Where to Look - Daily Devotional - December 6, 2012

Scripture: Revelation 1:7 - Look, he is coming with the clouds.

"I love the idea that the stormiest or most muddled moments of our lives are when God is most recognizable on the horizon." Do you find that God only shows up when we are going through these trials or do you find that you only look for him during those times?

"Our reaction to trials, or clouds, in life will color our children's manner of facing adversity. They will remember how we handled disappointment, how we dealt with loss, how we went about rebuilding when things fell apart...our first reaction to trouble is not to hit the panic button but to turn to God..."

We must remember that our children are sponges and they soak up EVERYTHING. If we have problems and do not seek God, we are telling our children that God is a last resort. However, if we bow before God in our hour of need, we teach them they can depend on their heavenly Father to see them through all things.

We can teach them through example that God is always with us and we can show them that sometimes we only see him when the clouds and storms roll into our lives. "They don't need to grow up with fear as a default reaction to stress; we can help them set their default to faith, not fear. After all, every difficult moment holds an opportunity to grow in trust. But first we have to be walking this walk...Do you share your coping methods with your children?"

I've learned as a foster mother that it is very important to teach your kiddos how to cope. It is very important to teach them that God is the best resource in their hour of need. We teach them to talk through the issue and then we pray about how God can use the situation. Coping is an important skill that all people need to learn.

"Footprints in the Sand"

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belongingto him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

What Do You Want - Daily Devotional - December 5, 2011

Scripture: Mark 10:36 - "What do you want me to do for your?" [Jesus] asked.

Can you answer this question? If I asked you this question right this minute, would you be able to answer it without thinking? Do you know what you want? "Part of being emotionally healthy and mature is in knowing how to recognize our needs and how to get them filled."

Think about a child who has not yet learned how to speak...they must be frustrated! They cannot tell us how they feel, what they want, why it hurts, what happened, etc. Instead they throw tantrums, cry, scream, and throw it down to the ground. "We are exactly the same when we get out of practice, which happens when we put everyone's needs far ahead of our own. We forget the language of the heart and how to express ourselves in this way...we express our needs in other ways: withdrawing, smoldering glares, snapping, nagging, or chilly extended silence."

The next time you start to feel frustrated take a moment to remember when youre needs were fulfilled first. Remember to do a self check and ask "What do I want or need?" and be honest about your answer. If you know what you want or need, go obtain it. By first fulfilling our needs, we can be much more useful in God's plan for his kingdom.

The Return of Devotionals - December 4, 2011

So, by popular demand, I am resuming the daily devotional posts with the intent of doing them daily. I initially stopped the posts because I was bed-ridden with a horrible flu/strep/stomach flu and I couldn't even find energy to haul my rear out of bed. Of course this led to Josh running the house which is NO good at all! I spent the next few months trying to regain control...and I'm still losing at that challenge!

I thought I would give a quick background on myself so anyone following the blog will know where my influences, knowledge-base, and opinions side from.

The early years of my life were spent with my Granpa and Granny McPherson 1/4 mile south of our farm house...Granny and Granpa would always make it a point to tell me about Jesus and God even though we never attended church. "Farm work always has to get done, but the Lord's work has to as well." is what they would often say. They prayed for rain, they prayed for a good crop season, they prayed for the rain to stop, they prayed for safety...they prayed. I learned all the hard work that anyone would growing up on a farm. But, I learned to trust God despite it all.

My parents divorced when I was 7. This was hard for me to handle, but I trusted God. I knew that He would bring me through. There were perks to it. My parents weren't fighting all the time and we only lived 30 minutes away. However, I think living through a divorce at a young age can make you have one of two opinions: 1) Marriages will never work. If my parents who were madly in love can't fix their problems, how will I be able to fix any my husband and I have? or 2) I will make my marriage work because I don't believe in divorce and I believe a marriage can work...especially a Christ-centered marriage.

When I was 9, I was sexually molested by a family friend throughout one summer. This happened to my cousin, a friend, and myself. I, again trusted God. (For those wondering why I didn't go to my parents, it wasn't fully that I didn't think they wouldn't believe, but it was more out of embarassment...which is what you will see of any child who goes through this.) I asked that He remove this summer from my mind as much as possible and that He just let me move on with life. God is a faithful God and I all but forgot the summer. Over time I came to forgive the man "'...for vengence is mine,' says the Lord." My cousin didn't do this and unfortunately has a very large black mark on her heart that has not left yet. I use this experience to help others who have had a similar experience or who an adult might think has had this to help them. God gave me this situation to help others and oddly, I'm thankful for it as I'm the only one in my church who works with children who can spot this type of abuse.

In 5th grade, I met my best friend, Becky, and her family. After spending time with them, I decided being baptized is where my path was leading. Through the fellowship and love of my "other" family, I grew more faithful and trusting in my relationship with God. Becky often called me a "roast beef eating Christian" as compared to those of my age who were eating "Gerber". I guess God called me to a more intellectual understanding of the scripture at an earlier time. I was also very interested in the missionary field and doing good for others...afterall, that is what Christ did while on earth.

When I went away to college (earlier than any of my friends), I was worried that I would lose God. However, I found a great church in KC (Holmeswood Baptist) where I have been attending since my first Sunday in town. With the help of great leaders like Rick and Keith, and many adult friends who showed interest in me, I have been able to keep up with God.

It was on my first Sundat at Holmeswood that I met my future husband, Josh. The story about Josh is long and somewhat arduous at times, so let's just say, we married on August 13, 2005 after knowing each other for 4 years. Josh and I decided we would not have any biological children of our own but would become foster/adoptive parents. We have had two placements since becoming foster parents last year. Our first placements (Daeon 13, Adriele 9, & Mondrea 1) lived with us for 6 weeks before being successfully reunified with their mom. We see them weekly for chuch! Our second placement is still in process and has been for over a year (Jamion 5, CJ 3, CeKariya 2, and London 1). We are currently praying about child #5. Pray for us.

So, the to sum it up: 1) I was born and bred on a farm, 2) My parents divorced when I was 7, 3) I was sexually molested when I was 9, 4) I grew up in small town America, 5) I moved to a big city, 6) Was 3rd in my high school class and 7th in my college class, 7) Have my Bachelor's of Business Administration - graduating when I was just 21, 8) Have worked in sales, marketing, and business administration all in the corporate world, 9) Love to help others, spend time with family, and travel, 10) Believe God can overcome all my minuscule things to bring me to greater glory in him.

Now, the devotional: Wounds from a Friend - December 4, 2011

Scripture: Proverbs 27:6 - Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
So, this is a little deep. Who wants friends who are going to cause wounds? Who wants enemies that kiss? Well, the answers are we do and we don't. We all should want friends who are going to cause wounds because these are the tried and true friends who will tell it to us like it is...not the kind who will cover it over.

Take a quick survey of all your friends...young, old, new, or existing. Do you have the kin dof friends who will tell you the truth? Will they hold you accountable for your actions? Will they tell you when you're going to make a mistake and still love you when you ignore their advice? Will they tell you if you have salad in your teeth, or lipstick on them, or that you forgot to zip your pants, or that the static electricity is causing your skirt to rise? Will they go deeper when you answer, "Fine"?

If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, then you've got friends who are going to cause wounds. But their wounds are not intended to tear you down, but to help build you up and heal your pain. "They will never exploit your weakness, but they won't allow it to be your excuse either. They challenge, they encourage, they love, they laugh, and they don't walk out when things get tough." These are the friends who are in it for good or bad.

In doing my evaluation, I find I only have a handful of friends that I can say this about...It's a very small handful as well. (I can't even think of 10 who have stood by me in all the things I've been through!) And yes, I've had screaming matches with each of these friends, walked out during fights, said mean things to them, and cried over them. But with each rough patch came a much greener and brighter patch...the kind you find in paradise alone! These friends (yes, some are men) have seen me on my best days where nothing will bring me down and on my worst days where I cannot redeem myself or even get out of bed. They have hurt me to my core, but when that wound heals, I'm a better person for it.

On the flip side, I've had many friends who fall into the latter part of the verse "...but an enemy multiplies kisses." These friends are only there while the good is there to get. They want to be there when you're on the up and up and things are sunny and bright. They would be the friends you go party with, but bail when you get pulled over on the drive home. Or the friends who stay with you through some of the bad...like when it's raining only because there's always a rainbow, but they won't stay if a blizzard hits. I guess I've had more of these friends because sometimes we all need superficial love to feel justified at some point. But the older I get, the more I realize that I'd rather have fewer friends willing to inflict wounds when needed than have more friends who shower me with kisses as a falsehood for their selfish desires.

So, remember when your friend who has been there for over 20 years looks you in the eyes and makes you cry, it's because they love you. And remember, you should be a friend willing to wound them when it's needed.

A Walk In The Park

Last Thursday Josh and I enjoyed a stroll through Loose Park while the kids were at McDonald's. While we can't post pictures of the kiddos, here are some of Josh and I strolling through the park. Hope you all enjoy them.


I can be naughty, but it never looks quite right...

Josh at age 102...crazy eyes and crazy mouth...AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

I'm coming for you!

I just got done doing my Ricky Bobby hands impression and am laughing at Josh's reaction....a true smile from me on camera is rare.

The happy couple...We've been married for 6 years. We have 2 dogs, 2 cats, some fish, and 4 kiddos...can you tell?

This is one of my favorites of Josh. He's so handsome and so darn photogenic!

This is what it looks like to kiss him...hmm...second thoughts anyone?! =o)

Taking a moment after Josh is caught taking chest pictures...sometimes that man!

No, it's not a strip tease! I'm buttoning my jacket!

This is what it looks like to kiss me...any takers?

This is what awesome looks like!

Enjoy!

More Than Conquerors - Devotional Day 16 - October 6

Scripture: Romans 8:37 - In all these things we are more than conquerors through im who loved us.
"Every day we face challenges of varying degree, but even seemingly small challenges can have larger implications later. We must determine from the outset, like at the beginning of the day, that we are going to adopt a victorious outlook." How do you start your day? How do you handle the everyday challenges? Do they make you blow up or do you handle them with grace and gratitude?

"If we know already how the story ends, that we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loves us, then we can begin with gratitude, no matter where we find ourselves from moment to moment." Think about that a minute. As a Christian believer, we know that the "end" is won by God and that we believers will be triumphant with Christ Jesus. We know the end of the story...where's the suspense?! Where's the mystery?! Where's the worry?! We shouldn't have any suspense that we don't create, the only mystery should be Christ's return, and we shouldn't be worrying about anything. We know we win!!!

What an amazing story to look forward to each and every day! "Just as in order to be successful you have to visualize your success; in order to be faithful you have to visualize God triumphing over your challenges....open ourselves up to the power and possibility of God."

Just remember...We win through Christ Jesus!

Be Nice - Devotional Day 15 - October 5

Scripture: Psalm 133:1 - How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

How many of you have a "sand paper" person...someone who rubs you the wrong way all the time? You can't seem to get a handle on yourself when this person (or persons) are around...Perhaps we should turn the mirror to ourselves and see if we are a root cause. I know I often find that there is something within me that is the root of my feelings...whether good or bad.

"...prayed to God and asked Him to reveal Himself and He did, everytime." Sometimes when we walk into a rage or an arguement or get in a huff, we don't think. But, we should and we should pray that God will guide us through the situation so we can live in harmony.

"Why am I so annoyed by this? What is it about me that is reacting so strongly? What is my part here? Certain irritating or frustrating people and situations in our lives, particularly the ones we cannot escape, are put there on purposse by God to refine us. Once we get over being bugged, we can get on with being healed."

So, let the sand paper people of your life refine you into a one of a kind!

Lay Your Burdens Down - Devotional Day 14 - October 4, 2011

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7 - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understand, will guard your hears and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This is a huge chunck of scripture! Let's put into steps what it is telling us to do.
1) Rejoice in the Lord always. - That's a pretty easy line. How often do you rejoice in the Lord? How often do you thank Him for your day or your life or your kids or your wife or your husband or the chance to sit down and take a load off?
2) Let your gentleness be evident to all. - This one is also an easy line. How often are you gentle with others? Some other words that mean gentle...for those who like descriptors...carefulness, caution, kindness, tenderness. So, it should be evident to all...that's the whole world, everyone who knows you or doesn't know, etc...we should be careful, cautious, kind, and tender. I can think of a few choice words used this week that do not express those words. =o(
3) FYI - The Lord is near. - This really isn't a step of things to do, it's just an FYI.
4) Do not be anxious about anything. - For some people, this is very easy. For others, there is no telling them not to worry. Anxious can also be worried, tense, afraid, aghast, antsy apprehensive, basket case, bugged, butterflies, careful, chocked, clutched, concerned, jittery, jumpy, nervous, restless, troubled, strung out, or watchful. So God is telling us to not be any of these things. Just the opposite, we should be assured, calm, content, cool, happy, indifferent, peaceful, tranquil, unconcerned, and unworried. Oh, to be in that place all the time!
5) In everything present your requests to God. - Oh, to lay down our burdens! It feels great doesn't it...to take a little break from our burdens before we pick them back up. But, God wants us to lay our burdens down and NOT pick them up again. Just lay them down and leave it! "...we select a few stones from the gravel on the ground...we quietly assign them the burdens du jour. We say a short prayer and each place our burdens on the ledge before we turn and head...home....leave them at the foot of the cross. I have a tendency to trust God initially, but then run back and reclaim my troubles in the vain hope that I can rectify them on my own." Amen, because we can't do it alone!
6) FYI - The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. - This is just an FYI...after we lay down our burdens, God's peace will transcend upon us and guard our hearts and minds...if we let it.

Let me leave you with this verse for thought: Matthew 11:28-30 - "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."