Embracing Him

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

During the Christmas season a gift exchange was held on a forum I frequent. I mailed a gift to my sweet Christmas buddy and received a terrific gift in return.

I have been wanting to read Passionate Housewives Desperate for God for quite some time but had never gotten around to purchasing it. My Christmas buddy noted that I wanted to read the book and she was thoughtful enough to mail an author signed copy to me as a Christmas gift.

A few weeks ago, when one of the leaders of the church’s womens’ department came to speak to our moms’ group, she suggested that we add an inspirational book to our devotional time. Now that I have Passionate Housewives Desperate for God within reach, I’m reading it along with my Bible during my morning devotional time.

In the short time I’ve had the book, it has already been a tremendous blessing to me. Authors Jenny Chancy and Stacey McDonald offer a fresh Biblical perspective of the modern day homemaker. The book dispels the myth of the desperate housewife and encourages homemakers to recognize their call to work inside the home, to embrace the blessings of caring for their families, and to seek God as they go about their daily tasks.

At times, we all become discouraged by, annoyed with, and passive about the work we have to do. However, if our work matches God’s will, He will provide the encouragement we need to pull ourselves out of the rut we sometimes fall into. For me, Passionate Housewives Desperate for God has done just that. This book has given me the extra dose of encouragement and the swift spiritual fanny kick  I sometimes need to make it through the day. I’m so glad Jenny and Stacey obeyed God when He asked them to write this book and I thank my Christmas buddy for being so generous!

Photo: Courtesy of yoshi3329 (Flickr)

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Today is Martin Luther King Day and many of the nation’s  libraries, post offices, and schools are closed as we pause to remember the birthday of this great civil rights leader. The holiday also honors Dr. King’s fine legacy of service. Our family is especially thankful for the wonderful opportunities we have been afforded because of Dr. King’s dedication to civil rights.

Each time Martin Luther King Jr. Day arrives, I enjoy listening to Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech. Though the entire speech is inspiring and thought provoking, there is one particular line that strikes a chord within me. Now that I am a mother, this line has an even deeper meaning.

Toward the end of his speech, Dr. King forcefully remarks, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” His words reflect my desire as well.  I, too, want my children to be judged by their character and not their color. In order to help make this dream a reality, my husband and I must instill Christlike  character within our children and make sure that our own character is pleasing to God as well.

God wants us each to examine and improve our character and He does not leave us to wonder how to do so. Consider the following verses. They provide clear instruction on how to enhance our own character and the character of our children.

All your sons will be taught by the Lord and great will be your children’s peace. (Isaiah 54:13)

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 6:6-9)

These instructions are quite clear. God wants us to teach Biblical, character strengthening principles to our children. This instruction is to originate at home and be a regular part of our daily routine. Parents are to model and discuss Biblical character at home but the Bible notes that the instruction is not to stop there. Parents are to tie and bind these teachings to our hands and hearts so that wherever we go, these Biblical traits come with us.

What can we expect if we follow the Bible’s instructions? Isaiah 54:13 tells us that our children will experience peace. This does not mean that our children will never have to endure conflict. When our children do face conflict, they will bring their problems to God, the One who can provide them with “perfect peace”. Parents who follow this Biblical instruction can expect to find themselves serving as God’s Good Will Ambassador, letting their bright lights shine and bringing glory to God in heaven.

Examining the content of our character and helping our children develop good character is not a quick and easy task. Thankfully God’s Word is full of instruction and also provides us an opportunity to learn we can learn from the men and women of the Bible.

If you’d like to read the entire text of Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech, visit American Rhetoric’s Top 100 Speeches here. In addition, if you’re interested in continuing Dr. King’s legacy of service, consider participating in The Martin Luther King Day of Service next year. Volunteering to help those in need is a wonderful way for everyone to help enhance the content of our character!

Prayer:
Lord, thank you so much for raising up individuals who have a heart for others. Thank you for Dr. King and his lasting legacy. Father, forgive us for not taking the time to examine ourselves more closely. Help us to seek You and reveal the flaws we have. Guide us to Your Word so that we may improve the quality of our character. As our character improves, help us to perform good works so that we may excellent witnesses for You. Amen.

Food for Thought:
1. When was the last time you took a moment to examine the content of your character using God’s word as a guide?
2. Why is the content of our character so important to God?
3. What can you do to make your home a great source of Biblical character education?

Photo: Courtesy of Auntie P (Flickr)

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:30)

Over the past several months, God has prompted me to reexamine many areas of my life. This examination has shown that though I’ve made progress in some areas, there are other areas that still need improvement.

I’m going to be honest here. I need a serious makeover. I’m not talking about the kind of makeover that involves expensive brand name cosmetics or an arsenal of brushes, powders, and cremes. I’m referring to a makeover that creates real beauty on the inside that radiates outward.

A makeover of this magnitude can only be orchestrated by God! Since He is the one who created me, He best understands how to color me beautiful! As God makes me over, I suspect that I’ll need another cosmetics bag filled with a new line products essential for a new type of beauty!

Instead of reaching for smoothing powder to cover up my blemishes and create a flawless face, I’ll get down on my knees much more frequently and ask God to smooth out my rough spots with His cleansing forgiveness. In lieu of colorful eyeshadows and lash lengthening mascaras, I’ll brighten my eyes by reading God’s word more closely. Rather than tint my lips with my favorite shade of lipstick, I’ll strive to “let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable” in God’s sight (Psalm 19:14).

Trying to meet the world’s standard of beauty is an effort in futility. Beauty trends ebb and flow so very few of us ever reach the height of the beauty bar set by the world. However, there is no need for us to think less of ourselves or fret over our looks because God’s standard of beauty never changes!

Are you ready to show off your true beauty? Spend more time talking to and listening to God. He’ll direct you and help you reveal your true beauty! If you’re looking for a good place to start, consider The 30 Day True Woman Makeover at Revive Our Hearts.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for the loving us just as we are! Though we have spots, stains, and blemishes, we praise You for yet seeing our potential. Forgive us Lord for harboring thoughts, uttering words, and engaging in actions that diminish our beauty. We pray that You would cleanse us from all of our unrighteousness and perform a true makeover. As you cleanse us, continue to remind us that Your mirror is the only one that matters and that Your standard of beauty is the only one that matters! Amen.

Food For Thought:

1. Why do so many people spend so much time making themselves physically beautiful?
2. Is God more concerned with our inner or outer beauty? Why?
3. What areas of your life need to be made over? How will you address these areas?