parenting

Change? Seriously, Not Again!

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Daily Truth:  “For I am the Lord, I change not.”  Malachi 3:6

 

Change is a word that causes people to react in many different ways. Some love it. Some hate it. For me, it depends on what kind of change we are talking about. I like to switch the wall color (I think our house has shrunk in square footage as often as I change the wall colors). I like to move the furniture around. I like to darken my hair color (which is what prompted this blog). I love the change of seasons (I hope this one happens soon).

Some changes I don’t like. I don’t like moving. I don’t like seeing my children go from little to big. I don’t like change that drastically reshapes your life. I don’t like having to change plans at the last minute. It’s little changes that I like. Some change is good.

After a VERY frustrating day a couple weeks ago, my hubs and I sat down and changed the way we assign the chores. I was having all 4 kids help empty the dishwasher at the same time.  They all had different sections to empty.  However, it was causing way too many fights and frustrating mom every morning. So, we now have the kids do their jobs on a rotating basis.  One morning the oldest empties the dishwasher, the 2nd feeds the pets, the 3rd loads the washer, and the 4th sets the table. Then every day the kids rotate to the next job on the list. Fights are at a minimum now in the mornings.  Duh!  Such a simple change.  Why didn’t I think of that!!! Kids, like adults, deal with change differently.  One of my boys almost cannot handle any sort of change without going a little spastic.

My other son has to ask over and over again “why” and “how come” just to get it all set in his mind. Both of my girls are homebodies. So, whenever there is a change in routine, mom has to get creative. Thus comes next week. There is going to be a bit of a change in routine in our house for about a week.  My sister is coming to help me and my hubs with something and we will have to have our arsenal full of ideas to keep the kids from overreacting. I am thinking we might have to do a surprise night each night like I did the week my hubs was on a business trip. Movie night. Dessert night.  (Huge in our fam). Sleep over at grandma’s. Present from mom and dad. My sister is good at the creative part.  She loves spending time with the kids and they all adore her! Things change.  Life changes.  Sometimes rapidly.  One thing we can count on is that God does NOT change.

 

His plans for us do not change. His character does not change. His love for us does not change. He is constant. Hebrews 6:17-19  shows us we can anchor our lives on the fact that God is immutable – unchanging. My kids will say to me, “Did you change your never mind?”  God doesn’t change “His never mind”. Until next time, Rebekah klink

Winter Olympics: Past and Present

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Daily Truth:   “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8

OlympicRings_360

Sochi Olympics 2014

Did you know that the first Winter Olympics were in held in 1924 at Chamonix, France?  A lot has changed since that first game.

1.  The attendance at the games in Chamonix was 10,004 paying spectators.  Sochi has plans to sell 1.1 million tickets, according to the International Olympic Committee marketing document.  “Bloomberg Businessweek”

2.  There were 16 events in the first Winter Olympics.  Today there are 15 sports with 98 events in the Winter Olympics.

3.  In 1924 there were 258 athletes participating. This winter there are 2,871 athletes competing.

4.  Technology has come a long way since 1924.  To see a video of the first Winter Olympics click here.  “This year NBC Universal has 40 percent more capacity, including 19 broadcast/cable networks and more than 60 websites to promote the upcoming Winter Games than it had in Vancouver 2010” according to TV News Desk.

5.  According to Olympic.org, “In the opening parade of delegates [Chamonix] many athletes marched with their equipment on their shoulders (skis, hockey sticks, etc.).  Indeed, according to the rules in place at the time, the athletes had to march in their sportswear, and the skis or hockey sticks were part to their equipment.  Today, the delegations no longer wear their sportswear, but they try to outdo each other in terms of imagination to appear in all their finery.”

6. Canada won the ice hockey event by scoring 122 goals, with only 3 scored against them in that first Winter Olympics.  Beginning in 1998 a women’s ice hockey team was added to the Winter Olympic events.   Twelve teams will compete this year in the men’s tournament, eight in the women’s.

The Olympics have grown and changed in many ways.  Technology, rules, culture, and  society  have contributed to the change of the Olympics.

Celebrating the accomplishments of the athletes in this year’s Winter Olympics is fun. Watching all the countries around the world coming together in a symbol of unity is wonderful.  Every four years provides us with new faces, new rules, new venues, and new stories.

It is good to know that there is one thing that never changes and that is Jesus Christ.  While watching the Olympics this winter I challenge you to discuss some of the changes in the Olympics and then discuss how Jesus Christ never changes.  He is eternal (Hebrews 13:8), good (James 1:17), holy (Isaiah 6:3), and He is sovereign (Matthew 10:29) to  tell of just a few of His unchanging attributes.

There are teachable moments all around us.  Do we use those moments to just teach current events or do we teach for eternity?

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

 

 

Getting to the Heart of the Matter: More than a Valentine

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Daily Truth:   “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ” Matthew 22:37

valentine_lace_9

Getting to the heart of a matter can be a difficult thing for several reasons.  Let’s face it, we sometimes try to pack too many activities into a day. Our schedules do not allow us to address important topics.  At other times we just do not think the time is right to discuss issues that arise in our family.  Sometimes we do not feel equipped to teach our child what should be taught in a particular situation. We are surrounded by things in this world that vie for our attention.  We have difficulty distinguishing between good, better, and best.  At times we can lose sight of “getting to the heart” of the matter.

At the heart of the matter is Truth.  Truth teaches to the heart.  As parents we come up with many family sayings as:  always do your best,  finish the job, or obey quickly.  But, if we are not using God’s Word with God’s principles we are not teaching to the heart.

John wrote these words in John 12:37-43.

“But although He [Jesus] had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:

‘Lord, who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?’

Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again:

‘He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts,
Lest they should see with their eyes,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.’

These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.

Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;  for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”

Teaching to the heart of our child means that our own hearts must be right first. If you do not know how to be a child of God yourself and would like to know more please click here.

If over scheduling yourself and your family is a problem  ask God to help you with prioritizing. Align yourself with God.   If you feel unequipped or are in need of a systematic way of guiding your child’s heart to God below are some reliable resources to help with the training and teaching of your child.

Leading Little Ones to God       Shepherding a Child’s Heart

Step Into the Bible: 100 Family Bible Devotions to Grow Your Child’s Faith

 Let’s live for God’s glory and show our children that living for God is what really matters.  Living for God and reaching the hearts of children for God is what counts for eternity.

What are some things you do or resources you like to “get to the heart” of the matter?

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

All material written is the property of Truths for Tots.

 

 

 

 

 

Beating the Winter Blahs: Tips for Mom’s Survival

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Daily Truth: “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”  Genesis 8:22

 

I love the winter in the sense of what it represents such as snow, fireplaces, hot chocolate, sweaters, etc.  You get the idea.

I actually even like the winter cold.  Hats off to my New England blood.

However, driving the kids to school in -8 degree weather is beyond even the cold I can handle.

It is about this time of year that I experience the winter blahs.  The Christmas tree is down, it’s dark when you get up and it’s dark by 6 in the evening.

Lately, the kids haven’t been able to go outside and play.  So, the sibling rivalry has increased considerably.

When you do go outside, the winter wind takes your breath away.

So, here are some tips to help you beat the winter blahs.

1.  Exercise.  I know it’s hard to get outside, but even if you can do a little bit you will feel more energized.  Go to a gym if you can.  Child care is usually included in memberships and even a 1/2 hour of biking, walking, or treadmilling will do wonders for you and honestly for your kids. Today I biked and listened to my devotions on my IPhone. If the gym isn’t an option, there are lots of workout videos online. Find one and just do it.  The kids may even find it fun to jump around with mom.

2.  Read/ Listen the Psalms. The Psalms are such a source of comfort and can help you beat the winter blahs by reminding us of God’s promises.  Download an app that will read them for you.  Plug in and listen to a few chapters.

3.  Listen to Music. Calming music has an amazing affect on the soul.  We all know what upbeat music does to our kids.  (You know what I mean – the dancing like crazy that happens in the store thanks to the “wonderful” music being piped in.) The opposite affect will occur with calming music.  Pandora is often played in our house through these months.

4.  Take a hot bath. This is my favorite winter blah breaker.  After the kids are in bed, fill up your tub with sudsy water, light the candles, and sit and soak with a hot cup of coffee.  Nothing like it.

5.  Try to have a friend over. If you have a friend with kids similar ages to yours this is a wonderful break from the winter blahs.  The kids to get to enjoy a play date and you and your friend can catch up. (Don’t worry about a messy house.  If she is a true friend she won’t even notice.)

Mom’s are naturally busy.  We often get so busy taking care of everybody else, that we forget that we need time to rejuvenate our souls and minds so that we can be the best mom’s and wives for our families.

Even Christ needed time away from His disciples.  He often went into the wilderness alone.

The wonderful thing about winter is that it soon will pass. God has given us the promise of the seasons.  Psalms 74:17 states that God made the summer and the winter.

Hang in there.  The winter blahs will soon pass too.

Until Next week,

Rebekah

klink

Build Your Nest Well: Teach Children Independence and Dependence on God

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Daily Truth:   “As an eagle stirs up its nest,
Hovers over its young,
Spreading out its wings, taking them up,
Carrying them on its wings…” Deuteronomy 32:11

eagle 2

We try  to keep our children safe in our “nest”.  We bandage skinned knees, give kisses to minor bumps, and provide “boo boo bunnies” to minor bruises but we must do more.  We must build trust with our children so children can then in turn trust others and God. Trust is an important part of building independence and thus dependence on God.

God teaches us (parents) in His Word so many times through nature.  By understanding nature it helps us to see the word pictures God shares with us through His Word.

Let’s take a look at the parenting qualities of the eagle so we can better understand Deuteronomy 32:11.   Did you know that 98% of the time one parent of an eagle pair remains on the nest with the eggs?   The parent with the eggs not only provides warmth but protection.  Newly hatched eaglets are soft with grayish-white down.  Their wobbly legs are too weak to support their bodies and their eyes are partially opened.  The only protection they have is what their parents provide.  The parents take turns feeding and caring for their eaglets.

The adult eagles shred pieces of meat from their prey and share with their eaglets. The female eagle gently coaxes the eaglets to take the meat from her beak while eating the leftovers herself.  We too give the best to our families.  How many times have you eaten the heel of a loaf of bread?

At three to four weeks the eaglets are covered with a secondary coat of down.  In approximately two more weeks black, juvenile feathers begin to grow.  As the secondary feathers replace the down the eaglets are ready to test their wings.  An eaglet takes its first flight some ten to thirteen weeks after hatching.  The parents encourage the eaglet to fly by gradually limiting the dependence upon them.  The parents stay close in assisting, teaching, and encouraging their eaglets.

Our job as parents is to build trust so they can trust us and the heavenly Father whom they cannot literally see.  God led me to think about this concept of trust as I was preparing for an elementary chapel time several years ago.  The acronym was as follows:

T-Time, you have to spend time with God in order to know God.  Reading God’s Word and talking to Him in prayer helps you to know Him.

R-Rust, is what happens when we do not spend time with God. (I showed a rusted car muffler to the children.)  We become ineffective to do the job God has for us when we do not spend time with God.

U-“U” can trust God.  There are over 7,000 promises in the Bible.  People may let you down, but God is Holy and always keeps His promises.

S-Savior, God gave His Son so we might have everlasting life with Him.  God provides for us in every way.

T-Trust, is developed over time, by not allowing rust (not taking care of the relationship between you and God), “U” can count on God, the Savior (Jesus Christ) was God’s only begotten Son that died for you and me.

God’s Word is what will last after children have left our “nest”.

We need to build our nest well.   Time goes quickly.  We need to cherish the moments.   Impart God’s Word and God’s love. Our help comes from the Lord.  He has given many examples and words of instruction for us through His Word.

“And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.” Psalm 9:10

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

 

The Stealth Mom: Ideas for Achieving Good Behavior

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Daily Truth: “Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter.”  Proverbs 30:33

 

Dad is home and all is right in the world!
Dad is home and all is right in the world!

This past week I had to “churn the butter” a little bit more than usual to help the kids achieve good behavior.

You see, Dan was on a business trip.

Whenever Dan goes on a business trip, I always brace myself for a long week of single parenting!  Inevitably, something happens within the first 48 hours that Dan just shakes his head and says, “Why am I not surprised?”

Never mind I don’t sleep well at all when Dan is gone. Dan left on a Sunday afternoon. I knew that this could be a humdinger of a week when Sunday morning at breakfast the kids started crying that they were going to miss dad and he was still here!

My youngest even went into Sunday School all mopey and told his teacher, “You know why I am so sad, because my dad is leaving on a trip all week.”

My kids thrive on surprises.  I thrive on good behavior from the kids which makes life more enjoyable for all.

So, I had to concoct a plan that would cause the kids to desire to have good behavior thus allowing me to reward that good behavior. (Hence, Proverbs 30:33)

Here is what I came up with. Dan was gone for five LONG days.  I numbered five 3×5 cards 1-5 and put holes in the top of each.  On the back of the cards I put a different fun activity for each day.

photo 2 (10)

My kids also like to sleep in my bed with me while Dan is gone.  (This equals very poor sleeping for mom!) However, desperate times call for desperate measures.

So, on the back of each card I also wrote a child’s name.  I didn’t  go in order by age but all random.

One day there was no name and that meant that night mom was guaranteed a restful night (or at least a night with no little appendages on my head or in my back).

In order for each child to participate in the fun activity, they had to have beyond good behavior for that day. If your name was on the back of the card to sleep in mommy’s bed, that child’s had to have light years beyond good behavior.

At lunch, I explained the game plan for the week, told them what I expected as good behavior, and set my plan into motion.

Here is what we did.

Sunday night:  The kids love to go to a particular restaurant after church and get pizza.  This is a rare treat!  Thus, it made the cut for the first night of surprises.

Thankfully, they all made the grade (I really didn’t want to cook that night anyway) and one of my kiddos was the lucky recipient of Pj’s with mom.

Monday night:  Well, Monday was a little more dramatic of a day.  I had to get a foot x-ray (all’s fine), another child had to go to the dentist and get his tooth pulled (laughing gas and a 6 year old boy don’t mix very well), and we discovered an unexpected little visitor in our house.

Green eggs and ham.
Green eggs and ham.

That night went much better.  The kids love grandma doing “Green Eggs, and Ham” with them.  So, guess what we had for dinner?  Love eggs, green eggs not so much.  However, the kids had a ball making them with grandma and we had no dinner ummm…. issues (shall we say) that night.

Making green eggs and ham.
Making green eggs and ham.

Another child made the cut of Pj’s with mom.

Tuesday night:  Movies are usually reserved for Friday night Family night at our house.  Like I said earlier, desperate times call for desperate measures.

To insure no dinner time issues, I reminded them that we still had a surprise coming.

Score for mom.

Popcorn and a movie was greeted with ecstatic cheers, bean bags were gathered, and children nestled down for a fun night.

Mom slept by herself.  BLISS!

Wednesday night:  Our church does Wednesday night dinners for those who purchase a ticket.  I figured tacos was a relatively good choice (health wise and good behavior wise). Taco night at church made the cut.

Another child made the Pj’s with mom cut.

Thursday night:  I did backwards night with them.  Basically, the table was set backwards with name cards made with the kids names spelled backwards.  Dinner was served backwards – dessert to main course. (Don’t worry – dessert was a tablespoon of ice cream.)

 

Backwards night.
Backwards night.

Since, they didn’t know what was going to be next, the kids were amazing during dinner. I ended with making cone head sundaes for the kids (upside down sundaes).

Cone head sundae.
Cone head sundae.

Friday!!!!! One of my kids had a birthday and all were excited because that night dad was coming home!!!

I think the opening picture says it all.

Overall, a great week.  Good behavior was at a premium, fighting was at a minimum, and fun was had by all.

Just may have to do this again.  Only this time, dad does it with us!

Until next week,

Rebekah

klink

 

 

A Simplified Life Brings Rest to the Soul

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Daily Truth:   “Thus says, the LORD:   ‘Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls.'”

Jeremiah 6:16

Rest Area Sign.svg.med

How many times have you been traveling and look on a map or use an app to see when the next “Rest Area” is located?  Your children need a place to run off some energy while you just need to stretch and regroup for the miles ahead.  We all need times of refreshing and regrouping.  January is the month of new beginnings.  I have said to my husband that this is the Year of Jubilee.  You know, forget about those things that need to be forgotten.  Make life simpler, move on, and prepare for the future.

To simplify is my mantra this year.  For several years I have told myself if I don’t want to move it, dust it, or wash it don’t get it.  So this is the year to simplify.  ( I must admit I am taking a break from cleaning out drawers to post this blog.)

This new year’s thought all began when I met Nancy Sleeth at a Christian Writers Conference and read her book Almost Amish, one woman’s quest for a slower, simpler, more sustainable life.  It is a thought provoking book, with Scripture illustrations, that provides ideas and a plan to make life simpler and restful both physically and spiritually.

Nancy tells us, “It’s time to simplify our lives-to slow down, make faith and family the focal point, and recapture the lost art of simple living.  And what group has kept simplicity, family, and faith at the center of all they say and do better than Amish?”

Almost Amish book

“Building on the core principles of Amish life, Nancy Sleeth explains how making conscious choices to limit (and sometimes eliminate) technology’s hold on our lives and get back to the basics and help us lead calmer more focused, (restful) less harried live, resulting in stronger, deeper relationships with our friends, families, and God.”

The chapter about “Community” is very refreshing.  “According to an Amish proverb, face-to-face contact with a friend is ‘like the rainbow that is always there for you after the storm.'”  Texting and emailing are nice tools but there is nothing like actually meeting with a friend.

To simplify also gives more time and attention to the world God created.  “When Mary mistook Jesus for the gardener, it was no mistake:  Jesus is the new Adam, and the garden is God’s eternal classroom.”

C.S. Lewis advises in Mere Christianity that “Going back can sometimes be the quickest way forward.”   Going back is good yet I do enjoy electricity, grocery stores, and my iPhone.  If I do not have to go back to Laura in Little House on the Prairie but can manage to embrace some of the things taught in Almost Amish I am ready, especially when I look around at the unnecessary and unused accumulated items . Giving to others,  helping others, and freeing space and time to better serve family and God is a life pleasing to God.  Going back to clean, purge, and evaluate needs will help in going forward.

Nancy Sleeth, in her book Almost Amish,  helps us to realize by taking little steps a simpler life is attainable and sustainable. “Through the choices we make may vary, it is a journey that we can take together-and above all, with God.”

Happy New and Simpler Year!

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

Routine, Routine, Routine

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Daily Truth: “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established”  Proverbs 4:26

 

Routine is something most people thrive on. I am one of those moms that looks forward to a break from routine.  I love summer breaks because there is no set routine of activities from day to day. Christmas break is the same way.  We pretty much hibernate over Christmas break – partly because we are “go, go, go” during the school year.  In fact, I am probably more disappointed than the kids when Christmas break is over. However, this year was different.  Somehow 19 days of Christmas break was 19 days too long. Maybe it was the 33 hours of no power. Maybe it was  the extreme temperatures that forced the kids inside. Thus resulting in little bodily exercise and release from pent up energy. Maybe it was the 10 inches of snow that made it difficult to get out. Maybe it was the “I don’t know what to do” cries. Whatever it was, I was doing the happy dance when the kids went back to school last Thursday. I think we were stir crazy and quite frankly we were ready for routine again. That is until this Monday morning when the 6:00 a.m. alarm went off.  Then the thought of routine was NOT so appealing. Yet, truly there is something to be said for routine.

It is the beginning of a new year.  It is the time of year when many people make pledges to develop certain routines. Eating healthy. Exercising. Daily Bible reading. And the list goes on and on. Why do we decide to make promises at the beginning of the year to develop new routines? Maybe it’s because we have let our established eating routine get sidelined with all the sweet treats.  (Guilty as charged!) Maybe it’s because exercise became less of a priority during the holiday season due to time. Maybe it’s because we know we haven’t spent as much time in the Word as we should have this past year. Whatever the reasons, we decide to make pledges to develop new routines or improve old ones at the beginning of the year. Yet, how many of us have already failed and it is only 2 weeks into the new year.

Sigh….. Here are some thing our family is doing to help with our routines or newly pledged routines.

1.  Today, my mom and I joined a gym.  She swims.  I run.  I don’t swim.  She doesn’t run.  Yet, I think this will work for us to get into a pattern of meeting at the gym and keeping each other accountable for exercising. BTW- the water Zumba class does sound interesting.  I might just don the bathing suit and give that a whirl.

2.  Grab a friend to help keep you accountable.  I have one buddy for running.  We both had rough patches of getting it in before the holidays.  OK – rough months of getting in the running due to health and work. I have another friend that is my prayer partner and we have been for a couple of years. Proverbs 27:7 refers to friends keeping each other accountable.

3.  There’s an app for that.  Yep, there are some for exercising, Bible reading, eating, just about anything you want.  Find one you like and use it.  (mmmmm…..maybe future blog). I like the Bible Gateway app because there is an audio version for some of the translations. My mom and I use that for our devos especially for those really busy days. My husband uses a “Read-Through-The-Bible-In-A-Year” pamphlet. My daughter is using Streams in the Desert for Kids to help her establish a routine of daily Bible Reading. So, as we dive into this new year, take the time to write down a couple routines that you want to improve on or start for yourself as well as ones for your family. Then jot down ways to help you establish that routine whether it be a friend, a book, or an app. Start today developing routines that will help you become more and more the mom God wants you to be.

Tip for the week:  Homemade Granola (we make this every week)

2 c quick oats

1/3 c of maple syrup and honey combined.

2 TB canola oil

Add cinnamon, ginger, and all spice to taste.

Pinch of sea salt

You can also add coconut, dried fruit, nuts, pecans, etc.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Mix all the ingredients together until well coated.  Place on a cookie sheet and cook for 40 minutes stirring every 15 minutes.

When done, pour the granola on wax paper and let it cool completely.  Place in an airtight container.

Until next week, Rebekah klink

New Year and Changes

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Daily Truth:   “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8

happy new year

Gifts have been opened, sweet treats linger begging to be consumed, and the hustle and bustle of the last few weeks have subsided.   As the new year approaches we think of changes we want to make in the new year.  Maybe we want to eat more healthy, manage our time better, spend more time in God’s Word, or be more purposeful in pointing our children to Christ.  What ever changes need to be made in each of our lives the new year provides a chance to reflect on the past year and make changes to the new year ahead.

It is good to know that Jesus never changes.  There is no need for Him to change as He is perfect in all ways.  Jesus is always there for us. He came to this earth so we may have an abundant life.  We are thankful that He died for us so we might have eternal life. What a blessing to have the Holy Spirit to comfort and help if we have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.  We look forward to His return.   How wonderful it is to know that God is the Alpha and the Omega (the beginning and the end). Revelation 1:8

Quote from Blue Letter Bible:  “Not only will God exist undiminished everlastingly into the future, but He has existed identically throughout the infinite past. Not only has God himself existed eternally into the past, but so also has His plan for His creation. Before the foundations of the world, God ordained the Creation, the Fall, the Incarnation and Resurrection, and the Salvation of His people. This is a wondrous truth for the believer for it grants him confidence in the tenacity of his faith. Once a believer realizes that God has demanded his salvation and perseverance from this sin-stained world he can live without fear in the joy that God offers all of His children. Also of note is the fact that Christ is eternal in His sonship: He existed eternally before his incarnation as the First-Born over creation (though without human form) and will exist eternally post-resurrection as the glorified Son of God.”

Why we need changes and how to make those changes:

  1. We are sinners.  Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
  2. We should always be growing in our faith. 1 Peter 2:2  “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby…”
  3. We should always be growing in grace and knowledge.  2 Peter 3:18  “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
  4. Read and study God’s Word.  1 Timothy 4:16 ” Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
  5. God wants us to grow in closeness to Himself.  Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Jesus never changes but we are always changing.   The past year provides reflection and the new year provides a new  beginning.  We must prayerfully consider the changes needed and then discipline ourselves to accomplish those goals for the upcoming year.  With our persistence, patience, and perseverance and God’s leading we will be able to accomplish the changes needed in our lives.

Blessings and a very Happy New Year to you and your families.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

Having A Heart Fixed on God

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog , , 0 Comment
Daily Truth:  “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” Psalms 57:7

 

Do you ever get your mind so fixed on something that you think about it through out the day? I think we can all say that we have done that at some point in time in our lives.  Especially women/ moms!

It can be a good thing your mind is fixed on.  “Yeah, my son was polite to the lady.”

It can be a bad thing your mind is fixed on.  “I can’t believe she did such and such!”

Sometimes that good thing can turn into a bad thing.  “Yeah, my daughter did an outstanding job on her part in the program.”  Then that turns into pride.  Never mind you drive everybody nuts that you have to tell!

The word “fixed” in this case means “determined, established, set”.

My youngest son OFTEN gets this way!  We are constantly working on him with it.

The other day we were getting family pics done at a local park.  It wasn’t cold – chilly, yes – but not cold.  Well, he got it fixed  in his little brain that he was freezing.  About half way through the photo session, he started throwing a temper tantrum.

Now, before we had the photo session, all the children were told that they would not participate in the fun activity that night that they had been looking forward to all year if we had any tempers or bad attitudes.

Nope!  Didn’t work on our youngest.  He was so fixed on being “freezing” that he didn’t care that he would miss the activity that night.  Well, that is until he got home and all the other kids went with dad and he had to stay home and do jobs.  Suddenly, he wished he had obeyed.

BTW – our photographer did a fantastic job!  She was so patient with the kids and was able to get quite a few pics despite the melt down.  Probably because she was fixed on getting a good pic!

The Israelites are a perfect example of being fixed on something.  In fact so fixed on their circumstances and their situation that it consumed them.

There was the time they were fixed on the Egyptians closing in on them and the Red Sea ahead of them.  They forgot all about the plagues that God had delivered them from.  (Exodus 14)

Then there was the food situation.  They were so fixed on the fact that they were eating the same thing over and over again that they wanted to go back to Egypt and enjoy the foods they had there.  Ummmm…did they not remember they were slaves?  (Exodus 16)

Then there was the food situation – again.  Well, God had it with them this time and sent fiery snakes among the people.  But as God always does, He gave a way to escape the snakes.  All they had to do was look at the serpent on the pole and they would be saved from the fiery snakes.

I often wonder how many Israelites were so fixed on the snakes around them that they didn’t fix their gaze on the serpent that could save them.  (Numbers 21)

Ok.  Before we get a little prideful and speak against the Israelites, aren’t we ALOT like them.

How often do we have our gaze fixed on our circumstances or our situation and forget to fix our eyes and heart on the One who has put us into those circumstances or situations.

Once we think, “Hey, I got this ‘heart fixed on God thing’ down pretty good”,  that’s when we get ourselves into trouble and our eyes get fixed on things around us.

We can teach our children to keep their eyes fixed on God.  When someone doesn’t share, instead of saying, “Well, he was being naughty, ”  how about saying, “Mommy is more concerned how you act and what God says about sharing”.

Or when your child worries about a certain situation, remind them that God is in control and we are not to worry.  Thus, we are teaching them to keep their eyes and heart fixed on God.

Be careful!  Your words may come back to haunt you!

I have a dear friend who had been crying  over a particular situation.  Her 7 year old son saw her crying in the kitchen again and the following dialogue occurred.

Son: “Mom, are you crying because of (particular situation)?

Mom:  “Yes, buddy.  Mommy’s sorry for crying.”

Son: “Mom, haven’t you told me that worry is sin and that it adds nothing to your life? Mom, God had this.  So, no more worrying okay?!”

My friend had been teaching her son how to keep his eyes fixed on God.  Then when she needed that reminder, God used her son.

As we go into this holiday season, where it is so easy to get our eyes fixed on things around us, let us remember to keep our eyes fixed on the One that is the reason for this season.

Until next week,

Rebekah

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