Kindness Looks Like.....

A life noted by kindness. That's what a woman in the book of Acts is known for.

There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas ). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.  (Acts 9:36 NLT)

Kindness can look different in many ways, but one common theme would be sacrificing your own interests for others. Way too often I am thinking of myself: how I feel, my burdens, etc. But Galatians 5 reminds us this should be exemplary in every believer's life.

And our families are the ones who get the short end of the stick so often. I mean, isn't it easier to offer kindness in words or deeds to those who will praise you or reward you somehow? I know I tend to be much more short and snappy in my speech in my home out of impatience (oh, dear, another fruit of the Spirit) and wrong motives. After all, who wants to pick up those dirty socks after the 11millionth time! And yet, the kindness of God is what leads us to repentance. 

So today (and hopefully, every day) I am focusing on my actions and speech. This will not be easy! (I was just interrupted by a little sweetie who wanted to show me her science kit, yet has not done anything she was supposed to yet. These are the hard moments of keeping a sweet attitude and bring firm...oh boy!)

For others in my home it may look different! It may be a simple action that was not asked for. A going-out-of-my-way task to show them love. (They could care less about words right now.)

At other times it may mean overcoming evil with good. Blessing my "enemy"; not cursing! 

And this is all done through the help of the Holy Spirit.

Not alone! For I am not capable of such a thing. 

Revive our hearts (Nancy Leigh DeMoss) has put out a 30 Day Challenge called the Power of Words. It is a little booklet that can be an aid to challenge you to really think through those tiny things that come out of your mouth. 

I am taking the challenge!

Quote For the Day....or Year

"Today, I need to remember: the task to be done is not as important as the teen to be loved. Not now. Not ever. People are always more important than projects."

That is all.

Thank you, Mrs. Cowell.

Waiting Can Seem Unbearable

Waiting is one of those horrible yet wonderful aspects of life. So much is learned along the way. While I wait for God to answer prayer, I can become anxious, worrisome and fearful. But I can also develop patience, perseverance, and dependence on my Lord. I wonder which is a better outcome?

While I wait, I can choose joy.

While I wait, I can serve Christ.

While I wait, I look around to those hurting and choose to show mercy.

While I wait, I get on my knees and continue to seek the throne of grace.

While I wait, I trust.

These are things I strive for as I wait. I pray you will too.

 

Patience.

God's patience is....I am speechless. So when my precious ones keep testing mine, 
I will think on the example of my Lord. 


(Those of you that do not prefer this style of music, please listen and meditate on the words being spoken.)

Attention Issues?????

My littlest treasure is in kindergarten this year so we are doing more formal school than last. Lately it has sounded something like this:

Mommy: Let's sound out this word. (I point to each letter as we blend)
Inger: r...a...rat
I HAVE A RAT MOMMY. LET ME GO GET IT!
Not right now.

Mommy: Next word. Look here at this word I am pointing to.
Inger: s..o...sock
CAN I GO GET A PAIR OF SOCKS? MY FEET ARE COLD.
Not right now.

Mommy: Come on. Let's look at the next word.
Inger: r..o..rock
I SAW A ROCK YESTERDAY AT CHURCH. YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN IT MOMMY!

Mommy: Please concentrate, little one. (Not I'm tapping my finger to the first letter of the next word.)
Inger: up
Mommy: Great job. You didn't even have to sound it out.
At this point she hops up on the chair and jumps up and down. MY BALLOON GOES UP, MOMMY!

I am exhausted. Really, this was word for word my teaching experience today and most days. Believe it or not, we do very little book work. My Father's World is a great curriculum!

Patience. That is what I am developing.

But I am definitely going to buy this soon.

Unmatched Kindness

I find myself so prone to judging others. As I am reading through, Brokenness, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, I am realizing the reason for this attitude.

Pride. Plain and simple. It is a nasty snare that can so subtly creep up and entangle my heart.

Along side this book I am studying the book of Romans and wouldn't you just know it? They go hand in hand. As I read through Romans chapter 1 yesterday, much of it was a reminder of things I've already heard. Man has no excuse to reject God; for God has written His law on each man's heart as well as creation shouting out His majesty. Then I came to verse 28.

"And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper."

I thought, "In order to NOT acknowledge God, they had to acknowledge Him at one time. I certainly am not in that category. I have not been given over to my sin. I have not murdered."

You can fill in the blank. I have not........

I come to chapter 2 and BAM!!! I realize the pride. Without Christ I am capable of everything Paul lists in chapter 1. I pass judgment on those doing these "wicked" things. Have I been angry? I've murdered. Have I been impatient? I've hated. I've thought I'm better than others. How wicked!

Then Paul asks the reader, "Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?"

It was God's kindness, compassion, and patience that drew me and yet, so often, I demand judgment on others.

Forgiveness is what is needed. For me.

Lessons Learned...#2

"Much-Afraid", who has been renamed by her Shepherd as "Grace and Glory", is recounting the lessons learned as she made it to the High Places.

"Then I learned that I must bear all that others were allowed to do against me and to forgive with no trace of bitterness and to say to Thee, ' Behold me, I am Thy little Handmaiden, Bearing with Love,' that I may receive power to bring good out of this evil."

So much has happened in my life in the last 2 years that could so easily start that root of bitterness. I must forgive. I want to bring my Savior glory through what He has allowed in my life. I very much desire to be His little Handmaiden, Bearing with Love. For I realize He has been so patient with me. He has forgiven me of so much. He never has failed me.

Thank you, kind Shepherd.

Patience is Necessary

I have figured it out.

I really AM "Much-Afraid". Was Hannah Hurnard writing about my life when she wrote, "Hinds' Feet in High Places"?

She had to be...but how did she know?

As I continue on this journey with my twin, I continually come back to surrendering my will on the altar. My Good Shepherd, He continually asks this of me. Each chapter that is read is absorbed into my very soul. I long to be free. I long to Accept with Joy whatever path the Lord has for me. But I find myself looking to the High Places wondering if my Leader has forgotten me. And then, just like "Much-Afraid", I call out to Him in my distress and He is right there with His arms around me.

"Much-Afraid" has learned she much trust completely. Not only this, but learn to accept with joy what the Shepherd has for her. This translates to me: Head knowledge is not enough. Saying, "I believe God is sovereign and in control" is not enough. This will not sustain me. I must KNOW my Savior intimately and with joy submit to His plan.

Now, what? Patience. Patience. Patience.

I don't know when my Shepherd will take me out of this precipice. I don't know when He will give me my heart's desire. Wait!

My heart's desire is peace. And I simply forget that it can be obtained even under duress. My Good Shepherd wants me to surrender my times and plans to His.

This is where I find myself. On a very interesting journey. A mental fight. A spiritual battle.

How Long, O Lord?

This was a question posed to the Lord by the man who penned Psalm 119.

This is a question that has been uttered by my own mouth many times over the last year.

Psalm 119:81-88

81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.

82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, "When will you comfort me?"

83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees.

84 How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?

85 The arrogant dig pitfalls for me,
contrary to your law.

86 All your commands are trustworthy;
help me, for men persecute me without cause.

87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.

88 Preserve my life according to your love,
and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.

Then the next stanza he proclaims victory:

89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.

90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.

91 Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.

92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.

93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.

94 Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.

95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
but I will ponder your statutes.

96 To all perfection I see a limit;
but your commands are boundless.

The writer proclaims his understanding of the importance of the Word of God. This is what brought him joy, comfort and peace in the midst of trial.

Lord, my heart fails. Revive me according to your Word. Your word is the truth that brings my emotions in check. Guard my thoughts as I long for the day of reconciliation with my big-little man.