Ignorance

“In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.” 2 Timothy 2:20-21

Okay, so this version is a bit of a stretch from my NIV. And I can’t say that I completely get the reference to ignorance. If you put the NIV together with this version, it makes a little more sense. It adds that you have to cleanse yourself from the garbage (ignorance) in order to “be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the master and prepared to do good work.” Preparation really is the key to doing well with anything in life. Sure, you may be able to squeak by again and again, but will only get out of it what you put into it. I teach a 4 year old class at church. Some weeks I am exhausted and make the decision not to prepare a story or games, etc. Sometimes I luck out and am able to wing it. Typically, however, there is mass chaos in my room. The kids aren’t listening because I haven’t put forth the effort to make it fun. They are talking to each other and finding better things to get into. But when I have confidence in my activities and show them how excited I am about teaching them about a story from the Bible, it comes alive. Their parents are even pleased because they are chatting them up about the lesson, crafts, and games. They actually learned something at church.

The same goes for when we are simply the listener. Preparing your heart before a sermon or Bible study can make a big difference. Reading the material is often not on your list of priorities, but you will be so glad you did. And you can never go wrong with treating your Bible like a textbook. Learn the stories; keep the verses in your heart for future reference.

I really love the author’s idea to let your kids see you doing your homework. Oh, how kids hate homework! Make sure not to stress that homework never goes away, but how the love of learning can be a good thing. Explain that the Bible teaches you how to pass tests everyday…when making decisions about how to discipline them, how to treat other people, and how to one day get to Heaven.

So, onto another suggestion by the author…what word will my 1 year old learn tomorrow…He seems to pick up a new one every day! I’m thinking parameters (one of the author’s suggestions, which is defined as limits; boundaries) would be a good place to start! I hope you are all having a great week!

Hate

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all wrongs. Proverbs 10:12

When I was growing up, I remember my grandmother (who is also my godmother) saying that I should not use the word "hate." Knowing that my grandmother was wise and of course, out of respect, I refrained from using the word hate.

What does the word hate really mean? According to our friends at dictionary.com, hate is to dislike intensely or passionately. Such feeling must stem from Satan as our Lord, God, does not encourage such feeling instead He teaches us to love our enemies. Think about all the bad in this world from suicide bombers to kids who bully in school - and then imagine that this hate was actually covered in love... think of the lives that would be saved and the hearts that would be healed. Teach your children this love; teach your children to refrain from hatred. I know that when we get to heaven that any and all hate will be absent but it would be nice to foster love on earth. We can teach this love one person at a time, starting by being an example for our children and our families.

In your personal, professional, and family interactions do you ever come across someone who just drives you nuts?! I know that I do... and how do you react to these people and situations?Well, I know that I could stand some improvement in this area... although I may not say that I hate someone, I know that I may strongly dislike them. Instead of focusing so much negative energy around these interactions, I realize that I need to pray for these people and for the strength to show them love. Perhaps you will try the same - this week pray for those who may aggravate you. Also, try to think of the good qualities that this person (or people) possess and focus on those qualities.

Happiness

“I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart, I’m writing the book on your wonders. I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I’m singing your song, High God.” Psalm 9:1

I am certainly the right person to tell yall about happiness. God has really been working on the contentment of my heart lately. I have already told you that I live a charmed life. I have a great husband, a cute kid, just bought a new house, and will soon start looking for a dog to buy. It’s the American dream. Sure, Daryl and I don’t always agree on everything (house hunting was so stressful), Parker has become really clingy and whiney lately, there’s a lot of work to do on our house, and we probably don’t need to jump into puppy training right now. Wait, that sounds like two different people describing their lives.

The truth is, we all do the very same things…play up the good or the bad. Happiness is focusing on the good. I refuse to get bogged down in what I don’t have, how tired I am, or how something went terribly wrong at some point today. True joy is not something you learn in a self-help book or from your psychiatrist. It is the way you choose to look at the life God has given you. You are His child, formed in His image. He is making all the decisions in your life, and you don’t really have all the control you think you do!

Enjoy life. When your husband is complaining again, give him a passionate kiss. When your child is whining, put something silly on your head. When your home is not perfect, take a picture of something that you love and find a place for it. When you think you need a dog, go get one. Studies have really shown that they make you happier! Alright, I’m off to watch the shows I recorded last night…because they make me happy.

Grace

Let grace, mercy, and peace be with us in truth and love from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, Son of the Father! 2 John 1:3

How perfect to focus on God’s grace as Easter is approaching. It’s the easiest time of year to be aware of God’s grace in that His son gave his life to give us that grace. It is a gift that we don’t deserve….better yet, we can’t ever do anything good enough to deserve it. Man, that takes off the pressure! I mean, have you ever wondered “how good is good enough”? If Mother Theresa set the standard, we are all doomed. But God knew we would never measure up…He even knew Mother Theresa’s deep dark secrets and mistakes. So, He came up with a way to bridge the gap from here to Heaven. He even made it personal…His own Son. Jesus gave us His life asking nothing in return except belief that it happened.

He was beaten and murdered because it is what we deserved. When I acted like a wild child in college, I should have been publicly humiliated and stoned. That is what happened to people who sinned like that before Jesus’ death. But now we have grace. I can learn from my mistakes and have another chance to be the woman that God created me to be. That’s what grace is…a second chance. Or a third, or a fourth.

He is alive! He has risen! Don’t let these terms slip by as another Easter catch phrase. Jesus really did this, and you only have to believe it to be forgiven and saved from the torture that He endured. I tell Parker that Jesus got in trouble for all of our no no’s so we don’t have to get in really big trouble for them. I know I have gotten pretty deep here, but I don’t want to risk that any of our readers don’t get the big picture. Easter is so much fun with kids…the baskets, the egg hunts, the excitement. I hope you enjoy every second of it, but let Jesus be at the heart of your celebration. Help your kids extend grace to each other as they hunt eggs. Let His amazing love be on the tip of your tongue all this week and the next as you prepare to observe the most miraculous act of grace that has ever taken place.

Friends

Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall into pieces. Proverbs 13:20

Proverbs 13:20 and this week's reflection remind us that we are the company we keep. As mothers, we feel the same way for our children, which is why we try to surround them with good friends, positive opportunities, and a loving, nurturing environment. Do you set up playdates for your children? How do you choose those playdates? Do the playdates give positive opportunities for your children to play and interact? If only we had as much control over their friends as they grew older!

And what about you? Do you surround yourself with good friends and positive people? Our friend choices serve as an example for our children - so we need to mindful of who we associate with. This past week, I spoke at an event that I helped to plan - the United Way of Milford's Women with United Vision kickoff breakfast. At the end of the breakfast, we went around the room and allowed the 20 attendees to introduce themselves. I thought at the conclusion of the introductions, "wow, these are women that I want to surround myself with." The women shared the same vision - to help women and children of Milford who were less fortunate. I'm thrilled to be able to align myself with such an accomplished group of women. I'm excited to see where this journey brings us and the friendships that are formed.

I think it's also important to mention that friendships, like any other relationships, need to be nurtured and nourished. It takes time and dedication to build strong friendships. I must say that I'm blessed to have the friends that I do, especially my best friend Stephanie. We've been building our friendship since sixth grade (and hard to believe that we're now 30!). We take the time to talk to each other at least two mornings a week as we drive into work and we talk on the weekend too. I think in this digital age, the phone is underused as I have other friends who only text or send an email - although I appreciate the interactions, I must say I would really like to speak on the phone instead as so much gets lost over email. Pick up the phone this week and call a friend. Then, take a minute to be grateful for that friend and say an extra prayer of thanksgiving!

Fears

The resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us – an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him! Romans 8:15

Okay, so The Message is certainly different from my NIV version! I do like to think of myself saying, ‘What’s next, Papa?’ . The author hit the nail on the head about the child with no fear. That is Parker. As soon as he learned to stand on his own, we walked in to find him balancing on top of his 4-wheeler toy. He just laughed when we freaked out. In his short 19 months he has never had a traumatic incident that left scars. We on the other hand, have fallen from heights or been in a car accident or experienced emotional heartbreak. We have fear. We know sometimes everything is not okay.

Do you remember the slogan “No Fear’? They put it all over clothes and car stickers. The world seemed obsessed with exclaiming that they had no fear. But was that truthful? Surely those people had endured heartache or physical trauma. Like each of them, we want to stand up to our fear, but sometimes we can’t. At times, fear can run our lives. It keeps us from getting on an airplane or trusting our spouse again.

But God wants doesn’t want fear to make your decisions. He has a plan already made for you. He will take care of you. I’m not saying to test Him by jumping off the roof, but do trust Him with your fears. Tell Him about it and ask for opportunities to overcome your fears. Memorize the scripture suggested in the reading. Hide it in your heart. It will appear again when you really need it…like when you watch that daredevil child climbing to the top of the jungle gym!

Envy

Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody. Romans 12:15

According to this week's reflection, envy is the feeling we get when we want what someone else has -- whether that's some superior quality or achievement, relationship, or possession - and desire it for ourselves. Wow - do you ever feel this way? I know that I do. Are you ever envious of your friends house, car, family, agreeable toddler, etc. The definition of envy immediately brings to mind one of the 10 Commandments - do not covet your neighbors belongings. (Exodus 20:17) Although God instructs us not to covet or envy others, we naturally do.

Envy can be harmful. As the desire for more - a bigger home, a better car, more money can cause people to act irrationally, destroy relationships, and dissolve families. We all need to take heed and take a minute when we begin to envy what others may have (myself included). The reflection notes that one woman deals with envy by focusing on the person who has the things she wants and instead of being envious, being thankful for them. I would like to try to implement that practice in my life. Pray for and be thankful for those persons that you envy. If this is a challenge for you be sure to ask for God's help.