchase. Lord, please give me a salesperson that treats me more like a sister than a customer. I want to make a wise purchase and know that I wasn't taken advantage of because of my lack of gigabyte savvy. Please give me a salesperson that treats me like their sister. Thank you.

The store was busy with the before-Christmas rush, but I only waited a few minutes until one of the salesmen called me over to the counter. He introduced himself to me and asked how he could serve me. Telling him I was there to purchase our son his first cellphone, I began reading the text from my husband stating exactly what I should buy. The saleman gave a wide smile. The two customers on either side of me chuckled with understanding. (They must not have gigabyte savvy either!)

I asked the salesman to show me the phone and I asked a few questions about it. I called Jim briefly to clarify something, and the salesman even happily got on the phone with Jim to be sure I was getting exactly what he wanted for Joshua. The salesman was friendly, down to earth and very helpful. Thank you, Lord.

While he was waiting for our order to go through the computer system, I asked him if he could take a look at my cell phone as my texting hadn't been working properly. He gladly took my phone and fixed the problem quickly.

And then, the answer to my specific prayer. I hadn't even realized what I had prayed until the Lord answered it perfectly.

Oh, I see you have the same Bible application on your phone as I do, he said. Have you seen the new feature they have on there? What's your favorite version? I like the NKJV.

My jaw dropped.

He was my brother in Christ.

I am his sister in Christ.

God's beautiful answer to my prayer. So simple. So amazing.

So thankful.

I shared with him the prayer I had prayed on my way there, and told him he was an answer to that prayer. He smiled as if to say of course God answered your prayer that way.

Thank you, Lord, for a salesman who treated me more like a sister than a customer, because I am his sister in You.

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love,

in honor giving preference to one another;

Romans 12:10

My 2012 Annual Spotlight Verse(s)

2012-01-19T05:55:00.000-05:00

A holy life worthy of God. A worthy life that honors Him. This seemingly-lofty goal is what keeps coming back to me for my 2012 annual spotlight verse.

As I have been reading the Bible and praying the last several weeks, these verses are swelling up in my heart and are in the forefront of my mind. I recently journalled many verses that I am asking God to gently use to reshape my heart this year, but these "live a life worthy" verses kind of sum them all up for me. (There's a lot of refining left to do in this heart!)

"...live a life worthy of the calling you have received."

Ephesians 4:1b

"For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory."

1 Thess. 2:11-12

"But as He who called you is holy,
you also be holy in all your conduct,
since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
1 Peter 1:15-16

A life worthy of God. Living a life that honors the only Worthy One. A holy life because He is holy.

At first glance, this goal may seem lofty and unattainable. But because He tells us to live a life worthy of Him and because "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness" (2 Peter 1:3), I know it is possible. By His Spirit and His grace.

Our Gather & Grow Bible study group is studying "Holiness" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. (This is the third book in her Bible study trilogy "Brokenness, Surrender, Holiness".) She writes:

"Because God is holy, we must be holy. And here's the good news -- because God is holy, we can be holy. If you are a child of God, the Holy God lives in you. He is the standard for your holiness, and He is the source of your holiness -- He is your righteousness. He can wash your unholy heart with the blood of Jesus and make you clean - so the world will know what He is like." ~ Nancy Leigh DeMoss

God has blessed me beyond measure with a wonderful husband and two precious children. He has given us treasured family and friends. He has provided for us in amazing ways.

Yet, life is offering me some unique challenges this year, all of which I know are flowing through God's hands of love. Strrrrreeeettttttching is taking place in many ways in my life. So living a holy life that is worthy of Him, while always a relevant and necessary charge, is especially grounding for me during this season of life. This one command covers everything. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness!

The wisdom in His gracious requirement of "live a life worthy of God" gives eternal perspective, focusing on Him and His purposes and glory. "God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him." Ephesians 1:4

"Honor God" is our family dictum and goal. "Honor God" are the words with which we usher our children good-bye. Honoring God is our daily prayer. Living a life worthy of Him honors Him. "Honor Him, for His is your Lord." Psalm 45:11

So, I tell you my 2012 annual spotlight verse (as I have done in the past years) to share my heart. But honestly, I share it for accountability. As I publish it and put it out there, when the going gets tough I can't run too far without the Holy Spirit convicting me and without one of you tapping me on the shoulder reminding me when I am being challenged, saying "Sharon, live a holy life worthy of the calling you have received. Live a holy life worthy of God." He calls us into His kingdom and glory.

Promise me you'll tap me on the shoulder. I want to honor Him and live a life worthy of Him, especially in the stttreeeettttching!

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Colossians 1:9-14

2012 ~ Live Loved, Perfectly Loved

2011-12-31T11:20:00.003-05:00

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;

Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you."
Jeremiah 31:3

As each new year peaks over the horizon, I begin to look for a new devotional book. It's always exciting to wait patiently and choose just the right one for the new year. Whether a classic devotional I have never read before, or a fresh one by a trusted author, I prayerfully search for my new traveling companion. On my journey of walking with the Lord, a good devotional is a deeply meaningful accompaniment to my morning time in God's Word. It is the icing on the cake, so to speak.

I found 2012's devotional several weeks ago in my church's bookstore: Max Lucado's "Live Loved ~ Experiencing God's Presence in Everyday Life". Great title, trusted author, grounded on a God's Word. I am SO looking forward to begin reading it tomorrow morning.

This devotional served as a Christmas gift for a few of my girlfriends, and one of my girlfriends called me in sweet tears the other day saying how God had ministered to her through the first few devotions already. Our God is so good to faithfully meet us as we seek Him. Thank you, Jesus!

"As for God, His way is perfect;

The word of the LORD is proven;

He is a shield to all who trust in Him."

Psalm 18:30

What devotional do you have cued up for 2012? Do tell! I love to hear recommendations on devotionals!

Truly wishing your the most blessed of years as you walk closely with Jesus!

"But whoever keeps His word,

truly the love of God is perfected in him.

By this we know that we are in Him."

1 John 2:5

Christ ~ First and Forever

2011-12-24T05:25:00.000-05:00

"And they began to be merry."

Luke 15:24

This is our 2011 Christmas card and our annual Christmas letter.

Praying that as you and we are enjoying full December days as we celebrate our Savior's birth, that we are preparing and leaving room for Him in our hearts....first and forever.

Sloan Family Highlights 2011

We love the most wonderful time of the year as we celebrate our Savior’s birth and stay in special touch with family and friends! We look forward to hearing from you and the happenings in your life! ♥ Our year was full with His blessings and also opportunities to grow and trust in the Lord. We are grateful for both. Honoring God as a family and living for an “audience of One” keeps our hearts anchored in His truth.

♥ Jim won a golf trip to historic St. Andrew’s in Scotland. He and his dad traveled there and to London in October and had an amazing time. Jim has had an extremely intense year at work, so this trip was a perfect breath of fresh air for him. Jim continues to wholeheartedly serve the Lord in Children’s Ministry Sports and Marriage Ministry Bible studies. Jim is the steady, God-seeking leader and anchor of our home and hearts. He loves God's truth and makes it our family's foundation. We love are so thankful to the Lord for him.

♥ I am grateful for the simple blessings of marriage, motherhood, family, ministry and faithful girlfriends. I am thankful for my precious husband and children who see my many weaknesses and yet love me with deep devotion. I cherish and will forever be a student of God’s Word. I am humbled to continue to serve on the editing team for my favorite Christian women’s magazine. I was also honored to serve on the editing team for a new women’s devotional Bible being released in 2012. Still writing a bit myself through my blogs, sharing how God is working in our lives is my heart’s passion.

Joshua & Gabrielle – Our Willows by The Watercourses

“I will pour My Spirit on your descendants
and My blessing on your offspring;

they will spring up among the grass
like willows by the watercourses.” (Isaiah 44:3-4)

♥Joshua is a 6th grader at CCA. He turned 11 in July, and we surprised him with a day in New York City with his dear buddy and their family. We had lunch at The Stardust Diner, where Joshua was serenaded by Broadway hopefuls, and we saw the fabulous Broadway show “Wicked”. Joshua loves being able to participate in middle school sports for CCA this year and especially enjoys football and basketball. You will usually find Joshua shooting hoops or passing the football with friends. Joshua sings in the school choir and he was invited to sing in a special ensemble song for the Christmas concert. He is attending the junior high youth group “LJ3”where he gleans from the Bible studies and enjoys fellowship with friends. Along with Gabrielle, he completed five levels of swimming and earned a special reward from Dad. Joshua loves to golf and even beat his Daddy and Pop Pop this year (shhh!). Joshua’s heart is a wonderful blend of dedication, respect, love, strength and gentleness. We love and respect our Joshua, a fine young man who desires to honor God and us. “His God instructs him.” Isaiah 28:26

♥Gabrielle is in 4th grade at CCA and is enjoying the privilege of joining choir and band. She loves learning the flute, and we are serenaded throughout our evenings as she practices. She worships the Lord through liturgical dance at school. Gabrielle is happily kicking up her Irish dancing feet, and our pretty Irish Lassie marched in her first Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade. She also competed in her first Oireachtas, where her team placed 4th, and in three dances in her first Irish Feis where she earned two firsts and a second place. Gabrielle’s got game as she plays basketball as well. Now in her seventh year, Gabrielle is completing her last season of Awana Kids Club where she studies God’s Word. Gabrielle is an excellent steward over the gifts God has given her. She loves her friends and has a heart for orphans and those who need to hear the Gospel. Gabrielle loves little children, and she is humbly honored to serve the Lord leading children in worship on Sundays in Children’s Ministry. We love and admire our lovely young lady. “You have set your heart on seeking God.” 2 Chr. 19:3

“All this comes from the Lord Almighty,

wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom.” Isaiah 28:29

We wish you and yours the Merriest Christmas

and the most blessed New Year.

May the grace and peace of our Savior be with you.

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!

I Am A Meteorologist-Wanna-Be!

2011-12-02T18:45:00.004-05:00

"He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth;

He sends lightning with the rain

and brings out the wind from His storehouses."

Psalm 135:7

"Oh my stars!!! I am on the Action News AccuWeather set!!!!"

11/25/11

Since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated by weather. I loved sitting on my front porch and watching the rain. In the peacefulness of the raindrops, I would wonder about our Creator.

Clouds amazed me. Once when I was doing a science project on different types of cloud formations, my dad took me up in his small airplane and we took beautiful pictures of the clouds from above and below them. I still have that project. I loved it.

Meteorology was the only science class I really enjoyed...and excelled in. Science and I don't have a good relationship in general, but meteorology came naturally to me. I remember even explaining something to my meteorology teacher once that he didn't understand. This is notable...I am not science savvy!

The 7-Day forecast is my favorite part of the nightly local news broadcast. When I fold laundry or am working around the house, if I don't have the worship channel on, I have The Weather Channel on. Weather excites and interests me. I know, kind of nerdy, huh? I am completely content being a weather geek!

Last week at this time, I had a dream come true!!! A weather-and-news-combined dream come true!!! My dear girlfriend Heather arranged for me and her to visit the Action News studios (Channel 6 here in Philly)!!!!! I totally heart Action News and am a loyal viewer. I feel like they are my family! (I know, there's my nerdy side again!) I was over the moon with excitement!

Heather prayerfully planned this special date for us, and...Wow!! Such fun!!!! Heather's uncle has worked at Action News for decades, and he happily welcomed us and gave us a great tour! We even got to sit in on a live news broadcast!!!!

This is all still sinking in, honestly. But I wanted to share some pictures of one of the funnest nights of my life!

Heather and Me at the news desk!!!

Heather's Uncle Herb ~ We love you Uncle Herb!

The one and only news anchor Jim Gardner, me and Jeff Skversky (sports).

They were so kind and graciously chatted with us and posed for pictures.

Adam Joseph -- METEOROLOGIST!!!!!!!

(Maybe he will hire me as his assistant!!!)

What do you think???

There's that news van again!!

I am still giddy over this amazing evening with my girlfriend Heather...a week ago at this time!!! I am so thankful to the Lord for this unique and oh-so-memorable blessing! I am humbled by His goodness, Heather's thoughtfulness and kindness and Uncle Herb's gracious willingness!! Thank you!

I couldn't let another day pass without sharing this on Joy In The Truth. My posts have been less frequent than I would like lately, but I just had to record this huge slice of happiness and gratitude here.

Thank you, Heather!!! I am forever grateful and humbled. Oh, and when can we go back???? Big smile.

"It is pleasant to see dreams come true..."

Proverbs 13:19

Making This My Prayer

2011-11-04T05:51:00.000-04:00

I will bow down toward Your holy temple and will praise Your name for Your love and Your faithfulness, for You have exalted above all things Your name and Your word.

Psalm 138:2

Deliver me, oh Jesus,

From the desire of being loved

From the desire of being extolled

From the desire of being honored

From the desire of being praised

From the desire of being preferred

From the desire of being consulted

From the desire of being approved

From the desire of being popular

From the fear of being humiliated

From the fear of being despised

From the fear of suffering rebukes

From the fear of being calumniated (maligned)

From the fear of being forgotten

From the fear of being ridiculed

From the fear of being suspected

~ Mother Teresa

I Told The EMTs How Much I Weigh! Really!

2011-10-21T06:00:00.009-04:00

The tongue of the wise promotes health.

Proverbs 12:18

This is continued from "My Young Man Of Courage" from 10/19/11...

The ambulance arrived just a few minutes before Jim. Joshua and Gabrielle ran out front to be sure they knew which house was ours. They held the door open for the EMTs. One EMT headed straight up the stairs for me, while Joshua assisted the other EMT as he was bringing the stretcher into our foyer.

Barely able to move, I looked up to the EMT ( his name badge introduced me to him ~ Tom) slowly and said, "Am I having a stroke?". He indicated that was the first thing he was going to assess. He quickly concluded that I was most likely not suffering from a stroke.

The second EMT (Zachary) came up to assist, and soon after Jim bolted through our door and up the stairs to me. He stayed back to give the EMTs room, but the tears in his eyes and the concern on his face reached my heart intangibly with his love. I was thankful.

They were making immediate assessments and focusing on the pain that had jolted through my head and my vital signs. They recommended that I go to the hospital via ambulance for a thorough evaluation and tests. Jim and I both knew that was necessary.

I was still laying in the threshold of Joshua's bedroom. Once stabilizing me and feeling secure enough to transport me, they asked me if I could move to get in a special medical chair they had brought near to my side. Crawling to the chair, still clinging to carpet fibers, I made my way into the medical transport chair. Suddenly they strapped me in from head to toe and told me they were going to carry me down our stairs.

Feeling like a completely constrained and helpless mummy, I insisted that they were NOT carrying me down any stairs in that chair! I couldn't move my arms or legs or anything in between!

Ma'am, we have to carry you safely down the stairs, and this chair allows us to do that. EMT Tom was not convincing me at all!

EMT Zachary then tried to persuade me. We carry people down the stairs all the time in these chairs.

Well, they were NOT going to carry me. I couldn't move and was starting to feel anxious. I tried to win them over with reason.  Please just let me get down the stairs on my bumper. I will not do well in this chair, trust me. You can poke me with needles, take blood, or stick me with an IV, but if you try to take me down the stairs strapped in this chair, I will not be a good patient. Just get me out of this chair and let me go down the stairs on my bumper, and everything will be fine. Now please unstrap me and let's get me down to the stretcher. ((I was just trying to live out Proverbs 12:18 and use my tongue to promote health...my health and the health of all those around me!)

My rationale was not working. They explained the dangers of not having me strapped in the chair in my diminished physical state. They insisted that I had to be in the chair.

Wrong-o!

Sorry EMT Tom and EMT Zachary, you can't say I didn't warn you that I would not be a good, cooperative patient if I wasn't released me from that chair!! I had to go both barrels at them to get them to see things my way.

Please unstrap me right now or I am going to lose it. I am already on the verge of fainting and now these straps are making me anxious. You will not carry me down the stairs in this chair!

Then, the moment of pure, uncensored truth...

"And besides, I weigh ___ pounds!"

(To protect the innocent and for the sake of a free-flowing story here, let's just insert the number "130" there for fun.)

I TOLD EMT TOM AND EMT ZACHARY HOW MUCH I WEIGH!  THE REAL NUMBER! Now, you know that I was NOT in the right frame of mind to do that!! Clearly, the stress of being strapped in that chair was getting to me!! Not even Jim knew the REAL NUMBER!!!

EMT Tom chuckled and said to me, "Sharon, I have carried people three times your weight down stairs and they were perfectly safe. And guess what...I'll tell you how much I weigh, too. I weigh 335 pounds."

335 pounds! Nut-uh! No you don't, I insisted. He assured me he was telling the truth. Here I was telling this towering EMT that I didn't believe he weighed 335 pounds. Smart man, he never commented on my number!

I appreciated that EMT Tom and I were taking our surface relationship deeper, you know...revealing our true weights to each other and all, but really...this was no time for trying to convince me of anything! I was NOT going down those stairs strapped in a chair and carried!

Let's just say that, after my husband confirmed for the EMTs that the "sit-u-a-tion" might escalate if they did not allow me to get down the stairs in a way that made me feel more physically secure. Going down on my bumper kept me from falling, so it was perfectly safe. Releasing me from the chair, Jim, Tom and Zachary very carefully ushered me down the stairs.

After securing me in the stretcher, Tom and Zachary wheeled me out to the ambulance. My first time in an ambulance, the cold, metal interiors did not feel very welcoming. The EMTs did further assessment and again strongly recommended I go to the emergency room. Jim and I agreed it was the best thing.

Sobbing and kissing their noggins, I told Joshua and Gabrielle I would be fine. This was so hard for them to see their mommy being driven away in an ambulance. Joshua kissed my cheek and squeezed my hand. Gabrielle kissed my forehead and then the tops of my feet as she left the ambulance.  Waving and blowing kisses, the ambulance door was then closed.

Wanting to fore go any drama, I asked the guys to please NOT put on the red flashing lights or the sirens. I didn't want the pomp to further alarm our children or cause concern for the neighbors.

Jim followed the ambulance in his car, while my sister stayed at home with the kids. On the way to the hospital, I told EMT Tom and EMT Zachary, Ya know...Not even my husband knew my real weight until tonight! See what pressure in the middle of a crisis will do to a woman! They both laughed.

After escorting me to "Triage 12" in the emergency room, EMT Tom and EMT Zachary kindly said their good-byes to me and Jim. We exchanged pleasantries and they were on their way. A few minutes later, their heads popped around the curtain to my room...they came back to say one more thing. We just wanted to come back and tell you again that your children did an exceptional job with the 9-1-1 call and helping us. They even ran out to the curb to greet us! More tears of thankfulness and laughter rolled down my checks.

I feel a certain closeness to these EMTs, now that I told them how much I weigh and all. It brings down walls and helps create close relationships. [Laugh out loud!] Jim, me and the kids are going to go by the the rescue squad's building soon and bring Tom and Zachary each a devotional book and some treats. We want to thank them for their care and kindness. And for their wisdom in getting me out of that chair and letting me go down the stairs on my bumper!

CAT scan results of my brain showed everything is NORMAL (though some may question that!). Thank God - my brain was healthy with no bleeding or masses. My heart is strong and my blood work is fine. I go to see an ENT for a thorough evaluation of my inner ear next week. The doctors believe I had a very violent bout of vertigo (I was completely debilitated for 3 days) that may have been caused by a virus. I am very thankful to the Lord that the tests results from the hospital were excellent. Thank you, Lord!

While I would not have chosen to have gone through this scary and unknown incident, I am SO thankful to the Lord that I witnessed God's perfect provision and faithfulness and my children's courage in the midst of a crisis. I am thankful for my wonderful husband who worked from home that Friday to take care of me. I am thankful for family and friends who quietly and lovingly prayed, dropped off a meal, sent a card or helped with our children. I am hushed and humbled by His love.

And yes, I told the EMTs how much I weighed...the real number!

My Young Man of Courage

2011-10-19T05:20:00.006-04:00

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith;

be men of courage; be strong.

Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Continued from "Jesus, Please Help My Mommy" published 10/17/11...

Joshua bravely called 9-1-1 and was remarkably articulate, sensible and calm, though inside he was shaken as his mommy lay on the floor clinging to carpet fibers. "My name is Joshua Sloan, I am 11 years old. Something is wrong with my mom. We need an ambulance right away." He gave the 9-1-1 representative our address and phone number. After answering a few questions and being given instructions, he hung up assured that the ambulance would arrive very soon.

Joshua asked Gabrielle to put our dog, Holly, in her crate and open the front door, just at the 9-1-1 representative instructed. Pausing momentarily from her prayer vigil next to me, she ran downstairs and did what Joshua asked her to do. They worked and moved instinctively together in the midst of crisis. Pure sibling teamwork driven by love and selflessness.

Joshua's leadership and courage gave me great peace. God was giving him the strength and clarity to lovingly take command in this frightening situation.

Covering me tenderly with two blankets from his bed, Joshua sat down next to me and held my hand. With tears he said, "I love you, Mom. You're the best mom. You are going to be OK, right?" His eyes begged me to reassure him.

Looking firmly back into Joshua's eyes, and praying in my heart to God, I comforted his heart and said I thought I was going to be fine. But truthfully not knowing at that point if I would be OK because of the flash of horrific pain that went through my head and the vertigo that was thrashing my still body, I said to both of the children, "Just walk with Jesus. Walk in His truth. Just walk with Jesus. That's all I want you to do in your lives. Whatever happens, follow Jesus. He is faithful."

Their promises to me in those moments of unsureness are stitched in my heart forever. "We will, Mommy. We will walk with Jesus."

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the Truth. 3 John 1:4

"Jesus, please help my Mommy. Jesus, please help my Mommy." My sweet lil' prayer warrior, Gabrielle, continued going boldly to the throne of grace on my behalf.

Feeling as though all hydration had suddenly evaporated from my body, I asked Joshua for a glass of water as we waited for the ambulance to arrive. "Mommy, I know I am supposed to obey you, and I want to. But the 9-1-1 person told me not to give you anything to eat or drink, so right now I am going to obey them."

More thankful tears swelled from my eyes. He was doing the right thing...because of love. Sometimes love says "no". Joshua's love for me manifested in his tender care for me overwhelmed me with gratitude in the midst of the unknown. God created this child, and I felt perfectly safe knowing that he would do whatever needed to be done to help me. No mother wishes their children to be in the reversed role of caring for them, even for a short time. But God gave me a wonderful blessing that night that will warmly linger in my heart forever: Joshua's courage and Gabrielle's prayers were His tangible everlasting arms embracing me securely for those moments of startling fear.

I know for sure that God ushered help safely to me that evening through Gabrielle's bold and brave prayers and by Joshua's courageous and careful responses. Though what I experienced that night was awful, the blessing of seeing Joshua bravely take charge and hearing Gabrielle cover me in prayer was the beautiful silver lining to a temporary and threatening dark cloud. They each tenderly cared for me in their God-given ways. Just as they live out their faith in God differently as individuals daily, it was amazing to see my children working together fluidly as members of His body just as He created them.

Click here for part 3 of this testimony called "I Told The EMTs How Much I Weigh!"...

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;

wisdom and power are His.

He changes times and seasons;

He sets up kings and deposes them.

He gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to the discerning.

He reveals deep and hidden things;

He knows what lies in darkness,

and light dwells with Him.

I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:

You have given me wisdom and power..."

Daniel 2:20-23

"Jesus, Please Help My Mommy!"

2011-10-17T05:50:00.006-04:00

"And your daughters shall be...at your side.

Then you shall see and become radiant,
And your heart shall swell with joy..."

Isaiah 60:4, 5

"Jesus, please help my Mommy. Jesus, please help my Mommy." With her head in her hands, sobbing and scared, she stood near me and cried out to the Lord over and over and over, "Jesus, please help my Mommy." Our sweet Gabrielle was calling out to Jesus on my behalf. Though frightened to pieces, she knew on Whose Name to call for help. I sobbed tears of thanks that mixed with tears of shear fear.

I had been putting the children to bed and, having already prayed with Gabrielle, was now praying with Joshua bedside before he dozed off to sleep. A fierce, unusual and alarming pain jolted through my head. Taking my breath away, I slowly and quietly stoop up to try to get to my own bedroom. Falling to the floor full force, everything was spinning around me and I could not move. Nauseous, sweating, near faintness and breathless, my body was struggling. Knowing that Jim was only five minutes away from home, I screamed to the children, "Call daddy! Call daddy!"

Joshua ran to phone and dialed Jim's number. Jim told Joshua to immediately call 9-1-1.

Gabrielle ran from her room and stood near me, "Are you OK, Mommy?" I answered honestly, "I don't know, Gabrielle. We need to get help." Feeling like I was passing out, I silently begged to the Lord. Lord, please keep me alert until help arrives. Please do not let me pass out with only the children here. I don't want them to be scared. Lord, keep me strong. Lord, help me and heal me. Lord, give my children Your peace and Your strength and Your courage.

Gabrielle started to pray outloud. Jesus, please help my Mommy. Jesus, please help my Mommy.

Though rendering my body motionless, the violent vertigo was causing my head to spin and everything around me to swirl like a tornado. The exruciating pain in my head subsided almost immediately, but it quietly caused me great alarm as I had never experienced anything like that jolt. Even in child labor, I had not felt any pain like it.

Jesus, please help my Mommy. Jesus, please help my Mommy. Gabrielle's urgent, steadfast prayers to the Lord continued.

I laid on the floor to the threshold of Joshua's bedroom asking the Lord for His mercy and help. Gabrielle was at my side. Joshua had bravely and obediently called his daddy and then 9-1-1, and Gabrielle was calling on her Heavenly Daddy.

Jesus, please help my Mommy. My sweet young prayer warrior continued going boldly to the throne of grace on my behalf.

Click here for Part Two of this testimony....

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and He brought them out of their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm,
and He guided them to their desired haven.

Psalm 107:28-30

Glad Tidings ~ And Two Winners!

2011-10-14T05:44:00.001-04:00

“I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God,

and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings."

Luke 1:19

I love God's faithfulness to fill us when we open His Word!!! While we are beginning to plan ahead for Christmas this week as we celebrate the release of Untangling Christmas by Karen Ehman and LeAnn Rice, guess where I just happened to be yesterday in my One-Year Daily Chronological Bible? I am just beginning the New Testament and read Luke 1 and 2 ~ the account of the birth of John the Baptist and JESUS! I love that!

I won't make you read a long post to find out who the winners are from Tuesday's Untangling Christmas ebook Release Celebration post.

On Monday 10/17, over at His Table For Two, TWO MORE UNTANGLING CHRISTMAS ebooks will be given away! Be sure to stop by if you didn't win today!

Trusting God's perfect provision, I had the Random Integer Generator choose the winners for me. Here are the results:

Here are your random numbers:

4
15

#4 is "ansley" who posted at 10:19 AM on 10/11/11 (Kindle edition)
#15 is "Meaghan" who posted on 12:1 PM on 10/11/11 (PDF edition)

CONGRATULATIONS girls! Please let me know your contact information so we can get your ebooks to you! (You can email me at histablefortwo@live.com.)

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15

"Untangling Christmas" ~ So Long Yuletide Yikes!! (Give-Away!)

2011-10-11T07:15:00.000-04:00

"But Mary treasured up all these things

and pondered them in her heart."
Luke 2:19

Do you long for the lingering moments of sipping on hot cocoa, gazing at the twinkling lights on your tree and pondering the Wondrous Gift of Christmas throughout December? The Babe lying in the manger, our Savior, our Redeemer, our King ~ O Come Let Us Adore Him.

Two sweet sisters in Jesus, LeAnn and Karen, have authored an ebook titled "Untangling Christmas ~ Your Go-To Guide for a Hassle-Free Holiday". Karen and LeAnn asked me to review the ebook before publication and offer my endorsement. I was thrilled to do that...and I got a little bit of a jump start in pre-preparing for the Christmas season while reading the book!!! Untangling Christmas is filled with simple, inexpensive and smart ideas for Christ-centered, meaningful and enjoyable Christmas celebrations.

Karen and LeAnn put the "O Come Let Us Adore Him" first before the "Holly Jolly Christmas". And yet you can still go "Rocking Around The Christmas Tree" if you'd like!

From delicious recipes to gift wrapping suggestions, this ebook serves us a banquet of savory solutions to make the season of celebrating our Savior’s birth satisfying and significant.

I am giving away TWO copies of the Untangling Christmas ebook!

Just leave a comment and let me know:

1. If you win, if you would like the PDF, Kindle or Nook version; and

2. Your favorite Christmas Carol.

The winners will be announced on Friday,
so comments are welcome until then!!
(Oh, and I have already started my Christmas binder!!)

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men

on whom His favor rests.”

Luke 2:14

Gabrielle and Joshua

Christmas 2006

A Heart More Beautiful

2011-10-10T07:01:00.003-04:00

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”

Psalm 51:17 (NIV)

My heart broken before the Lord, a simple yet meaningful paper heart made by my daughter ministered His perfect love and truth to me.

Click here to read more...

Untied, But Not Undone

2011-10-03T05:30:00.010-04:00

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:1-2

"Mom, what should I do if I mess up? What should I do if I misstep?" Gabrielle was feeling the jitters of dancing in her very first Irish Feis (dance competition) this past Saturday. She had practiced and prepared, yet she was asking me about the "what ifs" of the feis. I answered her, "Honey, if you mess up your steps, just keeping looking up at the judge, keep smiling and keep on dancing." I knew as I said these words, they were more about a life lesson than an Irish dance competition. And it wasn't a matter of if, it was a surety of when.

We misstep. We mess up. We all do. And while there is comfort in us all being on the same dance floor of life, none of us want to mess up or misstep.

Before leaving home, Gabrielle asked me to tie her competition shoes. I did so with care, and I double knotted them, just to be sure. We prayed together as I drove Gabrielle to the feis. She was feeling excited and nervous all at the same time as we arrived. Telling her that was normal, we held hands tightly as she bravely walked into the feis venue. Animated Irish music and the buzz of excitement filled the air. She squeezed my hand and smiled.

Gabrielle works hard at those things to which she commits. Whether it is a friendship, a God-given talent, a Bible memorization kids club or an academic goal, she works diligently. So,when her shoe came untied in the middle of her third (and last) dance for the feis competition, she looked at me from the stage with wide eyes holding back tears, and I mouthed to her "Just keep dancing, Honey. Keep your eyes on the judge. Keep smiling."

And she did. Ice arms and fire feet...she kept on Irish dancing and fixed her eyes on the judge. Her long untied laces seemingly whipping her legs, she kept on kicking up her Irish feet. Gabrielle's composure moved my heart. She was dancing, keeping her eyes on the judge and smiling.

I had been the one to tie her shoes...I double-knotted them. But they came untied. Yet she did not come undone. Digging deep into God's treasure of truth, the life lesson was playing out on stage before a crowd of witnesses. And she kept on dancing...keeping her eyes on our true Judge, our Heavenly Father, looking to Him for strength, courage and joy. She was looking unto Jesus while dancing with her untied shoes. And she did not come undone...because His power is made perfect in our weakness. "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthian 12:9

The grace and understanding of the judge exemplified for Gabrielle the grace and compassion of our Lord. She kept her eyes on him and had joy in her heart as she kept on dancing. After some seemingly long moments for this Irish momma, he quietly and gently signaled for the Irish musician to stop playing so Gabrielle could re-tie her shoes and start her dance over again.

Grace and compassion to start again. Thank you, Lord, for this life lesson lived out for Gabrielle before an audience and with a wise and gracious of judge. You, God, are amazing. Gabrielle had not misstepped, even with the untied shoe lace dancing around in a dance all its own. Yet the judge knew it was distracting her and also possibly dangerous to her. So, he paused the music so she could begin again. Wisdom. Gentleness. Grace.

As Jim, me, Joshua, Nan Nan, Uncle PJ, Aunt Anne and many others looked on, Gabrielle started again. Composed and joyful, she smiled and completed her dance with enthusiasm, grace and gratitude. I could hardly wait to hug her; not because she had danced well, but because she kept on dancing, she smiled and she kept her eyes on the judge.

Gabrielle was so thankful and excited to receive 2nd place out of 23 dancers for the dance in which her shoe became untied, and she received 1st place in her other two dances. We are so proud of her, and we give God the glory and thanks.

Yet, our proudest moment of Gabrielle wasn't the awards she won or the places she earned. Our proudest moment of Gabrielle in her first Irish feis was when she kept on dancing with a distracting and menacing untied shoe. Our proudest moment of Gabrielle was the life lesson of truth she lived out on stage while many watched. "...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him..."

Our sweet Irish Lassie kept her eyes on the One that mattered most and she kept on dancing.

Untied, but not undone. Thank you, Jesus. We give You praise!

"My eyes are ever on the LORD,

for only He will release my feet from the snare."

Psalm 25:15

Great Treasure

2011-09-27T05:55:00.015-04:00

I just finished reading Psalm 119 in the daily chronological one-year Bible. My favorite of all Psalms, 119 is said to be a devotional on the excellencies of the Word of God. This is just a taste.

"But my heart stands in awe of Your word.

I rejoice at Your word

As one who finds great treasure.

I hate and abhor lying,

But I love Your law.

Great peace have those who love Your law,

And nothing causes them to stumble.

LORD, I hope for Your salvation,

And I do Your commandments.

My soul keeps Your testimonies,

And I love them exceedingly.

I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,

For all my ways are before You.

Let my cry come before You, O LORD;

Give me understanding according to Your word.

Let my supplication come before You;

Deliver me according to Your word.

My lips shall utter praise,

For You teach me Your statutes.

My tongue shall speak of Your word,

For all Your commandments are righteousness.

Let Your hand become my help,

For I have chosen Your precepts.

I long for Your salvation, O LORD,

And Your law is my delight.

Let my soul live, and it shall praise You;

And let Your judgments help me.

I have gone astray like a lost sheep;

Seek Your servant,

For I do not forget Your commandments."

Psalm 119:161-176

Lord, I have made this a prayer to you for my family. May we always stand in awe of Your word, a great treasure. May our hearts be filled with Your peace and surety as we love and regard Your testimonies. And may our tongues speak of Your word. Seek Your servants, Lord. Let us not out of Your faithful hands.

Assemble & Resemble, Hang Out & Sprout

2011-09-23T05:27:00.000-04:00

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together...but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

The "assembling of ourselves together"....gathering and growing in Him.

Today, I invite you to visit His Table For Two to make a reservation for an opportunity to receive a "Made to Crave Bible Study Bundle" by Lysa TerKeurst.

"You shall be filled at My table..."

Ezekiel 39:20

See you there!

Rookie Mom

2011-09-21T12:30:00.002-04:00

"Take your positions with helmets on!"

Jeremiah 46:4

My sweet and fun girlfriend, Lynne, has lovingly nicknamed me "Rookie Mom" as this is Joshua's first year playing football for our school's team. Lynne herself is quite the lovely polished professional as a football mom. With one son now playing college football and her other son playing on the middle school team with my rookie-season son, she is savory and smart when it comes to football! (She is also married to a former professional football player.)

It seems appropriate to me that Lynne is graciously showing me the ropes as a football mom. Lynne, though only a few years ahead of me in age, is way ahead of me in motherhood. My oldest is in sixth grade. Her oldest is a sophomore in college. Though she may not realize it, she is a godly mentor to me. I have watched her as she looks over the affairs of her household with gentle love, fierce conviction and unwavering dedication.

We have prayed for each other's children and we have shared our hearts as moms. (Lynne even taught me the proper way to choose a ripe watermelon ~ you knock on it to see if it sounds hollow!!) Now, as we laugh and cheer together on the sidelines of the football field, I am humbled that God would bring such a wise friend alongside of me. Rookie Mom here humbly receives loving instruction!

God truly has given me the best friends. Friends that cheer each other along in motherhood. Friends who will defend each other in truth. Friends who are our offensive line in prayer. Friends who are our "safety". Friends who run together as we head toward the goal.

I sat last night on my kitchen floor in a pool of tears feeling like such a rookie mom. My miscues and my penalties hurt my team ~ my husband and my children. I don't like that. It pains me. But as my head drooped heavily into my weak hands, the Lifter of My Head whispered to my heart, "I am your strength, Rookie Mom. Trust My perfect game plan."

I pray I always have the humility of a rookie mom, completely aware of my need for Him, His wisdom and His truth. Looking to those wives and moms who are ahead of me in the game or who are running alongside me, I am grateful to God for the godly friendships He has given me.

I am thankful for my girlfriends, like Lynne, who love me, who pray for me and my family and who are willing to run alongside me with His truth. Girlfriends who know I am a rookie mom and love me anyway. God, you are good.

Game on! Let's play!

"So we make it our goal to please Him..."

2 Corinthians 5:9

Treasure Verse Tuesday ~ Truth and...

2011-09-20T06:28:00.000-04:00

Dear Lord, take these verses You've been washing over my heart so beautifully and let them be my prayer to You. I need your cleansing, Lord. My heart needs an exfoliation! I want to receive Your truth well and with humility and allow You to reshape my heart wherever You see fit. And Lord, I want my heart, my words and my life to reflect and honor You. Only by Your grace can this be so. Allow my words to be the palpable, vibrant blend of love and truth, mercy and truth, peace and truth, grace and truth.

"Mercy and truth have met together;

Righteousness and peace have kissed."

Psalm 85:10

"...words of peace and truth."

Esther 9:30

"Mercy and truth be with you."

2 Samuel 15:20

"...speaking the truth in love...causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."

Ephesians 4:15

"...grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."

John 1:17

His Invitation to Dine

2011-09-15T05:43:00.001-04:00

"As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven...he who eats this bread will live forever.” John 6:57-58

Good Morning! I wanted to invite you to visit my new site ~ "His Table For Two". In addition to seeing you here at Joy In The Truth, I'd love you visit His Table For Two as well. I hope to see you there!

Willows By The Watercourses

2011-09-07T07:37:00.004-04:00

For I will pour water on him who is thirsty,

and floods on the dry ground;

I will pour My Spirit on your descendants,

and My blessing on your offspring;

they will spring up among the grass

like willows by the watercourses.

Isaiah 44:3-4

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in Him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

Willows by the watercourses and trees planted by streams of water are on my heart and mind today...the first day of school for the 2011/2012 school year. Joshua is sprinting into 6th grade (gulp) and Gabrielle is skipping into 4th grade. My heart beats with so many prayers, dreams and emotions today. And so I am laying them all at His feet.

Like Christian parents everywhere, what Jim and I desire most for our children is that they walk in His truth, abide in His Word and know that He is their portion, their satisfaction and their dwelling place. We want them to embrace and enjoy eternal life now. "This is eternal life:  that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:3

So I offer this prayer now and each day for our children...that they would be like willows by the watercourses.  Recording it here at Joy In The Truth, journaling my heart's cry to God, I trust Him to hear and answer.

Father God, pour Your living water on Joshua and Gabrielle. Pour Your Spirit out on them and on their descendants. Pour out Your abundant blessing on our offspring. By Your grace and power, let them spring up among the grass like willow by the watercourses. All for Your glory and delight, God.

Let their trust and confidence be in You alone, God. Cause them to be trees planted by the Living Water, beautifully sending out their roots by your streams of life.  By Your strength and sustenance, flourish their leaves to always be green, even when the heat comes. Because the heat will come. Be their shade, their cover and their strong tower, Lord.   In the dry seasons of life, continually bear vibrant fruit in their lives, Lord...for Your renown.

Let their roots reach toward the Water for life and vital nourishment.  Make their hearts wise by reverencing You , Your Word and Your Truth. Let their lips only speak right things that honor You. May they honor you with their hearts, minds, bodies and lives.

Let them be like willows by the watercourses. Thank you, Lord. We love you. We reverence You and depend on You. In the magnificent name of Jesus, Amen.

"My roots will reach to the water..."

Job 29:19

"My son, if your heart is wise,
My heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself;
Yes, my inmost being will rejoice
When your lips speak right things."
Proverbs 23:15-16

Our "Willows" This Morning

"One will say, ‘I am the LORD’s’...
Another will write with his hand, ‘The LORD’s..."
Isaiah 44:5

Treasure Verse Tuesday ~ His Words, Our Treasure

2011-09-06T07:17:00.002-04:00

I have written this passage in my Family Prayer Journal.

"But He knows the way that I take;
When He has tested me,

I shall come forth as gold.

My foot has held fast to His steps;
I have kept His way and not turned aside.

I have not departed from the commandment of His lips;
I have treasured the words of His mouth
More than my daily bread.

Job 23:10-12

Treasure Verse Tuesday ~ Redeemed and Ransomed

2011-08-30T06:37:00.003-04:00

Thankful to be the redeemed who can cross over

and the ransomed with everlasting joy!

"Are You not the One who dried up the sea,
The waters of the great deep;
That made the depths of the sea a road
For the redeemed to cross over?
So the ransomed of the LORD shall return,
And come to Zion with singing,
With everlasting joy on their heads.
They shall obtain joy and gladness;
Sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
Isaiah 51:10-11

Well-Trimmed Hair and A Prayer

2011-08-24T09:00:00.007-04:00

“They shall neither shave their heads,

nor let their hair grow long,

but they shall keep their hair well trimmed."
Ezekiel 44:20

My girlfriend, Lori, recently said, "There really is a scripture for everything!" So true! We teach our children that, as they open God's Word each day, He will always give them His satisfying portion. As we seek Him, He will give us the perfect, fulfilling truths our hearts need. They have seen this happen so many times already and it makes our parental hearts jump for joy! Joy in the Truth.

Last week, God amusingly gave me the perfect scripture to share with Joshua. For the last two summers, we have permitted Joshua to "grow his hair long" and be hair-cut-free for the entire summer. Then, just before the new school year begins, we take him for a hair cut.

My plan for this summer was to take Joshua for his hair cut on the day of our school's Open House for "Meet The Teacher Night", which is the end of next week. But his hair had really gotten long in the front and he could barely see. With football practice starting this week, I wanted to take him for his hair cut earlier than originally planned. Knowing this would be a disappointment for him and that my revised plan might meet with some resistance, I chatted with God one morning and asked Him to give Joshua an understanding and cooperative heart. Either way, the hair was getting cut. A cooperative heart would yield a peaceful day.

In my journey through the entire Bible in one year, that morning's reading included several chapters from Ezekiel, and I laughed when I read Ezekiel 44:20 ~ “They shall neither shave their heads, nor let their hair grow long, but they shall keep their hair well trimmed." God has a great sense of humor! Thank you, God! This was the perfect scripture to back up my parental earlier-than-expected hair cut for Joshua decision!

When he came downstairs, I excitedly shared the well-trimmed scripture with him with a big smile on my face and an intentional hint of light-hearted banter in my tone. He looked at me in amazement. "Moooooommmmmm, come on!" He couldn't hold back the grin acknowledging the uncanny timeliness and appropriateness of the scripture. His heart steadily warmed up to the revised plan.

So yesterday, ten days earlier than originally planned, I took him to get well-trimmed. He was not thrilled at first as the woman cut it shorter than we both requested. His handsome blond hair was a little more "well-trimmed" than we both wanted, but he was consoled knowing that his hair will grow. And, in light of the big stuff of life, this is easy.

Lori is right ~ there really is a scripture for everything...even hair cuts! Lori is a wise, wonderful woman. Friends, I am asking for prayer for my girlfriend, Lori. For almost five years now, she has been battling cancer. She is brave, and her unwavering faith in God just humbles my soul. She never complains, and she always views her battle in light of eternity. She is having a significant surgery tomorrow, for which she has waited over a year. Would you please pray for her? May God's perfect provision, faithfulness, love and truth minister deeply to her heart and body. May His healing touch bring her to complete health. Thank you. Lori ~ I love you! Jim, the kids and I will be praying and can't wait to deliver your Tab to you soon!

@ ~ Quiet Satisfaction of His Fulfilled Purpose

2011-08-19T09:50:00.009-04:00

"The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me..."

Psalm 138:8

Sending an email from my Droid the other day, the joyful reality struck my heart. The @ symbol is fulfilling its purpose. Once a rarely-needed character on the keyboard, "@" has become the most useful symbol on keypads everywhere. For years, we would search the keyboard looking for the obscure symbol, only to find it humbly sitting on top of the numeral 2. Quietly and patiently, @ sat for decades. Did @ know what plans were in store for it?

To be loved, needed, cared for and know we have purpose is, I believe, the common cry of every human heart. And all of those desires are satisfied in the person of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, our Savior, our Grace and Truth.

God does have His purpose and plans for us, and that is clear throughout scripture. A heart led by the Spirit is a life with eternal purpose.

"But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,

the purposes of His heart through all generations."

Psalm 33:11

"I cry out to God Most High, to God,

who fulfills His purpose for me." Psalm 57:2

The @ reminded me of His truth and His promises. The @ symbol on my Droid cell phone has its very own key now. The @ enjoys a place to call its own given by its maker...to serve and be useful. I don't even have to press shift or alt first to use @. It has been given a place for its unique purpose. The @ is needed and useful.

Our Maker has purpose for each of us. He has gifted us each uniquely and purposefully. He desires to use us for His glory and to bear fruit for His kingdom. As we humbly abide in Him daily, keeping Him on the throne of our hearts whether we are sitting atop the 2 or have our very own keypad not requiring the use of alt or shift, He will fulfill His purpose for us.

The silly little @ spoke volumes of His love to my heart. On days when I am feeling unuseful, overlooked, shunned, unneeded and without purpose, I will remember the @. I will think of His truths in scripture about His plans and His purposes for each of us. The @ wasn't looking for prominence or glory, rather simply to be utilized by its maker and know that it had purpose when it was made. We desire the same thing, to be used as a vessel of honor by our Maker for His glory and His purposes.

The Lord will fulfill His purposes for us. And no purpose of His can be thwarted.

Thank you @ for speaking His truth to my heart!

"I know that You can do everything,

and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted."

Job 42:2

"The LORD has done what He purposed;

He has fulfilled His word

which He commanded in days of old."

Lamentations 2:17

Do a word search on "purpose" www.blueletterbible.com or www.biblegateway.com and see His beautiful plans and purposes for us.

Sibling Squabbling

2011-08-15T07:00:00.009-04:00

"Yet I will show love...I will save them—

not by bow, sword or battle...

but by the LORD their God.”

Hosea 1:7

(Camp of The Woods - 2009 Carnival)

Wanting to soak in all the joys of summer, in the spring I prayed for long, slow summer days. Indeed, we have enjoyed the summer's blessings of family, friends, vacation, lazy days and toes splashed in waters of pools, lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. As July's final curtain call took center stage, I covered my eyes to the turning pages of the calendar showing August on the horizon. Surely the arrival of August means September is fast on her heals. September ushers in the end of summer break. And I don't want summer to end.

But the siblings are starting to pick at each other a bit now. Literally, a poke here and a poke there. A poke. A scream. A becoming-frazzled mom. A summer break starting to set like the evening sun while a new school year dares to peak over the horizon.

Truth be told, the cherubs have done very well together all summer. Jim and I delighted in how they have been lovingly playing together, enjoying each other's friends, serving the Lord in new ways together, building puzzles together, learning new things together, doing morning devotions and cheering one another on during their special summer activities.

But, like an expectant mom rubbing her over-stretched belly during the ninth month of pregnancy, the increased sibling squabbling is signaling to me that it is almost time. Time for summer break to come to a close and the new school year to begin soon. I don't need the calendar to tell me that. For the first time the other day, during a sibling squabble, I had the thought: "It must be the middle of August...the siblings are squabbling...again!!"

They love each other dearly and care for one another deeply. I'd like to think when they squabble with other it is because they know each other is a "safe place" for their transparency. That may be true, but I can't sugarcoat it. They squabble because they are little sinners. Cute, adorable, precious, saved-by-His-grace sinners. And when their squabbling heightens to a more frequent pace this time of year, it's a sure sign that summer break is nearing its end.

So I am writing on the chalkboards of their hearts: "Yet I will show love..." (Hosea 1:7) That is what I want to teach them and model for them as their parent. When they get on each other's nerves, "Yet I will show love". When both want their own way, "Yet I will show love". When crankiness oversteps gentleness, "Yet I will show love". That's what saves us from ourselves - God's love. Not bow or sword or battle -- not pokes or screams or taunts. The Lord's Love.

I am praying this momma reflects His love to them as summer closes and the birth pangs of a necessary new school year frequent themselves in our home. Yet I will show love. As we savor the sweetness of the last few weeks of summer and feel the warm afterglow of the season's memories, that's the prayer I want to quiet our hearts as a family. Yet I will show love. "Yet I will show love...I will save them—not by bow, sword or battle...but by the LORD their God.” Hosea 1:7

"Hatred stirs up dissension,

but love covers over all wrongs."
Proverbs 10:12

"Above all, love each other deeply,

because love covers over a multitude of sins."
1 Peter 4:8

Splashing By The Sea

2011-08-12T07:30:00.002-04:00

"...He gave the sea its boundary

so the waters would not overstep His command...

He marked out the foundations of the earth."

Proverbs 8:29

We are humbly blessed to be enjoying part of summer's homestretch in Ocean City, New Jersey, one of our most favorite places on earth. God's beauty and the simple pleasures of the Jersey Shore make it the quintessential summer vacation for our family. Summer's delights are fully satisfied once we have splashed our toes in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean from the beaches of Ocean City, NJ.

Boogie boarding, sand castle building, wiffle ball, relaxing on beach chairs. Kohr's soft ice cream, boardwalk rides, Johnson's caramel popcorn. Marathon Monopoly games, puzzle building, simple meals.

And quiet time. Lingering quiet time with the Lord.

The other morning as I was sitting with His Word, the sun shone brightly through the window and lit up The Lamp Unto My Feet. The morning sun warmed me as I soaked in His Word. God is so good. My heart is thankful.

Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105

The unfolding of Your words gives light;

it gives understanding to the simple.

Psalm 119:130

I pray you are enjoying these August summer days and that whatever prayerful wishes you have had for your summer have come true!

Gentle Nudges

2011-08-08T06:45:00.004-04:00

"What do you prefer?

Shall I come to you with a whip,

or in love and with a gentle spirit?"
1 Corinthians 4:21

This summer and last, Gabrielle has been blessed by her Heavenly Father and her earthly daddy to be able to participate in a week-long horseback riding camp. All week, they learn and refine their equestrian skills. The highlight of the week is the show on Friday afternoon when all the young riders demonstrate their horsemanship for family and friends.

Each afternoon when I would pick Gabrielle up from camp, she would excitedly tell me which horses she had the opportunity to guide that day. She was learning the personalities and nuances of each of the steeds and how each one responded to her signals. Something she said to me one day as we galloped home from the farm in my car will stay with me forever.

"Mommy, one of the horses I was riding today was not responding to my leading when I was using the crop (small riding whip) to get his attention. After spending more time with him, I learned that the horse responded to my gentle nudges instead of more firm commands."

Gentle nudges.

I want to respond to gentle nudges.

God's gentle nudges.

I want to spend lavish time with Him such that I hear His whispers.

"...learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls."

Matthew 11:29

Just like the horse responding in obedience to Gabrielle's gentle nudges, I desire my heart to be yielded so desperately to the Holy Spirit that I respond to God's whispers in quick and fruitful obedience. As I respond to His leading immediately when I feel His gentle nudge, I will run in the path of His commands with a freed heart, and I won't require a more firm command. "I have run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free." Psalm 119:32

"My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me." John 10:27

Oh Lord, keep my heart humble and teachable so that I can hear Your soft whispers and respond to Your gentle nudges. I pray that I don't often require more firm direction from you. May I always listen for Your tender voice and follow only You.

My young equestrian also unknowingly caused me to pause and reflect on my parenting commands. How often am I harsh when rather a gentle nudge will usher my children to obedience? Lord, by Your grace, allow my heart, my life and my mothering to reflect Your gentleness. "...we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children." 1 Thessalonians 2:7

Watching Gabrielle in Friday afternoon's show and rejoicing in all she learned that week at horseback riding camp, I couldn't help but thank the Lord for what He continues to teach me through our children. I am humbled and blessed to trot through life with them. They guide me as much as I guide them sometimes!

As He reigns in our hearts, may we respond to His gentle nudges and may we rein our children according to His truth.

" Let your gentleness be evident to all.

The Lord is near."
Phil. 4:5

"...the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is of great worth in God’s sight."
1 Peter 3:4

Simply Delighted

2011-08-06T08:30:00.012-04:00

"Blessed is the man whose...delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." Psalm 1:1-3

Earlier this year, I received criticism that, in essence, God's Word is too much a part of my life. When I heard that said, my heart literally ached. My feelings weren't hurt, and I wasn't offended. Rather my heart was deeply grieved.

You see, the underlying tone of the criticism from this sibling in Christ was that he or she mistakenly felt that I thought I had arrived spiritually or that I was "holier than thou". Oh how my heart ached that their misunderstanding and inaccurate estimation of me could be a stumbling block.

Arriving spiritually or being holier? Nothing could be further than the truth. He keeps me close to His Truth. He lovingly and graciously holds the mirror of His truth up to my face daily in His Word.

"Oh, how we need to know ourselves.

Are we alive in Christ?

There is only one instrument that creates,

detects, and confirms eternal life in the soul of man;

namely, the Word of God." ~ John Piper

"I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word."

Psalm 119:16

"Your statues are my delight; they are my counsellors."

Psalm 119:24

Yes, I delight in God's Word.

I love His Word.

I believe His Word is truth and life.

I share His Word.

I speak His Word.

I teach His Word to my children.

I am compelled by His Word.

Why?

His Word is truth and life.

His Word convicts me.

His Word breaks me. "Every time we open the Word of God, it should be for the purpose of brokenness." ~ Nancy Leigh DeMoss

His Word faithfully, and often painfully, unearths the wretchedness of my own heart so He can lovingly refine and restore me.

His Word grows me.

His Word comforts me.

His Word encourages me.

His Word changes me.

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

Have I arrived? Hardly. Yet, "The Way, The Truth and The Life" leads me on this journey with Himself, the Word made flesh.

Am I "holier than thou"? Oh please...that's laughable! (Ask my family and friends!) I am on my face, bowed down before the Holy One, aware of His perfect holiness and silenced by His mercy and grace which cover my sin. With reverence and awe for Him, I am ever mindful that I am a sinner saved by His grace.

If His Word is too much a part of my life, it is because I am aware of my great need for Him and humbled by His great love for me, for all of us. I need to be steeped in His Word. If I share His Word, it is because I know it is Truth and Life for everyone who receives it. Psalm 138:2 says, "You have exalted above all things Your Name and Your Word." I believe that if we live in reverence for His Name and His Word and exalt them above all things, our lives will be in order, we will be made holy by Him and we will arrive at our destination holding His hand.

If someone again criticizes me that God's Word is too much a part of my life, I humbly hope I am always guilty of that assessment.

I am delighted. That's all. Simply delighted.

"But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:24

Nuggets From She Speaks 2011

2011-08-01T08:10:00.003-04:00

"...that we may gain a heart of wisdom."Psalm 90:12

My three girlfriends and I chatted, laughed, cried, sang and napped our way home on a longer-than-expected 11.5 hour journey home from North Carolina two Sundays ago. Arriving back at my home just after midnight, I was greeted enthusiastically by my husband, cherubs and doggy. They had waited up to hug me, and they welcomed me with signs and decorations. I am blessed.

Like I imagine most women did, I hit the ground running upon my return from She Speaks 2011. While it seems like a luxury to stop and take the time to re-read my notes and all that God ministered to me during the conference, it also seems necessary and wise to stop my world for a few moments and retrace His workings in my heart.

Sharing these nuggets here on Joy In The Truth, I pray they speak His truth and love to your heart as well.

From Michael O'Brien (the worship leader -- former lead singer of New Song):
Never let your gifting from God overtake your calling from God. "I Do" is in the doing. God's first calling in our lives, if we are married, is "I Do".

From Susan Meissner's session:
In real life, like the writings of a good fiction book character, when someone's passion is at stake, a conflict occurs. The pursuit of the passion or letting it go is where we trust God and hold on to Him. What's important is a life of integrity and integrity in relationships. I wrote down some of my passions: God's truth, my relationship with Him, my relationships with family and friends, loyalty, fidelity, truth.

From Mary DeMuth's session:
Do not despise the way God made me. Look for the work of the Holy Spirit. Be who He made me to be. Great writing is simple writing. Discard bad advice. Don't push against wise criticism - if we are always pushing against wise criticism, something is wrong in our heart. Be faithful in the little things. Do the work.

From Jenny B. Jones' session:
Joy is used over 250 times in the Bible. Humor is good. Establish your tone. Tap into humility. Establish that it is good to laugh.

From Nicole Seitz's session:
(I want to read her fiction book "The Spirit of Sweetgrass"!)
"I am not chasing a dream -- I am on a journey with God." - NS
"Even when things don't make sense as I obey God, He may have a plan for someone else as I am faithful to Him." NS

From Lysa TerKeurst's session:
"Sometimes we have to let God chisel our hearts. Sometimes He asks us to participate as He chisels someone we love." - LT
"Be courageous enough to surrender and let God write your child's testimony." - LT

From Whitney Capps' session:
"Everything that encounters my world comes with the permission of God. He is in the refining and redeeming business." - WC

From Glynnis Whitwer's session:
"Your story is not the story. The story is God's testimony." - GW

From Holly Good's session:
Holly is an amazing assistant. Her example inspires me. I heart Holly.

From Karen Ehman's and Whitney Capps' skit:
Receive with thanks and humility any gift God gives me. Rejoice with and encourage others in their giftings.

From Micca' Campbell's session:
Competition has no place in ministry. (Amen!!) You can't minister to or with someone with whom are you in competition.
"When I am jealous, I count someone else's blessings rather than my own." - MC
"Stop wanting what others have if I am not willing to do the hard work to get there." - MC.

I still want to go through all the scriptures taught and all those I journaled at the conference. So much truth to soak in. I am thankful.

He Speaks. She listens. I have lots to hear.

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 3:13-15

Happy 11th Birthday Joshua!

2011-07-31T11:04:00.001-04:00

They will celebrate Your abundant goodness

and joyfully sing of Your righteousness.
Psalm 145:7

Our Joshua turns 11 today!! We love and admire our son. He is growing into a fine young man.

I think back 11 years and how I labored for over a dozen hours, to no avail. Then suddenly, Joshua arrived in this world via a frantic emergency c-section after his vital signs went blank on the medical monitors. The umbilical cord was wrapped around Joshua's neck and he was losing oxygen. The cord that was to give him life and sustenance in my womb became a threatening force to his very existence. As they quickly wheeled me into the operating room, I looked up at my sister and said, "I know this baby is a boy." I knew in my heart that we would have our Joshua.

Joshua means:

YAHWEH is salvation. The Lord saves. Jehovah saves.

The Lord saved Joshua's life 11 years ago. The Lord, by His grace and mercy, has saved Joshua's precious life through His salvation given to us through the cross.

Our prayer for Joshua (and Gabrielle) is that he always honors God with his heart and life, yields to the Holy Spirit, loves His truth, abides in Him and always has a teachable, humble heart.

Joshua loves God, his family and his friends. He hold relationships dear deeply in his heart. His demonstration of that love may often be quiet and private, but he treasures the blessings of people God has placed in his life as gifts.

Joshua loves sports, especially football, basketball and baseball. He also loves music and can effortlessly (and unknowingly) sing beautiful harmony. He enjoys working on jigsaw puzzles with family and friends.

Yesterday, we surprised Joshua with a family day trip to New York City, and we invited another family we treasure as dear friends/family to join us in our surprise birthday celebration. We traveled the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City and saw the Broadway show Wicked. (Once you get past the title, the show and music are amazing with meaningful life lessons of friendship and priorities tucked inside.)

At my friend's suggestion, we ate lunch first at Ellen's Stardust Diner on Broadway. It was so fun enjoying burgers while listening to all the Broadway hopefuls sing their hearts out between waiting on tables and serving the customers. Our waitress even serenaded Joshua. Here is my amateur video:

Our prayer is that Joshua and Gabrielle always here His sweet serenade as He rejoices over them with singing. "He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Happy Birthday, Joshua! We love you!

He Speaks...She Listens

2011-07-20T05:45:00.010-04:00

"Now, O women, hear the word of the LORD;
open your ears to the words of His mouth."
Jeremiah 9:20

I am thankful for the blessing of attending the She Speaks Conference again this year. This conference, hosted by the P31 ladies, is a blessing because it really is all about nurturing our personal relationships with Jesus above anything else. While providing fabulous speakers, resources, appointments with publishers and a banquet of other blessings for attendees, honoring God and His Word are their priorities for the weekend. They don't claim to have a flawless ministry, rather they desire to seek and serve a flawless God. "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless." Psalm 18:30

Women will gather in Charlotte, NC, this weekend from places far and near. Imperfect women seeking a perfect God. Humbled authenticity pursuing His gift of holiness. Fear and trembling hushed by His love and sweet serenade. "The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

These women will be fine tuning God-given gifts of speaking, writing and leadership so that those hearing the message they share through their lives will have faith resting on God's power, a demonstration of His Spirit. For His glory. "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power." 1 Cor. 2:1-4

One of the first things I do when I arrive at the conference is spend time in the prayer room. Lovingly prepared for us, this hotel meeting roomed is transformed into a beautiful sanctuary. Prayer is covering all the women there and all of the families back at home.

Each time I attend the conference, I ask the Lord for a scripture that I make a prayer to Him for the conference. Opening my heart to His work, conviction, encouragement and molding, the scripture becomes palpable as I offer it in prayer. This year, the scripture I am praying for me, my girlfriends, the leadership of the conference, the staff at the hotel and all of the conference attendees is Jeremiah 9:20 ~ "Now, O women, hear the word of the LORD; open your ears to the words of His mouth." I just want to hear the Word He has for my heart. Soaking it all in so He can pour out through me to my family and beyond as He sees fit. My only expectation for this weekend is knowing God will meet us all personally as we seek His truth.

(Last year's scripture was also one of my faves ~ Exodus 33:13 ~ "If You are pleased with me, teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with You.")

I am thankful to have dear friends who are ushering me and a trio of girlfriends to She Speaks in prayer, encouragement and love. This trio of girlfriends has said yes to God in obedience as they attend the conference this summer. Other girlfriends have obeyed the Lord by waiting on Him and knowing this is not yet the time for them to attend the conference. Whether saying yes or no, each will be blessed by the joy and peace that always accompanies obedience to Him. (I love you, dear girlfriends, who are ushering us there in prayer!!)

A dear friend accompanied me yesterday on a spontaneous and hurried 10-minute shopping trip to DSW as I was hoping to find a new pair of shoes to wear at the conference. As we ran through the shoe store looking for just the right pair of pink shoes....she found them...and they were on clearance!! Woo Hoo!

(Have I told you lately that I have the best girlfriends!?!? Praying girlfriends and shoe-shopping girlfriends!!! Does it get much better????)

Bags are packed, loving care for my cherubs is arranged while hubs is working, meals are prepared for the family, their Sunday clothes are ironed, my nails are freshly manicured, and I've completed the Pentagon-level planning required for a wife and momma to get away for a few days. Hubby is enthusiastically supportive of me and excited for me as he covers me in prayer and washes me in the water of God's Word. My heart is so thankful to the Lord for my hubs and my cherubs.

So, at 2 AM tomorrow morning, the terrific trio of girlfriends and I will begin our road trip to Charlotte, NC. I imagine we will talk the whole way there and back. We will chat. We will pray. We will laugh. We will cry. We will worship. We will listen. We will listen.

Speak Lord, we are listening. Let our ears and our hearts receive the word You have for us. And for those dear sisters at home who desire to be with us and are not, please minister to them in such beautiful, personal and intimate ways. Let them know that You are listening and You see.

“You are the God who sees me...

I have now seen the One who sees me.”

Genesis 16:13

Toys Left At My Feet

2011-07-15T06:41:00.003-04:00

TOYS LEFT AT MY FEET

Looking down, I saw them -- toys left at my feet

Unaware she asked to play as I worked with vigor at my seat

Quietly and sweetly, she brought them one by one

So intent at my keyboard, I had sadly noticed none

Wanting to spend time with me was her canine heart's desire

Not knowing I refused her as I typed and did not tire

Too focused on my task to hear her soft and gentle knock

Offering me her precious gifts ~ a bone, a ball, a sock

"Play with me, I love you so, do you see me here"?

This little puppy's wagging tail brought reflection near

Do my children come to me with toys held in their hands

A book to read, a game to play, a bucket filled with sand

What precious moments with my cherubs have I let slip by

Football tosses, crafts to make, a big bright kite to fly

This gentle nudge upon my heart by the Spirit's faithful touch

Confirms to me this momma's heart loves them oh so much

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me through toys left at my feet

My precious children come to me and there's nothing that's so sweet

As holding them and loving them and playing with them too

Welcoming them each time they knock, as joyfully as You

Time spent sitting at Your feet, meeting You each day

Luke 10:42 promises it shan't be taken away

You leave no toys left at Your feet when we knock to play

You gently lift them in Your hands and in Your arms we lay

"He tends His flock like a shepherd:

He gathers the lambs in His arms

and carries them close to His heart;

He gently leads those that have young."
Isaiah 40:11

Treasure Verse Tuesday ~ Our Youth

2011-07-12T07:27:00.001-04:00

I have these scriptures written in my Family Prayer Journal for our children. In reading through Jeremiah again right now, I am praying these scriptures for our children in a fresh way. Thankful that He is their Guide.

But the LORD said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD.

Jeremiah 1:7-8

I remember the devotion of your youth,
how as a bride you loved Me
and followed Me through the desert,
through a land not sown.

Jeremiah 2:2

My Father, You are the guide of my youth...
Jeremiah 3:4

I am SO thankful that He gently leads us as parents, "those that have young". But by His grace...

He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11

Refreshed In The Mountains

2011-07-01T05:00:00.003-04:00

Lake Pleasant at Camp of The Woods

"The LORD looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men.
From the place of His dwelling He looks
On all the inhabitants of the earth;
He fashions their hearts individually;
He considers all their works."
Psalm 33:13-15

Fashion my heart, Lord.

Each year before our now-traditional family vacation to Camp Of The Woods in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, I ask the Lord for a scripture of prayer for me and my family for the week. He is faithful to grant my request as I spend time in His Word each morning.

Nestled in His beautiful creation of the majestic Adirondacks, I long to soak in His truths and hear His voice. His Word washes over my heart and He is faithful to do a beautiful work at the foot of His mountains. His love is perfect.

These are the verses I have written down in my journal as scripture prayers for my family and myself at COTW ~ Summer 2011:

"My dove in the clefts of the rock,

in the hiding places on the mountainside,

show me your face,

let me hear your voice;

for your voice is sweet,

and your face is lovely."

Song of Solomon 2:14

Maker of the Mountains, let us see Your lovely face and hear your sweet voice. Give us responsive, humble and teachable hearts so that we hear Your voice. Receive our praise and prayers.

“ Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,

To the house of the God of Jacob;

He will teach us His ways,

And we shall walk in His paths.”

Isaiah 2:3

Teach us, Lord, as we go to the mountains. Teach us Your ways so we shall walk in Your paths. By your grace, keep us on Your narrow paths of truth and righteousness.

As you vacation this summer, whether at home or far away, may He refresh and renew your heart.

4th of July at Camp of The Woods

You are resplendent with light,

more majestic than mountains rich with game.
Psalm 76:4

Treasure Verse Tuesday ~ Bearing Fruit Upward

2011-06-28T05:00:00.018-04:00

And [they] shall again take root downward,

and bear fruit upward.
(Isaiah 37:31)

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."
(John 15:1-8)

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

(Ephesians 3:14-21)

Teaching Through Taste Buds!

2011-06-20T06:35:00.004-04:00

"Taste and see that the LORD is good;

blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."

Psalm 34:8

"...serve Him shoulder to shoulder."

Zephaniah 3:9

I think my dear friend, Lucille, is one of the most uniquely gifted women I know. God has given her the gifts of teaching and hospitality, just to name a few. Educated in culinary arts and having worked on television cooking shows for many years as a Professional Food Stylist with some of the finest chefs and cookbooks authors, God prepared her for a rare and specific ministry.

I remember a few summers ago, she and I and two other girlfriends gathered for lunch. As we laughed, chatted and caught up with one another, Lucille shared this idea for a ministry called Psalm 34:8 Cooking. Wow. Like a movie reel fast forwarding in my mind, I could see how God had been readying Lucille for this ministry over the years. We sat with her excitedly as we talked about different ideas and encouraged her with this vision.

Since that time, I've had the privilege of continuing to pray for and see God's work in Lucille heart and hands and how He is developing this very unique ministry where Lucille teaches God's Word and shares the Gospel through culinary arts and cooking classes. Lucille loves to learn, and through that passion He has been shaping her gift of teaching. She's been faithful to seek Him, wait on Him and honor Him. She doesn't rush ahead of Him. Simply choosing to abide in the Vine daily, He is bringing forth sweet fruit as she encourages us to "taste and see". Song of Solomon 2:3 ~ His fruit is sweet to my taste.

Recently, for our Gather and Grow Bible Study annual season finale, Lucille presented her class "Abide In The True Vine". As our taste buds enjoyed delicious culinary creations all from the grape vine, our hearts received encouragement, comfort and conviction from God's Word, the richest of fare. Isaiah 55:2 ~ Listen, listen to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

One of my favorites of all of Lucille's classes, Abide In The True Vine is a great lesson for Christians already abiding in Christ and also as an outreach to those that may not be. Lucille illustrates the necessity of receiving our sustenance, nourishment and life from the True Vine. She also discusses the life-changing difference between religion and a personal relationship with Jesus.

As I delight to see how God is shaping Lucille and her ministry, my heart pauses and my eyes look around to see how He is working in the hearts and lives of those I love. What gifts is He giving and growing? What dreams and desires is He placing in the hearts of those I hold dear? Just as it is fun to taste and see, it is awesome to watch, pray and rejoice. Colossians 4:2 ~ Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Though we are often unaware, He is preparing us for great works for His purposes and glory. Ephesians 2:10 ~ For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

His goodness and blessings stir my heart to marvel. As I delight with my dear friend, Lucille, as she beautifully teaches God's Word through culinary arts, I am reminded that the Vine Dresser wants to bear fruit through all of our lives. He has gifted us, invites us to dine with Him and partake in His goodness. As we abide, He places dreams and desires in our hearts, uses the gifts He has given us and produces delicious, genuine fruit. He satisfies our souls with the richest of fare.

Therefore if anyone cleanses himself...

he will be a vessel for honor,

sanctified and useful for the Master,

prepared for every good work.
2 Timothy 2:21

Even On Sundays

2011-06-14T08:45:00.005-04:00

"Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD."
Psalm 34:11

French-braiding Gabrielle's hair at 7 a.m.on Sunday morning, I spoke tenderly to her as her tired body stood quietly. Still half asleep, she was sweetly cooperative as my fingers wove through her soft, blond locks. Usually we go to the second service, but our day's plans proclaimed that we needed to attend the first service. I had to wake Gabrielle up out of a sound sleep so she could get ready.

Standing together looking into her mirror, her pretty reflection looking into my eyes, God blessed us with a sweet, little conversation that I pray made a deep impact on her heart. It was one of those unexpected, serendipitous opportunities to teach her and live out, by His grace alone, Psalm 34:11.

I told her she was doing a great job preparing for church even though she was very tired. She got out of bed without complaining and quietly washed and dressed herself.

"Gabrielle, you are doing very well this morning, and I know you are very tired. Thank you. I know you are still sleepy. I am tired, too, but we are going to first service today."

"What time did you get up, Mom?"

"Well, I got up early to have my quiet time and devotions with the Lord and to put dinner in the crock pot."

"You got up early to have devotions today, Mom?"

"Yes, I did."

"You get up early for quiet time and devotions...even on Sundays?"

"Yes, even on Sundays."

Especially on Sundays. I need to be sure my heart is right before I enter the sanctuary of God to worship and to receive the teaching from God's Word. I don't want anything between me and God. I don't want unconfessed sin or an unchecked heart. I want to worship Him without pretense and with sincerity. I want Him to convict me and encourage me through His Word.

"Now do not be stiff-necked...but yield yourselves to the LORD; and enter His sanctuary, which He has sanctified forever, and serve the LORD your God..." 2 Chronicles 30:8

If I need to make things right with my husband and apologize for a spat, I do that. If I've been putting my hands over my ears to something God has been trying to whisper to me, my hands need to be folded in prayer and receiving His word. If pride has gotten a hold of my attitude and heart, I need to humble myself and ask for forgiveness. I need my quiet time with Jesus each morning.

Even on Sundays. Especially on Sundays.

As I wove her hair into a pretty braid, I believe He was weaving His love and truth into the fibers of her heart. I pray God used that precious moment with Gabrielle to make a lasting impression on her young, tender heart. Our relationship with God is constant and uninterrupted. He continually hears our hearts' cries, receives our praises and desires to walk and talk with us throughout every moment of every day.

Even on Sundays. Especially on Sundays.

One thing I have desired of the LORD,That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.
Psalm 27:4

The Surprise Room

2011-06-06T05:00:00.004-04:00

"If you...know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!"

Matthew 7:11

The Surprise Room. Our spare bedroom nesting delightful surprises and gifts for our children (and other family and friends) until just the appointed time. Perhaps a birthday, a recital, a sports championship, an excellent report card, Christmas or Easter...or simply because we love them.

The closet in our Surprise Room has a large box filled with gift bags. A variety of wrapping paper and bows mingle together in the corner of the closet just waiting to be chosen. Tape and scissors sit contently in a basket as if knowing they contribute to the preparation of blessings we call gifts.

Shopportunities and clearance sales afford us the chance to hide gifts in The Suprise Room until the right time. As the parents, we are so excited knowing what we have in store to suprise and bless our children. Already planning to bless them with serendipities, we usually give no clue to the unexpected treasures that wait behind the door of The Surprise Room.

The children know that, if the door to The Suprise Room is closed, they may not enter. It is our joy and delight to prepare gifts ahead of time for our children. The mystery and boundaries the door provides adds to the joy and excitement of giving the gift in the future at the right time. We know the surprises we have preapared for our children and how delighted they will be to receive them. Yet, they are unaware of what blessings await them in the storehouse of gifts we call The Surprise Room.

"If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey." Numbers 14:8

As a parent with the privilege of excitedly preparing blessings for my children in The Surprise Room and holding the key to the door, I often think of our Heavenly Father and the gifts He has prepared for us. It humbles me that He takes great delight in us (Zephaniah 3:17) and that He desires to give us wonderful gifts. He is the Giver of good and perfect gifts. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

God knows the plans and blessings He has in His surprise room for us, His children. He does not always reveal those gifts to us, but rather usually He waits until just the right time to present them to us. He knows it is better for us to wait and trust as He keeps the door to His surprise room closed and secured. With reverence and faith, I trust the door closed by the Father's hand until such time as He opens it and gives the gift.

Our favorite gifts to give our children from The Surprise Room are those surprise gifts we give to our children ~ simply because we love them. They have not earned them. They are not expecting them on a certain celebrated day. We give to our children simply because we love our children. Just like our Heavenly Father. "God so loved the world, that He gave..." John 3:16

Some of the sweetest, most serendipitous blessings I receive from the heart and hand of God are those that are completely undeserved and unearned. He has given me the most amazing gifts after times of failure and defining moments where I have needed His grace and mercy so deeply. These intangible gifts of His grace have left me hushed and humbled by His perfect love. "He will quiet you with His love..." (Zephaniah 3:17)

"One can give without loving,
but one cannot love without giving."

~ Amy Carmichael

God gives because He loves. He gave us an eternal gift in His Son, Jesus, our Savior. Our Heavenly Father's storehouse of blessings for us must be bursting at the seams! His love is perfect. His love is generous. His love is lavish. "How great is the goodness You have stored up for those who fear You. You lavish it on those who come to You for protection, blessing them before the watching world." Psalm 31:19

God's Surprise Room. As His child, I wait excitedly to know what He stores inside for just the right time. I trust His plans. I am covered by His perfect love. I am humbled by His grace. I depend on His mercy. His gifts are good and perfect.

Thank you, Father, for the unexpected treasures You are storing up for us! May our earthly Surprise Room represent Your perfect love, grace and mercy to our precious children. As they wait, may their trust and faith in You grow. When they receive, may their hearts always be humble and thankful to You.

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. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Jeremiah 29:11-14

You Can Always Have The Food God Made

2011-05-30T10:06:00.001-04:00

"Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,

and you will delight in the richest of fare."

Isaiah 55:2

"Mom, I am hungry!" My momma's heart already knew that the cherubs were getting hungry. Yet, as I prepare their meal, they often cry this out, "Mom, I am hungry! Can I have something to eat?" My response: "You can always have the food God made." In other words, if they need a little something to hold them over before I serve the next meal, they are always welcome to have a piece of fresh fruit or munch on raw veggies or grab a handful of nuts. These foods are good and essential and won't spoil their appetite for the meal. They can satisfy their hunger with nourishing foods that God created.  Sweet treats, such as ice cream or cookies, are enjoyed after I know they have eaten "the food God made" and a nutritious meal. (They have been informed that God, though they are delicious, did not create Oreos and they can't be eaten before a meal. Smile.)

Not only can our children have the food God made, they must have the food God made. Our bodies need it and crave it. The food He created is necessary for our bodies to grow and be healthy.

This truth with physical food is the same truth we teach our cherubs with spiritual food. Our hearts, minds and souls must consume God's Word. His Words are our life.   “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life." ~ Deut. 32:46-47

As a parent, I am daily brought to my knees before God knowing that He has entrusted these two precious children to me and Jim. It still takes my breath away that God, by His grace and mercy, has given me the gift of being the mom to our children. And it is our responsibility as parents to teach them God's Word that they may grow in Him, abide in Him and nurture their own personal relationship with Him.    "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 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. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Deut. 6:5-9

God's Word is life. I have full confidence that His Word is truth and it will not return to us empty, but rather full and overflowing. His Word is good, necessary and satisfying. We must consume it daily. He satisfies. "He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." Psalm 107:9

I pray that as we teach our children to first eat the foods God created for our nourishment for our physical bodies, that they first know that daily feasting on His Word brings life to their hearts, minds and souls. His food nourishes our bodies. His Word brings life to our hearts and minds.   "The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:6

Just as eating food is necessary for our bodies, daily digesting God's Word into our hearts and minds is necessary. It is not optional for our well-being. It is required. "I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread." Job 23:12

Our Heavenly Father knows our hunger, our needs. And He provides for us perfectly. God wants us to eat what is good and delight in the richest of fare. As a parent, I want the same for our children. Oh, Lord, let it be that they always delight in, hunger for and thirst for Your Word, for You. May the daily eat what is good and delight in the richest of fare.

"O God, You are my God,

earnestly I seek You;

my soul thirsts for You,

my body longs for You,

in a dry and weary land

where there is no water.

I have seen You in the sanctuary

and beheld Your power and Your glory.

Because Your love is better than life,

my lips will glorify You.

I will praise You as long as I live,

and in Your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul will be satisfied

as with the richest of foods;

with singing lips my mouth will praise You."

Psalm 63:1-5

I Am Not Taking My Toys And Going Home!

2011-05-23T05:00:00.018-04:00

Proverbs 27:6

"The wounds of a friend can be trusted..." (NIV)

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend..." (KJV)

Leah, my oldest friend in the world (in tenure, not in age), and I would play jax for hours on end when we were young girls. It was one of our favorite games to play. We grew up next door to each other, and we spent long weekend and summer days playing Chinese jump rope, Barbies, kickball, hopscotch and cards.

From time to time, Leah and I would have a spat and feelings would get hurt. My childish reaction was to take my toys and go home. This accomplished nothing and only contributed to a temporary division between us. Eventually, whether 15 minutes or 15 hours later, one of us would go knock on the other's door and ask the other to come out and play. Toys were happily shared again and the playing resumed. Joy, conflict, temporary separation, softening hearts, restoration. The cycle of healthy friendship.

Leah and I are still friends today. We endured the cycle of friendship and enjoy the blessing of calling each other "lifelong friends". While I don't get to see her as often as I would like, we keep in touch and she will always be extra special to me. Leah is the friend who invited me to attend her church's youth group, where I accepted Jesus and I still walk with Him today. Leah was God's vessel to bring me to Himself. My life is changed eternally because of her.

Friends hurt each other. When my heart aches because of the pain one of our children is experiencing from hurtful words or actions of a friend, it seems almost unbearable to me as a mom. My momma flesh can get the better of me, yet I must yield my heart to the Holy Spirit and respond maturely in such a way that honors Him. But the greatest gift I can give our children in that moment of pain is Truth. "A friend loves at all times." (Proverbs 17:17) The truth is that usually the friend's hurt was not intentional. The truth is that we are all sinners and we will hurt even those we love. The truth is we need to show grace and grant forgiveness. Surely, we need the grace and forgiveness, too. The truth is a friend loves at all times. We are not to be fair-weather friends. We need to give each other room to grow. Determining not to react childishly, we will not take our toys and go home.

Adult girlfriends hurt each other, too. Our bristly thorns rear their ugly heads and we wound each other. Yet, as we anchor ourselves in His truth and love, we are able to weather storms of friendship and life together. Praying. Seeking His truth. Asking for forgiveness. Showing grace. Trusting Him to nourish, heal, grow and restore friendships.

Friendships truly are a precious gift from God. I am blessed to have treasured friends who I believe love me with a pure heart and who pray for me sincerely. With reverence for and thankfulness to Him, my heart is devoted to the friends He has given me. One of the greatest privileges in friendship is seeing each other through the seasons of life ~ joy, pain, rejoicing, sorrow, laughter and tears. We do this by being there, staying, being actively involved and not taking our toys, going home and isolating ourselves.

When I am wounded by a friend, I lay it at the Lord's feet and give Him my broken heart. "What do You want me to learn from this? Do You want to change something in me? How can I love my friend at this time?" The wounds of a friend can be trusted. I trust God to use those wounds to bring life and healing. I am not taking my toys and going home.

When I wound a friend, I pray that I will always rush to them to ask for forgiveness. My heart grieves during that temporary separation, but I am not taking my toys and going home. I am standing firm, committed to loving that friend even as I bear the consequences of my hurtful actions. I pray they know that the wounds can be trusted because He is using them. How beautiful it is that God weaves friendships together and uses us as sanctification tools in each other's lives. Faithful are the wounds of a friend.

(Sadly, there are some friendships that turn out to be unhealthy for us, where most of the fruit from the relationship is spoiled. At times, it is necessary for us to lay those unhealthy relationships at the Lord's feet and move on. Though often grievous and heart breaking as we go through this, His pruning from each other's lives brings freedom and life. We place our "toys", our hopes and desires that the friendship would have been full of vitality, at His feet.)

Childhood friendships and adult friendships are quite the same. Our choice is whether we respond to hurts in childish ways or in God-honoring, mature ways. I am thankful that, when I hurt my friends, they do not gather their toys in their arms and leave me stranded. They stay. They pray. They love. They share their toys, their hearts, once again.

When wounded, I don't want to put my hands on my hips and scuffle my way home with my toys to isolation. Rather, I want to outstretch my arms to God, offer Him my heart and ask Him for grace to respond like a big girl.

So, let's play! Toss the jax. Here's the ball. I'd like you to go first...

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:11-13

Excellence

2011-05-07T00:01:00.004-04:00

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."
2 Corinthians 4:7

"And in the greatness of Your excellence You have..."
Exodus 15:7

There is no true excellence apart from Christ. "As for the Almighty...He is excellent..." (Job 37:23) In His power and grace, He can accomplish excellence in and through us for His purposes and glory. In His strength, He can equips us to serve Him with excellence.

"I will make you an eternal excellence,
A joy of many generations."
Isaiah 60:15

Our sweet young lady ~ Gabrielle

Our heart and prayer for her:

"...you are a woman of excellence."

Ruth 3:11

This September, Gabrielle will begin her 7th year in studying and memorizing God's Word through the Awana program at a local church's Kids' Club. Jim has faithfully served as a leader in Gabrielle's group the entire time she has participated. This is a special, meaningful Daddy-Daughter activity they do together.

A few weeks ago, the Kids' Club hosted their annual "Closing Ceremonies" and honored the children's hard work in learning scripture with awards. We are both proud and humbled that Gabrielle was the recipient of the "Awana Excellence Award". Gabrielle and her dear friend, Emily, both received this award for completing more handbooks than any other participants and memorizing the most scriptures ever in the program at that church. We celebrated with great joy and humility as these girls spurred one another on in learning God's Word. (I can't think of anything better that girlfriends could do together!)

Honestly, aside from regularly praying for my cherub, as Gabrielle's mom I have had very little to do with Gabrielle's accomplishments in Awana. She studies, sets goals, works diligently without being asked and even completes projects and Bible studies with very little assistance. We are thankful to the Lord for creating her this way and for placing these desires in her heart. We give Him the glory. "...all that we have accomplished, you have done for us....Your name alone do we honor." (Isaiah 26:12-13)

Gabrielle is learning to sew God's Word into her heart. NOTHING makes me more joyful, humbled and excited! I pray she ALWAYS loves and obeys God's Word. I pray both of our cherubs, Joshua and Gabrielle, always delight in God's Word, yield to God's Word, hunger for God's Word, reverence God's Word and see the bountiful fruit in their lives from honoring His truth. May their lives, and our lives, reflect His grace and truth because they know Him and His Word.

A prayer for our cherubs:

Psalm 1:1-3, 6

"Blessed is the man

who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked

or stand in the way of sinners

or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.

For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked will perish."

Gabrielle & Jim at the awards ceremony

Hannah (Emily's sister) holding Gabrielle's Excellence Award

Emily, Hannah, Gabrielle and Joshua ~ Rejoicing!

Jim with Gabrielle & Emily

I am so proud of all three!

As for God, His way is perfect;

the word of the LORD is flawless.

2 Samuel 22:31

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,

whose confidence is in Him.

He will be like a tree planted by the water

that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8

"Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord...that I may gain Christ..."

Philippians 3:8

Treasure Verse Tuesday ~ Family Prayer

2011-04-26T06:26:00.000-04:00

This is a scripture that I have written in my Family Prayer Journal. I love His promises splashing all over us in this passage! Happy Tuesday!

"For I will pour water on the thirsty land,

and streams on the dry ground;

I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,

and my blessing on your descendants.

They will spring up like grass in a meadow,

like poplar trees by flowing streams."

Isaiah 44:3-4

Easter ~ Because of His Mercy and Grace

2011-04-22T02:00:00.003-04:00

Our family wishes you a blessed,

peaceful, meaningful Easter!

He is risen! We are redeemed!

"You were redeemed...with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God." 1 Peter 1:18-21

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

Titus 3:4-7

"He has risen, just as He said.

Come and see the place where He lay."

Matthew 28:6

It Really Has Little To Do With Eloquence

2011-04-14T05:00:00.014-04:00

"When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power." 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

I love the refreshment beautiful writing and speaking lavishes on an audience. As I listen to a gifted speaker or read the words of one who has been given the gift of eloquence, I am blessed. Splashed with encouragement and the comfort of lovely linguistics, I could sit all day and bask in the treasure of eloquent words.

I have dear friends who have been given from God generous portions of eloquence and the ability to string words together like pearls. Words aptly spoken like apples of gold in settings of silver come naturally to them. (Proverbs 25:11) I admire them and rejoice with them in their God-given gifts of writing and speaking. Even words of conviction are easy to receive and digest from these gifted friends. Their blog writings are inspired. Even their comments sound like poetry.  Greeting card companies could benefit from their gift of eloquence.

Yet, most of us have not received the gift of eloquence. We fumble through our words, possessing an abbreviated lexicon, or not even knowing what a lexicon is. Having our foot in our mouth is an unwelcomed past-time and the desire to express ourselves more clearly seems to elude us.

There's good news for us!! Sharing our testimony about God does not require us to have eloquence or superior wisdom!! It is simple. In the passage above, Paul said he resolved to know nothing, except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. As a matter of fact, he went with the Gospel message in weakness, fear and trembling. (I never realized Paul and I had so much in common.) Here's the best part: Paul's words were not wise and persuasive, they were perfectly a demonstration of the Spirit's power, "so that your faith may not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power"! God's power. God's glory.

And here's more good news! The Gospel itself is the power of God for salvation! "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Romans 1:16

God's power. Through His power, we can be His vessels to share the most important message of life. We simply share God's testimony in our own lives and proclaim His Gospel (Christ, the spotless lamb, died on the cross as the payment for our sins, He was buried, He was resurrected on the third day). As we prayerfully share the Gospel message and God's testimony in our lives, He is faithful to bring forth fruit and new life.

I love the account of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. Jesus chose to travel through Samaria, though it wasn't the most direct route to His destination. However, His way point was a life-changing encounter with this precious woman. Through their conversation, Jesus revealed Himself to her, and she instantaneously dropped everything and ran back to her town to tell them her testimony of meeting the Messiah. I imagine she did not carefully plan her words. I imagine her barely able to catch her breath after running back to town. I imagine her pointing back toward the well and piecing her words together while still in awe.  She simply shared from a heart overflowing with amazement and love. And there between her gasps for breath was new life as she shared her personal testimony of God:   "Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony..." John 4:39

Paul's words in the opening chapter of 1 Corinthians 2 encourage me. While I'd love to think that my written and spoken words were always filled with eloquence, wisdom and persuasive speech, they are usually not. And they don't have to be. As we share the Gospel and our personal testimony of God's faithfulness in our lives, His power brings new life. I resolve to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Yes, we are to study and know and treasure God's word. We are to equip ourselves with His truth. We are to handle the Word of God accurately, reverently and carefully. "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)  And yet we can simply share the Gospel message.

If you are feeling eloquent-less, take heart. God's power through your obedience will bring new life and will bring Him glory as you simply share the Gospel and His testimony in your life.

"I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace."

Acts 20:24

Award-Winning SerenDIPity 2011 Recipes!

2011-04-09T23:00:00.006-04:00

Here are the recipes for the Award-Winning Dips from SerenDIPity 2011!Thank you again to Rich and Meg Media for the great pictures!Thank you Tracy at Open Eye Design for the great SerenDIPity logo!

"Vidalia Onion Dip" by Ronna Phillips

3 cups chopped Vidalia onion 3 cups shredded Swiss cheese2-1/2 cups mayo Mix all ingredients together and place in an oven-proof dish.Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until top is golden brown.Serve with crackers or bread.

"Crab Mousse" by Kathy Bires

1 can cream of mushroom soup1 8-oz. package of cream cheese1/4 cup chopped celery1/4 cup chopped onion1 envelope unflavored gelatin1 cup mayo 6 oz. crab meat Melt cheese and soup together. Dissolve gelatin in 1/4 of cold water and add remaining ingredients. Pour into lightly greased mold. Set. Serve with crackers.

"Warm Spicy Maryland Crab Dip" by Jennifer Hahn

1 8-oz. package of cream cheese1/2 cup sour cream2 tbsp. mayo1-1/2 tsp. lemon juice2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce1 tsp dry mustard1/2 cup cheddar cheese3/4 lb. crab meat3 dashes hot sauceGarlic power to tasteOld Bay to taste Mix together all ingredients, reserving 2 tbsp. of cheddar cheese. Place in greased baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.

"Cannoli Dip" by Kim Darrah

1 cup powdered sugar1/2 stick butter (softened)1 8-oz. package of cream cheese1 tsp. vanilla1/2 Ricotta cheese1/2 mini semisweet chocolate chips Mix together all ingredients well, except the chocolate chips. Once well mixed, fold in the chocolate chips. Serve with pizzelles.

"Cherry Cheesecake Dip" by Lisa Lohwasser ("Lilo")

Mix Jello No-Bake Cheesecake mix with one container of Cool Whip. Chill. Top with a can of cherry pie filling. Serve with graham crackers.

Chocolate Fountain by Cheryl Shiley

Simply be blessed by a wonderful friend who offers to bring a chocolate fountain and make all the SerenDIPity party guests very happy. Best Presentation (Dessert) ~ "Tropical Paradise" ~ by Erika Gill

Best Presentation (Savory) ~ "Veggie Display" ~ Tammie Dowd

May your memories be sweet and savory!

Enjoy!!!

"...refresh my heart in Christ."

Philemon 1:20

God said, "Buy your girlfriend shoes!"

2011-04-07T16:44:00.022-04:00

"How beautiful your sandaled feet,

O prince’s daughter!"

~ Song of Solomon 7:1

I do love how God moves in our hearts to bless one another. When He impresses things on our hearts to do to bless and encourage each other, it shows HIS tender care for us in very personal, detailed ways. He moves in ways to touch our hearts and deepen our faith. And only He can get the glory through these sweet miracles!!

A few years back during a morning quiet time, God gently spoke to my heart: "Send Lysa chips." Really, chips? Can I send her chocolate or jewelry or something else? Chips? Are you sure, God? He was sure! Click here to see how He answered Lysa's prayers from her momma heart.

In the Summer of 2008, the Lord placed it on my heart to give Rachel the book "Pierced by The Word" by John Piper. Click here to see how God used that to speak to her heart about His tender love for her.

Now, did I know how God was going to bless these friends when they received the chips and the book? These items could have seemed very random to me. Yet, I know when He whispers to our hearts and we obey, He is up to something very good.

Recently, through a messy relationship sit-u-a-tion, the Lord was speaking to my heart through His Word about my shoes and my feet. I call these "pedi-scriptures"! (Smile.) He was reminding me to wear "shoes of peace" ~ Ephesian 6:15: "For shoes, put on the readiness to preach the Good News of peace with God." He was gently calling to my attention to always have feet that proclaim peace and salvation and bring Good News. ~ Isaiah 52:7: "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation...!"

During this time of Him faithfully admonishing and growing me in His Word through the messy relationship sit-u-a-tion, I was also going through a difficult time with my mom and some health concerns she was experiencing.

Wednesdays are my Bible study days. I attend a Precepts Ministry Bible study on Wednesday mornings (Romans), and then I take a 20-minute drive to a study of Isaiah at my girlfriend's home. I had missed several Wednesdays in a row due to my mom being hospitalized briefly, taking her to doctor's appointments and tests, and also chauffeuring Joshua to orthodontia appointments (only done on Wednesdays).

A few Wednesdays ago, I had a normal Wednesday again. I was excited to get back to my studies and to enjoy fellowship with these sisters I had not seen in several Wednesdays. As I walked into my Precepts study, one of my friends, Robin, approached me nonchalantly, holding something in her hand.

Sharon, I wanted to get you something to encourage you. I have missed you at Bible study and have been praying for you, but I wanted to get you something tangible. I asked the Lord what I should get for you and He kept impressing the same thing on my heart: "Get her shoes." He kept whispering to my heart, "Buy Sharon shoes." When I pulled up in front of DSW, He confirmed it in my heart again. "Buy your girlfriend shoes." I wasn't sure of your size or what kind of shoes you would really like or need right now, so, here you go...I got you a gift card to DSW. You can pick your shoes.

Tears bubbled over and splashed down my face. A lump formed in my throat. I was the recipient of His grace and goodness.

God wants me to have shoes. Shoes of peace. Shoes that have in them feet proclaiming peace and salvation, bringing Good News and good tidings. Those are the kind of shoes God wants me to have. Those are the kind of shoes I want to wear.

He confirmed through the kindness, generosity and obedience of Robin the message He has been speaking to my heart about shoes and feet. With obedience comes the blessing of seeing God at work. Robin heard God's still, small voice. She obeyed and was part of God's work in another person's heart. How sweetly humbling for me to receive such a beautiful gift. How encouraging for Robin to know she had indeed heard and obeyed.

God said, "Give Sharon shoes." I love how God was speaking to my girlfriend about me!!! And I like how He speaks to me about my girlfriends! I love His divine assignments and am eagerly listening for the next one!! I wonder if He will tell me to buy a friend a new purse or a gift certificate to a spa! They are biblical gifts after all:
Esther 2:3 ~ "...bring these beautiful girls...and let beauty treatments be given to them."
Luke 12:33 ~ "Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out..."

Thank you, Robin, for being His vessel to tangibly remind me to wear His shoes of peace...or, in this case, wear cute sandals of peace! My new pair of stylish Rocket Dog summer sandals will be a constant reminder of His goodness through you. And I promise to wear them with a heart that is pursuing peace. "Seek peace and pursue it." Psalm 34:14

My prayer for Robin and all my girlfriends and family....may His blessings be poured into their laps!

"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."Luke 6:38

If I Could Pick A Miracle...

2011-04-06T05:15:00.006-04:00

"Jesus said to the servants, 'Fill the jars with water'; so they filled them to the brim. Then He told them, 'Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.' They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. This, the first of His miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him."

John 2:7-9, 11

The other evening as I did devotions with Joshua and Gabrielle, we were reading about Jesus' first miracle, which occurred at a wedding feast in Cana. After reading the passage in John 2:1-11, we talked about how the servants obeyed Jesus and then were blessed with the privilege of seeing the miracle and knowing Jesus more deeply. He revealed His glory and the scriptures say His own disciples put their faith in Him. The beautiful fruit of His miraculous signs.

From this passage of scripture and the devotion, the kids and I talked a lot about how our obedience ushers us to a more intimate walk with the Lord and, at times, He will even give us the gift of seeing His miracles first hand and thereby knowing Him more deeply. He gives us hearts and eyes to see His wonderful deeds all around us. This truth really impacted their young hearts. "They saw the works of the LORD, His wonderful deeds..." Psalm 107:24

Just like the servants at the wedding feast in Cana, we, His servants, were chosen to know, believe and understand Him. "You are...My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He." Isaiah 43:10

Yesterday morning as the cherubs were getting ready for school, Gabrielle followed instructions well and I commended her on her obedience with some encouraging words. She replied with hope: "I was obedient, Mom.  Will I get to see a miracle today?"

Dropping the lunch boxes I was packing, I went over and kissed her noggin. "Mom, do I get to pick a miracle to see? Because if I could pick a miracle, I would pick for Daddy's uncle to be healed of cancer."

Tears streamed down my cheeks. Cancer. Our children's first (and prayerfully last) reality of a family member having life-threatening cancer. Gabrielle's caring heart wants to pick the miracle of healing for her great uncle.

This past Sunday, we visited Jim's uncle who was diagnosed with cancer just two short months ago. The cancer has progressed terribly fast, and the prognosis is not good. Because he is undergoing aggressive treatments, we prepared the children during the car ride that his physical appearance has changed, that he wouldn't have a lot of energy and may not be able to speak well.

In truth, Jim's uncle's condition is worse than we wanted to expect. It was a tearful and emotional visit.  Gabrielle sobbed and buried her sweet head in my side much of the time. Her heart was broken for her great uncle. Joshua kept a strong, respectful and hopeful posture during the visit, but inside his heart was aching, too. Jim read John 3 to his uncle.  We held hands with Jim's uncle, knelt and prayed for him.

The harsh reality of human mortality is penetrating our lives within our extended family. It's a painful journey, but one from which we can't protect our children at this age. Rather, we have the responsibility and honor of equipping them. With God's wisdom and grace, we are opening His Word with them and reminding them of His mercy, His compassion, His unmatched love, His everlasting life and ultimate healing in Him. "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life."

We are praying for Jim's uncle. Indeed, we have been and will continue to pray for a healing of the cancer.

Truth is, Gabrielle's sweet petition of belief, faith and hope to the Lord reflects all of our hearts. The miracle of healing is our family's daily prayer and personal choice of miracles God can do. If we could pick a miracle right now, it would be for God to heal right here on earth those we love who have cancer or a chronic illness. We would choose for our hearts and eyes to see those we love so dearly whose lives are touched with physical infirmities to be healed and perfectly healthy in every way. We would pick the miracle of healing.

For His glory and so that many would believe.

If you could pick a miracle today, what would you pick?

"He sent forth His word and healed them;

He rescued them from the grave."

Psalm 107:20

"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

2 Peter 3:9

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
   because the LORD has anointed me
   to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
   to proclaim freedom for the captives
   and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
   and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
   instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
   instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
   instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   a planting of the LORD
   for the display of His splendor."
Isaiah 61:1-3

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16

Further Still

2011-04-01T06:09:00.002-04:00

“And He went on further still,

and fell on His face, and prayed….”

Matthew 26:39

Have you ever felt God calling you “further still” with Him? It is those times when He is ministering to you so personally and so deeply, and gently calling you to go further in your relationship with Him.

These Gethsemane seasons of “further still with God” are places where it’s just you and Him as He beckons you to step into deeper levels of intimacy and trust. As you pray and search His scriptures, you listen for and hear His still, small voice. During these “further still” seasons with God, He matures your faith, broadens your trust, and reveals intimate treasures from His heart to yours. It’s a beautiful time when you crave less of the world and more of Him.

Extended time in prayer with our Heavenly Father brings clarity and comfort during these seasons. Just as Jesus was called further still with God, He labored in prayer. "The betrayal and arrest of Jesus was preceded by an extended time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. As He stepped out of the garden to present Himself to His enemies, Jesus had been alone praying and agonizing for hours." Anne Graham Lotz

I have been in those “further still” seasons with God. He calls me out of my comfort zone into unfamiliar, but prepared and safe places. Whether it is presenting myself to my "enemies" or charting new ground with the Lord, He calls me to bravely trust Him and His perfect plan.

During those seasons, He tenderly lifts my head so I fix my gaze upon Him alone. My husband lovingly gives his counsel to me, and my sisters in the Lord pray on my behalf. I am so thankful for my husband and friends, yet I know that as God calls me “further still,” I am the one who has to continue stepping forward with confidence and trust in Him. No one can do that for me. He reminds me to look to Him alone, to seek to please Him and not people.

It is a time of His refreshing and necessary cleansing. In his book Reflecting His Image, KP Yohannan writes, “You see, when it is only God and you, you are more apt to face your pride and your sins. With everyone else we argue these things away and look wonderful and smile. But when we are all alone before God, we face ourselves, and the cleansing and purification will take place. We become less phony the more we are with the Lord.”

Is God calling you further still today? Our Heavenly Father is completely faithful and entirely trustworthy. He stands with His strong and loving arms opened wide beckoning you to take steps of faith in your walk with Him. Though the place you step may be unfamiliar, remember He has gone before you. He wants you to see more of Him – His flawless character and His amazing love. He has a heart full of treasures to unearth for you.

"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid...for I myself will help you,' declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel."

A Sweet Drink From The Saucer

2011-03-28T05:15:00.006-04:00

"You prepare a table before me...

my cup overflows."

Psalm 23:5

I love the expression "I am drinking from the saucer because my cup is overflowing." Currently, I am drinking from the saucer as He has overflowed my cup! My heart is hushed and humbled by His love and goodness. His name alone do I honor.

"LORD, You establish peace for us;

all that we have accomplished,

You have done for us...

Your name alone do we honor."

Isaiah 26:12-13

Do you remember the Table Testimony from two summers ago? The Master Carpenter, Jesus, miraculously provided a table for me at my girlfriend's shore house. It was a "Table For Two" where I met with Him each morning for quiet time in His Word while on our family vacation. Click here to read the testimony of His miraculous provision: "Table For Two". © 2009 by Sharon Sloan. All rights reserved.

My dear girlfriend, Tricia, and her husband were owners of the shore house. The table resided in their shore home with their precious family, who were perfect keepers of the special table. He has woven our friendship together, and what a beautiful choice of fabric He used when weaving us together uniquely through the gift of the table.

A few weeks ago on my birthday, I was driving the cherubs home from school and me home from work. I was enjoying the afterglow of a beautifully blessed day at work with my desk being decorated so beautifully by a dear friend and her daughter, and lovely gifts from my friends and my bosses. My heart was so thankful to the Lord.

As we drove down the street, I was excited to get home and enjoy a birthday dinner out with my little family that Jim had planned. As we pulled up in from of our house, I was left breathless as I looked up on our porch and saw one of the most serendipitous, amazing gifts I have ever received. Or re-received.

The Table

THEE TABLE!! I was in jaw-dropping, laid-out-on-the-floor AWE of God's goodness!!

"You are kidding me! You are kidding me!" I couldn't move my foot off the brake pedal. Pulled up by the curb in front of my house and gazing wide-eyed at the table on the porch, I repeated, "You are kidding me!" I cried. I laughed. I cried some more.

The kids coached me through my temporary paralysis, "Mom, pull into the driveway, mom. Pull into the driveway and get out of the car, mom." As if on auto-pilot, I did.

I jumped out of the car and, shaking with surprise, I ran up to the table. My sweet girlfriend, Tricia, had brought the table up from the shore some weeks back and delivered it to my porch that morning while I was at work. She wanted me to have it in our home. A birthday treasure.

I called her and could barely speak through the tears of thankfulness and joy. Humbled beyond words, I tried to express my thanks. What I could not articulate through words, I think she understood through my sobs and silence.

This gift represents her love, her grace, her generosity, her understanding, her sweet sensitivity, her depth of friendship, her reverence and love for the Giver of all good things. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

Her giving models His. "For God so loved the world that He gave..." John 3:16

So as I sit at the table and drink from my saucer, my heart is overwhelmed with thankfulness to Him. I remain hushed and humbled by His perfect love expressed through the beautiful generosity of precious saints who love with a pure heart. Generous in love, generous in grace, generous in friendship, generous in unconditional love. "A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17

I am humbly drinking from my saucer, and giving Him thanks. His blessings are sweet.

"We give thanks to You, O God,

we give thanks, for Your Name is near;

men tell of your wonderful deeds."Psalm 75:1

"...love one another deeply, from the heart."

1 Peter 1:22

2011-03-21T06:07:00.002-04:00

"He satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things."
Psalm 107:9

"A great group of people!" That's the comment we received over and over from our guests at our SerenDIPity party a few weeks ago. "What a great group of people!" We agree wholeheartedly.

Yes, the SerenDIPity is about DIPS...savory dips, dessert dips, culinary creations, posh nosh and prizes. But it is really about fellowship, fun, laughter, sharing. Nourishing friendships. Reviving an old friendship. Making new friendships.

We are blessed with a great group of friends. We were blessed to entertain many who have entertained us and blessed us with their love and friendship. And for those who couldn't make it, we missed you.

As the host and hostess, our hearts are humbled, content and thankful. God is good. He satisfies us and fills us with good things.

(Recipes of the award-winning dips will be posted soon!!)

Here is a slide show of our 2011 SerenDIPity (© 2010 by Sharon Sloan. All rights reserved.) Photographs by Rich & Meg: http://www.richmegmedia.com/

Picture slideshow made with Smilebox

"Blessed are those You choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of Your house, of Your holy temple."

Psalm 65:4

St. Patrick's Day Parade 2011

2011-03-17T05:30:00.002-04:00

"...the little ones dance about."

Job 20:11

Top o' the mornin' to ya! Erin go braugh!

Gabrielle, our Irish Lassie, danced in the Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade 2011 on Sunday 3/13/11 with the Ryan-Kilcoyne School of Irish Dance. Gabrielle began lessons in September 2010, and this was her first parade. It was an exciting day for all of us. My mom "Nan Nan Hansen" was so thrilled and has generously treated Gabrielle to her Irish Dance lessons (and accompanying wardrobe!!)!! Nan Nan is 100% Irish!

We are grateful for her family and friends who were so excited for her! Thank you! (The Ryan-Kilcoyne School of Irish Dance was awarded FIRST PLACE in the children's division!!)

Joshua, our Irish Lad, made Gabrielle a poster and decorated the house with big, bright green balloons!

Click on the Smilebox below to see some pictures!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Wear your green today!

Oh..and did I mention...today is my birthday!!!!

This free digital greeting generated with Smilebox

Playing Through The Pain

2011-03-14T18:10:00.013-04:00

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength."

Isaiah 40:30

When the children's school's telephone number pops up on our caller I.D., I know it is usually one of three things: a recorded message for all of the students' parents, a prayer request, or the school nurse. A few Fridays ago as I was home folding laundry, the phone rang and up popped the school's number. I answered with a bit of hesitation knowing that, if it was the school nurse, one of our cherubs wasn't well.

Our school is blessed with a wonderful, calm, caring and wise school nurse. She is a sweetheart. And while, thankfully, we don't receive calls from her too often, it is always a little unsettling to receive a call and hear her sweet voice on the other end. (One of these days, I am thinking she is going to call me simply for a lunch date or to chat!)

"Hi, Sharon. It's Karen from school." The school nurse. Those few seconds from hearing her voice until knowing which cherub was in her office and what the problem was seemed forever. "Joshua injured his left thumb at recess playing basketball. It is very swollen and black and blue." Now this would never be good news, but this particular Friday was the eve of Joshua's basketball team's championship game on Saturday and the league's All-Star game on Sunday afternoon. An injured thumb could mean he would be cheering his team mates on from the bench rather than playing with the team in the games.

After talking with Karen and getting both her nurse perspective and her mom perspective, I told her I would call his pediatrician and be right down to school to take him for medical care and an x-ray. His thumb was not misshapen, no bones were sticking out and there was no blood. While she did not think his injury was serious, and Joshua had gone back to class once before coming to her office again for more ice, we both thought it best to get an an x-ray.

I asked to speak with Joshua over the phone to be sure he was OK and so he could hear my voice and reassuring words before heading down to school. "Mom, I don't want to leave school early. I want to stay. I don't want to miss the afternoon classes. In music, we are starting to learn about a new composer today and I don't want to miss the video on him. I will be OK, mom. My thumb really hurts, but I will be OK. Can I stay, mom?"

Knowing that I often ask God to direct me through my children, I felt He was quieting my heart with His perfect parental love. Taking Joshua's cues and trusting he would tell me if the pain was intolerable, I respected his request to stay in school. I was glad he wanted to stay for class, and I am sure the weekend's basketball games were on his mind as well.

When I picked the cherubs up from school that day at regular dismissal time, I took a good look at Joshua's thumb. It was very swollen and quite black and blue. "Mom, I really don't want to get an x-ray until after the games this weekend. I can play, Mom." Proud of him for his courage and tenacity, I told him we would do whatever Daddy thought was best.

When Jim arrived home from work Friday evening, he carefully looked at Joshua's thumb. Jim was the Team Medic for Joshua's football team a few years ago, and he is also the coach of both of our cherubs' basketball teams. He was considering the situation from several perspetives - medic and coach, but most of all as Joshua's father.

After talking with Joshua, Jim said to him, "Joshua, I think it is OK for you to play through the pain this weekend. You can play in the championship game and the All-Star game. I've asked God for His wisdom and protection. I think you can play through the pain."

As soon as Jim uttered those words to Joshua, I could see Joshua's confidence and courage immediately confirmed and validated. "Mom, Dad told me to play through the pain. I can play, Mom! I am going to play through the pain!"

Words from a loving father. "Play through the pain." How poignant. Often, our Heavenly Father leads us to "play through the pain". Pain from unfair judgment and criticism, pain due to a broken relationship, pain from lack of mercy and unforgiveness, pain from consequences of our own sin, pain from loss, pain from tragic circumstances, pain from conviction. Whether our pain is physical, emotional or spiritual, God may instruct us to continue to "play".

Joshua playing through the pain.

Sometimes when I am in such pain, I want to run and hide. Honestly, when the pain seems intolerable, sometimes I'd rather quit the team. But our Heavenly Father strengthens us and His sufficient grace washes over us so we can play through the pain. He is our confidence and hope. "For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth." (Psalm 71:5)

Like Hagar in Chapter 16 of Genesis, He finds us in our desert, in our misery, and He speaks to us. He washes us with His Word and whispers His promises into our hearts. Our Heavenly Father refreshes us. He is the God who sees and provides. Genesis 16. He gives us everything we need for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3)

Life's pain won't sideline us when our Heavenly Father whispers His words to us: "Play through the pain, My child." He gives us the courage and tenacity we need. Whether He calls us to cheer from the sideliness or get in the game, He is our sufficiency.

We did not ignore Joshua's injury and pain, we just waited while he played through the pain during two significant challenges. On Sunday afternoon after the All-Star game (which Joshua's team won...Glory to God!!), we took him straight to the emergency room for an x-ray. Joshua's thumb had a buckle fracture, which required only a splint to protect his thumb. God does not ignore our injury and pain either. Sometimes we just have to endure and play through the pain a while. "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:4

The pediatric orthopedic doctor gave Joshua permission to continue playing sports while his broken bone is healing. In the doctor's words, "The splint will provide perfect protection while allowing him to be fully active." That reminds me of our Great Physician's perfect care.

"He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:29-31

Glory to God!

A Truthful and Secure Identity

2011-03-07T04:00:00.011-05:00

"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 upon 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. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

Deuteronomy 6:5-9

As I read Deuteronomy 6, I am hushed and humbled again by the commands given to us by God as Christian parents. Impressing God's Word on our children's hearts and teaching them His truth is a privilege, honor and responsibility. Truly, there is no greater desire or prayer, and no greater joy than to know our children are walking with and in the Truth. (3 John 1:4) God is faithful and His Word is truth. If our children are abiding in Him and seeking out His precepts daily, our parental hearts will be free, peaceful and joyful. "I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out Your precepts." (Psalm 119:45)

The "when you lie down and when you get up" part of our command in Deuteronomy 6 has to be intentional for me as a parent. A general plan needs to be in place or the mornings and evenings can get swallowed up. We talk about God's Word all the time as we "sit down at home and when you walk along the road" (or, in our case, "when you drive the children here and there in your Ford Explorer"). Mornings and bed time have always been so precious to me as a mom since they were babies. Making the opening and closing of each of their days most meaningful and sacred as they grow is our time in God's Word.

For our 2011 daily Bible morning devotion for our children, we are doing a "Who We Are In Christ" Bible study. After reading through God's Word in 2010 (click here), I prayed God would lead me for 2011, and I know He has. Our identity as Christians is secure because of who we are in Christ. Our identity is based in TRUTH. We are not defined by what others say we are, who others think we are, by our sin or by our accomplishments. We are who we are because we are IN CHRIST, which is stated beautifully in His Word. And His Word is truth. By His truth, He sanctifies us and makes us holy.

"Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth."

John 17:17

We are who we are in Christ because of who HE is.

For Christmas, we gave each of the children a new journal. Each morning, usually before they wake up, I write a scripture reference in the journal and I date it. When they awake, they are excited to look up the scripture and write it in their journal. We then talk about who they truly are in Christ by what His Word says. I pray this journal of their truthful, secure identity becomes a treasure to them as they grow up. I pray His Word grounds them securely.

Here are just a few entries in their journals:

We are children of God, the perfect Parent!

"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God..."
John 1:12

We are a friend of God!

"I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you."

John 15:15

We are the apple of His eye!
"He shielded him and cared for him; He guarded him as the apple of His eye..."
Deuteronomy 32:10

We are forgiven!

"I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of His name."

1 John 2:12

We are redeemed!

"Christ redeemed us..."

Galatians 3:13

We are sealed by the Holy Spirit!

"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit..."

Ephesians 1:13

Wow! I am excited to go through the year and fill their journals, hearts and minds with the truth of who they are in Christ. Already, going through the scriptures and teaching the children who they are in Christ has had a serendipitous blessing and lesson. While we want them to know their truthful and secure identity founded in His Word, we are also reminded of the privilege and responsibility that comes with being His child, His friend, the apple of His eye, His forgiven. (This is a blog post for another day.J)

We pray our children will moment-by-moment hold firmly to the Word of life and thereby shine like stars in the sky for Him and boast on the day of Christ that, indeed, they did not run or labor in vain! Only by His grace and strength.

"You will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain."

Philippians 2:14

Treasure Verse Tuesday - My Life

2011-03-01T06:21:00.001-05:00

“Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—
they are your life."

Deuteronomy 32:46-47

His Words truly are my life.

"The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it."

Deuteronomy 30:14

Tangible Mercy!

2011-02-17T05:00:00.004-05:00

"Surely goodness and mercy will follow me

all the days of my life..."

Psalm 23:6

Yesterday morning, I sent an email to our Gather and Grow Bible Study Group as we prepare to gather together this Friday evening for our monthly study. I closed the email with a heartfelt prayer for the gals in the study:    "May His goodness, mercy and grace tangibly follow you today!" While that prayer was sincerely for the Gather and Grow sisters, it was also for me. I needed His goodness, mercy and grace to follow me around and pursue me TANGIBLY yesterday.

When I wrote that prayer for all of us, I didn't know in what ways God would answer it for each of us individually, but I knew His Spirit was leading me to pray that specifically. Personally, I needed His goodness and mercy to escort me throughout my day.  My heart was in a painful place. I needed His grace to wash over and protect my heart.

Well, listen to how He answered that prayer for me.  My jaw is still dropped.

The cherubs and I were on another visit to Joshua's orthodontist's office yesterday afternoon.  We've met just about every single receptionist, medical assistant, orthodontic technician and doctor in the office. Yesterday, however, we met a new one. We had never seen her before.

She greeted us in the waiting room, escorted us to the appropriate place and ushered us through a somewhat painful procedure for Joshua.

What was her name?

MERCY!!!!!!!

Mercy I tell you! She introduced herself, "Hi, I am Mercy and I will be assisting you today." Her name was stitched in calligraphy right on her shirt: MERCY.

Tangible Mercy. I could embrace Mercy. Mercy was assisting us.

Now, I've heard beautiful names like "Grace" and "Faith", but I don't recall ever hearing of someone named "Mercy". A-MA-ZING! I could barely string two words together because I was overcome by His goodness, but I shared Psalm 23:6 with Mercy and told her this was my prayer for our Gather and Grow group that morning. "Mercy, you are an answer to prayer today." She smiled and blushed. I pray somehow this all ministered His love to her heart like it was ministering to mine!

Mercy greeted us while we waited. Mercy escorted us to the right place. Mercy ushered us through a painful process.

He is my Hope, my Redeemer. His goodness and mercy are following me tangibly. I am sweetly hushed and humbled by His perfect love and provision in having Mercy be a personal, tangible assistant.

I think Mercy followed me home from the office. I hear her knocking at the door of my heart. Mercy, come on in!

Thank you, Lord, for your tangible Mercy.

"Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and
His wonderful deeds for men."

Psalm 107:28-31

"Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love."
2 John 1:3

Treasure Verse Tuesday - Proverbs 22:11

2011-02-08T19:12:00.001-05:00

"He who loves a pure heart

and whose speech is gracious

will have the king for his friend."

Proverbs 22:11

My Husband Is My Brother In Christ

2011-02-02T14:50:00.006-05:00

"You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride;

you have stolen my heart..."

Song of Solomon 4:9

It's "Love Month" ~ February. This year, Jim and I will be married 19 years. I am still learning every single day. Thank you, Lord. Please, if you are the commenting type, share something God is teaching you!!

One thing the Lord impressed upon my heart early in our marriage was to always remember that my husband was and is my brother in Christ first. Jim and I are God's children first. God then brought us together beautifully as husband and wife. This is one amazing aspect of Christian marriage that keeps me grounded in Him.

This true perspective of our relationships with God and each other brings an immediate reverence for God and for my husband. If I look at him only as "my husband", my fleshy self can become entitled and self-righteous. Tapping my toe with hands on hips, I could begin to make selfish demands, spoken and unspoken. This is damaging. My husband is the head of our home. I genuinely love and respect my husband deeply, yet my sin nature can be destructive if my heart is not yielded to the Holy Spirit. I want to be the wise woman who builds her house, not the foolish one who tears it down with her own hands. "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." (Proverbs 14:1 NIV)

When my heart is aligned with God's Word, I am humbled and thankful acknowledging that Jim is my precious brother in Christ. Self-righteous entitlement falls away. I am more gracious, more merciful and readily able to speak the truth in love as Jim's wife, seeing him as God's son, my brother and my husband. I serve him with joy. My toes stop tapping and my hands go from being on my hips to humble hands outstretched to God.

When Jim is loving me as God's daughter, his sister in the Lord and his wife, his words are more gentle, he is able to compassionately point me to Jesus when I falter, and he more readily loves me as Christ loves the church. I am his sister, his bride. I love that.

Being brother and sister in Christ is a unique, beautiful and solid foundation in a Christian marriage. As I desire to honor God with my marriage, I want to always remember that my spouse is my sibling in Christ first. As I serve him as unto the Lord, God bring beautiful blessings, fruit and growth.

"How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride!"

Song of Solomon 4:10

Scoo-ka-ma-bob-a

2011-01-29T08:51:00.009-05:00

"A word aptly spoken is like
apples of gold in settings of silver."
Proverbs 25:11

In their pre-school years, our cherubs both added memorable words to our family's vocabulary. Each of them had a few words they couldn't quite pronounce that came out adorably close to the real word. Gabrielle had a few we use frequently. She called a carousel a "casserole" and a sandwich a "sam-a-lich". So cute.

Well, the other day, at the ripe old age of eight, she spontaneously came up with another word we are adding to our family vocabulary. I was doing dishes at the kitchen sink as I heard her bouncing down the stairs from her bedroom rushing to talk to me.

"Mommy, I have to tell you something. And please don't, don't...", waving her hands in the air and hesitating for a moment searching for just the right word...

"don't SCOO-KA-MA-BOB-A, Mommy!"

Laughing aloud at the cuteness of the word, I asked, "Scoo-ka-ma-bob-a? What does that mean?" "It means freak out. Please don't freak out, Mommy."  Ouch.

The cuteness and conviction in that moment was bittersweet. Pleasantness and painfulness in my heart were wrapped up in two small sentences spoken by my daughter. I was pleased and delighted that she bounced the down stairs and rushed to me with her concerns. I was tickled by her wit and words.

But my heart was pricked, necessarily, by the convicting truth she had innocently spoken. Sometimes I scoo-ka-ma-bob-a. Oh, Lord, how I don't want to scoo-ka-ma-bob-a! I want to honor God and represent Him well to my family. I want to yield to His Holy Spirit's work in and through me, especially during moments that bait me to freak out. And when I let my flesh get the better of me and I do scoo-ka-ma-bob-a anyway, I always want to go back to the kids, tell them I didn't represent Christ's love in that moment and ask them for forgiveness.

Neither she nor I remember, only a few days later, what had happened that she thought I might scoo-ka-ma-bob-a when she told me. Perhaps a bottle of nail polish spilled on her carpet or an earring fell in the toilet water. We don't remember. And it doesn't matter.  The lesson I learned will reverberate in my heart for my life time.

Our cherubs are such beautiful sanctification tools in our lives. God lovingly and graciously uses them to make us holy. And if I am not being made holy through His truth, they will not see the Lord in me. With humility, thankfulness and a desperately teachable heart, I want to learn what God wants to teach me through them. One lesson this week:  "Don't scoo-ka-ma-bob-a, Mommy."

So, we add this word aptly spoken to our family vocabulary. It is like an apple of gold in my heart. And when we use it, my heart will smile for both the love and lesson swaddled within.

"...without holiness no one will see the Lord."
Hebrews 12:14

Right In Front of Jesus

2011-01-24T05:45:00.004-05:00

"Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus."

Luke 5:18-19

Our pastor taught from Luke 5:17-26 yesterday. God's Word stirred my heart on so many levels through this familiar passage brought to me in a fresh way yesterday. His Word is alive and is moving me.

In Luke 5, friends of the paralyzed man were carrying him to Jesus on his mat. When they could not get in the door of the house where Jesus was teaching due to the crowds, these determined men, without hesitation, went up on the roof, cut a hole in the roof and lowered the man down until he was "right in front of Jesus" (v. 19).

I am so thankful to have precious friends who carry me to Jesus. They point me to Him, whether by a bold or quiet example of Christ lived out in their lives, by praying for me or by literally giving me His written Word at the right moment. When I am discouraged and struggling, "paralyzed" so to speak, they come alongside me, carry me and put me right in front of Jesus.

As I listened to my pastor teach, tears welled up in my eyes. "I'm going to the roof," I thought. I began praying for "paralyzed" friends. A friend whose cancer has returned and has spread to her lungs and her liver. A friend who is in perhaps her darkest hour. Friends whose children are seriously ill. A friend who is traveling to another state this week for medical testing and treatment. Friends whose parents are gravely ill. A friend who has been held captive by depression. A friend whose heart is breaking.

Precious friends. Paralyzed friends.

Carrying and putting them right in front of Jesus, our Healer, our Redeemer, our Shepherd. Climbing to the roof in prayer. Cutting a hole in that roof with God's sword, His Word. Exercising faith muscles to lower them down and place them right in front of Jesus. "...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith." Hebrews 12:2

Jesus, our Great Physician, please touch and heal these lives and bodies. Drench them in Your grace and mercy, allow them to pick up their mats and go forth praising You. Be glorified in and through lives by the remarkable things You do today. Touch, heal, restore, make whole. We love you. Amen.

"Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, 'We have seen remarkable things today.'”

Luke 5:26