Heaven on Earth

It’s hard to see God in this world sometimes. You have to really look for Him. The world’s evil is extremely prevalent and it can seem like God is far away in a place called heaven.

Somewhere in my thinking, I’ve assumed that God created the earth, hung around quite a bit in “olden times”, sent Jesus to die on the cross and rise three days later, left to go prepare a place for us and then nothing…nothing until His glorious return.

When I was young, I was always afraid that Jesus would come back before I got married and had kids. Although I would fervently pray for His return on my way to the dentist! However, the last decade or so I would be perfectly fine if Jesus came back right this second. I often long for heaven when the weight of this world lies heavily on my shoulders.

One of my present-day heroes is Rob Bell. In his book, Velvet Elvis, he talks about “heaven coming to earth.” To be honest, I really didn’t like this phrase at first. Heaven on earth? I cannot imagine this earth being heaven at all. I don’t even want to think about the two having anything in common.

Slowly over the years, this phrase stirred in my brain…

Heaven on earth…

This earth transforming to heaven one day…

A few years back, I studied heaven quite a bit and it made me yearn for it even more. But it also made me somewhat stagnant in my life because I just wanted to be in heaven. It would be the ultimate, quick-fix, extreme makeover.

So easy.

Everything.
Would.
Be.
Perfect.

In heaven-

• I wouldn’t compare myself to others.
  
• I would fully understand my self-worth in Christ Jesus.
• There would be no more tears, fears or pain.
• I’d be reunited with loved ones that have gone before me.
• I would be close to God and Jesus would be my King.
• I wouldn’t be afraid to do things (I have a list of all the things that I would like to do in heaven: sky-dive, bungee-jump, scuba dive, sing in front of large groups of people to name a few).

I picture heaven as being the biggest and greatest family reunion. We will be sitting around, chatting and getting to know people. There will be wonderful food and we won’t have to count calories. I picture an eternity of fellowship with everyone in heaven.

Doesn’t sound much like earth to me. Or does it? Or can it?

The more I started to think about heaven the more I got impatient. I wanted to be in heaven now. Why do I have to wait? Can’t you just come now Lord? What if the phrase, “heaven on earth” could have some truth to it?

I started looking for some of the things on earth that reminded me of heaven…

• Spending time with my sweet family
• Any family gathering that included yummy food
• Dessert
• Nature
• The wonderful talents God has given each person
• The amazing development of technology and resources that we enjoy
• Children

Maybe there was more truth to “heaven on earth” then I thought. Maybe I was just missing it.

Why is it so much easier to see the bad? This world seems to be spinning in two completely different directions: good and bad. Sometimes I can hardly breathe when I think or hear about the insurmountable evil in this world: the 138 million orphans in the world, the sex-trafficking of young girls, the poverty, the amount of people that die every day of preventable diseases, the greed, the selfishness, the hate. It’s hard for me to live in my nice house, in our nice neighborhood, with our safe streets and wonderful schools when there is a world that is dying around us. But the problem seems so big, how can I even make a difference? Wouldn’t it just be easier if God came back?

On the other hand, there is resounding good in this world: people are becoming aware and adopting orphans, girls that have been sex-slaves since they were 5 are being rescued, scientists are discovering new ways to get clean water to remote villages and health care workers are educating churches in basic health care for those who live too far away from hospitals there are people who give and care and sacrifice to help others (http://www.thepeaceplan.com/). We are a long way from heaven but maybe we’re slowly inching toward it?

What if God isn’t silent and is working in our world and in our lives today? What if He never stopped? What if we just stopped seeing Him? What if earth was slowing transforming into heaven right before our eyes?

What if?

I want to live my life bringing heaven to earth.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

Revelation 21;1-3 (NIV)

The Woman at the Well

Jesus and His disciples were on their way to Galilee. He had been causing the Pharisees some headaches by gaining more disciples than John the Baptist. Jesus left Judea for Galilee by way of Samaria. Now Jews often avoided Samaria. The Samaritans and the Jews did not get along. The Samaritans were a mixed-blood race from the intermarriages of the Israelites and Gentiles and therefore much hostility occurred between the two people groups in Jesus’ day (NIV Study Bible p. 1484). Jesus, however, didn’t go around Samaria to get to Galilee…He went through it! Leave it to Jesus to follow the road less traveled!

On their journey, Jesus stops to rest at a well while the disciples leave for town to get food. While He’s there, Jesus asks a Samaritan women for a drink of water and they start talking.

First of all, it amazes me that Jesus spoke to the women. He even asked her for help. How many times do we talk to people? How often do we ask complete strangers for help while doing our every day normal activities?

Secondly, I wonder if Jesus was actually thirsty? Or if He really needed to rest? Or if He even needed to go through Samaria at all? Did He go through Samaria just to talk to this woman? This average, every day woman Jesus came to see. And what was she doing? She wasn’t doing anything spectacular… she was getting water. It would be like us going to the grocery store or getting gas for our car, nothing out of the ordinary…just something that needs to be done.

Another thing that is amazing is that Jesus goes against culture by talking to a woman in public- not to mention a Samaritan woman. Rabbis were not known to talk to women at all. But Jesus goes against what society says and talks to her.

While Jesus is chatting with the woman, He tells her about the truth: from a drink of water to witnessing! Plus, she has no idea what He’s talking about! He’s talking about the living water and she thinks it’s actual water that will quench her thirst forever so she doesn’t have to come to the well everyday. Incredibly, He’s not fazed by this one bit. He doesn’t storm off and walk the other way, shaking His head, “Wow she just does not get it!” He gently continues the conversation.

Jesus has asked for a drink, talked about the living water and then He gets personal. He asks where her husband is. To her credit, she is honest and says she has no husband in which Jesus agrees. He then goes into more detail about how she’s had five husbands and now is with someone who is not her husband. Wow! Way to get to the heart of the matter!

Now wouldn’t Jesus have already known all about this woman before He went to speak to her? Did He not know every hair on her head? Did He not know of her from the beginning of time? Did He not create the universe and everything in it with her in mind? Yet He still went over to talk to her.

Do you realize that God loves you even though He knows everything about you?

Do you know that He knows all our your needs?

Now the woman is starting to clue in a bit. She tells Jesus that He is a prophet and that the Messiah is coming. Jesus once again gets to the heart of the matter and says, “I am the Messiah! You say he’s coming and here I am, standing in front of you- talking with you!” Imagine her surprise! That’s the moment that she gets it!

Then she does something I think is incredible. She goes to her town and tells the people to go check out Jesus. “Come see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” (John 4;39 NIV) And you know what? They did! Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony.

A little side note that I think is funny. At the end of the conversation between Jesus and the woman, the disciples come back and in John it says that no one asks Jesus why He was talking to her. They would know of the cultural and social lines that Jesus was crossing and yet they didn’t say anything. They just let it go. Maybe they were used to Jesus’ strange ways? Maybe they knew that Jesus’ ways were not their ways? Maybe they were touched by the transformation of this woman?

Do I rely on my ways or God’s ways?

Do I trust He knows best?

Jesus and the disciples ended up staying a couple extra days in this town. Many were saved. It all started with a simple question, a simple conversation, a simple woman doing an every day task. I wonder if she viewed going to the well differently after that? I wonder if she was reminded of her conversation with Jesus every time she came to the well? I wonder if it gave her new meaning and purpose knowing that a simple conversation made a difference in her life as well as her whole village? I wonder if she looked at water differently knowing that Jesus was the living water and she would never thirst again? She had all of eternity to spend with Jesus. I wonder if she looked for Jesus when she came back? Hoping that He would return, but knowing that she’d be reunited with Him in heaven one day? I wonder if she knew that her story would be in the Bible? That millions of people would read her story and be touched? Did she know the impact she would make by simply going to the well one day?

www.myheartsdesireministries.com

©2009 All Rights Reserved Trina Loucks

Finding Your Purpose as a Mom (Part 4)

In my life, questions like. . .What am I doing? Why am I here on earth? Am I making a difference in my life? Does what I do matter? What does this life mean?. . . have often plagued my thoughts...Click here to read Part 1, 2 and 3 of this series.

Expect Your Heart’s Desires

It only takes one person to change the course of history. It only takes one person to say yes to God’s call in order to change eternity. Moses was one person that said yes to God. Tamar was one person that said yes to God. Rahab was one person that said yes to God. And they changed history forever. You may be thinking- who am I to change history? I am not anything special nor do I have any special talents or clout or power or money or influence. But if we look in the Bible, it is filled with ordinary people: young girls, tent makers, fisherman, shepherds - lowly common people that God, the creator of the universe, chose to put forth His will…for His glory… for His master plan… for His goal for eternity! What was the commonality between all these people? They said, “Yes!” to God. They were willing to listen to His voice, hear His calling and do His will.

Are you willing to say yes to God? To delight in Him?

When my daughter Emma was two, she would say, “Hi Mom. I love you Mom.” Of course I would say back, “I love you too baby!” Then she would respond, “You’re welcome Mom.” How did she know I needed to hear those sweet little words!

I don’t know about you, but one of the things I need to hear more than anything is that God loves me and will never leave me. When I think about His great love I wonder- why would someone want to know everything about me, know every thought, every hair on my head, and not love me? Why would someone know everything about you, know every thought, every hair on your head- and not love you? How could someone be planning your every day from the before the beginning of time and not love you? How could someone bless you so tremendously and not love you? Doesn’t it stand to reason that these are all signs of love?

Do you know this God that created the earth for you because He loves you so much? Do you know that He loves you so much that He’s waiting for you right now? Do you know that He loves you just the way you are? Do you know of God’s love for you? Do you know that He goes out of His way on purpose to find you? Will you accept His love for you?

Do you want to be a woman of purpose? A mom of purpose? Do you know the one who loves you? Do you love Him?

Practical Steps to Becoming a Mom of Purpose:

• Love God

• Love People

• Dare to dream- what could you do to make an eternal difference?

• Pray specifically about your dreams

• Write down your dreams

• Tell other people

• Pray and think about your dreams in a positive way every day!

• Surrender your dreams to God
  

Where are you in your journey? Think today of what your next step could be. For those of you who may be new to God or haven’t asked Christ to be in your life, I would encourage you to take that step today. In one of the books I was reading it was talking about how could God allow people to go to hell? They explained it rather as people making a choice. God gives us a choice where we want to go. The decision is in our hands. God isn’t to blame. And the thing is, it’s the easiest decision we ever have to make and it will affect not only our lives but also eternity. We don’t have to have power, money or fame. We don’t have to go to school or get a certificate. We can be 3 or 93. There’s no sexual, ageist or ethnic discrimination. Most decisions in life require far more work! All we have to do is say the words and believe them in our heart and you’ll never be the same: God, please come into my life today. Thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross for me. Please forgive me of all my sins. I don’t understand everything yet but I want to take this small step toward you. The work was done (on the cross), the price was paid- we just reap the benefits if we accept it.

Listen to what God wants to say to you…

I love you with an everlasting love. I knew of you before the creation of the world. I made this world with you in mind. I know everything about you. I know your hurts and dreams and talents and wishes and secret desires. I come to you where you are right now. I know everything about you and it doesn’t change the way I feel about you one little bit! Not one bit. When I created this world, I knew that you would be right here at this moment. Won’t you come to me? Won’t you let me love you? Won’t you let me in to your heart? Won’t you let me change your life? I promise to never leave you nor forsake you, never to let you down. Humans will fail you but I will never fail you. I will love you forever. I will be with you forever.

May He grant you according to your heart’s desire
And fulfill all your plans.
Psalm 20;4 (NIV)

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

Finding Your Purpose as a Mom (Part 3)

In my life, questions like. . .What am I doing? Why am I here on earth? Am I making a difference in my life? Does what I do matter? What does this life mean?. . . have often plagued my thoughts...Click here to read Part 1 and Part 2 of this series.

In Part 2, I wrote how loving God is the first step in finding our purpose as moms. The second step is loving people. Loving people is loving God in action.

I think most of us long to make a difference in our lifetimes but doubt that God has big plans or even significant plans for us. How could He use me? I’m not a Billy Graham or a Rick Warren. But I think one of the things that I love the most about our great God is that He has a specific plan for us. It says in the Ephesians 2:10 (NIV), that He “created us to do good things- He planned for us long ago.”

Read this quote from George Barna’s Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions: "Our children will define the future, which makes them our most significant and enduring legacy. After all, God never told his followers to take over the world through force or intelligence. He simply told us to have children and then raise them to honor God in all they do."

One day I was praying and resting. Abby (my then 2 year old) woke up early from her nap and was sleepwalking over to me. I picked her up and she immediately fell back asleep lying on my chest. I was overwhelmed with this precious child that God had placed in my life. My child was the closest tangible thing to God. This little person was made in God’s image - in the Creator of the Universe’s image! Imagine that! He knows her better than I will ever know her, He loves her more than I will ever love her, and He has a greater plan for her than I could even fathom. She is His creation. He knew her before creation. He had her in mind when He created the earth.
God is already using you! You are already making a difference for eternity. You are fulfilling your purpose as a mom by being a mom and taking care of one of God’s most prized creations!

Practical Ways to Love Your Children:

• Everybody Helps: 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 beds and clearing their plates 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. Both my girls help empty the dishwasher. My 4 year old puts away the utensils and plastic ware while my 7 year old does the rest. She stacks the dishes on the counter that she can’t reach and I put them away. Make your life easier and instill responsibility in your kids- everybody benefits!

• 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!
  

• Planning Ahead: Do your kids take their lunch to school? Make them the night before 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! Preparing backpacks and picking out clothes the night before helps to avoid the craziness of getting out the door in the morning as well.

• 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. Knowing that I was loved unconditionally by my family has allowed me to be successful in life. I have a strong foundation at the very core of my being knowing that I have 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.

• Taking a break: Sometimes this is the most loving thing you can do! 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 five 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, dream, or be silent. These 5-minute breathers throughout the day can help you make it through the day!
  

Think back to this last week. How have you made a loving difference? How can you improve this next week? I would love to hear from you. Next time join me for my conclusion of this series. Blessings!


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

Finding Your Purpose as a Mom (Part 2)

In my life, questions like. . .What am I doing? Why am I here on earth? Am I making a difference in my life? Does what I do matter? What does this life mean?. . . have often plagued my thoughts...Click here to read Part 1 of this series.

At Bible Study one morning we were talking about the importance of serving. There was a mom there that had two young girls. She was so discouraged because she didn’t feel like she was doing her part. She said she felt like she was on the side-lines of the big game. . .watching. . .not doing her part. I could relate. How is being at home with my girls part of the game?

We are in the game! We are the forward, the quarterback, the point guard, and the coach. We don’t get rest. Our children are our service and we are specifically called to minister to them. Just because you aren’t in the jungles of Africa doesn’t mean you aren't serving.

Take this quote to heart…

"…the investment I made in my children’s lives did (and does) matter. Parenting isn’t just my responsibility, it is one of my God-ordained roles in life…Mothering is an anointed role. Don’t beg for distractions. Instead, immerse yourself in the experiences of today. Value them and make the most of them. At the right time, God will lead you onward, and you will be able to see the importance of today’s ordinary tasks in the total scope of God’s purposes." (Katie Brazelton, Pathway to Purpose for Women)

How do we find our purpose as a Mom? Draw Close To God

Our God who loves us wants us to draw close to Him. Another book John Ortberg has written is God is Closer Than You Think. In this book, Ortberg talks about the greatest moment in your life. It may be a variety of different things- your wedding day, birth of your children, a goal that was met, a dream vacation, a moment of revelation but he offers a different suggestion…

“I believe that the greatest moment of your life is this moment right here...

Not because it’s pleasant or happy or easy, but because this moment is the only moment you’ve got. Every past moment is irretrievably gone. It’s never coming back. If you live there, you lose your life.

And the future is always out there somewhere. You can spend an eternity waiting for tomorrow, or worrying about tomorrow. If you live there, you likewise will lose your life.

This moment is God’s irreplaceable gift to you. Most of all, this is the moment that matters because this moment is where God is. If you are going to be with God at all, you must be with him now- in this moment.”

Practical Ways to Draw Close to God:

• School Day Questions- 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 about your child's day.

• Saying I’m sorry- The other morning, Emma woke up late. She was playing around in her room instead of getting ready for school. I stormed in her room and told her to get busy because we had a schedule! This nonsense was going to throw off the whole day! After I left her room, I realized that I had not even said, “Good morning” to her even though when she saw me she had a smile on her sweet little face and said, “Hi Mama". I had to stop myself and think about what was really important. Here I was irritated because I thought she was starting the day all wrong, when I was the one who started the day all wrong. I went in her room and helped her finish getting ready. That was the most important thing I did all day. That 5 minutes that I spent with her helping her get ready. Later I apologized and told her that even Mommy's have things to work on.

• I’m giving you grace- God gives us grace, why don’t we give more of it? Why don’t we teach it to our kids? Instead of the deserved consequence, tell your child that you are giving them grace and explain why. It's a powerful lesson.

• Involve kids in your major decisions- Let them know to start praying about family decisions: a pending move, adopting, a new job, a new school, your dreams, your job or anything that has to do with the whole family. What a wonderful lesson and it helps make your kids feel involved.
  

Will you draw closer to God?

• Maybe you don’t love Him because you don’t know Him yet- so get to know Him by reading the Bible or going to church.

• Maybe you’ve known Him for a long time but can’t seem to hear His voice very well- rest before Him, stop talking while you’re praying and just listen.

• Maybe you’ve been hurt and you don’t really feel like you can come to Him- all it takes is one small step toward Him and a simple prayer of, “Help”.

• Maybe there is sin in your life that keeps you from Him, you don’t feel worthy of being close to Him- call out to Him and ask for forgiveness.
  

Whatever it may be, or however big or small- take a step of purpose today towards your Creator.

Come near to God and He will come near to you.
(James 4:8 NIV)

In the coming articles, I'm going to discuss the next step of finding your purpose as a mom. Plus more practical ways to fulfill your purpose as a mom. Stay tuned for Part 3!

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

Finding Your Purpose as a Mom (Part 1)

In my life, questions like. . .What am I doing? Why am I here on earth? Am I making a difference in my life? Does what I do matter? What does this life mean?. . . have often plagued my thoughts.

Recently I was reading an article from Family Circle called, “The Secret Life of the American Wife”. It stated that 61 percent of American wives would change something about their life if given the chance.

Here are the five top changes they’d make:
1. Get a higher-paying job
2. Marry a different man
3. Marry later in life
4. Have more kids
5. Have kids at an earlier age

Clearly these women had not accurately calculated the timing very carefully when they answered these questions! But I have noticed that when we get antsy with life, or feel like something is wrong (especially as women), we tend to want to change something. . .I need a new haircut, a new wardrobe, a new house, a new style, a new husband, more kids...

After college, I taught elementary and junior high school for seven years. After teaching kindergarten, I “retired” and then went to work for a Christian organization. This was probably one of the most challenging positions that I had ever had. This is where I learned how to pray for wisdom because I quickly learned that I had none! After struggling with what I felt like was “quitting the ministry”, I came home to be a full-time mom.

I can’t tell you how excited I was to come home after working two and sometimes three jobs at one time. I was thrilled to be home with my two sweet girls and had visions of grandeur for our time together. I was going to be the greatest mom ever. People were going to call me “SuperMom”. My house was going to be decorated as a house you would find in any posh magazine. Our meals were going to be nutritious, gourmet and beautiful to gaze upon. I was prepared to do crafts with my children and make homemade gifts for every holiday on the calendar. And of course my children were going to be model citizens- a model that all would admire. Not only did the novelty wear off in about three weeks but my house wasn’t clean (we were remodeling a 1934 house for five years); my meals consisted of pasta, chicken and quesadillas (they weren’t that great to look at either); we may have got one craft done- the rest are still sitting in my craft closet and my children were not model citizens. . .but that is another story entirely!

After a few months of cleaning, cooking, picking up and dropping off, I hit a wall. I remember distinctly sitting on my bed one morning and realizing that I had run out of dreams. I had spent my whole life preparing for the “next” thing. . .I got good grades in elementary school so I could get into the AP classes in High School. In High School I made sure I had a good G.P.A. and a well-rounded life so I could get into college. In college I took all the necessary classes to get a good job, I traveled the world and had many wonderful experiences, I got married and had two kids and I even had a white picket fence. I had been extremely blessed! So how in the world could I at age 32 run out of dreams? I felt like I had nothing to look forward to. Was this my life now? Cleaning, cooking and driving? This was what all my hard work was for? Was this all there was?

During this time, I was reading a book by John Ortberg called, If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat. In the book Ortberg told a story of a gentleman who wanted to take his faith to the next level and decided to commit to a six-month prayer challenge. He was going to pray for one thing every day for sixth months. This inspired me to follow in his footsteps because I was desperate for change, a miracle. . .anything to help me in my purposelessness. I prayed everyday for six months for my calling, my purpose, so I could figure out what in the world God called me to do. It was the most amazing time and God spoke to me mightily.

In the coming articles, I'm going to discuss what God showed me. I know you will be blessed as we explore practical ways to fulfill your purpose as a mom. Stay tuned!

Delight yourself in the Lord And He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37; 4 NIV)

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

Everyday Miracles (Part 2)

(This is Part 2 of a 2-part series on Everyday Miracles. If you would like to read Part 1, click here.)

A lot of times when we think of miracles we think of the big pie-in-the-sky miracles: parting of the Red Sea, miraculous healings or walking on water. I think it tends to make us think that miracles only happened in Biblical times or at the very least they rarely happen today. I have found however that it is the seemingly small miracles that are big.

I promised more miracles and here they are...

Miracle #4: Applesauce

I have a receipt on my fridge to remind me of God’s miracles. A couple of years ago we were going through some financial trials and we had no money in our account- I mean a big zero! I had just started leading my first book study and I was getting reimbursed for the books. One of the ladies paid me and told me to keep the change (it came out to a couple of dollars).

The next morning, my daughter who was in kindergarten at the time, was supposed to bring in several apples to her class so they could make applesauce. I had completely forgot and knew we didn’t have the money for even such a small purchase. I suddenly remembered that I had a couple extra dollars from the night before! God had remembered and knew that my little girl needed apples so she could make applesauce. This small miracle was such a big deal to me and it reminds me of how intimately God knows us- down to the smallest detail.

Miracle #5: Five Little Words

I had my annual doctor's appointment recently and oh the terror of five little words, "Please step on the scale." These words strike fear in every woman's heart. We have a love/hate relationship with the scale (mine is mostly hate) and it's usually a very private affair when one is stepping on it. But to have to do it in public! I know it's a doctor's office but is it really necessary to know my weight for my check-up? Is it really necessary to make me get weighed with my clothes and shoes on? (Which I'm sure add 10 extra pounds!) Is it really necessary to announce it over the intercom? (At least that is what it feels like while they are writing it on their clipboard). Anyway, I politely asked the nurse if I could not be weighed and he said, "Sure, not a problem!"

Sure, not a problem!

Attention women everywhere who are afraid to go the doctor because of those five little words- ask and a miracle could happen!

Miracle #6 and 7: Taxes

I finished our taxes. When I say that I mean that I finished my part of the deal. (Our tax lady still needs to figure out the rest of it. I have no idea how to do it!) My husband and I are both self-employed so it can get a little complicated with our many W-2 and 1099 forms, our in-home office and all the deductions. We are not an EZ-form household! Of course this is usually a time of the year where I stress out because I have to do them. Granted, once I get started they are nott near as bad as I thought but sometimes just the thought of doing the taxes is so horrible that I’d rather go to the dentist. And if you know anything about me- you know that I hate the dentist! Not him personally but just the thought of going to the dentist…So over a couple of days I finished them- Miracle #6. Then I figured out a way (this idea is only from the Lord) that will make them easier for next year- Miracle #7. I was almost excited to do next year’s taxes! (That wouldn’t be a miracle, that would just be crazy!)

Miracle #8: Bank Charges

God can even take care of Bank Charges when you accidentally have a negative balance. You may think it is silly, but I can lay awake at night or wake up suddenly in a panic over potential bank charges. God is very patient and has lovingly shown me over the years, that He can handle those too.

God is just good. That's all there is to it. With all the concern over the economy right now, I'm very grateful to the Lord that He gives us wisdom, especially when we have no idea what in the world we are doing! Even more, I'm grateful that we can put our trust in the Lord, so even if we did lose every material item on this earth: our salvation would not be in jeopardy, our family would be with us and we have the promise that God will provide for our needs.

Miracles happen every day. Sometimes they are too “small” to see. What everyday miracles is God doing in your life?

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.
(Matthew 6:34 NIV)

(For more Everyday Miracles, check out my Miracle Blog here)

Permission

As moms we give our children permission to do certain things. I believe this concept transfers over to ourselves. Where do we get permission? I give you permission for the following things (some of these things you wouldn't dream of doing them- but now you can!):

*To be a mom. I didn't say "supermom"- a mom- nothing else, nothing more.

*To take a nap.

*To leave the dishes in the sink.

*To not make your bed.

*To give your kids a break from making their bed.

*To have a pajama day.

*To go the library and look for books that you want to read.

*To have coffee with a friend.

*To have breakfast for dinner.

*To have dessert first.

*To not finish all the homework.

*To do your devotions in the car.

*To let your kids fix dinner and make a mess!

*To hug and kiss your kids.

*To sleep in.

*To take a long bath.

*To break your self-inflicted rules.

You may be saying to yourself- this will create chaos in my life! That's ok every once in awhile! I find that I've placed these unrealistic expectations on myself to do A,B,and C in a given week. Then sometimes I find that I'm so worried about A,B, and C that I forget how to give love and attention to my family and I come down really hard on myself. Actually when you don't have such unrealistic, unmovable, unloving expectations on yourself- you get more done - because the pressure is off.

Now go- take a nap!!

Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12;1-3 (The Message)

www.myheartsdesireministries.com

©2009 All Rights Reserved Trina Loucks

Get Rid of the Old, to Make Room For the New

Twice a year I go through my entire house to reorganize and get rid of things we don’t use. I’m definitely a “chucker.” If I haven’t used it recently it gets sent to Goodwill. I try and accomplish this task after Christmas and during the summer. It’s usually quite a process and it takes me awhile to get motivated but once I do, it’s a wonderful feeling. There is just something that feels so good about a clean, organized house. (My husband thinks this is a sickness!)

One of the more challenging tasks of this endeavor is sorting through the kids’ rooms. We find toys that they haven’t played with in months but as soon as they see it, they don’t want to part with it. All of a sudden, it’s the most desirable toy in the world, something they couldn’t possibly live without. I gently try to explain that we have too many things and if we don’t get rid of some things, we won’t have room for the new toys. I also want to teach them about sharing our things with other people who are less fortunate.

It’s difficult for me to understand why it is so hard to get rid of these toys that they don’t even play with! Why would you want so much clutter in your room? If you aren’t using it, why not give it to someone who could!

Once again, I have stop myself and realize that I do the same thing. Why do I hold on to past hurts, experiences and regrets? Why don’t I remember God’s love and forgiveness more often? Why do I fill my life with clutter – worrying what others think, doubting my purpose, fearing the future, and stressing over minor situations?

I decided for 2009 that I would get rid of the old to make room for the new. I didn’t write any New Year’s Resolutions. Our pastor encouraged us to write out a sin list and a prayer list and I would encourage you to do the same. On the sin list, write out all of your sins, ask for forgiveness and then burn the paper. Share your sins with your accountability partner so you are supported in prayer.

For your prayer list, make four columns: Date, Prayer Request, Where it was Answered and When it was Answered. Be very specific about your requests so you will see specific answers. Share your list with a trusted friend. You’ll be amazed at how God answers prayers – a lot of times we don’t even realize it. I started my list yesterday and already 2 of my prayer requests have been answer! This will be an incredible reminder to you and others what God has done in your life.

Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for all you need.
To do this you must always be ready and never give up!
Always pray for all God’s people.
Eph. 6:18 (NCV)

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