Internet Cafe Devotions

Girlfriends Will Come and Go: "

I often throw out questions on the Praise and Coffee Facebook page that give me a glimpse into the lives of women. Some are thought provoking, some are just fun. A while back I asked, “Who’s your favorite girlfriend to have a cup of coffee with?”

Women left names of their best buds with exclamation points and smiley faces (of which I am a chronic over-user), but I also received several inbox messages from women whose hearts were broken because they don’t have a close girlfriend to share coffee or life with.

They wrote notes laced with shame as if they were not worthy of such precious relationships. It made me sad and my former co-dependent self wanted to jump on a plane with a Praise and Coffee mug in my carry-on and wipe away all their tears over a grande caramel-macchiato.

But I knew better. Even if it were possible for me to be there with them, it would only be a temporary fix.

I’ve been in that place of loneliness. When it feels like the whole world has walked out and the quietness screams that you’re not worthy of the joy that a good friendship can bring. At times the enemy of our souls puts a spin on circumstances and leaves us with a feeling of abandonment at every turn.

When it happened to me, I cried helplessly to God for comfort and hope and realized that He was waiting for that the whole time. So often He thwarts our attempts to find solace anywhere else while relentlessly pursuing us to show that a relationship with Him far surpasses any relationship this world has to offer.

When I asked the question on Facebook, it highlighted what seemed to be a loss in the lives of many women, but I believe that most often there is a reason that the Lord allows us to come to that place of emptiness. He longs for us to run to Him so He can breathe life into the dry, desperate corners of our heart.

Next time you’re feeling lonely, I encourage you to see it –not as rejection- but instead an invitation to a relationship that offers life and hope, love and laughter.

1 Cor 1:8-9, NLT

He will keep you strong right up to the end, and He will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will surely do this for you, for He always does just what He says, and He is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Girlfriends will come and go, but our Lord stays and longs for us to stay too. Will you?

Praising Him,
Sue Cramer

"

Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day

Romans 12:10: "“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”"

Ya Only Live Once......

Early Detection Does Save Lives: "Sara,

You are living proof that mammograms really do save lives. We wish you many healthy years ahead. May God bless you on your journey and congratualtions on completing your treatments.

Amy

Hello, my name is Sara and I am a breast cancer survivor. On Dec 15, 2009 I was diagnosed with DCIS breast cancer stage 0. I realize I am very blessed. I had my yearly mammogram in Nov of 2009 and then a biopsy. I had my lumpectomy Jan 7, 2010. All went well they removed the cancer and two lymph nodes. I started radiation treatment on Feb 11, 2010 and finished March 31, 2010. I started the tamoxifen pill on April 1, 2010. At the end of radiation is when my breast began to burn. I am a black female and the radiation turned my breast really dark. I'm told the color will come back in time. Through all of this my support group has been great, from the time I told them and now. My job was and still is fantastic. I had just started there in July 2009, but the way they stood by me you would have thought that I had been there for a very long time. I thank God for allowing this to be caught in a timely manner. I thank my daughter for her caring, love and support. I thank my friends old and new for being with me, caring for me and always showing concern for me. Mammograms can and do help save lives.

"

Tabitha's Team

A Sweet Fragrance: "A Sweet Fragrance This blog is where I share quotes from Christian books Im reading, reviews of books I like, and some of my own thoughts and day-to-day"

Max Lucado Daily

Hidden With Christ: "

“Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3, NIV

“Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

The Chinese language has a great symbol for this truth. The word for righteousness is a combination of two pictures. On the top is a lamb. Beneath the lamb is a person. The lamb covers the person. Isn’t that the essence of righteousness? The Lamb of Christ over the child of God? Whenever the Father looks down on you . . . He sees His Son, the perfect Lamb of God, hiding you."

JournEzine

A God Remedy: "Fear is one of the strongest emotions to control. Fear comes in many forms. It causes nervousness, timidity, procrastination, intimidation, tears, laughter, and the list goes on and on. Fear can cause physical problems, while at the same time, physical problems can cause fear.
Fear is a tool in the enemy’s hand, but we have [...]"

Home Sanctuary

Company Girl Coffee 5.21: "

My busy week of working on signs and banners for a client ended with this exciting occurrence in our town:

This photo is from my friend, Connie, taken from her porch. My son snapped a photo of it from the high school parking lot, too, and there were tons of photos and video on the local news. Wow! For a family of weather junkies, a tornado is something we'll be talking about for a long time! I believe it even made it onto yahoo. That's pretty Big Time, for our little town.

But enough bragging about my town's tornado. It's time to link up for Company Girl Coffee! Simply add our blog URL to the linky tool below as a way to invite people to visit you. Then, over the weekend try to get around to visit other blog that have linked up. Non-bloggers can chat in the comment section so we can get to know you there. It's a fun and easy way to get out and expand your circle of online friends!

I'll post a "Weekend Small Thing" later this morning....so be sure to check back in for it!

SAT. UPDATE: Obviously, I did not get a Small Thing posted. Once my day got underway, I never made it back to the computer! I'll save it for next week - until then, have a GREAT weekend!

"

Here's My Cup Lord

Your Rear Guard—Your Healing: "

*Please click here for Web/Blog development.

“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.” Is. 58:8 NIV

For more great WFW posts, visit our host Amydeanne of The 160 Acre Woods via the link below.

Click here for latest post and details.

"

Happier, Healthier You

5 Foods that Boost Your Mood: "Since what's good for your brain is also a boon for your body, incorporating these five mood boosters into your diet may improve not only your outlook, but also your energy and your figure. Eat up and lighten up!"

Faith Imagined

Ruby for Women Guest Post: "

I'm a guest writer at Ruby For Women, edited by Nina Newton. This is an extensive site and magazine for women that offers yummy recipes, great craft ideas, devotionals and more. I would definitely check out the recipe for Hot Cross Buns. I'm eager to make them!

God-Confidence & God-Worth

I’ve always struggled with self-confidence. For much of my life, I allowed the Enemy’s arrows to strike through the heart of my self-worth and value. I thought I had to prove myself. I needed to be fit, smart, well-liked, productive and esteemed. When something in my life wasn’t going right, I would crumble into a big, mushy pile of insecurities. I would take my failings and wear them, unable to live in victory in any other areas of my life.

I couldn’t be a good example of a righteous child of God because I allowed my feelings to dictate who I was in Christ. I was like a ship on the waves, going back and forth depending on the external forces. Who in their right mind would want to emulate my insecurity-driven life? Shouldn’t Christians be brimming with confidence and worth because of the cross?

Finally, God brought me to a place in my life where He cut everything that I tied my self-worth and confidence to. I wallowed in my self-defeat, until I looked to God for help. I realized that I placed very little value on the fact that I am a child of God and placed great value in what the world deems as worthy. God showed me that when I form roots of self-worth to areas other than the Trinity, they become idols and distract me from loving Him most.

During that time, God helped me... read the rest at Ruby for Women!

"

Ed.gov Blog

We Cannot Afford Teacher Layoffs: "Five school visits in two cities underscored the importance of saving teacher jobs."

Desiring God Blog

Don’t Waste the Sound of Sirens: "

(Author: Jonathan Parnell)

We hear sirens all the time. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the day, at some point, we hear the sound of an ambulance or fire truck or police car. What do you think when you hear them?

We have become so accustomed to the sound that we typically ignore it. We go about our activities uninterrupted. But wait, that sound means something! It means that there is an emergency. Someone is in need, and that's not something to ignore.

Sirens come into our day loaded with significance. Whether they are heard faintly in the distance or close enough to disturb our ears, they come into our day as an invitation to get out of our bubble of self and remember that there are 6.8 billion people in the world. They invite us to remember that the world is in need and that opportunities are emerging everywhere for God to glorify his name and make his goodness known.

Next time there is the sound of a siren, we don't want to waste it. Would you consider a simple prayer for the person in need? Would you pray for the driver and team who are rushing to help? Would you pray that Jesus be embraced and that God be glorified, somehow at some point? And would you pray that the day be hastened when the sound of sirens will be no more?

"

Breast Cancer News

Study Explores Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer in Women with DCIS: "Among women with breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), evaluation of three molecular markers in a sample of DCIS tissue may provide information about the subsequent risk of invasive breast cancer. These results were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute."

Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day

Romans 15:2: "“Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”"

America Diabetes Association

Bran Reduces Heart Disease Deaths: "People with diabetes who eat bran-rich whole grains may have lower cardiovascular risks, according to a study from Harvard University."

Healing Hearts Renewing Minds

May 21, 2010



HouseKeeper
by Darlene


Do you really know how God's mercy and love and grace drip from my soul? Can you see the trail of suds and bubbles that fall from my bucket, the one He put into my hands? I pray that something here at this ministry site is a blessing you...


You are God's very own precious daughter. He dwells within you and He yearns for you to open your windows and doors, to expose the mess within your soul's rooms and closets.

Are there any doors you leave shut or windows you leave closed, firmly trying to keep something locked away or neatly shelved or hidden from view? Why?

Recently a friend shared the following scripture with me. It really stuck with me, for it seems to have a variety of meanings tucked into its reassuring words. Today as I thought of those looking for peace and comfort and Truth, it came to mind again. Let His divine Words wash over you...


"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth
and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands,
as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth;
and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him
and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.


~ Acts 17:24-27 (NIV)


I am a new person in Christ. I knew that when I accepted the Lord as my Savior. But I admit, I didn't willingly invite Him into all of my rooms. Golly, no.

Why would I ask Him into my dingy and disorganized and disheveled places? Wouldn't He flee from me?

Uh, no. No He did not flee from me. Rather, He did the initial sudsing and mopping and organizing. Then God handed me the bucket of soapy water. And amazingly, He refills it with His powerful cleaning solution. Time and again.

When a friend let me show her all my nooks-n-crannies that were filled with clutter and junk, she actually enabled me to wildly fling open once-locked doors and stuck windows. And when I invited God inside, He just came a waltzing right into those dungeon-like rooms and simply flicked on the Light of His Truth and love and mercy and grace and forgiveness. Then He scrubbed the sticky places, mopped the confusion, and left a fresh scent of Truth. With God as my HouseKeeper, I am a new person. All of my doors are freely flung open. Everything is right in plain sight, for all to see.

And just like our real brick and wood and mortar homes, things can get all messy, even after we've invited Him in. But now I know that when the messy things (fear, doubt, depression, guilt...) of me get too big, I open His Word and reach for that which calms the chaos and directs the disaster. And if needed, I willingly (not begrudgingly, but willingly) call upon some friends, some sisters in Christ. They help me to organize and sort and re-shelve the mess that I have become.

Friends, it is Spring. A time of new growth and blossoms and sweet scents. Prop open your doors and lift up your windows and let His healing and renewing rush in.

For you are His house and He is the best Housekeeper you will ever find.

Let us humbly pray:


Father God, there are women today who need Your touch in their lives. And there are some who keep doors tightly shut and windows bolted down. As You fill the earth with the wonders of Spring, fill hearts with healing and minds with renewing. Enter our beings and make us new. Wash us in all that is Truth and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Can I pray for you today? Leave your request right here. I have my soap, bucket, and a sponge...but mostly, I have God.

Health News

Processed Meat Products Increase Health Risks: "

This morning, HealthNews reported that canned food might bring an additional risk to your health due to the addition of bisphenol A (BPA) as a can liner to prevent food-borne bacteria from forming. On the heels of that news is that processed meats have become more of a health risk that previously believed. That’s right bacon lovers, that rasher in the refrigerator elevates your risk of both heart disease and diabetes.

read more

"

Lynn Mosher - Heading Home

Heading Home

Lysa TerKeurst

The stir...: "Happy Tuesday Bloggy Friends...

There are a couple of things I've been meaning to mention for a while now but have been a little distracted by small things like mice invasions and my car only wanting to drive in reverse.

Small things.

Anyhow,I wanted to create some things you could pass along to a friend in need of some encouragement that would make it easier to connect her with the message of 'Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl.' I have been so excited by the stir this message is creating.

This past weekend in Massachusetts I gave this message to 390 women from Westfield Evangelical Free Church where we saw 38 women make decisions to follow Jesus. Y'all, I love to watch Jesus move hearts in such a mighty way!

Maybe you have a friend you've been praying for who is either resistant to Jesus or who seems stuck in checklist Christianity. I wrote this book so you could easily pass it along to her and say, 'Look, even if you're skeptical you'll at least like this woman's stories. Just skip the Bible stuff if you want to, but be sure to read about the day she found a mattress floating in her pond.'

And then trust that Jesus will stir her heart into reading the Bible stuff too.

Chances are this friend has been hurt by life. I know what she feels like. I lived there and I'm gut honest in the book about what that feels like. Anyhow, if you need something to pave the way for her to get the book, there's two things you might start with giving her.

The first is a free printable sheet called 'When God Hurts Your Feelings.' Do you see that button off to the right side of my blog? Just click on it and you'll see how to change 'why questions into 'what now questions.'

For those of you who read this post via email, you'll want to hop over to my actual blog by going to www.LysaTerKeurst.com and you'll see what I'm referring to.

Also, I realized I'd never shown you the book trailer video Zondervan made for Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl. This would be another easy thing to pass along to your friends.

Thank you so much for helping spread the word about this message. Will you join me in praying God will use it to continue to stir hearts, change lives, and encourage Jesus girls to become more than good Bible study girls? Love to you friends...

To get your copy of Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl... click here for the book, here for the DVD teaching series and here for the workbook."

Wild Olive Tees - Get Your Verse On!

shine. coming soon.: "

We’re excited to announce our newest design: shine.

Don’t hide your light under a basket!

Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all.

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see,

so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:15-16

Expected to arrive on or before April 3rd."

Max Lucado Daily

Such Love: "

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34, NIV

How Jesus, with a body wracked with pain, eyes blinded by his own blood, and lungs yearning for air, could speak on behalf of some heartless thugs is beyond my comprehension. Never, never have I seen such love. If ever a person deserved a shot at revenge, Jesus did. But he didn’t take it. Instead he died for them. How could he do it? I don’t know. But I do know that all of a sudden my wounds seem very painless. My grudges and hard feelings are suddenly childish."

Reading Rockets: Teaching Reading

Homework blues: "

Do your kids ever feel this way? This was written by a 7 year old, a student facing many years of homework.

Homework has been around a long time, and has had its supporters and critics since the very beginning. Critics say homework cuts into quality family time and leaves students with no down time or time to pursue non-school interests. Proponents believe that homework teaches responsibility and provides important time to reinforce what is taught during the day.

The research on homework has produced mixed results, and it's clear that additional, carefully designed research is needed. The little research that has been done suggests this: homework doesn't help students who don't do it, but very likely does help students who actually complete their assignments. Not too surprising.

An article from Today's Parent suggests that the real homework issue is the quality of the homework, not the quantity (although many parents and students take issue with quantity too!)

I think the quality vs. quantity issue is it for me. It's the every day, yearlong slog 'read and record the title' type of reading log and the 'write 5 sentences a day' writing journal that really get to me. On both, there's little feedback from the teacher and little to no individualization of the assignment. Once assigned in September, the same assignment and expectations exist in May. I think homework like this causes kids to form negative attitudes about reading and writing that don't serve them well as learners.

I don't think homework should be abolished all together (as some do) but I do think it needs to be more carefully considered and planned. What do you think?"

Take Root & Write

Are You a Hypocrite?: "

Dear Child,

I don't even like asking you this question: "Are You a Hypocrite?" It seems so ugly, and hurtful. The truth is I know already if you are, but I want you to examine your own heart. Do you know what else is true? The people closest to you, especially those you live and work with know the answer to this question also.

The Pharisees are a clear picture of a hypocrite. They practiced a lifestyle filled with holy rituals. They thought it was enough to do well. I look on the inside. Is your inner life holy? Are you compelled to do what I impress on your heart or do you follow a list of "do's" and "don't"? Have you ever been taught that I seek a relationship, not rituals and sacrifices?

The Pharisees were very good at religion, masters of religious studies, but still they did not know Me. There is a difference in knowing about Me, and knowing Me. Think about a person that you know some information about like your neighbor or another parent at a ball field or school. You may know where they live, what kind of car they drive, how many children they have, even if they go to church or not . . .but are you related to them. Do you know them as you know your own parents, husband or child?

When you know Me, you are adopted by Me. I am your Father God, you are my child. We are related. The more time we spend together - the better you get to know Me. We have a permanent relationship: Father and daughter. Having a relationship with Me is the beginning.

If you say one thing or act a certain way when "people" are looking and listening, but are frankly different when no one is observing, you really need to take a very honest look at yourself. This is not a surface issue, dealing how you dress, what you eat, and were you go. No, you are going to have to be still and dive into the creases of your heart. The little folds and corners that you don't want light shined into.

Is your heart truly the same on the inside as it appears on the outside?

Lindy Abbott 2010"

The Gospel.com Blog

Today’s Devotional: You Are On God’s Team: "

Humans want to belong; we yearn to be considered a valuable part of something bigger than ourselves. We go to great lengths to find acceptance—sometimes even changing who we are in order to fit in. And even when we’ve been accepted, we still nurse doubts about whether others really want us around. Might they just be tolerating us?

This devotional from Lifetime Guarantee Ministries talks about how Paul—the self-proclaimed worst of sinners—was chosen for Christ’s team. Because of the forgiveness offered to him and everyone in Christ, he found acceptance in a community that once feared him:

Being a member of a winning football team can become so important that anything it takes, ignoring my family, cutting back on my scholastic achievements, getting up early and staying up late building my body through blood, sweat, and tears, that’s okay. I want so desperately to be a part of the team!

Then there’s Paul. Paul knew who he was in Christ; he knew he was totally forgiven; he knew that he was now a righteous, holy, blameless person, all of those beautiful things bestowed on all of us as Believers, but he could never quite get over the incredible fact that God had allowed him to become a part of “His team.” Not that being a part of His team guaranteed status, comfort, plenty, or safety. It was important to Paul because he admired the Master so much and wanted to have his name on the list of apostles.

Because of his violent persecution of the Believers, Paul felt unworthy in his position as an apostle and apparently felt the necessity to defend his position.

For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God (1 Corinthians 15:9). [...]

Paul’s dream came true . . . to be on God’s team and his final words tell us that he accomplished his dream: The glorious fight God gave me, I have fought. The course I was set I have finished, and I have kept the faith (II Timothy 4:7 PHILLIPS).

We’re on His team. He has chosen us. How wonderful! How incredible! And He has assigned us as His apostles to do certain things. Do we consider this awesome tribute the way Paul did?

Read the rest of the devotional at lifetime.org.

Do you consider yourself part of God’s team?"

thesavalots.com

Printable Coupon for 40% Off at JoAnn Fabrics!!: "

CLICK HERE for a JoAnn Fabrics Printable Coupon for 40% off one regularly priced item!

This coupon expires April 3, 2010!

"

Internet Cafe Devotions

Filtering Through the Word: "

I enjoy drinking coffee, but what I don’t enjoy is cleaning out the coffee filter after the grounds have had a chance to really be soaked and packed into the smallest parts of the coffee filter.

After the hot water slowly filters through the ground up coffee beans and releases the delicious flavor of the coffee, it leaves behind the “garbage.” Those grinds that if they find their way into our coffee or into our bodies are just plain disgusting.

Just imagine what our “spiritual bodies” must look like when we don’t use His Word to provide us with discernment in what we read, think, say or do.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

(Philippians 4:6-9, NKJV)

Philippians 4:6-9 is a deep reminder that we make that decision everyday in what we allow to filter into our lives.

When I gave my life to Christ, the first thing I did was go through my purse, my house, and every area of my life throwing away and vowing to stop participating in anything that did not edify the Heavenly Father. I filtered my life just as a coffee filter, filter the water through the grounds of the coffee.

The filter is a barrier between the cup and the coffee beans.

As the hot water (our lives) pour through the coffee beans (the world), the filter (the Bible), separates out all the yucky stuff and keeps those ground up beans (t.v., books, music, culture, magazines, everyday life) from mixing in with the coffee that pours into the cup (us).

Without the filter, can you imagine what that coffee would taste like?

YUCK, a waste of coffee!

As a coffee lover, I shudder at the thought!

I know how to live for Him. I know that I have to have discernment in what I read and watch. I’m not perfect and there are times when something isn’t filtered and slips into my life. It’s those pieces of coffee grounds in my coffee. The bitter grounds that leave me smacking my lips. Certainly NOT the perfect brew; not the life He wants me to live.

I find that when I get pure coffee (His word), free of unwanted grounds, my life and my coffee sure taste good.

Our Father is our heavenly Barista. Serving up a perfectly filtered blend each and every time we arrive.

The best coffee is the coffee that has been filtered properly. The best life is the one that has been filtered with The Word. What’s in your filter?

Heavenly Father, Thank You, always, for the love and the salvation that You freely offer to all of us. I pray that in and through searching Your Word, and seeking to grow in You, that You would filter my life, my words and my heart so that I could better serve You. In Your Name I pray, Amen."

Here's My Cup Lord

Let the Redeemed Return!: "

We have been having a wonderful study of the book of Lamentations with Victoria of Let the Son Shine. During our time together, she has really opened up this passage of scripture with much needed revelation. For me it has been a simple read and reflection of those areas in my own life needing change, as I seek to follow Him and return to the path He has before me. With that, I am reminded of those who have sown so deeply into my life, how those seeds have brought forth much fruit in the time of need, and how their words speak through me as I prepare this message today.

I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD.” I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. Lam. 3:17-33 NIV

Sound familiar? Does, all to well, to this sinful heart. One redeemed and so set free… to sin again. Great is His mercy and loving kindness as I fall short. When I am deprived of peace, He is there. When I worry over my finances, He provides. When I count myself worthy, through some unseen label, He calls me “redeemed“. When I remember my sin, He brings me hope. When I fall, yet again, He lifts me up in the morning sun. When I wait in silence, I hear His voice. When I am cast off, He shows me compassion.

Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come? Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins? Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD. Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven, and say: “We have sinned and rebelled and you have not forgiven. Lam. 3:37-42 NIV

When I listen, I learn. When I repent, I am forgiven. When I lift my heart, I lift my hands. When I lift my hands, He reaches me.

They tried to end my life in a pit and threw stones at me; the waters closed over my head, and I thought I was about to be cut off. I called on your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” O Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life. Lam. 3:53-58

When thoughts and fear overshadow me, I put on faith. When I cry out to God, He hears me. When He hears me, He calls me “redeemed”.

Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning. Lam. 5:15 NIV

When I lose joy, I find His strength. When I find His strength, I RETURN!

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. Is. 51:11 KJV

"

Heart of the Matter Online

The Art of Conversation: "

People who haven’t known my family for very long might assume that my son is quiet around strangers because he is an isolated, unsocialized homeschooler.

You know that isn’t the case.

I have found that homeschooling has actually taught my boy the art of conversation in some very unexpected ways.

By way of background, this is the same child who sat on my lap and sobbed while the rest of his preschool class presented their Christmas program on stage and who burst into tears when, in kindergarten, the school nurse wanted to perform a cursory (and required) eye exam.

Interacting with strangers is not his cup of tea.

However, since we brought him home, that same boy can converse with adults as we wait in line at the bank, play guitar on stage with his co-op classmates and rush to get the door for an elderly lady at the post office. He is still quiet but the difference is astounding.

I know that much of this newfound change comes from maturity. He is older and the world isn’t as scary to him as it once was. But I also know that his confidence has grown as he has tried new things and succeeded at classroom and real world challenges. He has time to pursue his passions and stretch his limits beyond what he thought was possible. The safety of his daily environment inspires him to step out into the unknown, to risk failure and to surprise himself. That might be the biggest benefit of homeschooling at our house.

Just ask him. He’ll be glad to tell you about it.

Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (15) and Nolan (10) and will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at http://www.chrisworthy.com/

Share and Enjoy:

Tags: benefits of homeschooling, confidence, homeschool socialization, Parenting, the quiet child

Related posts:

1. Teaching Emotions Through Conversation One of the biggest obstacles parents face when homeschooling a child with Autism Spectrum...


2. Sing Me to Sleep Finding rest in the midst of mothering The LORD your God is with you, he...


3. The Getaway Plan By the time you read this, I’ll be back, but right now my family is...

"

Health News

A Deadly Addiction: Junk Food: "

While you might not think that cheesecake, ice cream, or candy bars can be lethal, the cumulative effect of a regular diet of junk food can cause chronic health problems that contribute to death, particularly those high in fat and calories.

read more

"

Heading Home

The Friend of the Bridegroom: " Photo by Groomsadvice.com
In the ancient, betrothal tradition, Hebrew fathers thought it their duty to provide a bride for their sons in imitation of God, as Father, Who provided a wife for Adam. When a son came of age to marry, the father, or sometimes the father and mother, chose a bride for their son from their own clan.

A betrothal usually lasted about one year, as the bridegroom left to prepare a place for his bride, usually within his father’s compound. There was to be no contact between the espoused couple during this time.

Therefore, all communications were made through an intermediary, or as we might think of him, a “best man.” He was the one who interceded, relaying messages of love from the groom to the bride and from the bride back to the groom.

As the assistant who also helped plan the marriage, this man was called the “friend of the bridegroom.” This was how John the Baptist referred to himself in John 3:29, saying, “The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.” (NKJV)

When Christ went ahead to prepare a place for His Bride within His Father’s compound, He sent the Holy Spirit as the Friend of the Bridegroom to be the communicator for Him.

Now, the Holy Spirit, as the intermediary, comes to woo the heart of Christ’s intended, to passionately whisper in Her ear and delicately relay the Bridegroom’s messages of love to Her heart.

If you do not take time to listen, you will not hear those precious whispers of love.

Are you listening?

“If ever you were willing to listen, listen now!” (Matt. 11:15 TLB)

"