~My Sweet Life~

Becoming God's True Woman

After reading on the Revive Our Hearts website about a True Woman Makeover (30 day challenge), I signed up and even got some Facebook friends to join me!

Starting today, and over the next 30 days, we'll be discussing the daily emails we receive from Revive Our Hearts and hopefully learn more about what it means to be the women God intends for us to be. I'm very excited about the makeover challenge and I am so thankful I have friends that share my desire to grow in our relationship with Christ. I pray that over the course of this study, He reveals many things that convict our hearts and help make us more like Him so we can have a greater impact on others for His Kingdom.

The Day One email we received asked, "Where do you get your ideas about what it means to be a woman? Who has the most influence on your behavior and attitudes?"

And there was a link provided that takes you to one of Nancy Leigh DeMoss' messages titled "A Biblical View of Womanhood". I love this part in it where she says:

"You take time to look through women's magazines to see what a beautiful woman, a beautiful home, a beautiful marriage looks like. I want to challenge you over this next month to put down those magazines. Put them away. I'm not saying they're necessarily sinful or wrong; I'm just saying they're what this world has to offer in terms of a picture of beauty....{We want to be women} who look in the mirror of God's Word and say, 'This will be my standard. This will be my ideal. This is what, by God's grace, I will allow to be the pattern for my life'."

This particular excerpt really got me thinking...and wondering...DO I turn to magazines or websites or other forms of media--more than I look to my bible--to shape my ideals regarding my home, my marriage, and myself? And if so, why?

I think I will spend some time reflecting on this and talking to God about it during my quiet time in the morning. In the meantime, I hope you'll think about it too and I would love to hear your thoughts!

More Faith

I hope this doesn't sound strange, but sometimes when I pray about something, I literally get goosebumps and even feel giddy because I KNOW in my heart that God is going to answer. It's like I am praying in absolute faith and can already see God clearly revealing Himself in the outcome! That is an amazing feeling.

I believe that's how He ALWAYS wants us to pray, but if I am honest, I have to admit that I don't always do that.

This past weekend something happened that really upset me, so I did what I often do--I pouted about it for a few minutes and then took it to God in prayer. But this time, there was not much confidence in my prayer. I hoped God would hear me and grant my request. But deep down, I truly didn't feel it would happen. At the time, it felt too overwhelming a thing.

I realized later how silly that is. How can I have total confidence in God to take care of one or two areas of my life, but not trust Him with other areas? That just makes no sense.

From now on, I want to be confident about God taking care of every burden I give Him. I don't want to settle for being "hopeful" about certain things. I want those goosebumps each time I pray. I have faith in God to do a lot of things, but I want even more.

"Therefore I tell you whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." ~Mark 11:24

*By the way, remember the wasp situation I prayed about recently? I have not seen a SINGLE one in my daughter's bedroom since the day I decided to give that burden to God and trust Him with it. Is that incredible???? 

On the Edge of the "Desert"

Funny thing...I have been dreading this day all week long, but so far it's been pretty amazing...a day that will surely call for lots of journaling later! ;)

This morning at 8:30 I had a job interview. I was not thrilled about it, to say the least. I don't LOVE interviews and I've been a stay at home mom for so long, I have very little self confidence when it comes to "marketing" myself and my skills.

Also, I have interviewed with this particular company before, and I know they like to throw a math question out at you. Suffice it to say, math is not one of my strong points. And hey, nothing boosts your self esteem like someone in your face, asking you to calculate something in your head as you stare back with no answer. THAT was one of the main reasons I was dreading this interview today. I kept thinking to myself "I'm just not smart enough. I'm going to be humiliated." 

So I prayed a lot while getting ready for my interview. I just told God very honestly how I was feeling...how unsure of myself I was...how inadequate I felt. And I tell you, almost as if He were standing right next to me, I CLEARLY heard Him say "My power is made perfect in your weakness". And I cannot tell you the peace that came over me. I was actually thanking Him that I was weak so that I would have the opportunity to experience His power!

This would probably be a good time for me to also mention that I have bible study on Thursdays at 9:30. My interview was at 8:30. I REALLY wanted to make it to bible study, so I asked God if it was His will, to please help me make it there....AND I asked God to help me be confident in my interview. I think I specifically asked Him to PLEASE not let them ask me something I did not know the answer to! (How's that for specific?)

In a nutshell, the interview went well. I hit it off with the interviewer and she told me very quickly that she would be asking me back for a second interview. Um...no math questions were asked. :) In fact, because she had talked to me before, I think the interview may have lasted a total of 20-25 minutes SO I made bible study! :) At this point, I was rejoicing that God had taken care of every detail for me!

Before I tell you the best part of all--what "brought it all home" for me, I have to remind some of you that I am job hunting. And I am struggling with this because I love being at home. However, my husband has returned to school to get his Master's Degree which means he had to cut back on his hours...which also means he needs my help with some additional income. Ashamedly, I have fought him on this. But I do know and believe with all my heart that God wants me to submit. I have it in my head that HOME is where I can best serve God, but really, who am I to dictate something like that?? I want to be open to whatever God has planned for me. And since I pray everyday for God to guide my husband, I have to trust that submitting to my  husband's request is exactly where God wants me to be.

But it's still scary for me. I lack self confidence and I worry. What will we do with the kids before and after school? How will they get to the places where they sometimes need to be in the middle of a workday? What will my house look like? How will I get dinner made? What kind of stress will this add to our home? God couldn't want that for us, could He? And in the midst of those questions I hear God telling me to trust Him without getting any of those questions answered.

Well the bible study I am attending is called "One in a Million--Journey to Your Promised Land" by Priscilla Shirer and it's all about hearing the voice of God and experiencing for yourself the abundant life He wants for you. Today, while talking about the Israelites leaving Egypt, she referenced this passage:

"When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle....After leaving Succoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert." Exodus 13:17-18, 20

Did you catch that? God DELIBERATELY chose to lead the people He loved through the desert even though there was a shorter route. This caught my attention. I use a Life Application bible, so I looked to see what it said about this passage.

"God doesn't always work in the way that seems best to us. Instead of guiding the Israelites along the direct route from Egypt to the promised land, He took them by a longer route to avoid fighting with the Philistines. If God does not lead you along the shortest path to your goal, don't complain or resist. Follow Him willingly and trust Him to lead you safely around unseen obstacles. He can see your journey from beginning to end and He knows the safest and best routes."

I can't even tell you how that spoke to me and my questions. I began to cry right there. Then Priscilla Shirer said, "There are some things we don't know about ourselves until we are put in a position where we have to see God's power working through us...You can't see miracles unless there is an impossible situation you can't figure out for yourself."

Which quickly reminded me of what God had laid on my heart first thing this morning: His power is made perfect in my weakness.

Even though I feel weak and scared, I realize now that I am sitting on the edge of the desert--just as the Israelites were--and only by stepping out into the unknown will God's glory be revealed.

Father, give me holy boldness to follow You with my whole heart.

 

Bothering God

This morning, as I was praying, it occurred to me that I have been fretting about something--almost constantly--for the past few days. It also occurred to me that I have not one time mentioned it to God in my prayers! Why is that? I have deep faith in God. I pray daily and talk to Him about all kinds of things...So why was I choosing to "hold on" to this particular burden instead of surrendering it to God and trusting Him with it?

I think, maybe deep down I have been believing the lie that it is too small or too silly a thing to "bother" God with. Really? Then I remembered this verse:

"You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." John 14:14

Ok, don't laugh at me. That "thing" I have been fretting about but not praying about is a wasp problem we are having. The problem is that they are somehow getting in my daughter's bedroom. We can't figure out how and we can't find a nest. So I have fretted. And fretted.

But this morning it occurred to me to PRAY about it. I couldn't believe I hadn't turned it over to God, asking Him to intervene! So I boldly prayed "Dear God, will You please DESTROY the nest where these wasps are coming from? I pray in Jesus' name that You would remove them from the inside of our house."

And you know what? I felt SO good afterward! I believe God laid it on my heart to PRAY about this. So after I finished, I was giddy with excitement. I even told a friend of mine about my prayer and asked her to join me in praying about the wasps!

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." ~Matthew 18:19

I'm also focusing on these other verses:

"Everything is possible for him who believes." ~Mark 9:23

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and never give up." ~Luke 18:1

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 4:19

"And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith." ~Matthew 13:58

"'Have faith in God', Jesus answered. 'I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.'" ~Mark 11:22-24

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What about you? Are you carrying around some burden because you think it might be too small or maybe even too big for God? That's the enemy trying to keep you from discovering the power of prayer. I dare you to step out today and ask God IN FAITH to take care of a burden that you've been keeping to yourself.

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." ~Hebrews 11:6

My Favorite Bible Verse

 One of my favorite websites--The Internet Cafe--posted this item on their site for discussion this week:

 Please share your favorite Bible verse, or at least one of your favorite Bible verses with the Cafe community today. Why is this verse meaningful to you?

I love this question! I have several favorite verses, but if I had to narrow it down to just one, it would have to be Proverbs 29:25.

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe."

The reason this verse is my absolute favorite is because God first led me to it during a time when my circumstances caused me to be very fearful. But because I knew God had led me to it, I clung to it and I claimed it as His promise to me. Not surprisingly, He kept His word.

A couple of years ago, I was afraid of a serious "clash" between my husband and my oldest son because my son had done something wrong. I was living in fear...literally terrified of a confrontation between the two of them. This verse reminded me that I was wrongfully living in fear of man instead of putting my trust in God--who is much bigger! It ultimately proved to me that when I stop and PRAY to God, ask for His help, AND put my trust in HIM (versus letting fear paralyze me), God keeps me and everyone involved SAFE.

God has used this verse in other "scary" situations in my life since then, but each time I simply recall His faithfulness in the past and I am able to move forward confidently in faith, trusting my God to keep me safe :)

THAT is why Proverbs 29:25 is my favorite verse!

Easter Mourning

Not long ago I somehow stumbled across a fantastic blog called Burning Bushes. It is so well written and it truly inspires me to be a better writer--and much more importantly--a better example of Christ to the watching world. Although I can always find something on her blog that is meaningful to me, I especially enjoyed what she wrote about today. Here is just a taste:

"This Easter, I don’t want to skip forward to Sunday without sitting in the reality of:

• my own sin
• Jesus’ incomparable and excruciating death
• the millions of individuals who are still outside of Christ."

Take a few moments to follow one of those links above and you'll see why I check her blog daily for encouragement and inspiration.

American Idol

I admit it...I love to watch American Idol and will continue to do so until the end of the season! But this is a good article I came across...

What American Idol Teaches Me about My Faith

by Dawn Zemke

And why I’m glad it’s God—not Simon Cowell—I strive to please

March 24, 2009 | 

Yes, it’s true. I’m an avid watcher of American Idol. But I have to admit, it’s a love-hate relationship.

For five-plus years I’ve watched, mesmerized, as a new crop of 16- to 28-year-olds pursues what seems to have become the ultimate American dream—to become a Star (capital S required). I’ve sniffled at heart-tugging back-stories. Cheered triumphant on-stage “moments.” Cringed at mangled melodies. And growled in outrage over unjust eliminations. And yes, I’ve even chuckled at those spectacularly silly Ford commercials featuring the contestants.

Lately, though, Idol has begun to wear thin for me.

For one thing, events I previously viewed as twists of fate—the shocking boot of one contestant or the equally baffling longevity of another—are now often the result of blatant manipulation by the producers and judges. And even worse, what I once wrote off as simple drama, created to keep the show interesting, has become uncomfortably mean-spirited (another viewing of emotionally unstable Tatiana, anyone?). Whether Idol has changed or my eyes have opened, it’s just not the same fluffy fun anymore.

It’s gotten me thinking, though. As I watch those contestants pin their hopes, dreams, and futures on the whim of four human, all-too-fallible judges and a fickle American public, I’m so grateful that my happiness—indeed, my life—rests in much more capable hands. As I’ve mulled it over, I’ve come up with some specific reasons why I’m glad that I only have to worry about what God, and not Simon, Paula, Kara, and Randy, thinks of me.

First, God doesn’t care what I look like on the outside. Many times on Idol I’ve watched with sympathy and sometimes indignation as a talented performer is criticized not for vocals but for hair, makeup, clothing, or all three. Kristin, one of this year’s top-36 contestants, had a lovely, powerful voice. Yet her critiques consistently revolved around image—the purple streak in her hair or her clothing’s lack of trendiness. Given her treatment, and the fact that the top performers always seem to be easy on the eyes, if not downright gorgeous, I have to assume there are some incredible singers who never made the cut simply because of their looks.

Fortunately, God doesn’t care if I’ve got zits, limited fashion sense, or am having a bad hair day, er, year. He created me in his image (Genesis 1:26), and as if that wasn’t enough to show his regard, he sacrificed his only Son so I can spend eternity with him. He loves me as I am, where I am—no makeover or fashion sense required.

Second, God doesn’t play favorites. Though Idol’s judges proclaim their impartiality, it’s usually pretty evident that each has a favorite contestant or two. I’ve felt sympathy, irritation, and sometimes fury to see a contestant who did well bear the brunt of unfair criticism while another who gave a weak performance gets a free pass.

What a blessing to know our God loves and appreciates his children with complete impartiality. Without exception, he sees everyone’s sin (Romans 3:23) and freely offers us his love and redemption (John 3:16). Though on Idol only one contestant receives the prize, in God’s eyes every one of us who belongs to him is a winner.

And finally, God’s love never wavers. Season after season I’ve seen Idol contestants who initially received lavish praise and were favored to win, crash and burn after a single bad performance. One day they’re the judges’—and the audience’s—darling, the next they’re the punching bag. One mistake, something as simple as a poor song choice or a few questionable notes, and they find themselves booted from the competition, their dreams crushed. This year’s Alexis Grace was such a contestant. Once told she could be “the dark horse who might win it all,” a rough performance during country week had her headed home.

If God worked that way, kicking me to the curb the minute I mess up, make a poor decision, or act in disobedience to his will for me, I’d have lost all hope of ever finishing the competition I’m engaged in, the one for the “crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:25). Because the reality is, I find myself so often echoing the apostle Paul: “I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway” (Romans 7:18-19, NLT).

Fortunately for me, God is a god of second, and third, and fourth, and . . . chances. I can never mess up too much, cross the line too many times. His love and compassion for me know no limits. “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Praise God for his unending patience; I need it.

So this year I’ll cheer, and boo, American Idol with a whole new perspective. One of thankfulness, appreciation, and love for a God who not only wants me to win his competition, but does all he can to stack the deck in my favor.

Posted at 9:12 AM on March 24, 2009.

Getting Past Your Obstacles

"Does it surprise us that there are adversaries to be overcome in our spiritual pilgrimage before we can fully enter into the abundant land and life that God has promised us? Did we get saved thinking that there would be no problems after we became Christians?

Now, if we have that misconception or a false expectation, maybe because of the way the Gospel is often presented to people today—“Come to Jesus. He will give you an abundant life. He’ll give you eternal life. He’ll solve all your problems. He’ll make your aches and pains go away. You don’t have to go to hell. You can go to heaven.” And who wouldn’t?

But maybe we’re making a mistake by not telling people, “When you become a Christian, you become a warrior. You enter into a battle. There are enemies to be overcome. There are battles to be fought, but God will be in you. God is stronger than the enemies. God will overcome the enemies through you.”

~Nancy Leigh DeMoss, from the Revive Our Hearts broadcast for 3/11/09

Check Your Prayer Pulse

Came across something good at www.reviveourhearts.com this morning that I wanted to share:

Prayer CPR by Mary Kassian

Rate yourself from 0 (I disagree) to 5 (I strongly agree) for each of the following questions:

1. I am devoted to prayer. (Co. 4:2; Acts 1:14)
   
2. I pray continually, night and day. (1 Thess. 5:17; 1 Tim 5:5)
   
3. I am persistent in praying for things. I persevere in prayer. (Luke 11:8-9)
   
4. I always wrestle in prayer for fellow believers. (Col. 4:12; Eph. 6:18)
   
5. I regularly pray for pastors/elders/deacons and church leaders. (Eph. 6:19)
   
6. I regularly pray for my city, province, nation & governments. (1 Tim. 2:2; Jer. 29:7)
   
7. I pray for people who treat me poorly (my enemies). (Matt. 5:44)
   
8. I regularly pray for the advancement of the gospel and kingdom. (Matt. 9:38)
   
9. I often confess my sins to others and have them pray for me. (James 5:16)
   
10. I know that my prayers are powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

© Mary Kassian. Used with permission. www.MaryKassian.com 

An Amazing Revelation

"We look for visions from heaven and for earth-shaking events to see God's power. Even the fact that we are dejected is proof that we do this. Yet we never realize that all the time God is at work in our everyday events and in the people around us. If we will only obey, and do the task that He has placed closest to us, we will see Him. One of the most amazing revelations of God comes to us when we learn that it is in the everyday things of life that we realize the magnificent deity of Jesus Christ."

~Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest (February 7 entry)