Don't Give Up

My husband and I have been helping our daughters with their piano lessons. Music has been a huge part of our lives and we would love to impress this upon our children. It’s pretty evident that they have some basic talent and a growing love for music. It’s often a musical at my house as the girls are singing their conversations and dancing about the house.

A challenge for us is when we introduce a new piece of music. The excitement and novelty wear off REALLY quickly when it’s challenging and they can’t play it perfectly the first time. There have been tears, frustration, threats of wanting to quit and yet we don’t let them.

I start shaking my head, wondering why don’t they get it?

“It’s just practice! It will take some time! I know you can do it! I know you have it in you! Don’t worry about making mistakes. It’s not worth getting so upset! I love you. I believe in you. With me you can do anything. Trust me.”

Then I stop.

And think.

How often do I want to quit when it gets hard…
…or I think it’s taking too long…
…or I want to just take the easy road and give up?

How often do I forget that God believes in me and has called me to His purpose? I forget that He will give me the strength to carry on - to complete the task. How often do I not see the big picture but get stuck with this difficult moment and lose all hope?

I do all of these things way too often.

And yet God doesn’t shake His head, He tells me, “It’s just practice! It will take some time! I know you can do it! I know you have it in you! Don’t worry about making mistakes. It’s not worth getting so upset! I love you. I believe in you. With me you can do anything. Trust me.”

And then with God’s help, I do it.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,
that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.
1 Timothy 1;12

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4;13

www.myheartsdesireministries.com
©2009 All Rights Reserved Trina Loucks

It's Not So Bad

Maybe the recession isn't so bad.

The ebb and flow of our economy has got me thinking (it probably has gotten a lot of people thinking!) The media insists we are in a recession and I just heard a report saying that we've actually been in a recession since last Christmas - we just didn't know it!

I'm wondering if the recession is a good thing. If you look at any financial institution (i.e. business, non-profit or personal) there are cycles: expansion and growth, excess, scale back, expansion and growth...and it continues. It looks similar in my own finances!

Would it really be so bad if we had to cut back?

It concerned me at first that the most common piece of advice has been to "watch your spending" or "don't buy unnecessary items." This can be good advice but it won't necessarily help the economy. But then I started thinking...

Would it be so bad if we didn't spend so much?

...if we didn't spend so much, people wouldn't have to work as much...

...if we didn't work so much, maybe life would have more joy and we'd have more time to do things we couldn't do before...

What if we depended more on our family, friends and neighbors instead of buying everything or paying someone to do it?

What if we could wait to purchase items and not run up our credit?

Would it really be so bad?

As a family, we've definitely been affected by the recession and are trying to figure out ways to cut back. At first it was really stressful but it's actually been helpful. Here are some of the things we did:

• We changed to basic cable. It saves us $50 a month. We were paying for channels that we hardly ever watched! We only have cable on one TV. Our other TV is used for movies and video games.

• We talked to our auto insurance company and were able to get a different policy that will save us a couple hundred dollars a year.

• We cut back our cell phone plan - we were able to save $100 a month using text messages instead of minutes and by removing the web browser that we rarely used.

• We've been depending more on friends and family. I'm going to get a relative to trim my girls' hair to save a trip to kids' salon. We've also been swapping movies with friends and family so we don't have to go and rent them. They have a ton of movies that we haven't seen!

• We're trying to conserve water by not letting it run while doing the dishes and brushing our teeth. We're scaling way back on outside water usage during the winter months.

• We're making a conscience effort to turn off lights when they are not in use to save on our electric bill.

• For our weekly "Family Fun Night," we are doing things at home. We each take a turn picking what we'll do that night and we've become pretty creative with activities that cost little or no money. We love to watch movies or play games and the kids love it!
  

Since Christmas is quickly approaching, we've also taken some additional steps to save:

• We're not giving presents to everybody. My brother and I decided that we didn't need to exchange gifts with our families this year. Instead, we are going to have a game night!

• We are buying our girls only a couple of presents because they get plenty from grandparents and extended family! This not only saves money but saves on the stress of trying to figure out where to put it all after Christmas!

• We're sending e-Christmas Cards this year!

• We're giving homemade gifts. Our pumpkin bread is pretty popular!
  

Maybe we'll learn...

...how to live with less...

...how to depend on each other...

...how to work less and play more...

...how to live simpler lives...

...how to rely on God, not ourselves for every need...

...that we don't need half of things that we thought we needed...

...that it's not so bad.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6;25-26

©2008 All Rights Reserved Trina Loucks

God's Timing

God’s timing is an amazing thing. It often seems like it’s not my timing but always ends up being the best possible timing. Why do I still doubt God’s timing? Is it because I’m a control freak or is it a natural tendency of a chick? We’re in the business of timing. We have to schedule not only our schedules but also the schedules of our whole household. We have to figure out the timing of when to start dinner, when to start homework, when to start getting the kids into bed, or when to go to bed so we can get up in the morning (to name just a few!)

As Christmas quickly approaches (I do not have all of my decorations out or presents wrapped like some of my friends- I haven’t even started!), I’m reminded of the timing of Jesus’ arrival. Did it seem like great timing…

• for Mary to get pregnant before she was married?
• for Joseph to be publicly humiliated because of his pregnant fiancé?
• that there was a census that required Mary and Joseph to travel right at Mary’s due date?
• for Jesus to be born under the rule of Caesar Augustus?
• for there to be no room at any inn?
• that Jesus was born in a stable surrounded by animals?

It doesn’t seem like God picked the greatest timing for the greatest thing to happen on earth or did He? It definitely doesn’t look like it from our earthly standards but as I often remind myself, “God’s ways are not my ways.” (Isaiah 55;8)

Being Thankful

With Thanksgiving only days away, we tend to gear up for the holiday season (actually it seems as if it is starting at Halloween now!) We are busy preparing and organizing and we know in the back of our minds that this is the season to be thankful - maybe we can be thankful after the meal is cooked, cleaned and put away!

I love the idea of a holiday dedicated to giving thanks to our Lord for His countless blessings, but I want to offer another suggestion. John Ortberg (one of my favorite authors and speakers) suggests that we "review the dailies." At the end of each day he reviews the day of it's blessings. We can get so focused on what went wrong in a day, that by the end of it we just want to go to bed! If we review our blessings each and every day, our perspective on life quickly changes and in turn we are more aware and grateful for all the Lord has done for us!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving (even BEFORE Thanksgiving), here are a few of the blessing the Lord has given me:

• My kids make me laugh every day
• My daughter can read and write
• Our family is healthy
• We have enough food
• God gives me new and creative ideas
• He uses our Pastor and church to change lives
• God answers prayer- even prayers that were prayed years ago
• God loves me no matter what
• My kids call me Mommy
• I have a supportive husband and he’s a good dad to our kids
• I can pray to God any second of any day
• I can teach my kids about God and His love
• My kids want my attention
• I can play games with my kids
• God teaches me through my kids

May this encourage you to review your blessings each and every day!

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
since as members of one body you were called to peace.
And be thankful.

Colossians 3;15

©2008 All Rights Reserved Trina Loucks
www.myheartsdesireministries.com

Romance

When I was a little girl, I would daydream about the day that I would one day meet the man of my dreams, fall madly in love, get married and live happily ever after. I will have to say that the Lord answered my prayers in giving me a wonderful husband however it wasn’t exactly like I pictured it as I was romanticizing it in my head. There wasn’t the constant romantic gestures. We weren’t constantly gazing into each other’s eyes professing our undying love, (we were more shocked and amazed that we were actually married!) And even though I was tremendously blessed with a Godly and kind husband, it seemed to be lacking something. I searched and searched. What was I missing? Did I really love this person? Did he really love me? Did we need to plan more romantic dates? Did we need to show more affection? Where were all the fuzzy feelings like when we were first dating? What was I missing? First I just came up with a solution that there wasn’t such a thing as “true love,” the “perfect mate” or a “romance that lasted a lifetime” in which I was partly correct…I was just looking in the wrong places.

Did you know that there is a guy waiting outside your door right now? He has a big bouquet of flowers, he’s dressed to the nines, has a limo idling in the driveway, waiting to take you on the date of your dreams? This isn’t just a one-time event like on your anniversary or birthday or “I’m-sorry-I’ve-been-such–a-jerk- date.” It’s every day! Every single day this guy is waiting to take you out! Also, get this…he knows everything about you. He can read your mind, know what you are feeling, and know what you need - without you even having to say it! AND- he loves you with the best kind of love- unconditional- in fact if you don’t have the energy to get dressed and put on that fancy dress- that’s ok- he’ll take you out anyway- even in your jammies! He’s standing at the door, knocking…waiting.

So often, we women, look to the men in our life to fill that empty space. And you know what? With that kind of expectation - both parties are doomed. Because there is no human on this earth that can fulfill all of our desires. We are setting ourselves up for disappointment. Plus, the man in our life, knowing that we are disappointed gets discouraged because he’s not fulfilling your expectations and feels like he can’t do anything right! This is a lose-lose situation.

The gentleman (as Anne Graham Lotz explains him) outside your door is God. Did you know that the creator of the universe, the heavens and earth, is patiently knocking? He’s waiting for you to answer, waiting to talk with you, waiting to hear your concerns and worries and dreams and desires, waiting to help you, waiting to tell you how much He loves you, how much He cares, how much He has in store for you, how much He has planned- this great plan for your future… a hope that your life makes sense and you are here for a reason (Jeremiah 29:11). Isn’t that what you are looking for? Honestly? Someone who already knows every fiber of your being - every thought and desire? He’s there waiting for you to answer.

Here’s the trick though, each and every day, He comes back - waiting for you to open the door to Him. It’s a daily thing. He knows how fragile we can become or how the busyness of the day distracts us from His knock. He knows that we need a daily dose of His goodness to help us make it through. If only we would open the door to His knocking. Do you hear it?


Kitchen tip of the Day: Kid’s Corner

Designate a drawer or cupboard that is for your kids. Make sure they can access it and that it’s filled with kid-friendly items (i.e. plastic cups, bowls, plates). This enables the kids to get things for themselves, help with meal preparation and clean-up!

Battling the Worry-Monster

I think it's safe to say that most moms (if not all) battle feelings of worry. It's something we genetically inherited as women! The "what ifs" tend to plague our mind with doubt, fear and anxiety. It can make us second guess our every decision, cause great stress and negatively effect everything we do.

Have you ever worried about...

• what school your child should attend?
• feeding your family healthy food?
• getting enough exercise?
• deciding the activities for your family?
• words you've said to your kids?
• your child's safety?
• your child's future?
• paying the bills?
• being a good enough mom?
  

As a fellow worrier, I could tell you why you shouldn't worry about such things and even if my suggestions were valid and made total sense - it would still be hard NOT to worry! I remember when we brought our infant daughter home from the hospital, I was extremely tired. It was more than the usual sleep-deprivation after birthing a child - I had not slept for days. Why? I was worried! I was so afraid to fall asleep because I was afraid she was going to die. Now I know this is a real possibility and I mourn for those of you who have lost babies, but I had no reason to be worried about her health - and more than that, it was something that was totally out of my control. I finally remember crying and praying to the Lord, "Please Lord, I have to sleep. I give my baby up to you. If it be your will that we only have her for a few days, than thank you for the wonderful days we've already experienced." It wasn't until I prayed that prayer was I able to sleep.

How do we battle the worry-monster? What's the secret? Recognizing that worry and all the accompanying feelings (doubt, fear, anxiety) are not from the Lord. Those feelings are from the enemy and he will use them to destroy our confidence in God. It says in the Bible that God has given us a spirit of power and love and a calm and well-balanced mind (2 Timothy 1;7). I love the idea of God giving me a calm mind that battles the negative thoughts. We may not be able to battle the worry on our own, but with God all things are possible!

I will tell you it's a work in progress - it won't come automatically. You have to train your mind to focus on God's promises rather than the worry. Anytime that I feel worry creeping into my mind, I battle it with scripture. I handle the finances in our house (my husband can always tell when I've done the bills - I may not be in one of my best moods!) and they are at the top of my worry list. I would wake up in the middle of the night with my worries. I have to pray while I'm doing the finances and continually remind myself of God's promises (i.e. He will provide for us, He loves us, He tells us NOT to worry!) It's been a long process and I'm not certainly not perfect but I've gotten much better over the years. I've found that regular time spent with God, resting, and sharing my worries with trusted friends help me fight my feelings of anxiety as well. The important thing is that with God's help we CAN battle worry and win.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
2 Timothy 1;7 (AMP)

Mommy Tip of the Day: Making Lunches

Bring your lunch to work? Do your kids take their lunch to school? Make them the night before. I try to make them during the dinner mess. There’s a lot you can do while you’re waiting for the water to boil or for a meal to cook! I already have a mess in the kitchen so I might as well make lunches real quick. It saves your nerves in the early morning rush to just grab your lunch out of the fridge!

©2008 All Rights Reserved Trina Loucks

Fast Food Family

Sometimes the hardest thing I do all day is get out of bed. The alarm clock goes off or I wake to the rumblings of my two little ones and the first thoughts in my head are those of panic: "I have so much to get done today! How will I ever get it done? Did I remember to... What about the bills? How are we ever going to pay them? I can't forget to..." I'm already stressed out and I haven't even gotten out of bed.! We live in a fast food world. Our minds have been conditioned to order, pay and receive our food in 5 minutes flat. If it takes longer (or there's a long wait) we get stressed out. We only allowed 5 minutes to grab dinner and now we are off schedule! It's going to mess everything up!

We then translate this fast food mentality to other aspects of our lives: we get an email and have to respond, we get a phone call or message and feel like we need to immediately call back, the garage is a mess so we need to clean it NOW! We have this sense of urgency in our lives and if we don't react quickly, we feel guilty that it's not done yet. Then we get overwhelmed because we have so much on our plates. We wonder if we'll ever get caught up. When we feel like we get ahead a little bit, something else comes up and the vicious cycle continues!

Here are some tips to combat our fast food mentality:

• Start with the essentials: As you're laying in bed trying to sort out your day, remind yourself to breathe. It may sound like a no-brainer but we often need this essential reminder!
  

• Pray for guidance: Too much to do? Don't know where to begin? Are you discouraged before your day has even started? Pray that the Lord will be with you in every aspect of your day. Pray for wisdom as you pick and chose the important things that need to be done THAT day. Don't worry about what needs to be done tomorrow or next week but what needs to be done today- it will help you not get so overwhelmed.

• Plan accordingly: After you've prayed, pick the 2 or 3 things that are the most important to get done that day amongst the rest of your schedule (i.e. return a phone call, do laundry, or run an errand). If you don't accomplish them that day, don't stress out! (sometimes our expectations are unrealistic... sure I can run to the grocery store, pick up the kids from the school, fix a fabulous meal, clean the whole house and finish the science experiment all in one afternoon...) In fact, it's important to realize that you will NEVER get caught up. At first that might seem really depressing but once you accept this fact, it’s actually quite freeing.

• REST: When your 2 or 3 things are done, don't start adding more things into your day. Feel good that you accomplished your goals for that day and rest, take a nap, play with your kids, enjoy a book, watch a movie- do something that will help refresh you because it all starts back up tomorrow! There will always be things to do (if we didn't have anything to do we'd die of boredom!)

• Allow for interruptions: In a mom's life, there are ALWAYS interruptions. If we expect them, we won't get so derailed! Thank God for these minor setbacks. Often these are unexpected blessings that we tend to ignore or allow them to become irritants. It's a time when your child might need that extra hug or loving word, a friend might need a hand or it might even be the Lord giving you a chance to slow down and breathe! (you have to wait in line- take a deep breath, remind yourself of the blessings God has given you, or start a friendly conversation with a fellow shopper.)
  

Following these tips will help you lose your fast food mentality. It might not resemble a slow, romantic candlelit dinner at a fancy restaurant but it will at least give you a chance to slow down and enjoy your life, even if you're standing in line at McDonalds.

Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
Matthew 6;33 NLT

Mommy Tip of the Day: Taking a break.
As a mom you are going around the clock 24/7. Try and catch some times of rest in your day. While your child is eating- sit down beside them. Don’t try and rush it! Even 5 minutes can help you calm down. Bath time is a perfect place to catch a breather. Kids love to play in the tub. Let them play for an extra 5-10 minutes and you take a load off! Sit on the floor next to them and enjoy the kids: think, pray for the things you are thankful for, dream, or be silent. These 5-minute breathers throughout the day can help you make it through the day!

To Be Or Not To Be...Perfect

In this day and age when all things must appear "perfect," it can be rough being a woman, especially a mom. Not only do we have to be perfect but our kids have to be perfect! That's a lot of pressure! Too much pressure! Unrealistic pressure!

I'm here to tell you - it's OK to NOT be perfect! In fact, it's impossible to be perfect so take a load off and realize this true fact - we are not perfect (you might want to say it out loud for effect!) Now some of you might be mildly freaking out at this point! That is ok. Acceptance is the first step! So you can take a big sigh of relief when...

• your child acts out in public
• you and your child are wearing more of your food than you actually ate
• your child got a "B" (or lower) or a "S" instead of a "S+"
• your child is not the star athlete or dance star but maybe the star in the "drama" department
• sometimes you're not all that thrilled with your chosen profession (i.e. mommyhood)
• you take a nap!
  

Now that you are thoroughly depressed - what is the good news? The good news is that even though we're not perfect, God is. If we love and put our trust in Him, we have access to a perfect God and all of His resources. It says in Psalm 37;23-24, "If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." God never promises that we won't mess up, BUT He does promise that if we stumble, we won't fall! I picture God holding our hand as we journey through this life and like a little child, when we stumble, He has our hand and prevents us from falling. Now that is some good news.

Mommy Tip of the Day: School is back in session! How are your kids doing in school? Each day when I pick my kids up from school, I ask them two questions: What was your favorite part? What was your least favorite part? These are great conversation starters and allow you to find out how your child's day was at school. Try it out! I'd love to hear what you find out!

Miracles

God has impressed upon me that this next year is going to be a year of miracles. Sounds pretty presumptuous doesn’t it? That’s ok. July marked the year of our move to Orange County. Moving down here was a miracle in itself. We sold our house right before the market went to a screeching halt and He led us exactly where we are supposed to be. Now a year later, we are settled and getting used to our new life. Both my husband and I recently started new careers and strongly believe that God has called us to them. Even though it’s a miracle that we are here, how do we forget the miracles so easily?

We aren’t the first ones…

The Israelites had been crying out to God for hundreds of years as they were enslaved to the Egyptians. Back breaking labor and unjust treatment were handed down from generation to generation. Then God brought Moses onto the scene and implemented His plan. Miracle after miracle was done to free the Israelites. When it looked like they were finally freed from their captives and they began their journey to the Promised Land. As the Israelites were coming up to the Red Sea, Pharaoh’s army started to close in on them. Apparently Pharaoh decided to change his mind about letting the Israelites go. God did the impossible and parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could safely cross! When the Pharaoh's army tried to cross, they were washed away. Pretty incredible right? You would think that this memory would be imprinted on the Israelites minds forever - for generations to come. But if you look at their story, it wasn’t too long after this mighty miracle that the Israelites forgot what God had done and even started complaining! How could this be? They even wanted to go back to Egypt! And be slaves again! After all that He had done!

Before we get too hard on the Israelites, I really have to check myself. I have to often ask myself if I am a “complaining Israelite?“ Am I forgetting all that God has done for me? Am I forgetting all the miracles that He has done in my life because things aren’t going my way? Does that mean God is absent? Because of the Israelites disobedience and forgetfulness, they wandered in the dessert for 40 years. This was a trip that would have only taken weeks! Do you remember all that God has done for you or are you a complaining Israelite?



Mommy Tip of the Day: Dishes

Do dishes one time a day! Rinse them off and put them in one side of the sink. Wash them or put them in the dishwasher after dinner. Then it won’t feel like you are doing dishes all day long! (These are one of those things that are never ending!)

Remember your little ones can help! My kids started clearing their own plate at 3! Both my girls help empty the dishwasher. My 4 year old puts away the utensils and plastic ware and my 7 year old does the rest. She stacks on the counter the things that she can’t reach and I put them away. It’s a huge help and teaches them responsibility! After dinner clean up is also a great time to make those lunches for the next day while you’ve got the mess! Kids can help with this too! Make your life easier and instill responsibility in your kids- everybody benefits!

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101

My great-grandma died this week. She was 101 years old. Amazing! Even though it is an incredible blessing that she is in heaven where she wants to be, it still hit me kind of hard: a life gone from this earth. In some ways I’m even a little jealous. I could handle being in heaven.

As I look back on her life, her biggest joy was her family. She would brag on us anytime she could. Counting up the grandkids, great grandkids and even great-great grandkids! One person in particular that she would brag about was my grandfather - her eldest son. She would say that he was perfect (and actually it’s pretty much true!) My grandfather is true entrepreneur (he started several successful businesses), a self-learned man (never went to college but reads encyclopedias for fun; the wisest person I know), loves people (he knows and genuinely cares about everybody in town) and a man after God’s own heart. She raised a fine young man!

This year my grandfather is turning 80 (yes all of my family married REALLY young!) and we’re celebrating his birthday along with my grandmother next week at a mini-family reunion. We “stole” all of their old 8mm and Super 8 home movies and got them transferred to DVD as their surprise birthday present from the family. We have tape from 1948! On the invitation to the party, my cousin wrote:

We're celebrating Papa and Mom!
80 Priceless years and still going
strong...their unconditional
love, wisdom and guidance has
been the foundation of our
family legacy.

That legacy started with my grandmother raising a Godly son and it has filtered down to the great-great grandkids. How you live your life matters - not only for you but for generations that follow. Great Grandma Turner lived a simple yet meaningful life and we all have reaped the benefits.

If you are a mom and discouraged by your simple life – know that the work you are doing matters not only for today but for generations to come. What do you want it to look like? Whether you are already part of a legacy or you are choosing to start a legacy of your own – your Godly legacy can effect eternity.

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Mommy Tip of the Day: Saying I Love You

How often do you tell your kids that you love them? I grew up with my mom telling me she loved me EVERY DAY! She didn’t want me to EVER doubt that she loved me. I do the same thing with my kids. I make sure they know ALL the time. In fact, we have a habit of signing off our phone calls with loved ones by saying, “I love you! Goodbye!” One time I was talking to a handy man that was coming to our house and Emma said, “Did you hang up on him? You didn’t say, ‘I love you! Goodbye!’”

Knowing that I was loved unconditionally by my family has allowed me to be successful in my life. I have this strong foundation at the very core of my being: the support and love of my family. You can do this for your kids too. Give them the love and support they need to grow up with a healthy knowledge of your love.

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Born

…Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless He is born again.” John 3;3

As a Christ follower this is a phrase that I have heard all of my life. But I would imagine the first time Jesus said it, He probably got some strange looks. In fact when Jesus tells Nichodemus that he must be born again, he asks, “How can this be?” (John 3;9)

Here are some definitions of “born:”

• Brought into life

• Begun

• Naturally predisposed

• By birth

My favorite one was:

• coming from a particular place or background and usually having the qualities or character regarded as representative of it

When we are physically born we usually have characteristics of our family. This is true when we are spiritually reborn as well. We become “naturally predisposed” of our Father in heaven. We inherit His qualities – love, peace, grace, mercy, kindness, forgiveness – they are all available to us because we are born again! And the best news is because we are spiritually born again we can one day see Jesus face to face: in the kingdom of heaven! We become His child and therefore are heirs to His throne. (“…so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:7) That is good news!

How might it change your perspective knowing that you can inherit not only the qualities of God but also the kingdom of God?


Mommy Tip of the Day: House Work
Yuck! Just the thought of it can make you cringe! What you have to accept are these two truths: You will NEVER get caught up and it will ALWAYS get dirty again. At first that seems really depressing but once you accept the terms - it’s actually freeing! It makes it ok if you don’t get it done one week because it will be there next week!

Here are some suggestions that have worked for me:

• Clean half the house one week and the other half the next. Don’t feel like you have to clean the ENTIRE house each week. Who made up that rule?

• Clean a little each day. Here’s the trick though- if you miss a day- don’t come back to it! Save it for the next week! It will still be there!

• On big projects set aside a certain amount of time each week. Don’t try and get it all done at once. Set your timer and STOP when it’s time!

Happy Cleaning!

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Eternity

“In all of our hearts lies a longing for a Sacred Romance…this heart yearning set within us, the longing for transcendence; the desire to be part of something larger than ourselves…The deepest part of our heart longs to be bound together in some heroic purpose with others of like mind and spirit.“
Brent Curtis and John Eldredge, The Sacred Romance (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 19.

I love this quote. It resonates with my soul. These past few years as I was searching for purpose and significance, I so longed to be apart of something. I wanted to be apart of God’s bigger picture. I wanted to make a difference that would last - eternally. As I was on this journey, I would ask my friends:

• Do you think you can make a difference for eternity?

• What do you think God has planned for you so you will make a difference for eternity?

• What do you think your role is in ushering in the Kingdom of God?

I got some pretty weird looks! But I can tell you it got them thinking. I think most of us long to make a difference in our lifetime but doubt that God has big or significant plans for us. How could God use me? I’m not a Billy Graham or a Rick Warren.

It says in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” I love that this verse brings to light the fact that God has a specific, plan for us. He's already got it planned! I don’t know about you but I want to make a difference for eternity.



Mommy Tip of the Day:

Rewards: Do you have rewards in your household? I’ve come to realize that not only do kids like and need rewards for celebrating good behavior or accomplishing a goal but so do we! At the end of the school year, we all had a celebration! We ALL made it through the school year. I was just as much apart of it as they were! We went out for a yummy breakfast and headed over to the pool to celebrate our accomplishment. It was such a great feeling for all of us. Make a point to celebrate your kids AND you! Other activities to reward yourself: finishing a big school project, good behavior, surviving a sports season, completing chores for a week, or accomplishing a goal (for us it was completing swim lessons!)

Confession

Lord I confess my fears...

...of succeeding
...of being overwhelmed
...of losing all of our money
...of being unwise
....of not making a difference
...of making a wrong decision
...of your will
...of moving forward
...of death
...of being alone
...of failing
...of hurting
...of losing...

I give them all to you.

Your promises to me...

...You will never leave me nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6)
...You will be with me to the end of the age (Matthew 28;20)
...You will give me wisdom (Proverbs 2;6)
...I can come to you (Matthew 11:28)
...You will give me rest (Matthew 11:28)
...You are my Hero (John 3:16)
...You love me (Ephesians 3:17-19)
...You are preparing a place for me (John 14:2-3)

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28


Mommy Tip of the Day: Do you ever go to the grocery store and forget something? I have made a word document that lists the basic food items that we need by category (i.e. produce, grains, drinks, meat, etc.). I print this out and hang it on my fridge. This way when I know that I am low on something I can mark it right away. It also helps me remember the basic food items we need while I'm at the store. Since it's on my computer I can edit it as needed. I love it! It's helpful and keeps me organized! I also have a similar list for toiletries! If you would like me to send you my personal grocery list, email me at info@myheartdesireministries.com, with "Grocery List" in the subject.

Dream

If I could tell people one thing about Life Purpose I would say, dare to DREAM!

I have this in-progress theory that we live in such a unique time in history that allows us to do more readily the things that God has created us to do. It seems as if the history of man’s life has been mostly about survival – food, shelter and protection. For most of us (especially in the U.S.) basic survival is the least of our worries. We busy ourselves with school, activities, social gatherings or achieving the “American dream.” What we often forget is that we have this incredible privilege to be a part of an age that allows us to do the specific things that God has created us to do.

The older we get the harder it is to dream. We get bogged down with our to-do list and even forget how to dream. When I was 32, I had just transitioned from working outside of the home to being a full-time mom. Even though I knew that this was God’s will for my life, I was struggling. I remember lying in my bed and realizing that I had run out of dreams. I had accomplished all the dreams that I had from when I was younger: I went to college, I traveled, I got married, I had kids, and I even had a house with a white picket fence! Not having any more dreams diminished my hope. I couldn’t imagine that God didn’t have any more dreams for my life since I was still here on earth! This is what started me on my quest for figuring out what God’s dreams were for my life.

So how do you figure out your dreams? Ask God to partner with you and to specifically reveal His dreams for your life. Here are some questions to help you get started:

What are my talents and gifts?

What are my passions?

What do I want my house to look like?

What do I want to be doing with my time?

What activities do I want to be involved in?

What does my family look like?

As God starts to reveal things to you, write them down. Chances are your dreams are already in your head, you just haven’t thought about them in a while. God promises that when we ask, we will receive. Have you ever thought of asking Him about the dreams for your life?

As you draw close to God you will hear His dreams for your life.

As your hear His dreams for your life, you will know your purpose.

As you know your purpose, you will make a difference with your life for the glory of God and His eternal purposes.


Kitchen tip of the day: Bought any strawberries this summer? If you are not using all the strawberries in the basket, use the ones at the bottom first. They are usually a bit more squished and tend to ripen quicker. This will help keep your unused strawberries from getting too ripe!

Here

Sometimes I pray as if God is not here. I guess I visualize Him in heaven which seems so far away. It's almost like I need to cup my hands and shout my prayers so He can hear them. But if I've asked Christ into my life - He's here. Living inside of me. It's kind of an odd thought to think of Christ inside of me but isn't that where the Holy Spirit is? So there is no need to "shout" my prayers anymore. I could whisper or think a prayer. Sometimes He answers my prayers without me even praying them. Those aren't characteristics of a faraway God. How would your life change knowing that God is right there with you and not far away?

"Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well."
Psalm 139:7-14

Mommy Tip of the Day: Do you ever rest? Do you ever (dare I say it?) take a NAP? (Gasp!)
I officially give you permission to take a nap! It will feel strange at first. You might even feel guilty. But where did we get this idea that we need to be "productive" 24 hours a day? Actually getting some time of rest during the day is what helps me be productive. Each day after lunch we have rest time. This is a time where we read, do our devotions, do a quiet activity or even sleep. This act has saved many stressed-filled days. You may think, "I don't have time to take rest." But you will actually get more done the remainder of the day if you take the time. Are you ready to be more productive? Rest!

Ask

Today while I was doing my devotions and resting, my youngest daughter was supposed to be sleeping. She came in and asked if she could get a toy to sleep with and I told her yes. As she walked back to her bed, she had something "hidden" behind her back. A couple minutes later she came back and said she wanted me to shut the door so I couldn't see her walk by again. I asked her why and she "didn't know. " I asked her if she wanted to sneak something. To her credit she was honest and said, " Yes." I asked her what she wanted. She wanted a Barbie to sleep with as well. I told her all she had to do was ask instead of trying to sneak around and do it on her own. As the words were coming out of my mouth I was struck with the thought of how I try to hide things from God (kind of like my daughter "hiding" her toy behind her back that I could plainly see). For some reason I don't think to ask God about certain things in my life. I'll pray for the obvious things like safety, wisdom, and guidance. But other things I'll leave out of my prayer life. It could be something big like "how to handle my finances" to something small like "what should I wear to an event." I believe that God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives, from how to raise our kids to what I should cook for dinner. Maybe the reason why we don't know the answer sometimes is because we don't ask.

"Ask and it will be given to you. For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8



Purpose Tip of the Day: Do you have dreams? What are they? Are they lost in the hustle and bustle of every day life? Take some time and plan out your 10 year goals. What do you want your life to look like in 10 years? Be very specific in your description and cover every aspect of your life. Some questions to ask yourself: What do I want my house to look like? What are the characteristics of my kids? What are the activities in my life? What do we do for fun? How am I serving the community? You'll be amazed at the results of simply taking the time to write down some goals. Before you know it, your goals and dreams will become a reality!

Adoption

Adoption was God's plan from the beginning.

It says in John 1:12-13:
"He came to that which was his own...to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God."

As children of God we are born of God. We are born again. We have a new life (John 3:3). We have a new relationship with God that wasn't a result of our birth.* We are adopted into God's family. We are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and renewed by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3;5).

So I ask myself: Do I live as one of "His own?" Do I live knowing and believing that I am a child of God? How does this change my perspective and life knowing these truths?

Are you a child of God?

*taken from NIV Study Bible Notes


Mommy Tip of the Day: Are your kids involved with chores around the house? Our house motto is, "Everybody Helps." You will be surprised at how even the smallest amount of help from your little ones can contribute to your daily duties. My little girls started making their bed at age 3! It wasn't perfect but it gave them confidence in knowing that they could do it by themselves AND it was one less thing I had to do that day.

Strength

Don't have much strength today? Good news- we don't need to rely on our strength. It says in Psalm 29:10-11, "The Lord gives strength to His people; The Lord blesses his people with peace." What kind of strength is it? Earlier in the Psalm it describes the Lord's strength with words like powerful and majestic. Bottom Line: God's strength + our weakness (our reliance on Him) = peace. Good news right?

Kitchen Tip of the Day: Looking for an easy way to chop and cut? Invest in a pair of meat scissors. I use them on everything! It's especially great for mommy's who are always cutting up food for her little ones.