Beside Still Waters

In the last post I wrote I talked about looking forward to Vacation…knowing, of course, that I must find my rest in the Lord first and foremost.

As I have already entered into the whirlwind we call May…I am reading “Seasons of a Mother’s Heart” by Sally Clarkson and it is speaking directly to me.  Is she really a fly on my wall?

I thought I would share what the Lord reaffirmed in my spirit today:

“I need regular moments in my life like that morning walk, times of refreshment and resoration that refill the spiritual well in my heart, which is too often left dry by the spirit-draining hustle and bustle of contemporary life.  If I don’t take care to keep it filled, I soon find I have no spiritual refreshement to give to those whome God has put into my life, especially my always-thirsty children. When i let my well run drty, I am no longer able to be a source of refteshing water to them, or to others in my life. To say it more simply, I cannot keep giving out without taking in.

Kind David prayed to the Lord, his Shepherd, who “leads me beside quiet wayers” (Psalm 23:2). Literally, he said that the Lord would lead him to waters of resting places.  Shepherds know that not all waters are “restful waters.” Some are shallow, warm stagnant pools.  the good one, though, are deep pools fed by flowing spring waters that keep the surface water cool, refreshing, and restorative.  Such waters provide the very best resting places for weary sheep.  That is where God leads us to fill our souls.

As a homeschooling mother, keeping my well filled with restful waters is not always easy. I am constantly drawing from my well to minister to my children, who are always with me, to keep my home-domain in order, to geed and clothe my family, and to be a helper to my husband. IN the same way that Jesus often retreated from the needy crowds to spend time alone with God, I need to get away from the needy crowd in my home to be with the Lord and to draw from his restful waters.  He is, agter all, the “living water” that will become in those who drink of him “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). Drinking his living water is a spiritual necessity, as necessary for my spiritual health as eating good food is for my physical health.  I nee to make time to drink of his restful waters to replenish my own well!”

This is not NEW revelation to me. It’s not the first time I have needed the reminder that my rest is in the Lord…nor will it be the last, I’m sure.

I am praying that for you as well.  That you will drink deeply of the Living Water. That you will be restored by HIS quiet waters so that you may spill out to those around you.  He IS our strength…our rock…our rest…our All in All!

Katie

Quiet on the Home Front

Well…Not exactly! I should have said “Quiet on the Blog Front!”

This is such a busy season for my family.  We are finishing up school. Extra-curricular activities are coming to an end with recitals. Recognition Night will finish out the Homeschool Year. “Busy Season” for Hubby is still upon us.

The glimmer of VACATION is on the horizon!

I love the idea of vacation. It always seems to be a much needed and wanted break from the hustle of everyday life.  No phones, computers or distractions…just family time.

I don’t know if it’s because we always take off right after the chaos of late spring, or if we really are dillusional sometimes in our planning. HAHA!  To many times we get caught up in the planning of a fun trip and then end up wishing we could just sit and be quiet! Even the kids feel this way. It is when we put our faith and reliance on a vacation for restoration that we miss the point of our vacation.

I know that a Vacation will NOT restore me as the Lord can! When I lay it all down at His feet, I can enjoy vacationing as fun family time as we make memories and enjoy one another and not as a source of restoration. When I put my hope in Man’s ways, a vacation, to restore me…I will not be satisfied, rested, restored or even enjoy the trip as much. We usually return home exhausted!

I am thankful to the Lord…who restores me.  Who gives us life. Who is actually the Glimmer of Peace and Restoration on My horizon. Vacations are great…but God’s rest is truely restoration for my weariness.

Be still and know I am God… Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

This year, we are taking a leisurely trip up to Cincinnati. I think the long drive will be great for us.  We love to read,  sew, draw and chat with each other so it will be time well spent. It will be a time of refreshment as we visit together and just “be still” as we drive along.

But before we leave…I will purpose in my heart to “Be Still” before the Lord and let HIM restore my soul.

Katie

How to Build Trust

Ever wonder how to build a strong Trust relationship with your husband? I have a few tips. It is on my heart to  re-post this from a Proverbs 31 Mini Series I did last year. Enjoy…

I love Proverbs 31 because it spells out what a woman, wife and mother should look like.  I know that there are many other scriptures that speak about women throughout the Bible, and they too, are powerful; however, I am going to delve into the Proverbs 31 woman.  It will take several posts, and I’m sure tears and joy as I, too, am walking out what the Lord is speaking to my heart.  I pray that I will be a blessing to those of you who read and that you will be encouraged and challenged  as well.

Let’s get started…

The Wife

Have you ever encountered a couple, friend or acquaintance, that you just knew if the wife would shut up, maybe her husband would be better off?  You know…the one who is nagging or taking small jabs at her husband’s expense. Joking about his character flaws or abilities…even as she pretends it is all in jest. Have you been that wife? Do you know if you are that wife?

I, myself have been guilty of this to some extent. I have, in the past, poked fun of my sweet hubby and seen the reaction on his face telling me I went to far and hurt his Spirit, feelings, pride…etc.  You don’t have to be in a public place or even with other people for your words to do damage. Words can hurt even in the confines of your home.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” (Pro 31:10-12)

Scripture paints a picture of what we are to be as wives. Genesis tells us that we are to be helpmates to our husbands.  1 Timothy 3:11 says ”…wives likewise must be dignified (honorable),not slanderers…” Our tongue should be used to edify and lift up our husbands…even when we don’t think they DESERVE to be praised and lifted up. Our husbands will not EVER be the men of God they need to be when we are out of line.  Scripture says that it is better for a man to live alone in the corner of a house than to live with a quarrelsome, brawling or angry wife (Proverbs 21:9, 19; 25:24).  As married women, we need to be a safe refuge for our husbands.  He should be able to bear his heart, faults, inadequacies, joys and triumphs with us without  fear of being made fun of later, having his words thrown back at him, or being laughed at or ridiculed.

Our words can break the people we love.  This scripture warns us of the consequences of loosing our husband’s trust…He will have NEED of SPOIL….Hmmm, what does that mean?  Maybe the sweet secretary that gives him the time of day, the neighbor that makes his favorite pie because she remembered his birthday, the grocery store cashier that laughs at his jokes…may innocently promote a feeling of resentment toward his wife, set his mind to wandering….or even worse, can lead to infidelity (whether emotional or physical)! Becoming a Wife that reflects Biblical principles is not always easy, nor is it always what our flesh WANTS to do, but it is what God has laid out in scriptures for us to model our lives by. It is a CHOICE you can make…It is YOUR responsibility to the Word of God to follow after it…It is NOT contingent on your husbands behaviors.  I will bring peace to you and your home, a Godly heritage for your children…and even help other marriages you touch along the way.

 Intentional Step to take:

Start by praying and asking the Lord to make you aware of the words that are not edifying…that are tearing down your marriage. Then, when you hear the words come out, stop and change them & apologize.  If you can…don’t even say what you are thinking!  CONTROL your TONGUE!  It has the power of Life and death in it, so CHOOSE life!  Speak encouragement.  Let it be genuine, heart-felt.  It doesn’t have to be deep, just positive…start little if you have to.  Compliment his dress, hair, cooking, cleaning, joke telling (laugh at him)… this will begin to form a new habit and help change you pattern of thinking. Your children will even notice and begin to change the way they regard their father as well.  As for your husband…after a while, he will begin to trust again…maybe even have a spark in his eye again.

My Wifely Pursuits!

I am in this boat with you.  I am not perfect BY ANY MEANS…this week my goal is to laugh at my hubby’s jokes more and to compliment his positive qualities to him and to others when he is around.

I would love to hear any positive results you begin to see from following God’s model!

May you walk in Love and Mercy this week,

You can check out the update on this Post here.  And for the rest of the series…just click the Proverbs 31 Tab above.

Katie

Life is Changing

For one…we are celebrating the beauties of childhood.  the carefree tears that are fraught with adventure, dreams and laughter. A carefree preparation ground for the tears to come.  A preparation ground that is without the burden of true responsibilities.

For the other…we are turning a corner, putting away the things of childhood and stepping one more inch into adulthood.  Training and teaching are becoming the foundation instead of the building blocks being added one by one. The foundation is laid. The Legos rarely appear and conversations are about meaningful life observations. The light of ideas and convictions are flickering in His eyes.

What a place to be. It’s exciting. It’s scary. It’s draining and fun. It takes so much more intentionality to train and live in both realms.

I am thankful for the God I serve!  He gave me a manual (the Bible) and the Spirit to lead and direct me. He will never leave me nor forsake me. His burden is light. He has given me everything I need for Life & Godliness…All promises from His Word…All TRUTHS in which I cling.

Thankfully, Joyously following Christ in obedience along life’s journey…

Katie

The Hunt- A Guest Post

Last week, hubby and I were talking about Resurection Sunday…the day we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  As we were talking, he made a comparisson that I asked him to type out for me to share with you all.

So…enjoy this post from my Hubby…Jason.

The Hunt

The eggs are hidden.  Under overgrown grass, behind a misplaced rock, in a tree limb almost nearly out of reach.

The children are ready.  Standing on tiptoes to see around the corner, bouncing with energy, and hoping to catch a peek.  They know the hunt is about to begin.

But is it a true prize to be found?

2000 years ago the body of Jesus disappeared from the tomb.  Peter and John took off running to the scene, searching and hunting for their Lord and Savior – the True Prize.

The Prize wasn’t there though…they couldn’t find Him.

At the tomb, Mary sobbed when she didn’t find the Prize: “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.”

The disciples kept seeking.  After a short while (which may not have seemed short at the time) Mary found the Prize, as did Peter and John.  Jesus revealed Himself to them, and then to over 500 people.

Has Jesus revealed Himself to you?

This holiday, many will be searching for plastic eggs, filled with all sorts of tasty (and fleeting) treats inside.  But there is a greater Prize that is awaiting the finding – a growing relationship with the Resurrected King.

 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.  (Jeremiah 29:13)

Sometimes He gets hidden behind bunny tales or under baskets.  But He is always, always there.  And He’s waiting for you to look for Him.

From our family to you and yours…May your day be filled with family, fun and laughter and may you seek and find Jesus this Resurrection Week!

Katie