First, I’ve been working on being a good steward of the time God has given me. We’ve been talking about money, and how important it is to be a good steward of it. But I’ve also been given a great deal of time. Am I being a good steward of what God has given me? That thought has been driving my decisions this week, and it’s been helpful.

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. Matthew 25:24-28Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ^[a] depart from iniquity.”
²⁰ But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. ²¹ Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. II Timothy 2:19-21

I’ve also been working on complaining. Today I started singing with Laurel the Steve Green Scripture song: “Do everything without complaining” and I realized how important it was that I don’t complain about my children in particular. It seems for a stay at home mom that the difficulties of motherhood are great, and the only happiness we have is when they’re quiet or sleeping. But I’ve listened to mothers who don’t stay at home and don’t intend to, and part of the problem is that the message they hear from many stay at home moms is how wonderful life would be if only our children didn’t bother us.

I think we don’t intend to communicate this attitude, but it bears thinking about the blessing of staying home with children. Having my children at home is a privilege that not every woman is able to enjoy.

• I make my own schedule.
• I have time to make dinners that I like to eat (and I’m not always shooing children out to get it done fast).
• I get to comfort my children when they trip over things and skin their knees.
• We talk in the car about how glad mommy is when she prays with daddy. That leads to a long conversation about their own future spouses. I’ve learned that those kinds of conversations don’t happen on demand. (“Tell me what you’ve been thinking about today” doesn’t always work for some of my children.)
• I’m free to stop at the park on a whim. I have time to make cookies for potlucks.
• I have time to attend a ladies’ Bible study without taking away from the time I have with my husband.
• As I think through the challenges I have to solve my children’s spiritual problems, I learn about myself. Many are the times God has used something I want to teach my children, to remind me that I am deficient in the same way.
• And God uses my children to teach me about my husband and how I can love and follow him better. As I run my household, I realize that I have a sphere of authority that is God-given. I learn to appreciate the challenges my husband has as a leader, and I am humbled when I realize how often I fall short of being a good follower.

Yes, I have challenges.

• Scheduling my own day means that I have to work at not wasting time.
• Being in the house all day means I have to work more at keeping it clean.
• I have to work at keeping my mind busy and challenged.
• At times, the whining and crying can be annoying
• Fatigue is sometimes constant enough to feel like I’m slightly losing my sanity.
• Changing diapers gets old.
• So does solving arguments about whose turn it is to play with some toy. The same toy. The same children. The same argument. Over. and Over.
• My children sometimes cause me to cry out to God because I’m helpless and don’t know what to do. Wait. That’s not a liability, is it? Sometimes I forget.

These are all small things when placed next to all the good stuff. How thankful I am for the ability to stay home. Let me never forget that all jobs have tedium, but not all jobs have the same advantages.

God’s Word is good. How are you applying God’s Word to your life this week? How is it changing you as a mother, wife, or Christian?Similar Posts:

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Summer is over, and nearly all that was left of the garden were our pumpkins, which stayed small and hadn’t turned orange yet. Pesky pumpkins! Yesterday I gave up and brought them all in. I caught a fruity whiff, and was disgusted that they had started to rot and never did turn orange. Maybe I had watered them too much. Maybe I planted them too late. They sat on the counter all afternoon.

Last night on a whim, I sliced one open and discovered that instead of pumpkins, they were melons.

Nothing spiritual here, but I’m sure if we think hard enough we can think of some parallels and principles.Similar Posts:

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It usually happens when I have a good idea or thought, and then I try to think of a Bible verse to go with that idea. Maybe it’s a way to solve a parenting problem, or a solution to an interpersonal challenge. Sometimes I find a Bible verse, and sometimes I don’t. If I write about something I’ve learned this way, it feels backwards to me, like I am fitting God’s Word to my ideas, instead of letting God’s Word work first. Somehow, this seems like a “lesser” way to think. Today I wondered whether the idea first, God’s Word second,  isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Of course, I should be saturating my mind with Scripture, since God is clear that meditation in His Word is a priority; I expect Scripture to bear on my actions and confirm or convict. Why, though, would I think that in essence measuring my thoughts by the standard in the Bible is unwise, particularly if I’m committed to submitting to God’s leading?

Today I was thinking again about eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Part of what I’m thinking about is when my lack of eating right (like today when I had three or four cookies for breakfast and a coke for lunch before coming home and eating a carrot) or exercising truly affects how I interact with my children. Eating right is a good thing to do, obviously, but I started wondering– is this biblical and wise, or just good?

I confess that I never did think about Scriptures for eating right, because I got started thinking about the process of thinking through something biblically. Nevertheless, I did eat better yesterday and today. Similar Posts:

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I can be a good mom without being a godly mom. I can expend all my energy trying to be a good mom and miss the most important part of all.

I think if I’m a godly mom, I’ll be a good mom. (although I think I might still struggle with an unrealistic ideal that’s impossible to achieve). Maybe I can say it like this: If I’m growing to be more Christlike as a mom, I’ll also be growing to be a better mom in general.

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For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.Galatians 5:13-16

In college, I used to wrestle with the Christian terminology “I was doing it in the flesh.” I used to sit at the piano, needing to practice, with my hands outstretched, thinking to myself, “How can I NOT play the piano in the flesh?” At some point, I had to physically move my hands.

The idea of walking in the spirit is a followup to my ponderings. Last week I struggled with both my desire to right, and the realization that I was doing all the right things, but obviously not manifesting the fruit of the spirit at the same time. I think it’s safe to conclude that I was not walking with the spirit, and I was accomplishing things “in the flesh.”

Where am I going wrong? I’m only just beginning the process of thinking it through, and it’s late so I know I’m not thinking totally straight (that’s part of the problem!)

In the mornings, I’m reading my Bible, I think genuinely renewing my mind and putting on the mind of Christ. Somehow, though, I’ve been forgetting everything I’ve read and pondered shortly after I close my Bible and track down a child with a smelly diaper.

Daniel had a habit of praying three times a day. Perhaps I need to deliberately incorporate specific times of renewing my mind. I don’t think it has to be long. I read about a mother who leaves her daily planner open throughout the day so she doesn’t lose track of what she has to accomplish. I like that idea, but I wonder if having the Bible open all day might serve the same function.

This is what I’ve been working on this week– putting Scripture deliberately and physically in my path throughout the day. Maybe I also need to be more deliberate in using mealtime prayers to renew my mind with the gospel.

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A little while ago, he had a young patient die. After he gave the orders to stop medical intervention, he prayed beside the bed of this child.  One of the things he said was “Thank you for allowing us to serve you in life. Thank you for allowing us to serve you through death.” This portion was puzzling for some people present, who asked him about this.

You see, doctors (and other people in helping professions) often choose their occupation because they like helping people. They work for the good feelings that happen when someone is helped. Sometimes the outcome is bad, though. A patient dies. A counselee rejects wise counsel and suffers loss. A child fails a class. These bad outcomes leave us feeling cold inside and it’s easy to be discouraged and lose heart when we face them. When Lee thanked God for the opportunity to serve Him in a bad outcome, he was giving a more important reason for being a doctor than simply a desire to help people. If our whole motivation for action, any action, is to feel good, then we’re going to spend a good deal of our lives miserable and defeated. When Jesus told the parable of the talents (Matthew 25), the servants were rewarded for their faithfulness, not merely their results. In Lee’s prayer, he was demonstrating a belief that faithfulness as a doctor can glorify God, regardless of the outcome.

Lee and I then discussed how parenting seems to work the same way. We Christian parents who desire earnestly God’s wisdom in rearing our children often make our choices and live our lives for the good outcome that we desire: children who grow up to love God and walk in His ways. When our children make wrong choices, whether small or great, we feel defeated. I know I’ve felt discouraged and fearful anticipating choices that haven’t even been made yet! I am reminding myself tonight that I can rest in God’s care, acknowledging Him in all my ways, and then trusting that He will indeed direct my paths. I must be diligent to be faithful, but when I do what is right, God is glorified, whether my children do right or not.

I Corinthians 10:31  So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Perfect love does cast out fear. The fear and worry I have leaves me when I keep my eyes on the right goal. Parenting isn’t as hard when I live my life this way. Here is one passage that Lee shared with me:

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.  Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.  As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. I Peter 4:7-11

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Can I be both Mary and Martha at the same time?

I’ve been diligent this week. My closet is clean, the yard is looking great, I’ve been getting rid of clutter. I’ve even had time to get out my cookbooks (if you know me, that’s a good sign that ducks are getting in a row).

But as I asked myself how Scripture has been changing me, I draw a blank. I’ve been reading the Bible, enjoying it. I’ve marveled at God’s greatness and majesty. I’ve praised God for his work in my life.  But I’ve not been considering how what I’m reading should change what I’m doing TODAY. Sadly, it’s not because I haven’t had any challenges.

I’ve been irritable all week. Why couldn’t I have sat down and considered God’s Word on the matter? How long would it take to remind myself about anger? the fruit of the Spirit? repentance?

Here’s the important question: Does that mean that all the work I’ve been doing has been “in my own strength” (i.e., not walking in the spirit)? After all, if I’m walking in the spirit and cleaning, then I probably will be patient and longsuffering too, right? I’ll be humble and loving? That is a convicting thought. I want to be disciplined AND walking in the spirit, and I think I’ve not been doing that.

• translation soma greek

This is why I try to discipline myself on Wednesdays to talk about how I am attempting to obey Scripture in specific occasions during that week. Without the constant scrutiny, I don’t do as well. Tomorrow I’m going to spend some time thinking about these things. I’ll tell you what I learn and remember.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ²⁴ And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25

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When I’m discontent, I’m demonstrating my belief that something besides God satisfies me.  That’s a lie, of course, since Jesus clearly taught us that he is the only water that satisfies. This is why Paul tells us that the solution for being discontent is to be satisfied with God’s presence.

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

I need this too. This month, I’ve had my expectations confronted. I’ve been faced with the need to change my attitude. I’ve struggled with covetousness, too.

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

²Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Isaiah 55:1-2

I’m praying this week that I will live as though I believe that Jesus is the living water that truly satisfies my longing.

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The other night I had an epiphany. I have been trying to stop comparing without any awareness of what I want to start doing.

For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. II Corinthians 10:12

that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, ²³ and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ²⁴ and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

So I started brainstorming. When I’m comparing, I’m focussing on myself. True, I’m thinking about my children, but only insomuch as they’re reflecting on me. So if I want to put off the self-focussed thinking, I need to replace it with… others-focussed thinking.

I think God was preparing me for that thought, because all week I’ve been telling the children, “It’s not about you; it’s about others.” “Are you preferring yourself or preferring others?” and so on. So with some chagrin I realized that I needed the same message.

So I’m praying that God will help me to focus on others: how I can pray for them, how exciting it is to see God working in their lives, how they are happy and obedient, and so on. It’s early to say, but in between thinking about sick children I think maybe I’ve not been comparing as much. Maybe God’s working in my life, too.Similar Posts:

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Some of the emotion is from fatigue. Company is fun but uses a lot of energy. (even family where I can truly be myself and not feel like I have to entertain or have an image to uphold– Tom and Martha know me that well.)

Some of the emotion is because they are missing Daddy.

Regardless of why, I’ve found that instead of threats of punishment, they need more tender mercies at night– longer hugs, more time talking, more time praying with them. They have been responding to that, and I’m grateful for God’s grace in my life to see those needs.

I’m realizing that I am best able to parent when I am most content in my relationship with the Creator God.

I found some Piper sermons on Christianaudio.com (free) that I downloaded last week. One that has been a blessing to me has been “The Fight for Joy.” I’ve listened to it a number of times, and it has been an encouragement. (I love the discussion on patience, a fruit of sleep.) In this sermon, he referenced a passage in Micah, so this morning I spent some time reading there. This passage was challenging:

“O my people, what have I done to you?
How have I wearied you? Answer me!
⁴For I brought you up from the land of Egypt
and redeemed you from the house of slavery,
and I sent before you Moses,
Aaron, and Miriam.
⁵O my people, remember what Balak king of Moab devised,
and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him,
and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you may know the saving acts of the LORD.”

⁶ “With what shall I come before the LORD,
and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
⁷ Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
⁸He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:3-8

In verse 3, you can almost hear the grief in God’s voice as he questions his people, How have I not satisfied you? What did I do to receive your rejection? It’s convicting to me, because so often, I am not truly satisfied and content with Christ alone. Thankfully, God’s requirements are few. I am grateful that he is a God who is merciful.

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