Music echoed through the small sanctuary. Standing on the platform, I watched as Johnny (worship leader at Familia Christiana) coached each of the girls on their instruments: Deanna on the keyboard, Leilani on the bass guitar and Mikayla on the electric guitar. Esther, Johnny’s wife, filled in the spaces with her sweet voice singing the melody and I joined in with harmony. Anneliese was playing the drums, stumbling a little as she gained confidence. The Praise became palpable and almost tangible. I knew it was the Holy Spirit because “the Lord inhabits the praises of His people.” (Ps. 22:3)
What a thrill!! Worshiping the Lord with my kids making the music! I had always wanted to be part of a band. I just never dreamed that the principals would be my children. Then realization rolled over me in a wave: these musicians were not children any longer. They were young women fast becoming members of the adult population. Talk about a thrill – adults that will worship “in Spirit and in truth.” (Jn. 4:23)
Praise God that we decided to home educate!! Our time with them is so precious, so fleeting, so essential to imparting to them the truth of the gospel. Not just so that they will know and believe, but so that they will be equipped to lead their own children to the cross of Christ. Every day, as they grow older and taller, I am reminded of the ultimate “subject” in their education: knowing and serving the living God.
Some have said that our children will always be our babies. In a way, I’m sure that’s true. However, my dream is for my children to become parents who will be able to bless their children even more than I am able to bless them. My dream is for them to become adults who will lead their own little ones to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and will then teach them to lead their children in the truth. This generational legacy depends upon us nurturing them, leading them, guiding them and eventually letting them go. This dream depends upon our ability to see them and, over time, treat them as adults, too.
It’s been hard at times to allow them adult responsibility like driving a car, getting a job, or going on their own road trip (without me). But each time they take these things on and “conquer” them with integrity, it becomes easier to accept them as the adults that they are becoming.
This gray area between young people and adults is such a wonderful time! We allow them to spread their wings knowing that if they encounter something hard or fail at flying, the nest is always nearby ready to receive and comfort them. Then the nest becomes a launching pad again for the next try. Will they get in a fender bender? Will they encounter a rude boss? Will they get lost? Probably. But for this time, we are there so that their failures become learning experiences as they begin their journey toward adulthood.
As we gathered our instruments to return home, Mik asks “Mom, can we get some ice cream?” My reply is, “No, not tonight. We have dinner at home.” “Awww, Mom! Why not?” she whines. I just smile as I see the child in her that is still shining through those adult-looking eyes. Even as we guide her on her journey, the child still clings. Someday she’ll be ready to conquer the adult world all by herself. Until then, I’ll just keep helping her along, nudging her out of the nest and encouraging her to “walk in truth.”
1Jn 2:28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He is revealed we may have confidence, and not be shamed from Him in His coming.
3Jn 1:4 I have no greater joy than these things, that I hear my children are walking in truth.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Relationship = Resources
Businesses call it networking; churches call it fellowship; the Bible calls it “bearing one another’s burdens”; and home schoolers call it Co-op. As you probably do, I frequently get the question: “If you don’t know it, how can you teach it?” After the obvious answer (“I like to learn, too.”), my second answer is: Co-op.
When we first moved to this little west Texas town in the middle of nowhere, we were the only home schooling family for 40 miles. However, after the first year, and after people got over the initial shock, I started getting questions about what we did for school and how we did it. I found myself sitting down with several families and talking to them about home education, the laws in Texas and how they could get started. By year two, we were one of 3 families who home schooled.
Our little Co-op started in our house on Friday’s when I started doing “classes” in various subjects to which the other home schooling families were invited. My first and simple rule was: “A parent must accompany their children and learn, too.” Because they were all just starting out, I did most of the teaching, but as we went along I encouraged the other parents to share their knowledge and talents with our group as well. We went on several field trips together and did a little “program” at the local Baptist Church. By the next year, we had grown to 5 families.
Due to the relationships our group had built in the community, the local Methodist Church offered us its empty classrooms to use for our Co-op. Now we meet there every Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each parent offers something to the group. One parent teaches Geography to the younger ones; one helps prepare our potluck lunch and cleans up afterward; one is teaching spelling and vocabulary because she loves words and I teach writing and geometry. Over the last 2 years, our kids have had opportunities to learn Ballroom Dancing, Biology, Football, Grass Identification, Horseback Riding, and Music. All this because we came together to “bear one another’s burdens.”
Opportunities to learn new things don’t just stop at our Monday Co-op. Because of the friendships we have made there, my girls have been blessed with opportunities beyond anything that I could have provided. My daughter, Deanna, is very interested in training horses; and because of our relationship with the Kinford family (www.2lazy4u.us) in our group, she is able to pursue that every day. She was even given a horse because of her faithfulness in helping Bob with his horses. Now she thinks that working with horses is something that she wants to pursue as a career.
During our years here, we have been active in our church and community. Due to the friendships we have made and the people we have met, our kids have been able to discover some of their God given talents and develop them more fully. Another local church, Pueblo del Familia Christiana, offered our group and opportunity to learn to play musical instruments and form a Worship team. We took them up on their offer and go to their church every Monday evening so that we can learn the keyboard, drums, guitar and bass guitar. Sometimes we have so much fun just making music, that it will be 9 p.m. before we realize it. An added bonus is that we get to practice a little of our Spanish while we work with them.
We don’t have to know it to teach it, folks. We just have to be faithful to share our knowledge and talents with others. In doing so, we realize a great spiritual truth: what goes around comes around. All we have to do is open our eyes and take the opportunities as we find them. The first step is joining or starting a Co-op. Pray about how you can help bear each other’s burdens. Then the next time someone asks “How can you teach that?”, you can confidently reply “I don’t.”
Lord, help us to see the resources that you bring to us because of relationship. Help us to know how to encourage and help others and be a resource in their efforts to educate their children.
Gal 6:2
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Mat 7:12
Therefore, all things, whatever you desire that men should do to you, so also you should do to them; for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Gal 6:7
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever a man may sow, that he also will reap.
Mat 22:37 - 39
And Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." Deut. 6:5
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Lev. 19:18
When we first moved to this little west Texas town in the middle of nowhere, we were the only home schooling family for 40 miles. However, after the first year, and after people got over the initial shock, I started getting questions about what we did for school and how we did it. I found myself sitting down with several families and talking to them about home education, the laws in Texas and how they could get started. By year two, we were one of 3 families who home schooled.
Our little Co-op started in our house on Friday’s when I started doing “classes” in various subjects to which the other home schooling families were invited. My first and simple rule was: “A parent must accompany their children and learn, too.” Because they were all just starting out, I did most of the teaching, but as we went along I encouraged the other parents to share their knowledge and talents with our group as well. We went on several field trips together and did a little “program” at the local Baptist Church. By the next year, we had grown to 5 families.
Due to the relationships our group had built in the community, the local Methodist Church offered us its empty classrooms to use for our Co-op. Now we meet there every Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each parent offers something to the group. One parent teaches Geography to the younger ones; one helps prepare our potluck lunch and cleans up afterward; one is teaching spelling and vocabulary because she loves words and I teach writing and geometry. Over the last 2 years, our kids have had opportunities to learn Ballroom Dancing, Biology, Football, Grass Identification, Horseback Riding, and Music. All this because we came together to “bear one another’s burdens.”
Opportunities to learn new things don’t just stop at our Monday Co-op. Because of the friendships we have made there, my girls have been blessed with opportunities beyond anything that I could have provided. My daughter, Deanna, is very interested in training horses; and because of our relationship with the Kinford family (www.2lazy4u.us) in our group, she is able to pursue that every day. She was even given a horse because of her faithfulness in helping Bob with his horses. Now she thinks that working with horses is something that she wants to pursue as a career.
During our years here, we have been active in our church and community. Due to the friendships we have made and the people we have met, our kids have been able to discover some of their God given talents and develop them more fully. Another local church, Pueblo del Familia Christiana, offered our group and opportunity to learn to play musical instruments and form a Worship team. We took them up on their offer and go to their church every Monday evening so that we can learn the keyboard, drums, guitar and bass guitar. Sometimes we have so much fun just making music, that it will be 9 p.m. before we realize it. An added bonus is that we get to practice a little of our Spanish while we work with them.
We don’t have to know it to teach it, folks. We just have to be faithful to share our knowledge and talents with others. In doing so, we realize a great spiritual truth: what goes around comes around. All we have to do is open our eyes and take the opportunities as we find them. The first step is joining or starting a Co-op. Pray about how you can help bear each other’s burdens. Then the next time someone asks “How can you teach that?”, you can confidently reply “I don’t.”
Lord, help us to see the resources that you bring to us because of relationship. Help us to know how to encourage and help others and be a resource in their efforts to educate their children.
Gal 6:2
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Mat 7:12
Therefore, all things, whatever you desire that men should do to you, so also you should do to them; for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Gal 6:7
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever a man may sow, that he also will reap.
Mat 22:37 - 39
And Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." Deut. 6:5
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Lev. 19:18
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Darkness in Me
(My son, Aaron, has written a 'tune' to go with my words. I wrote this while thinking about how easy it is to fall into the trap of thinking that we have to be perfect in order to be forgiven. But God's Word says, "..while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.")
I smiled and said “hello”,
And shook her hand…again.
We sat and talked for hours
About how our days are spent.
But the deeper I don’t go
‘Cause I don’t want to show.
She must never see
The darkness … in me.
I listen to the sermon,
And not my head…again.
Sitting taking notes,
Letting it sink in.
The invitation comes and I don’t go
‘Cause I don’t want them to know.
They’ll never see
The darkness … in me.
(Chorus)
I wanna be great.
I wanna dream.
I wanna do something for eternity.
I keep pressing on
Hitting brick walls.
It’s the turmoil inside
That I’m trying to hide…
What keeps me from being free
Is the darkness … in me.
I kneel next to my bed,
Crying out in prayer…again.
Today’s the day
There will be no more pretend!
I pour out my heart to You,
‘Cause I know the Truth.
You alone can see
The darkness … in me.
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
Pretending…
Pretending…
It’s never ending!
Lying…
Crying…
How can I keep on dying…inside?
(Chorus2)
I wanna be great.
I wanna dream.
I wanna do something for eternity.
I wanna press on.
Break thru the wall.
Calm the turmoil inside
So I no longer hide.
Lord, please set me free
From the darkness … in me.
I smiled and said “hello”,
And shook her hand…again.
We sat and talked for hours
About how our days are spent.
But the deeper I don’t go
‘Cause I don’t want to show.
She must never see
The darkness … in me.
I listen to the sermon,
And not my head…again.
Sitting taking notes,
Letting it sink in.
The invitation comes and I don’t go
‘Cause I don’t want them to know.
They’ll never see
The darkness … in me.
(Chorus)
I wanna be great.
I wanna dream.
I wanna do something for eternity.
I keep pressing on
Hitting brick walls.
It’s the turmoil inside
That I’m trying to hide…
What keeps me from being free
Is the darkness … in me.
I kneel next to my bed,
Crying out in prayer…again.
Today’s the day
There will be no more pretend!
I pour out my heart to You,
‘Cause I know the Truth.
You alone can see
The darkness … in me.
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
Pretending…
Pretending…
It’s never ending!
Lying…
Crying…
How can I keep on dying…inside?
(Chorus2)
I wanna be great.
I wanna dream.
I wanna do something for eternity.
I wanna press on.
Break thru the wall.
Calm the turmoil inside
So I no longer hide.
Lord, please set me free
From the darkness … in me.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The Gift of Your Presence
Yesterday I was having a great conversation with one of my clients. We were talking about our children and how fast they grow up. She is a young parent with one child and I was the older parent with three high schoolers and three grown children. One of the things that she said to me was: “I’m afraid that if it’s always just him and me, he will be so tired of me that he will not be able to wait to leave.” For a moment I was floored! Then I realized that I have a totally different perspective.
We’ve all heard the old adage: “Absence makes the heart grow fonder!” This may sound cute in relation to a couple who has been around each other so much that they are beginning to take each other for granted. Other than that, it is really the opposite that is true. The more time we spend with each other, the fonder of each other we become.
……………………………………………
We sat in my bedroom at the beginning of the day. We try to start the day with devotions and prayer, but today we were moving in slow motion. Deanna, my oldest daughter, asked me what my schedule was and I told her that I had to be at work by one o’clock.
“Mom,” Mikayla was whining a little, “you’re never home! And when you are at home, you’re not here!” She was really upset. “I want you to spend more time with us. I want to do something fun with you!”
“Honey, I am home a lot of the time.” My first instinct was to defend myself. “What do you mean, ‘when you’re home you’re not here’?”
“You’re on the computer or on the phone making appointments or something.” I knew that she was exaggerating a little and the word “never” was inserted in order to express her feelings – which were valid. So I tried to hear her heart.
For a few minutes I thought over the last couple of weeks. She was right in that I had been really busy with work, the coffee shop and the regular home management. We had been trying to catch up on laundry after our machine had been broken for a couple of weeks. We had also been making up for lost income and higher bills due to the “big freeze” recently. In other words, life had been happening.
“I have an idea.” I announced to all three girls. “Why don’t we all do something fun today. Let’s get our cowboy hats and boots on and go out to the overlook and just take some fun pictures.”
Suddenly the room lit up. All three of my daughters were suddenly excited. They rushed around upstairs for a few minutes getting the necessary props and putting on the “costumes” and then we were off. We spent the next hour and a half at the overlook just outside of town. The weather was perfect and the breeze was just enough to make some really cool pictures for our Facebook pages.
At the end of our photography session, we took the camera to the Cornerstone Coffee Shop where the girls proudly showed Dad. Our “girls day out” became the focus of conversation and comment amongst the family and several customers during the course of the day.
I had also realized something really important: my daughters needed and wanted my presence in their lives more often; that they needed my attention, my real presence, not just my body located at home. They really just wanted to spend time with me…doing something together. You’d think that in home educating, stuff like this would happen all of the time. Unfortunately, we get caught up in life, tasks and schoolwork; forgetting the time. We forget that only in quantity will we get quality.
I praise God every day that my children are fond of me. I’m so ecstatic that they want to spend time with me and think it is cool to hang out with mom. I’m glad that they tell me when they are missing that time with me and that they want more of it. I wish I could split myself into three sometimes so that that I could make sure that their time with me was enough.
Lord, give me the time I need for my kids. Show me how to spend more time with them. Help me to recognize when to set life aside and “gather my chicks” for a time of fellowship with them.
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Eph 5:15, 16 (KJV)
We’ve all heard the old adage: “Absence makes the heart grow fonder!” This may sound cute in relation to a couple who has been around each other so much that they are beginning to take each other for granted. Other than that, it is really the opposite that is true. The more time we spend with each other, the fonder of each other we become.
……………………………………………
We sat in my bedroom at the beginning of the day. We try to start the day with devotions and prayer, but today we were moving in slow motion. Deanna, my oldest daughter, asked me what my schedule was and I told her that I had to be at work by one o’clock.
“Mom,” Mikayla was whining a little, “you’re never home! And when you are at home, you’re not here!” She was really upset. “I want you to spend more time with us. I want to do something fun with you!”
“Honey, I am home a lot of the time.” My first instinct was to defend myself. “What do you mean, ‘when you’re home you’re not here’?”
“You’re on the computer or on the phone making appointments or something.” I knew that she was exaggerating a little and the word “never” was inserted in order to express her feelings – which were valid. So I tried to hear her heart.
For a few minutes I thought over the last couple of weeks. She was right in that I had been really busy with work, the coffee shop and the regular home management. We had been trying to catch up on laundry after our machine had been broken for a couple of weeks. We had also been making up for lost income and higher bills due to the “big freeze” recently. In other words, life had been happening.
“I have an idea.” I announced to all three girls. “Why don’t we all do something fun today. Let’s get our cowboy hats and boots on and go out to the overlook and just take some fun pictures.”
Suddenly the room lit up. All three of my daughters were suddenly excited. They rushed around upstairs for a few minutes getting the necessary props and putting on the “costumes” and then we were off. We spent the next hour and a half at the overlook just outside of town. The weather was perfect and the breeze was just enough to make some really cool pictures for our Facebook pages.
At the end of our photography session, we took the camera to the Cornerstone Coffee Shop where the girls proudly showed Dad. Our “girls day out” became the focus of conversation and comment amongst the family and several customers during the course of the day.
I had also realized something really important: my daughters needed and wanted my presence in their lives more often; that they needed my attention, my real presence, not just my body located at home. They really just wanted to spend time with me…doing something together. You’d think that in home educating, stuff like this would happen all of the time. Unfortunately, we get caught up in life, tasks and schoolwork; forgetting the time. We forget that only in quantity will we get quality.
I praise God every day that my children are fond of me. I’m so ecstatic that they want to spend time with me and think it is cool to hang out with mom. I’m glad that they tell me when they are missing that time with me and that they want more of it. I wish I could split myself into three sometimes so that that I could make sure that their time with me was enough.
Lord, give me the time I need for my kids. Show me how to spend more time with them. Help me to recognize when to set life aside and “gather my chicks” for a time of fellowship with them.
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Eph 5:15, 16 (KJV)
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A Sinner's Confession
“There is none righteous; no not one.” Romans 3:10
“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
I am a sinner. Most Christians would agree with that statement. I am not perfect. No argument there! I need a Savior. Hopefully, all of us will come to this conclusion one way or another. So…because I am a sinner and am not perfect, I need a Savior.
If the above is true, then it follows that I will need correction and instruction – constantly; because I will always be a sinner and I will never be perfect. Praise God, I have a Savior!
I need a Savior because I am not perfect and am a sinner. So, why is it that my first responses to instruction and correction are: “Who me?” “I’m not bad!” “I’m justified in doing ___!” “It must be your fault!” “You just don’t understand.” etc.? It’s probably because I don’t like the taste of humble pie.
“Honey, I’d really like you to cut my hair tonight.” Ralph likes me to cut his hair because he loves to have me play with it. Normally, I like to do it. This time I only reluctantly agreed thinking that I would probably feel more like doing it later.
That evening came and I still did not feel like cutting anyone’s hair. He reminded me and I piddled around and distracted myself. Finally, I got lost in a book while he “got lost” on his computer. The hair cutting had been conveniently forgotten -- or so I thought.
The next morning I was making breakfast and Ralph came into the kitchen. “Sheila, I’m really disappointed that you didn’t cut my hair last night like you said that you would.” I could tell that he was a little upset. “Why didn’t you just tell me that you’d like to do it another time instead of saying that you would do something and then not doing it? I think you were wrong not to follow through with your word.” To his credit, he was being kind and at the same time trying to hold me accountable.
I wish I could say that my first response was “I’m sorry.” Unfortunately, I didn’t want to eat humble pie for breakfast and my reply was much more along the lines of the above. However, as we talked, the Holy Spirit tapped me on the shoulder and told me that He wanted to love me and He wanted to forgive me. “Remember!” He was whispering, “You need a Savior!”
After a little bit of prodding, my heart brought forth the words, “You’re right, hon. I should have said something to you or done what I said I was going to do. I’m sorry. Forgive me?” Of course, he hugged me and forgave me, not just for not keeping my word, but also for my excuse making; and our relationship was restored.
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16
According to Drs. Cloud & Townsend in their book Safe People, when we confess our wrongdoing and own up to our failures, we increase our capacity for intimacy and love. If you think about it, we can only receive forgiveness for what we are willing to confess and can only receive God’s love to the extent that we are forgiven and, consequently, are only able to give love to the extent that we have received it. We cannot truly love others, especially those closest to us, if we are not willing and able to admit when we are wrong.
I believe that we are put into relationships with others so that we can learn to love and be loved the way that our Heavenly Father loves us. Because we are sinners, this involves a lot of “owning” our own sin and realizing that in receiving instruction and correction we are actually able to love more.
“Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” Proverbs 4:13
“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.” Proverbs 15:10
If we cannot receive correction and instruction (especially from those who love us most), then we are in effect saying, “I don’t sin. I’m perfect. I don’t need a Savior.” Where would that leave us? Although we may understand this fully from a theological standpoint, do we really understand it when it comes down to our own lives? I hope I do. I hope I welcome reproof and correction so that I can embrace my Savior, live, and love more.
Lord, help me to receive Your love and forgiveness by admitting when I am wrong. Protect me from the lie that says “If you’re not perfect, people won’t love you.” Because the opposite is really true. Help me to become a more useful vessel by “owning” my wrongs so that You can right them. Show me how to continue to embrace the One Who loves perfectly so that I can love others the way You love me.
“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
I am a sinner. Most Christians would agree with that statement. I am not perfect. No argument there! I need a Savior. Hopefully, all of us will come to this conclusion one way or another. So…because I am a sinner and am not perfect, I need a Savior.
If the above is true, then it follows that I will need correction and instruction – constantly; because I will always be a sinner and I will never be perfect. Praise God, I have a Savior!
I need a Savior because I am not perfect and am a sinner. So, why is it that my first responses to instruction and correction are: “Who me?” “I’m not bad!” “I’m justified in doing ___!” “It must be your fault!” “You just don’t understand.” etc.? It’s probably because I don’t like the taste of humble pie.
“Honey, I’d really like you to cut my hair tonight.” Ralph likes me to cut his hair because he loves to have me play with it. Normally, I like to do it. This time I only reluctantly agreed thinking that I would probably feel more like doing it later.
That evening came and I still did not feel like cutting anyone’s hair. He reminded me and I piddled around and distracted myself. Finally, I got lost in a book while he “got lost” on his computer. The hair cutting had been conveniently forgotten -- or so I thought.
The next morning I was making breakfast and Ralph came into the kitchen. “Sheila, I’m really disappointed that you didn’t cut my hair last night like you said that you would.” I could tell that he was a little upset. “Why didn’t you just tell me that you’d like to do it another time instead of saying that you would do something and then not doing it? I think you were wrong not to follow through with your word.” To his credit, he was being kind and at the same time trying to hold me accountable.
I wish I could say that my first response was “I’m sorry.” Unfortunately, I didn’t want to eat humble pie for breakfast and my reply was much more along the lines of the above. However, as we talked, the Holy Spirit tapped me on the shoulder and told me that He wanted to love me and He wanted to forgive me. “Remember!” He was whispering, “You need a Savior!”
After a little bit of prodding, my heart brought forth the words, “You’re right, hon. I should have said something to you or done what I said I was going to do. I’m sorry. Forgive me?” Of course, he hugged me and forgave me, not just for not keeping my word, but also for my excuse making; and our relationship was restored.
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16
According to Drs. Cloud & Townsend in their book Safe People, when we confess our wrongdoing and own up to our failures, we increase our capacity for intimacy and love. If you think about it, we can only receive forgiveness for what we are willing to confess and can only receive God’s love to the extent that we are forgiven and, consequently, are only able to give love to the extent that we have received it. We cannot truly love others, especially those closest to us, if we are not willing and able to admit when we are wrong.
I believe that we are put into relationships with others so that we can learn to love and be loved the way that our Heavenly Father loves us. Because we are sinners, this involves a lot of “owning” our own sin and realizing that in receiving instruction and correction we are actually able to love more.
“Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” Proverbs 4:13
“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.” Proverbs 15:10
If we cannot receive correction and instruction (especially from those who love us most), then we are in effect saying, “I don’t sin. I’m perfect. I don’t need a Savior.” Where would that leave us? Although we may understand this fully from a theological standpoint, do we really understand it when it comes down to our own lives? I hope I do. I hope I welcome reproof and correction so that I can embrace my Savior, live, and love more.
Lord, help me to receive Your love and forgiveness by admitting when I am wrong. Protect me from the lie that says “If you’re not perfect, people won’t love you.” Because the opposite is really true. Help me to become a more useful vessel by “owning” my wrongs so that You can right them. Show me how to continue to embrace the One Who loves perfectly so that I can love others the way You love me.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Cold Hospitality
Hospitality is not about entertaining. It’s about including others in your adventure. - Sheila
Sometimes we think that our home has to be perfectly clean and that we must plan a special meal in order to have guests over. Quite often, the perceived work involved discourages us from opening our home to friends or providing hospitality to someone in need. But, on reflection, I don’t know that God had perfection in mind when He said “show hospitality” (I Peter 4:9).
This has been one of the coldest few days in the last 20 years in Van Horn. Because of this, our house is not really “guest” ready. We have blankets hung up on various entrances to rooms in order to contain the heat and our kitchen is littered with dishes that we can’t wash until we have running water again. Bringing in firewood for the wood stove and taking the puppies out has tracked dirt and ice all over the entry and living room floors. In spite of this, God thought it was good enough for guests anyway.
Yesterday afternoon a friend called me from one of the local hotels. An elderly husband and wife had been stranded here because of the weather. He was a retired pastor and they were on their way to Abilene, TX to minister at a church there. However, because of the weather and icy roads, he and his wife didn’t want to chance going on that night. My friend said that he had called every church in town and no one could help. So, his wife had suggested that they call us.
My friend put Jim on the line and as he told me his story, I felt in my heart that we were supposed to help. I asked them to go to the Cornerstone Coffee Shop and talk to my husband. When they got there, Ralph made sure they had a place to sit, some hot coffee and a blanket (it was cold in the shop, too) while I made arrangements for a room and a meal…at our house.
That evening was an adventure for all of us. April & Duke, who live with us, made a wonderful meal with some help from our girls. I was working, but got home early enough to help with clean up and make sure Jim and Janice had heat in their room (my daughter, Deanna, bunked with her sisters). Deanna, Mikayla and Leilani made a fire in the stove, served our guests hot tea and cookies and tried to keep our dogs out from under foot. Meanwhile, it got colder and colder.
When we got up the next morning, we discovered frozen pipes at the Cornerstone and at home. So we decided to close the shop and focus on making home more bearable. As we cooked breakfast and made coffee, we all agreed that it was warmer in the refrigerator than the kitchen. During the rest of the morning, Jim and Janice cheerfully helped where ever they could, graciously kept their coats on in the house, allowed the puppies and our cat to sit in their laps and encouraged us in the Lord.
Finally, after loading up our living room with firewood and turning on every space heater in the house, we realized that we had to do something to take the chill off so the pipes wouldn’t break. Duke singed off his left eyebrow working with Ralph to light our central heating system and eventually got it going. The house is now at about 55 degrees (instead of 32) and is beginning to feel much better.
I’m watching the weather on-line. Jim and Janice are keeping an eye on the reported road conditions. Ralph is fixing the pipes under the kitchen sink. We have all realized that we might have to maintain for another day or two. We have reassured Jim and Janice that they are welcome to stay. They have been happy to share our hospitality (in spite of the imperfection) and in a very short time have become part of our family. If we hadn’t opened our home, we would never have made such sweet friends or had such a cool adventure.
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. (Rom 12:10-13 KJV)
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (I Peter 4:9 ESV)
Sometimes we think that our home has to be perfectly clean and that we must plan a special meal in order to have guests over. Quite often, the perceived work involved discourages us from opening our home to friends or providing hospitality to someone in need. But, on reflection, I don’t know that God had perfection in mind when He said “show hospitality” (I Peter 4:9).
This has been one of the coldest few days in the last 20 years in Van Horn. Because of this, our house is not really “guest” ready. We have blankets hung up on various entrances to rooms in order to contain the heat and our kitchen is littered with dishes that we can’t wash until we have running water again. Bringing in firewood for the wood stove and taking the puppies out has tracked dirt and ice all over the entry and living room floors. In spite of this, God thought it was good enough for guests anyway.
Yesterday afternoon a friend called me from one of the local hotels. An elderly husband and wife had been stranded here because of the weather. He was a retired pastor and they were on their way to Abilene, TX to minister at a church there. However, because of the weather and icy roads, he and his wife didn’t want to chance going on that night. My friend said that he had called every church in town and no one could help. So, his wife had suggested that they call us.
My friend put Jim on the line and as he told me his story, I felt in my heart that we were supposed to help. I asked them to go to the Cornerstone Coffee Shop and talk to my husband. When they got there, Ralph made sure they had a place to sit, some hot coffee and a blanket (it was cold in the shop, too) while I made arrangements for a room and a meal…at our house.
That evening was an adventure for all of us. April & Duke, who live with us, made a wonderful meal with some help from our girls. I was working, but got home early enough to help with clean up and make sure Jim and Janice had heat in their room (my daughter, Deanna, bunked with her sisters). Deanna, Mikayla and Leilani made a fire in the stove, served our guests hot tea and cookies and tried to keep our dogs out from under foot. Meanwhile, it got colder and colder.
When we got up the next morning, we discovered frozen pipes at the Cornerstone and at home. So we decided to close the shop and focus on making home more bearable. As we cooked breakfast and made coffee, we all agreed that it was warmer in the refrigerator than the kitchen. During the rest of the morning, Jim and Janice cheerfully helped where ever they could, graciously kept their coats on in the house, allowed the puppies and our cat to sit in their laps and encouraged us in the Lord.
Finally, after loading up our living room with firewood and turning on every space heater in the house, we realized that we had to do something to take the chill off so the pipes wouldn’t break. Duke singed off his left eyebrow working with Ralph to light our central heating system and eventually got it going. The house is now at about 55 degrees (instead of 32) and is beginning to feel much better.
I’m watching the weather on-line. Jim and Janice are keeping an eye on the reported road conditions. Ralph is fixing the pipes under the kitchen sink. We have all realized that we might have to maintain for another day or two. We have reassured Jim and Janice that they are welcome to stay. They have been happy to share our hospitality (in spite of the imperfection) and in a very short time have become part of our family. If we hadn’t opened our home, we would never have made such sweet friends or had such a cool adventure.
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. (Rom 12:10-13 KJV)
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (I Peter 4:9 ESV)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Ultimate Father
I sat in amazement as Mikayla played the piano and sang for Church. As she gained confidence, her voice filled the sanctuary and her fingers seemed to dance across the keyboard. This was only the second time I had heard her play and sing and the first time I had ever heard her play this particular piece. My first thought was “Wow!” My second was “How did she learn to do that?” And then, “Praise God! She is worshiping in spirit and truth!”
As a homeschooling mom, I tend to believe subconsciously that my children will only learn if I teach them. I think we all put that on ourselves from time to time; thus the reason that we get overwhelmed every once in a while. However, the real object of our home education is to inspire our children to learn on their own.
I think that one of the things that amazed me most about Mik’s playing was that we don’t even have a piano. She must have practiced on the piano at the church where we have our co-op on Fridays – and we only go there once a week. In this instance, she had learned something on her own without us even providing the resources. It reminded me that God is alive and active in our children’s lives whether we are involved or not.
“Train up a child in the way he (or she) should go, and when he is older, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Now, I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. We did have a piano once and she took piano lessons; so she had learned some of the fundamentals. She also has access to a guitar, which she plays semi-regularly. We also sing worship songs at home and listen to worship music in the car when we go places. Many of the “pieces” were there for her to be inspired (by God) to put them together.
I think that is my point, which gives me great hope and peace for the future. That is that if we but point our children in the right direction and do our best to give them the tools, God will draw them to Himself. God will fill in the gaps where we were inadequate and provide the resources when we cannot. After all, whose children are they anyway? As the ultimate Father, He is at work, always, preparing those for whom He has purpose.
Lord, may I never forget that You are drawing all unto Yourself, including my children. Help me cooperate with You in Your purpose for them.
As a homeschooling mom, I tend to believe subconsciously that my children will only learn if I teach them. I think we all put that on ourselves from time to time; thus the reason that we get overwhelmed every once in a while. However, the real object of our home education is to inspire our children to learn on their own.
I think that one of the things that amazed me most about Mik’s playing was that we don’t even have a piano. She must have practiced on the piano at the church where we have our co-op on Fridays – and we only go there once a week. In this instance, she had learned something on her own without us even providing the resources. It reminded me that God is alive and active in our children’s lives whether we are involved or not.
“Train up a child in the way he (or she) should go, and when he is older, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Now, I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. We did have a piano once and she took piano lessons; so she had learned some of the fundamentals. She also has access to a guitar, which she plays semi-regularly. We also sing worship songs at home and listen to worship music in the car when we go places. Many of the “pieces” were there for her to be inspired (by God) to put them together.
I think that is my point, which gives me great hope and peace for the future. That is that if we but point our children in the right direction and do our best to give them the tools, God will draw them to Himself. God will fill in the gaps where we were inadequate and provide the resources when we cannot. After all, whose children are they anyway? As the ultimate Father, He is at work, always, preparing those for whom He has purpose.
Lord, may I never forget that You are drawing all unto Yourself, including my children. Help me cooperate with You in Your purpose for them.
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