Everyday Matters
Thursday Matters
Everyday Nagging
Sometimes it’s hard not to get my way. Hey, who am I kidding, it’s always hard not to get my way.
Everyday Nagging
Sometimes it’s hard not to get my way. Hey, who am I kidding, it’s always hard not to get my way. I remember when our sons were little and I asked my husband to go outside and play with them because it was above zero Fahrenheit in our little winter town in Minnesota. My husband said “no.” I didn’t like his answer, so I proceeded to tell him in different ways why the boys needed to be outside and why their dad needed to be the one to take them there. I could hear what I was doing wasn’t effective but yet I just couldn’t stop talking. It’s exactly what Paul talks about in Romans Chapter 7; “I do not understand what I do. Nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I have the desire to do what is good, but I can’t carry it out.”
I need Jesus. AND I need to remember that the first time I tell my husband something it’s information, the second time; it’s nagging. And only through Jesus can I carry this out…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday All the Feelings
It feels really good to experience love and even better to know that you’re love when many you’re feeling bad about yourself and think, “How could anyone love me now?
Everyday All the Feelings
It feels really good to experience love and even better to know that you’re love when many you’re feeling bad about yourself and think, “How could anyone love me now?” Most people, (including myself) tend to wrap love together with how it makes us feel. We let our feelings dictate how we, and others, decide what may or may not be true when it comes to being loved for who God created us to be. While love can produce some very genuine feelings, feeling cannot produce genuine love. God loves us so much that He came as Jesus, walked the Earth and became part of His creation. He then paid a debt we could never pay by taking our sin to the cross. He didn’t feel like it, but God’s commitment of perfect love is what brought Him to death on the cross and then resurrection so that we might live.
I have to choose to believe in God loves me when someone hurts my feelings or I’m the one who has done the hurting. God created you, gave His life for you and nothing you do or don’t do will change how much He loves you…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday The Mom
“Perhaps you’ve never entered into the teen zone of angry and angrier, but I have. I was there.
Everyday The Mom
“Perhaps you’ve never entered into the teen zone of angry and angrier, but I have. I was there. What’s crazy is that our anger can actually stem from love. We see the bad choices our teen is making, and we just want them to stop and listen, so we yell and then they yell. It goes from bad to worse.
The book of James says, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry because man’s anger doesn’t produce the righteous life God desires.” I like how the message Bible delivers James 1; “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you’re a listener when you’re anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! For starters it means listening to Proverbs 14:17; “She who foams up quickly and flies into a passion deals foolishly.” God can take care of you and your teen. Let go, stop yelling and don’t give up…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Wives
I don’t want to be like Rebekah who said to Isaac in Genesis 27:46; “What good will my life be to me if Jacob takes wives such as Esau did with these Hittite women (women who didn’t know the living God)?
Everyday Wives
I don’t want to be like Rebekah who said to Isaac in Genesis 27:46; “What good will my life be to me if Jacob takes wives such as Esau did with these Hittite women (women who didn’t know the living God)?” Once my husband Dan began a relationship with Christ, he didn’t see the point in dating, so he prayed very specifically to God for a wife. Three years after this prayer, God answered, and Dan got me! Because God knew both our hearts, He matched us together perfectly. I know, without a doubt, that the prayers of my great grandfather and other family members played a significant part in bringing my husband Dan and I together.
When our four sons where young, before school I made it a practice to put my hand on each their heads and pray for their future wives. I wanted them to also have the assurance that God chose someone specifically for them to spend their lives with…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Husband Searching
My husband Dan did not become a Christian until he in his 20’s and in college. He never grew up going to church so in college he wanted to know if there was a God.
Everyday Husband Searching
My husband Dan did not become a Christian until he in his 20’s and in college. He never grew up going to church so in college he wanted to know if there was a God. He studied the religions of the world and THEN saw the uniqueness of Jesus. Jesus claims to be the way, not just show the way. And there is an enormous difference in religion, and the forever-relationship Jesus offers. It’s not based on what we do but what He’s done. ALL religions require us to do something or sacrifice to please God so we can earn heaven.
Most religions are intolerant of people who disagree with them. Some even hate and want to hurt those who disagree. Jesus' message is just the opposite He says, "Let your love be genuine, hate what is evil, hold on to what is good." "Love your enemies" not just tolerate them. What? The message of Jesus is to LOVE and forgive others, which you can only do once you have seen your bad self and accepted His forgiveness…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Anxiety Experience
The earth experience is hard but it’s not our home. Knowing what we need to do and then doing it are two different things.
Everyday Anxiety Experience
The earth experience is hard but it’s not our home. Knowing what we need to do and then doing it are two different things. I sometimes get these crazy anxious thoughts and then have a physical response by having an anxiety attack, but courage is to go forward despite it. I know I need to turn to God 100% to get to the other side.
Turning toward God and from the direction you were going is what “repent” means. In God’s holiness He must punish sin but, in His love, He didn’t want to punish us. Christ proclaims our infinite worth and His eternal love for us aside from any human standard, even our own. We will live forever in a community of equals – saints and sinners, all, saved by grace. Remember Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” Our temporary imperfection is a quality which actually connects us to others rather than a secret shame which sets us apart. I still get anxiety attacks, but in faith I trust Christ…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Laughter
Don’t you just love to have a good laugh or the kind of laugh that triggers the giggles where you can’t stop?
Everyday Laughter
Don’t you just love to have a good laugh or the kind of laugh that triggers the giggles where you can’t stop? Sometimes laughter comes when you’re not supposed to be laughing like in a meeting or at church but it’s such good medicine. Laughter draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and even protects you from the damaging effects of stress.
Nothing works faster or is more dependable to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner. Ecclesiastes 3:4 tells us there’s: “A time to cry and a time to laugh.” Let’s find ways to put more laughter into our diets instead of obsessing on everything that bugs us. You really can find humor in a hard place and it’s so freeing and truly one of the best medicines for overall health…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Forgiving Help
The fact is that I need God to help me love God. And if I need His help to love Him, a perfect being, I definitely need His help to love other, fault-filled humans.
Everyday Forgiving Help
The fact is that I need God to help me love God. And if I need His help to love Him, a perfect being, I definitely need His help to love other, fault-filled humans. People are difficult and especially people we see on our screens and aren’t able to interact with eye contact or a touch to the shoulder. Lately I’ve been asking for God’s Holy Spirit to move in me to be more of a listener and not a commenter, to forgive without conditions and to schedule a date to have coffee with someone rather than post another comment.
It helps to think about heroes of the faith like Corrie ten Boom who personally forgave the Nazi officer at the Concentration Camp she and her sister were held. She said, “The will can operate regardless of the temperature of the heart.” We can choose to forgive even though our anger and hurt make us feel like we can’t. “We can do all things through Christ’s strength.” (Philippians 4:13) Let’s pray, Jesus, People are hard, but may I love You and others the way you love me and others…everyday. Amen.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Offense Taken
We can say we trust in God to avenge or defend us, but when we take matters into our own hands, we aren’t putting a lot of trust in God taking care of our hurt.
Everyday Offense Taken
We can say we trust in God to avenge or defend us, but when we take matters into our own hands, we aren’t putting a lot of trust in God taking care of our hurt. A big challenge is not to pick up the offense of a friend or family member who’s been hurt. I’m guilty there. But when we take on someone else’s offense, we’re sucking the poison of their sin, and we become bitter along with them.
I’ve seen this happen when a parent’s anger towards someone passes on to their children. Remember if only one side of the story is presented you don’t have the whole truth and may have a cocktail of lies. It’s the enemy’s plan to ruin relationships. God’s plan is to restore. Follow Deuteronomy 30:19 which tells us to make the choices which bring life so that we and generations to come may live meaningful lives. More is caught than taught and the way your children trust God will have a lot to do with the way you trusted God in relationship conflicts…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Sin Barrier
I remember my husband explaining to our four sons’ what forgiveness really is and I loved his explanation. When we forgive someone who’s sinned against us the barrier in the relationship is removed.
Everyday Sin Barrier
I remember my husband explaining to our four sons’ what forgiveness really is and I loved his explanation. When we forgive someone who’s sinned against us the barrier in the relationship is removed. The power to forgive someone who’s maybe not apologized can only come from the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Once forgiveness is given, we can again see the person as God sees them rather than looking at the hurt of the sin every time we picture or see them. God doesn’t ask us to forgive others to earn any favor with Him. There’s nothing we can do to earn His love. He loves us as we are. And when we realize it’s an act of our will and a choice to forgive rather than something we let our feelings decide it can make the process a whole lot easier.
I know from experience that it’s my anger and hurt that makes me FEEL like I can’t forgive, or I’ll never see justice. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can I let go and trust God to work in me to truly forgive and avenge me as He says He will…. everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Golden Rule
How many kids, when asked, would know what the golden rule is? Do you?
Everyday Bedtime Story
I still remember years ago returning home from my son’s skating class and thinking it probably wasn’t a good time to tell my husband Dan that our "check engine soon" light was on again even though the next day I had to make a trip which was 200 miles away. I didn’t tell Dan about the engine light because he was in the basement shop-vacing water due to a plug in our sewer line. My journal indicates that Joey was 7 and he asked again for The Book of Job for his bedtime story. “Irony,” I wrote. But I was immediately struck by Job's response after all his belongings and children are taken away; "The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD."
Eventually, I had all four boys in bed and while I was folding laundry, I had a peace wash over me as I repeated over and over, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” No matter what happens there is peace… not because all that happens is good, but because God always is good…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Golden Rule
How many kids, when asked, would know what the golden rule is? Do you?
Everyday Golden Rule
How many kids, when asked, would know what the golden rule is? Do you? I remember asking our four sons when they were younger and not all knew the answer which is, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” We may know it, but do we live it? There are broken marriages, churches, friends fighting, there’s brokenness. Taking this golden truth to heart is another matter.
Jesus loves us…. really loves us…as we are. And He says, “I give you a new commandment; it is My commandment; it is all I command you; Love one another as I have loved you.” Only compassion and forgiveness count. Love is the key to everything. I think most times we treat others how we think they deserve to be treated but think if Jesus did that with us and gave us what we deserved? I know, right? I’d be toast. Not only do our kids need to be reminded of this, but we do also too and then live by example with kindness toward others by God’s grace not out of vengeance when we’ve been hurt. Simply, love one another…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Burn
I did something stupid. I put a cup of hot water in the microwave to heat for tea. When I went get the mug the boiling water spilled on my hand and I had a second-degree burn.
Everyday Burn
I did something stupid. I put a cup of hot water in the microwave to heat for tea. When I went get the mug the boiling water spilled on my hand and I had a second-degree burn. After two weeks I still had scabs and it was disgusting. It throbbed with pain the first four days and when I’d look at it, I’d think; “It will always hurt this much. It will never get better.” Of course, it wasn’t true but I felt it.
But time and prayer bring healing. In Genesis 8 God says that as long as the earth remains, there will be “seedtime and harvest.” When you walk in God’s path, you must be patient like the farmer who plants the seed and expectantly waits for the harvest and then looks forward to reaping the harvest. But there is a time between seed planting and harvest. Don’t become frustrated in that process. Galatians 6:9; “Don’t give up.” God’s on it. He knows…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Sinners and Saints
The earth experience is hard but it’s not our home. Knowing what we need to do and then doing it are two different things.
Everyday Sinners and Saints
The earth experience is hard but it’s not our home. Knowing what we need to do and then doing it are two different things. We may have these crazy anxious thoughts and even have a physical response by having an anxiety attack, but courage is to go forward despite it.
It’s only by admitting our weakness and humbly changing direction toward God that we are repaired by God’s generous love. In His holiness He must punish sin because sin separates us from God but in His love, He didn’t want to punish us. On the cross Christ accomplished both His holiness and His lovingness. We will live forever in a community of equals – saints and sinners all, saved by grace. Remember Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” Our temporary imperfection is a quality which actually connects us to others rather than a secret shame which sets us apart. Becoming transparent and vulnerable will set you free and change you as well as other lives around you…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Heartbeat
“Today, at 8:00 a.m. this morning, after four months of lifelessness in her hospital bed, we took my mom off life support,” said Robyn. “Mom’s heart continued beating on its own and she continued breathing on her own.
Everyday Heartbeat
“Today, at 8:00 a.m. this morning, after four months of lifelessness in her hospital bed, we took my mom off life support,” said Robyn. “Mom’s heart continued beating on its own and she continued breathing on her own. “And then this evening when we thought we’d be saying goodbye,” continued Robyn, “I squeezed Mom’s hand three times, and she squeezed back three times. I can’t believe the miracle of it all.” Wow. That’s the power of prayer, the love of God.
We’ve all had times where we’ve given up hope and sometimes it’s even scarier to have it because of the possibility of being so disappointed. But God is living and active NOW so there’s always reasoned to hope even when we can’t see or feel it. God also gives us grace in our day-to-day moments and promises that something good will come out of something bad when we trust Him. It doesn’t matter how many times we cry out to God, He’s always there, ready to meet us where we are at… everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday I AM God
Think about how crazy it was for Moses to hear God speaking from a burning bush. It seems a little weird too.
Everyday I AM God
Think about how crazy it was for Moses to hear God speaking from a burning bush. It seems a little weird too. God speaks in love but He’s direct when He tells Moses, “Get to Egypt, get my people and GO!” And when Moses asks “What should I say to the people when they ask me your name?” it seems that God didn’t want to spend a lot of time telling Moses all the things He was, so He simply said in Exodus 3:14, “Tell My people I AM has sent Me to you!” “Okay, whatever that means”, Moses must have thought but upon “seeing” who God really was, Moses probably realized that I AM meant everything!
God IS saying, “What you need… I AM! I AM your navigator, speaker, provider, comforter, and strength …I AM EVERYTHING YOU NEED when you need it. That gives me incredible hope to carry-on, and I hope it does for you too…everyday!”
Thursday Matters
Everyday Wedding
I remember being engaged to Dan and wanting to be married ASAP so I could fully be with him as husband and wife. It was hard to wait. You yearn, and you know what you want. You want more… but not yet.
Everyday Wedding
I remember being engaged to Dan and wanting to be married ASAP so I could fully be with him as husband and wife. It was hard to wait. You yearn, and you know what you want. You want more… but not yet. This relates to our yearning for God. God calls us to relationship, and that means yearning. A person doesn’t yearn for religion.
Jesus tells us that we are His bride, and He promises a final wedding. He fully knows and loves us and when the day arrives, and He comes for us it will be like the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:5; “Then I shall know just as I also am known.” You’re yearning, and we all are, but it’s building up to something called heaven where it’s not just a spiritual wholeness but a physical one too. The earth experience is hard but as believers we have the eternal wedding celebration in heaven where there is perfection with no more tears or pain but yet there’s purpose. That’s something to look forward to …everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Water and Fire
Sometimes when I find myself in a difficult place, I just wanna cry out, “God, get me out of here!” But if I want to fulfill the purpose God has for me, I have to be prepared to go through trials.
Everyday Water and Fire
Sometimes when I find myself in a difficult place, I just wanna cry out, “God, get me out of here!” But if I want to fulfill the purpose God has for me, I have to be prepared to go through trials.
God uses difficult challenges in our lives to strengthen us and develop our character. Through trials we are taught the unique lessons of suffering and the benefits of discipline and sacrifice, making us better individuals. Our son, Joey, was really in a challenging season years ago and I said to him, “Are you really that surprised that God has allowed this trial in your life (but I am sorry it’s so hard)? As a follower of Christ, He promise us that we will go through trials. But He also tells us in Isaiah 43:2 that He’ll be with us as we pass through the waters and go through the fires, and we’ll not be overwhelmed or will we be burned. Godly character is developed most often when we are tested by the waters and the fire. Acknowledge the trial and the pain and then acknowledge that God is walking with you through it all…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Tenderhearted
I know God’s best for us is to forgive and be tenderhearted to one another like God does for us as Ephesians 4:32 reminds us. But knowing and living it out are two different things.
Everyday Tenderhearted
I know God’s best for us is to forgive and be tenderhearted to one another like God does for us as Ephesians 4:32 reminds us. But knowing and living it out are two different things. Jesus calls us to be kind and tenderhearted toward everyone, even to those we don’t like. That’s hard when someone hurts us. But Romans 12:9 is clear; “Let your love be genuine and outdo one another in showing honor.” Personal, political, religious, and any other type “opponents” should be treated with kindness. This means assuming the best, and not the worst, of difficult people. Forgiveness doesn’t release the one who’s hurt you, it releases you. And often forgiveness is a process. There are times I forgive but then I pick up the offense again because I’m triggered by an event.
Having a tender heart is the willingness to see the pain from the point of view from the other person’s perspective and see them as God does. This only can happen through the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer. Healing comes when we allow God’s grace into our struggles…everyday.
Thursday Matters
Everyday Spousal Foundation
Jessica was so excited telling her dad about her new boyfriend; “He’s just about perfect, Dad! He’s good looking, has a great sense of humor and we’ve so many of the same interests.
Everyday Spousal Foundation
Jessica was so excited telling her dad about her new boyfriend; “He’s just about perfect, Dad! He’s good looking, has a great sense of humor and we’ve so many of the same interests. He’s smart, outgoing and he really cares about me. I’m so happy!” “But you said, ‘just about perfect,’ what’s missing?” “Well, he believes in God, but I don’t know if he has a relationship with Him.” “Well,” said dad, “Remember when we were looking at buying a house for you and there was one that seemed just about perfect? The size was great, super landscaping and not only was the outside beautiful but the hard wood floors, tiled kitchen, and every painted room was amazing. But the foundation was cracked and so it wasn’t an investment you were willing to make.”
When looking for a spouse the best blueprint to follow is found in Ephesians 2:20 finding someone whose foundation is built with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone so you can build a strong marriage. Take the time to pray to God and with your potential spouse about marriage. It’s most important part in planning a wedding…everyday.