Inspirational Home and Family Blog
Thursday, April 30, 2015
I AM Yours, You Are Mine
by Michelle Gill - Used by permission
Our relationship with Jesus seems to have stages and seasons like all relationships. There are rhythms in all of nature, so I assume the seasons are intentional in our growth as well. When my dad was sick and dying, my twelfth through sixteenth years, God's presence was evident and was about fact. Even in an insecure environment as a child, I knew Jesus was with me. I knew the truth. But when my first husband got the simple flu at the healthy age of twenty-seven and died, Jesus burned in me, like my heart was made of wood and he used a burner, that I am His and He is mine.
When I would wake in the night and realize again that I was now alone, I could hear Him. The Word says in Zephaniah that He sings over us and for that season He allowed me to hear Him. (I posted on my blog an experience when someone praying over me could also hear it.) I did not audibly hear Him but I would wake and a song would be rolling through my mind. I cannot carry a tune and sometimes I would not even be familiar with the song but I would hear the words and the music. I would wake in the morning unable to think of being alive yet another day and He would fill me with Himself, so I could literally get off of the floor and amazingly at times in joy and always in peace. My daughter was only four so she would talk to me daily of daddy. I would look up and ask Him to help me, and He gave me words and kept me together. He would send people at just the right time. He placed me in a church six months prior to the Christmas flu tragedy that knew how to take care of me. For two months they fed me and my family, sent me encouraging messages, helped me move, fix my house, and provided for me. He kept whispering to me over and over again that "I am yours and you are Mine!"
Now I am remarried and Casi is eight years old. I was reading The Circle Maker the other day and was touched by the quote of the author regarding his father-in-law. He wrote, "He had a familiarity with God that was disarming." I just sat there and cried. Oh to know Him like that.
Then a short while later I went to let the dog out and opened my front door and there sat a box. In the box was homemade applesauce, a dozen fresh eggs, frozen ground beef, butter, home canned green beans and pickles, organic ketchup, a roll of paper towels, a gift card to the grocery store, and a little art sign that read "SHE KNEW THAT THE LORD WAS WILD ABOUT HER." I can't tell you in words what that meant to me. I have no idea who it was from. Maybe someone left it at the wrong house, I don't know but I know God meant it for me. The thoughtfulness of the homemade items to care for me and the statement on the art piece allowed me to hear it from His mouth. It made me feel again that He sees me, really sees me and knows me.
Follow Michelle on her blog at www.michellegill.us
Our relationship with Jesus seems to have stages and seasons like all relationships. There are rhythms in all of nature, so I assume the seasons are intentional in our growth as well. When my dad was sick and dying, my twelfth through sixteenth years, God's presence was evident and was about fact. Even in an insecure environment as a child, I knew Jesus was with me. I knew the truth. But when my first husband got the simple flu at the healthy age of twenty-seven and died, Jesus burned in me, like my heart was made of wood and he used a burner, that I am His and He is mine.
When I would wake in the night and realize again that I was now alone, I could hear Him. The Word says in Zephaniah that He sings over us and for that season He allowed me to hear Him. (I posted on my blog an experience when someone praying over me could also hear it.) I did not audibly hear Him but I would wake and a song would be rolling through my mind. I cannot carry a tune and sometimes I would not even be familiar with the song but I would hear the words and the music. I would wake in the morning unable to think of being alive yet another day and He would fill me with Himself, so I could literally get off of the floor and amazingly at times in joy and always in peace. My daughter was only four so she would talk to me daily of daddy. I would look up and ask Him to help me, and He gave me words and kept me together. He would send people at just the right time. He placed me in a church six months prior to the Christmas flu tragedy that knew how to take care of me. For two months they fed me and my family, sent me encouraging messages, helped me move, fix my house, and provided for me. He kept whispering to me over and over again that "I am yours and you are Mine!"
Now I am remarried and Casi is eight years old. I was reading The Circle Maker the other day and was touched by the quote of the author regarding his father-in-law. He wrote, "He had a familiarity with God that was disarming." I just sat there and cried. Oh to know Him like that.
Then a short while later I went to let the dog out and opened my front door and there sat a box. In the box was homemade applesauce, a dozen fresh eggs, frozen ground beef, butter, home canned green beans and pickles, organic ketchup, a roll of paper towels, a gift card to the grocery store, and a little art sign that read "SHE KNEW THAT THE LORD WAS WILD ABOUT HER." I can't tell you in words what that meant to me. I have no idea who it was from. Maybe someone left it at the wrong house, I don't know but I know God meant it for me. The thoughtfulness of the homemade items to care for me and the statement on the art piece allowed me to hear it from His mouth. It made me feel again that He sees me, really sees me and knows me.
So
if someone who reads this newsletter gave me that box, Thank you! You
have no idea how nurturing it was for me. He says to each one of you "I
AM YOURS AND YOU ARE MINE." Let Him care for you and show you His
sweetness. He is able to heal all. His tenderness knows no limits.
Easy FIx for Draft Under Your Door!
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Precious Gems
Compiled by Lois Breneman
Five Year Old: "Mommy, when I grow up, I'm going to be a big sister, just like my Sissy!"
Ummm....it doesn't really work like that... ~ Amy in Virginia
I asked Savannah (7) to help me by feeding her one year old sister. She said, "Mom, she ate this whole bowl and wants something else and I haven't even gotten to sit down yet!" Welcome to my world. ~ Lauren in Virginia
Homeschool funny of the day: When reading about Quakers in history in regards to war, I asked Andrew (12), "What are Quakers known for?" His answer...."Oatmeal." ~ Stefanie in Delaware
Thanks, ladies, for your permission to include your children's quotes in Heart to Heart!
Amiya (7): "Mommy, did you know Jesus knows everyone's name in Spanish too!?"
Amiya (7): "Mommy, did you know Jesus knows everyone's name in Spanish too!?"
I
asked Malakai (7) if he liked his snack. His answer: "Okay, Mom, let me
tell you something so you can know next time. If I eat all of it, that
means I liked it and I ate all of it, so, you know..." ~ Danielle in
Alabama
Malakai (7): "Do bosses have a job other than following people around all day?" ~ Danielle in Alabama
You
know your 4 year old is growing up too fast when you tell her to go get
the stool and she comes back in high heel shoes instead... It works
though. ~ Jennifer in Virginia
Me: "Hey, Charlotte, tell me some words that start with the letter A."
Charlotte (4): "B"
Me: "No, like Apple, Annabelle, Aquaman, or Apricot."
Charlotte: "Oh! I know what an Apricot is!"
Me: "What is it?"
Charlotte: "It's when you choke on the food in your mouth...hey, did you know that the moon and the sun are friends, but the clouds don't like the sun?" ~ Promise in Virginia
Charlotte (4): "B"
Me: "No, like Apple, Annabelle, Aquaman, or Apricot."
Charlotte: "Oh! I know what an Apricot is!"
Me: "What is it?"
Charlotte: "It's when you choke on the food in your mouth...hey, did you know that the moon and the sun are friends, but the clouds don't like the sun?" ~ Promise in Virginia
Overheard
at my house from the bedroom of a two year old not interested in taking
a nap- "Knock, knock. Anybody home?" ~ Mary Beth in Virginia
Five Year Old: "Mommy, when I grow up, I'm going to be a big sister, just like my Sissy!"
Ummm....it doesn't really work like that... ~ Amy in Virginia
Malakai (7): "Someone called me a weirdo at school."
Me: "Oh really, why?"
Malakai: "Cause I was doing something weird (giggles)." ~ Danielle in Alabama
Me: "Oh really, why?"
Malakai: "Cause I was doing something weird (giggles)." ~ Danielle in Alabama
Apparently the time has come to not ask this question anymore.....
Me: Austin, did you miss me at school today?
Austin (7): Nope. (Without a moment's hesitation, might I add?)
Me: Well...that's not very nice.
Austin: Sorry but I didn't!
And there you have it. ~ Emily in Virginia
Me: Austin, did you miss me at school today?
Austin (7): Nope. (Without a moment's hesitation, might I add?)
Me: Well...that's not very nice.
Austin: Sorry but I didn't!
And there you have it. ~ Emily in Virginia
Homeschool funny of the day: When reading about Quakers in history in regards to war, I asked Andrew (12), "What are Quakers known for?" His answer...."Oatmeal." ~ Stefanie in Delaware
Precious Gems
Compiled by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2015
Thanks to all the moms who allow me to include their kids' quotes for all of us to enjoy!
Kirk (Daddy): "Liam, you only need one pillow for your bed. You only have one head."
Liam (3): "Yeah, but I have two ears."
true . . . ~ Kristen in Virginia
Liam (3): "Yeah, but I have two ears."
true . . . ~ Kristen in Virginia
Charlotte
(4) has mastered the art of begging..."Mommy, pretty please with
cherries on top, a tiger by the toe, cross my heart stick a cupcake in
my eye?" ~ Promise in Virginia
Malakai's (7) definition of a teenager: "Half kid, half adult but mostly a kid." ~ Danielle in Alabama
Charlotte
(4) and I just planted some dill seeds...she smelled them and asked
when they would grow up into pickles. ~ Promise in Virginia
The
kids (4 and 9) found 2 abandoned eggs today, one in our mulch, one in
the neighbors yard, and an empty nest under the porch...they put the
eggs in the nest so they will hatch...looks like we're in for some
disappointment around here. ~ Promise in Virginia
Cam (7): I'm sorry for giving you the sickness, I should have just kept it.
Bryce (10): You can have Scooby, I'll wash him when you're done.
My sweet boys! ~ Misty in Virginia
Bryce (10): You can have Scooby, I'll wash him when you're done.
My sweet boys! ~ Misty in Virginia
Shannon
(3) said to me: "Mama this is a secret. I'm not gonna tell anybody that
Dada bought you a Mother's Day card. I'm not gonna tell Anybody!"
Out of six kids we have one good secret keeper - and it's not Shannon. ~ Aisling in Indiana
Out of six kids we have one good secret keeper - and it's not Shannon. ~ Aisling in Indiana
Do It Yourself Dryer Sheets
by Michelle Gill - Used by permission
Vinegar is a great natural fabric softener along with its
many other uses. To make your own dryer
sheets start with cutting cheap reusable dish towels into small strips. In a quart mason jar, add 1/2 cup of white
vinegar and 10 drops of your favorite essential oil then the dish towel
strips. Shake. Voila! Dryer sheets! You can reuse them by placing them back in the jar. You can also add vinegar to the fabric
softener dispenser in your washing machine.
A Modern Woman’s Guide to Fasting
by Erin Davis www.erindavis.org - Used by permission
Fasting is the spiritual discipline of denying ourselves of
something (typically food) to feast on the things of God. I explored some reasons
to fast in yesterday's post. Perhaps you sense the Lord is leading you to fast.
You may be thinking, Now what?
Q. Do I have to fast from food?
When we see fasting in the Bible, typically food is
involved. But what the individuals eat (or don't eat) varies. For example:
•Moses had no bread or water for forty days (Deut. 9:9).
•Esther didn't eat or drink anything for three days (Esther
4:15–17).
•Daniel ate no delicacies, meat, or wine for three weeks
(Dan. 10:3). In other words, he ate to live but not for enjoyment.
The Bible doesn't give us strict rules about what we can and
cannot eat during a fast because the focus is less on what we do (or don't do)
and more on what we are asking God to do in our lives.
With that in mind, food isn't the only thing we can fast
from.
When considering a fast ask this question, "What can I remove from my life for a season in order to make more space for prayer?" Here are some ideas:
When considering a fast ask this question, "What can I remove from my life for a season in order to make more space for prayer?" Here are some ideas:
•Fast from all social media.
•Fast from TV.
•Fast from your favorite show.
•Fast from a certain activity that is a part of your daily
routine.
Q. How long should I fast?
Again, the Bible describes wide variety in the length of
fasts. Here are a few examples:
•All of the people of Israel fasted for one day after a
devastating battle in Judges 20:26.
•Esther asked the Jews to join her in fasting for three days
before she approached the king on their behalf in Esther 4:16.
•The men of Israel fasted for seven days to mourn the death
of Saul in 1 Samuel 31:13.
•Moses fasted for forty days before receiving the Ten
Commandments in Deuteronomy 9:9–18. Jesus fasted for this same amount of time
before starting His ministry in Matthew 4.
So, how can you know how long to fast?
Ask the Lord. If He is leading you to fast, He will make the
specifics clear.
Look at your calendar. Do you have a big event coming up
that would make fasting difficult? Are you hosting a dinner at your house? Is
there a holiday coming up? In order to keep your commitment to the Lord, plan a
fast that is manageable with your responsibilities and commitments.
Q. What am I supposed to do during the fast?
You are supposed to pray like crazy!
Fasting without praying isn't fasting. It is dieting or
deprivation. The only reason to fast is to make space for you to seek the Lord
with greater urgency. Here is what that might look like practically.
•During the times when you would be eating, pray!
•Use those hunger pangs as a reminder to pray. When your
belly rumbles, seek the Lord.
•Pray passages of Scripture related to hunger. Here are a
few such prayers. ◦ Lord, Your Word says, "Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness" (Matt. 5:6). Increase my hunger for You and
Your Word just like my physical hunger is increased during this fast.
◦Jesus, You said, "Man cannot live on bread alone but
on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). Teach me to
be sustained by Your Word.
◦Lord, Your Word promises that You can satisfy my needs
(Isa. 58:11). Help me to see all of the ways You satisfy and sustain me.
Q. But I'm a momma! How can I stop cooking?
You can't! Those little mouths will still need to be fed.
Lunches will still need to be packed. Your family will still need your care.
Explain to them what you are doing upfront and ask them to pray for you. Take
meal times as an opportunity to explain what you are praying about and how God
is answering. Use the opportunity to teach your kids about prayer and open a
dialogue about what God is doing in each of your lives.
Q. Is it okay to tell others I am fasting?
It will be impossible to hide your fast from your family,
but the Bible clearly teaches that fasting should be as private as possible.
Here is fasting 101 according to Jesus:
"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the
hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by
others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you
fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by
others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret
will reward you" (Matt. 6:16–18).
In Luke 18:10–14, Jesus hammered this point home by blasting
a Pharisee who fasted publicly in order to draw attention to himself.
"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a
Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself,
prayed[a] thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners,
unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I
give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would
not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be
merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house
justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be
humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
A natural by-product of fasting should be humility. It
doesn't take long without food to realize that we aren't really in charge. We
cannot even sustain our own bodies without food the Lord provides. When fasting
becomes about impressing others or trying to impress or persuade God, we've
missed the point.
Speaking of impressing God . . .
Q. Will fasting earn me preferred parking in heaven?
It may be a temptation while fasting to think of yourself as
super spiritual or to convince yourself that God will be highly pleased with
your fast. The truth is, God is already pleased with you (Rom. 8:1). He accepts
you, not because of anything you do or don't do, but because He created you and
ransomed you through His sacrifice, not yours. Because of this, fasting is not
a gift we give to God, but rather it is a gift He gives to us. Ultimately, we
fast under grace, not under the law. It's not about rules; it's about our
relationship with God.
Q. Why haven't I heard more about fasting?
Honestly, I'm not sure! It is a subject that gets plenty of
real estate in God's Word but isn't talked about much in our Christian circles.
As I've studied fasting, I've realized that fasting is an important discipline
for my Christian walk just like prayer and Bible study. God has moved some
major mountains in my life recently through fasting.
That's why I wanted to open this dialogue about fasting with
you. I'm not an expert on fasting, but I'd love to become one. Maybe you can
help me out! What truths has God shown you in His Word about fasting? What has
your experience with fasting been? Do you have some questions about fasting we
could dig into God's Word to answer together?
Erin Davis is a writer of books, blogs and thank you cards.
Jason’s wife. Eli, Noble, and Judah’s mom. Jesus’ devoted follower. A popular speaker, author and blogger, Erin
addresses women of all ages nationwide and is passionately committed to sharing
God’s Truth with others. She is the momma of three adorable boys and the author
of 13 books. Erin lives on a small farm in rural Missouri and is passionate
about God’s Word, loving her family well, and special holiday Reese’s Peanut
Butter Cups.
Get more information about Erin by reading her blogs, books,
or by connecting with her on twitter.
A Supernatural Cashmere and Cotton
by Michelle Gill - Used by permission
www.michellegill.us
www.michellegill.us
Before my baby goes to sleep at night I cover her with her bed sheet and horse comforter but more importantly I cover her with blessings and prayer. Our blessings and our prayers are like laying the most snuggly supernatural cashmere and cotton blanket over our children. God tells us to pray without ceasing and that our prayers accomplish much.
Here are some reasons that I think supernatural cashmere and cotton are a must in a child's life:
1) We are commanded to pray for one another and there is power in prayer.
2) Praying with and over your child, teaches them how to pray and to go to God first and about everything no matter how small.
3) It shows them Who you believe God is. When you speak to Him as a Father that loves you, as a Warrior, as your Savior, as a Comforter,... they pick up on Who He is.
4) Prayer covers them with His Spirit, His Word, and I pray for my daughter to be filled with His Spirit as well.
5) You get the honor of watching God at work in your child's life as He speaks to you both during prayer and you both watch Him in action as He answers.
6) We may never fully understand but prayer is also spiritual warfare. We are doing battle on behalf of our child and we understand that spiritually as their parent and as a believer we have authority given to us by their Creator not the enemy. Our authority through Jesus supersedes any plan he may have for them.
7) We teach our children how to think from the time they are very little. I want my children to see life and others through Jesus's heart of love not through the world's perspective or their natural tendencies. As a man thinks so is he. Our thought life shapes how we pray and how we see our circumstances. The Word renews our mind and praying with His Word not only produces powerful prayer but shows the true intentions of the heart and helps mold our hearts.
8) Through prayer God promises us His peace which passes all understanding and guards our hearts and minds. Shew! Isn't that a lot?! His supernatural peace and protection over our hearts and minds. What a Daddy we have!
9) There will be times that prayer will lead to worship and don't get me started about worship! There is no better way to be covered in His presence than to worship Him.
When these things are a natural part of our lives then they become a natural part of theirs.
The Knot Prayer
Author unknown
Dear God,
Please untie the knots that are in my mind,
my heart and my life.
Remove the have nots, the can nots
and the do nots that I have in my mind.
Erase the will nots, may nots,
and might nots that find a home in my heart.
Release me from the could nots,
would nots and should nots that obstruct my life.
And most of all, Dear God,
I ask that you remove from my mind,
my heart and my life
ALL of the am nots
that I have allowed to hold me back,
especially the thought
that I am not good enough.
Dear God,
Please untie the knots that are in my mind,
my heart and my life.
Remove the have nots, the can nots
and the do nots that I have in my mind.
Erase the will nots, may nots,
and might nots that find a home in my heart.
Release me from the could nots,
would nots and should nots that obstruct my life.
And most of all, Dear God,
I ask that you remove from my mind,
my heart and my life
ALL of the am nots
that I have allowed to hold me back,
especially the thought
that I am not good enough.
Monday, April 6, 2015
When You Prayed Beneath the Trees
by Christopher Idle
(Thanks to Annamarie Kresge for sending this meaningful poem to me!)
When you prayed beneath the trees, it was for me, O Lord;
when you cried upon your knees, how could it be, O Lord?
When in blood and sweat and tears, you dismissed your final fears,
when you faced the soldiers' spears, you stood for me, O Lord.
When their triumph looked complete, it was for me, O Lord;
when it seemed like your defeat, they could not see, O Lord!
When you faced the mob alone, you were silent as a stone,
and a tree became your throne; you came for me, O Lord.
When you stumbled up the road, you walked for me, O Lord;
when you took your deadly load, that heavy tree, O Lord;
When they lifted you on high, and they nailed you up to die,
and when darkness filled the sky, it was for me, O Lord.
When you spoke with kingly power, it was for me, O Lord;
in that dread and destined hour, you made me free, O Lord;
Earth and heaven heard you shout, death and hell were put to rout,
for the grave could not hold out; you are for me, O Lord.
(Thanks to Annamarie Kresge for sending this meaningful poem to me!)
When you prayed beneath the trees, it was for me, O Lord;
when you cried upon your knees, how could it be, O Lord?
When in blood and sweat and tears, you dismissed your final fears,
when you faced the soldiers' spears, you stood for me, O Lord.
When their triumph looked complete, it was for me, O Lord;
when it seemed like your defeat, they could not see, O Lord!
When you faced the mob alone, you were silent as a stone,
and a tree became your throne; you came for me, O Lord.
When you stumbled up the road, you walked for me, O Lord;
when you took your deadly load, that heavy tree, O Lord;
When they lifted you on high, and they nailed you up to die,
and when darkness filled the sky, it was for me, O Lord.
When you spoke with kingly power, it was for me, O Lord;
in that dread and destined hour, you made me free, O Lord;
Earth and heaven heard you shout, death and hell were put to rout,
for the grave could not hold out; you are for me, O Lord.
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