Heart of the Home Challenge: Directing Your Child's Steps.

     

    How is it as parents we have our children's entire future planned before they breathe their first breath? Haven't we learned from our own lives, that life never goes as planned?  Proverbs 16:9 says, "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps (NASB)." Being a mother for nearly 12 years has taught me life is never as I imagined. I was told I would never have children, now I have three. I thought I would have a career in criminal justice, and now I'm a stay at home mother. I thought I would have quiet, gentle children, instead I have wild, spunky, strong-willed kids. God has taught me through my own ambitions, I can plan, prepare, and push boundaries; but it is God who provides the path for me. It is God who opens the doors and leads me where He wants me.
      The same goes for our children. I can plan, dream, and prepare while looking to God. He directs my children's paths just as much as he directs mine. Are you open to God directing your steps and your child's or are you insistent on having it your way? Are you willing to embrace His path for the future of your family, or are you determined to give your way, your all? I've lived life both ways and walking with God is far better than I ever dreamed. He provides encouragement, opens doors to opportunities, and plants my feet on solid ground. Looking back to Proverbs 16:9, I plan and dream of the future for my children knowing God will direct their steps. His plan is so much better than mine.

Heart of the Home Challenge: How To Save Your Treasures.

   "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Mathew 6:19-21).

     I've always referenced the scripture verse Mathew 6:19-21 for managing our income wisely. I thought more about this verse after a conversation I had with a fellow mommy friend. We both became stay at home mothers due to several choices. In the end, it boils down to relationships with our children. God loaned us our kids for just a short while, even though some days feel like eternity, from nursing, tantrums, and sleepless nights. Put these days into perspective, it becomes just a small moment in our short lives.
     When Jesus tells us to store up treasures in heaven, He isn't just referencing finances, He is referring to the ministry He has called each of us. For mothers, it's the investment of the time, energy, discipline, and lessons we teach our babes. What could possibly be more valuable than pouring ourselves into God's kingdom through raising our kids? 
     Because my heart runs three different circles around me, I make every effort I can to teach my kids God's life lessons in the moment, in hopes that one day they will be movers and shakers for God. My dear little mama is where you'll find life's richest treasures. 

Heart of The Home Challenge: Shake Your Tushie

   

     Nothing is cuter than seeing my kids get up in the morning shaking their tushies. As soon as they're up, the radio gets cranked to My Bridge Radio. Songs of praise and worship echo over the sounds of breakfast and chores. I absolutely love watching my daughter Tori shuffle into the kitchen with her bed head hair, and her droopy pullup bounce as she bobs her knee's to the music. 
     That's one of the beauties of being God's people. He created us with an innate instinct to lift our voices and praise Him. We were created to worship. Deep within our beings, we know there is a Creator, we know there is something bigger than ourselves. Every part of us wants to praise Him for the life He's given us. 
     Teaching our kids to praise God is so important to their foundation of faith. My kids praise God when the sun is shinning, the praise Him when the thunder awakens them in the middle of the night, and they sing praise songs when they've been disciplined. One of their favorite bands are the The Go Fish Guys, which teaches great gospel songs and stories of God that won't drive parents like me nuts. We didn't always listen to stations like My Bridge, after I became a christian, I began to really notice how music influenced my thoughts, actions, and attitude. The more I began listening to Christian music, the more positive and calm I felt. If music had this much influence on me, imagine what influence songs about having a good time, or being around pretty girls must do for my kids? 
     I leave you today with the scripture of Psalm 92:1-2, "It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night." 




 

Heart of the Home Challenge & Beth Moore

Beth Moore, she stood right next to us!

Pauline, Me, & Cindy!

 Dawn & Aliisa, these photos are from the Beth Moore Conference in Lincoln 2011.

This week's scripture verse that I am memorizing or at least becoming familiar with, fits so well with the Beth Moore conference this past weekend. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23 NIV). 

     Allow me to be transparent for a second, I can be insecure about women who are prettier than me, better at parenting than me, skinnier than me, have more friends than me, who can teach better than me, and the list goes on. The root of all these insecurities is gaining approval or longing to be accepted by other people. Is that what God intended for us, to please others? God intended for each of us to keep our eyes solely focused on Him. Every move we make, every thought, every action should be presented before Him. Focusing on others that are better than us, makes us bitter. Focusing on God makes us BETTER. Dedicate your thoughts, feelings, work, parenting, dishes, dusting to God. Forget trying to make an impression on mere mortal woman. When we focus our attention on Him, life suddenly grows sweeter. When we strive to please God, we gain momentum in all we do. In the end we glorify God, and that my friend is something worth striving for. 

Heart Of the Home Challenge. Can You Be Still?

      

    "Be Still and I know that I am God." Psalms 46:10 is a verse that I readily and easily memorized when I first became a follower of Jesus seven years ago. It implies that as a woman and mother I cannot foresee the future, nor can I expect to control my kids antic's all the time. It reminds me that God is ever present in my daily life. He is there to remind me that no matter the situation, He is waiting for me to come to Him for reassurance.
      Psalms 46:10 applies to every situation and event that makes me wonder if God is aware of what is happening. Between sick kids, fights, tight finances, worrisome grades, troubled relationships, God knows about it all. He invites us to come into His presence and rest in His hands. As a woman and as a mother, how does this scripture apply to your life? Post a comment or two and start the conversation.

Peace...Can Somebody Define that Word for This Momma Please

     Let's face it, as mothers of small children, we've forgotten the definition of the word peace.  According to a quick search through Wikipedia, peace is defined as, "Freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility." I don't know about you but I had to look up the phrase of 'freedom from disturbance," and then I had I to look up the words quiet and tranquility. That should give you some insight to what my house is like these days. Providing childcare for an infant, and his older brother, potty training my 2 year old, teaching the do's and don'ts to a 4 year old, and keeping my 11 year old busy leaves no time for peace and quiet.
    Just because I'm a mom however, doesn't mean God will not provide peace. It may look different to others because they may not be in the same stage of life or mothering for that matter. In the scripture verse posed in the picture of John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  Jesus was saying, that even though He would be physically present, He would be with us. He walks with us through the daily domestics of life, providing peace through the Holy Spirit. Peace in essence is on tap, all I need to do is let Jesus know that I'm in need of it...LOTS OF IT. Even though the kids are causing chaos, through messes, fights, and tantrums, Jesus provides a blanket of peace. It causes my emotions to calm, and my mothering ability is enhanced.
    I invite you to try this today. Whether you're a working mom or a stay at home mom (that's still working, minus the paycheck), when you start to feel overwhelmed by a situation, recite this verse and pray that God provides the Holy Spirit to bring your mind and heart peace.  

Heart of The Home Challenge--Finding Joy...Even at 1:30 in the Morning.

 In case you haven't been following along these last few weeks, I have challenged my readers to memorize scripture every week of 2011 as part of your new years resolutions. This week we are focusing on Romans 15:3. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." 

 I wasn't full of joy, nor was I hopeful about anything at 1:30 this morning. My son had wet the bed and that meant, showering him off, stripping the bed, and making the bed, drying off my son, and finally putting that bugger back to bed. When I awoke this morning, I was tired and dreaded rolling out of bed for the day. Lack of sleep causes my perceptions to be negative and you know the saying, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." 

     As I laid in bed, having a bad case of the "Mondays", this scripture popped up on my phone. Bad attitudes, negative perceptions are anything but what God designed us for.Instead we are to put all our hope in Him. The more we hope, the more joy fills our hearts until it's overflowing. The key trusting in God that He has our best interests at heart, even at 1:30 in the morning! 

I Need a B R A I N Wash. Heart of the Home Challenge.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT 


     This has been the craziest  couple of weeks ever, which explains the bank pages on my blog and me running for cover!. In terms of relationships, a band-aid was finally ripped off and major surgery is still needed. In the meantime, I'm still limping from injuries. Not to mention my kids have become possessed. My son has laughed and mocked me every time I've corrected or disciplined him. Then there are my two daughters, one of which decided to shave without my permission and the bathroom still looks like a crime scene; while the other has been testing my limits in terms of no sleep. While all this turmoil is shaking my my life, the song my son keeps singing is stuck in my head. "I need a brain wash from my head to my toes, a brain wash from my head to my soul. That's right I need a B R A I N double wash! Don't be conformed to this world but transform it," he sings as he plays, bathes, and poops.The icing on the cake is that my van died; rest in peace my beloved mini-van...Okay, okay, I hated the dang thing. There is just NOTHING sexy or cool about driving a mini-van. However now that I'm driving my husband's big red beast of a truck, I realized how much of a blessing my stupid mini-van was.  

      Personally, I blame it all on God. Yep, you heard me, I'm not backing down on what I said. God regularly puts tasks of testing our faith in front of us to grow us. With that said, I blame the crazy cycle on Him and I'm not upset about it, nor am I going to argue with Him. I've come to the conclusion that if God is going to stretch, test, and grow our faith in Him; then He is also going to provide the tools, strength, and wisdom to get through it. Before I was a Christian, when disasters and trials came my way, I blamed others, myself, and  wallowed in self pity or despair. This time around my spirit rests on God. He is my strong tower, my refuge, my provider. I know no matter the circumstances, He has something better for me, a higher road to take, or a chance to transform one of my character flaws to His Sons image.
    Because He is someone to rely on, this week's verse for Heart of The Home Challenge is a testament of our faith to ourselves and to others if we fully rest on God and keep our eyes on Him. If we keep our focus on Him, He will transform us from the inside out.

Heart of The Home Challenge -- Perfection

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Philippians 1:6 (The Message).


        Much like the baby books we are so meticulous about keeping, we each have a book that God is keeping and recording our victories. With every page, we see the growth and milestones of our babies. Our journey with accepting God as our leader, and Saviour is the same way. Looking back over the last seven years as a Jesus Follower, I can see the where He pulled me out of the pit in the beginning. Everything from a broken spirit, no self esteem, suicidal issues, mental health issues, cutting, addictions to drugs and alcohol. These pages mind you aren't very pretty; but with the turn of a single page, I see the inscriptions Jesus made with every step I made towards Him. Each page brings me closer to being made in perfection, with peace, confidence, and freedom.
      Whether you're a new person in Christ or you've been following Him for years, He has your "baby book" and is recording every milestone you make for Him and His kingdom. From every burden you let go of, to putting others before yourself. This verse is a good one to meditate on this week and teach to our kids, we can remind them in the moments they are frustrated from yet another timeout or correction, that we are confident in what God is creating in them, bringing them to the other side of perfection in Him. 

He's Holding Your Hand

 For I am the LORD your God
   who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
   I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)


    So many times we grab our little ones by the hand each day, to pull them up when they have fallen, to help them walk across the room, to lead them into their preschool room, or dropping our older's ones off at school.
    How often are we aware that God takes us by the hand and leads us to do things we fear? We are always in His hands and it brings great comfort in knowing that in the moments when fear grips our hearts, He is holding our hand. We can turn to him that in that moment and He will say, "Do not fear, little mama, I will help you." Do

Heart of the Home Challenge, Week 8

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
   and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him,
   and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6.




      This is one of the first scripture verses that resonated in my heart when I first decided to follow God. Nothing in my life at the time made sense. NOTHING. Everything was falling apart. I had been arrested and was facing jail time. I lost my internship that was critical for graduating college, and my marriage was on the rocks. 
      I was finally seeing the consequences of my drinking and careless lifestyle. I was wading through the wreckage of my life; maybe my life was always like this and I was finally waking up enough to care. The scripture above was what I clung to in all the circumstances. I would pray to God telling him, "I don't really know You, but I can feel Your presence in my life. Help me to stand on Your word, Your will. Make everything okay. Change me, I am all Yours. I'm submitting my life to you." 
     As I continually turned my face and heart to Him, peace that I never understood filled my thoughts, my body, and life. As I faced the judge, he gave me mercy which astonished my attorney and others who knew him. When I faced my professors and the vice chancellor about graduation, they gave me grace and time to complete other courses in place of my internship. This is something that rarely, if ever happened. When I came home in the evenings to my husband and baby girl, the mood was lighter and Chris was wanting to be home instead of at the bars. He was being drawn to God's presence. 
       Seven years later, this verse still resonates with me and my life has changed completely. I may not be facing trails like jail time or divorce, but God is still there for me in the little things. When there's chaos, crabby kids, piles of bills, obligations, and a mountain of laundry He's there for me to turn to. Because I put my trust in Him, I am fully submitting to Him. In return He brings peace, and His plans for my life unfold in ways I never expected.  
      As a mother, this is one verse we can teach our children. I've taught it to my youngest child who is 26 months. Though she may not understan all the words, the depth and essence of what God means touches her core. She fully trusts and knows that no matter what situation isn't going her way, it will turn out for the best. 

• What thoughts does this verse bring to mind? 
• Did you have a rough past life, has God made your paths straight?
• How do you teach this to your children?

Heart Of The Home Challenge Week 7

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!


     The scripture that I bring on this lovely Monday morning is one of my favorites. During the first few days of committing myself to following Jesus, I was bombarded with thoughts of my past. Everything, from how I thought, what I did, and the results of those actions caused me to feel unworthy, guilty, unclean, and not good enough to call myself a Christian. 
       Have you ever felt that way? Here's the good news, none of us are worthy...none of us are clean. It's one of the enemy's tactics to draw us away from Christ and back into his pit. The other part God gently reminded me of is the old Heather is dead and gone. Forgotten are the things I had done because I had been forgiven. God see's me as a new creation, if He sees me in that light, I too, need to look at myself in His light. 
     The next time you are feeling guilty about something in your past, take that thought captive and recite this verse. Remember who you truly are in Jesus. 


Are you a somewhat new Christian? What do you do when the world or enemy makes you feel guilty about your past? 

Heart of the Home Challenge, Week 7

John 15:5 (ESV)
 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
          
          

            In the tapestry of our lives, the single thread of God's love is interwoven into all things. When I am not focused on Him, the daily domestics of motherhood seem to frazzle this mama's mind more that usual. The other bright threads that I  give my  attention to pulls my focus into several other directions with distractions, to-do lists, and running errands. When Jesus said this, He was talking to His apostles and reminding them of the message they were chosen to proclaim. He was hinting at His big debut as the Savior for He would be nailed to the cross to provide access to God's throne and heaven. While that may be a bit deep for ya'll it's a reminder of why we are to abide in Him. When we abide in Christ, meaning, setting our eyes and hearts on things above, we position ourselves to hear what He has in store for us that day. It opens up the door for opportunity to parent our children on a lesson that He wants them to learn through sharing, loving others (a.k.a not biting our friends because they took a toy, or being thankful of what He has provided for us). 
        We bear fruit when we respond to the tugging in our spirits. It's in the smallest of moments that He calls us, a simple smile, a hug, an extended hand on the road of life. We bear fruit of His goodness when we yield to His words, letting them take root in our hearts. How will you respond today?


       

Heart of the Home Challenge, Week 6

Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV)
[14] Do all things without grumbling or questioning, [15a] that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God.


Ladies! Are you ready for the next memory verse for Heart of the Home Challenge? For more details, click on labels and find Week 1! Remember there is a grand prize at the end of the year. You can also partner up with http://mybridgeradio.net/ for more details.

     Have you had one of those days, weeks, or maybe even months when nothing is going your way? It feels like you've woken up on the wrong side of the bed repeatedly. Philippians 2:14-15 is a reminder of what the Israelites did after God showed them one miracle after another. They were freed from slavery and led by God himself to the promised land. Did they rejoice that God was in their midst and provided for all their needs? Nope, that's right ladies; instead they grumbled, complained, and even cursed at God for the trials. It was so severe that God finally said enough and did not allow most of them to enter into the promised land. Instead those who grumbled got the lovely experience of wandering around the wilderness for 4o years. 
     A woman's heart sets the tone of the home. Emotions and perspectives are choices we make. We may feel miserable, and irritable however we have the choice to either choose to be thankful even though we don't feel like it or we can give in to these emotions, grumble and complain. If your heart is centered on complaints, the tone of your children's attitudes will reflect yours. 
     Instead of complaining, thank God for the very air you breathe, thank Him for all the little things in life. If nothing else thank Him for your salvation! I want to be blameless when I stand before my Maker. I don't want to be held accountable for all the complaints which God actually sees as sin. This week, make a conscious choice to center your heart on God, turn each complaint into a thankful. 

American Dream, Who Is Your Contractor?

    Psalms 127:1 (NASB)
[127:1] Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman keeps awake in vain.


[Remember to post a comment, tell us your point of view, & add it to your weekly verse, click on week 1 for details about Heart of the Home Challenge or click on week 1].


       This weeks verse hits home for me as I remember the brokenness that filled our home before we dedicated our lives to God. Chris was constantly gone for one work related thing after another and so I was I. I was busy completing a degree (which I don't think I will ever use) and navigating the waters of my career choice while Cheyenne was in daycare for at least 10 hours a day. We may have lived under one roof but we were not a family. These days we are surviving on one income and Chris is home everyday at 5:10 p.m. The best part is we love being home. We love being there for our children. Laughter echos through out the house. We may not have much but we are so thankful for what we do have. The watchmen of our home are mine and my husband's hearts and we center it purposefully looking up towards the heavens. God is the builder of this home, He's filled it with His presence, joy, peace, and all the excitement of watching our children grow to serve and love Him as well as their parents. Take a moment and watch the video. Post comments please. 


1. As mom, do you know God? How do you represent Him in your home? 
2. If you don't know God, what stops you from knowing Him and following him? 
3. What clip in the video hit home to you?
4. What part of the scripture stands out to you this week? 

Attitude Adjustment

             


       Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phillipians 4:6 NIV.

       "If you don't change your attitude young lady, I'm gonna ground your butt into next week!" My mom's remarks still echo in my mind to this day. It was something I heard from my mom on a daily basis. Now that I'm all grown up, it's come to light in a different way. Over this last year, I've complained about relationships, friendships, my home, my husband's job, my kids, and more. At the same time, God's voice has dialed down to silence. I can honestly relate to being in the wilderness, full of sand, wind, and nothingness. After months of silence, I finally heard His voice and His answers are resonating off the pages of my current Sonrise Bible Study.

"Heather it's your attitude."
"What? My attitude? But God, I love You with all my heart, I'm faithful to You in all that I do, what attitude?"

     Apparently God doesn't like complainers. Complaints, and a heart of discontent leads us away from God. Don't know what I'm taking about? Remember the Israelites, well if not here's a quick crash course of the Old Testament. The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt for hundreds of years and God heard their cries. So He showed His power in rescuing them after sending a man named Moses to battle with the Pharaoh. God sent several plagues and made the Pharaoh wish he had never heard of God. Then God led the Israelites out into the desert. He parted the Red Sea, sent a cloud to guide them by day, a pillar of fire by night. He provided for all their needs with food, water, and their clothes never wore out. During their 40 day journey after seeing sign after sign of this amazing God; were they rejoicing in the awesomeness of this God? NOPE, instead they complained every step of the way. They roused God's anger against them and instead of entering into the promised land full of every abundance imaginable, they got to wander in the desert for 40 years, one year for each day they complained against God. Only children and those under the age of 20 got to enter into the promised land.
         As harsh as this sounds, God is serious about the attitudes of our hearts. Complaints lead to lack of faith, lack of faith leads to worry, discontentment, jealousy, bitterness, cynicism, disobedience, and separates us from God. While I was busy complaining about the repairs our house needed, or about friendships going awry, I became more focused on these issues and not how God was moving in my life. Blessings had been overlooked. He provided a house that though it was old, repairs were easy to make and He had given me a husband who is gifted in carpentry and working with his hands. Instead of being satisfied with real genuine friendships, I was vomiting all over them about the friends who had hurt and scarred me. Instead of seeing the blessings in the children He had given me, I was complaining about their disobedience and fighting.
         Since God has a sense of humor and doesn't want to leave me wandering around in the desert forever, He got my attention with the Bible Study 'Lord Change My Attitude' and today's verse from Remembering 2011 with My Bridge Radio. Not only has He slapped me back into my senses, He's humbled my thoughts and is cleaning out my heart of discontement and negative attitude. I can't begin to tell you how light my heart has been this week. Yes, I still have problems and things that cause me to worry and instead of falling back into my old negative attitude, I bring my thoughts quickly to God and then thank Him for what He is doing in my life.
          My challenge to you this week is this: Memorize Phillipians 4:6, then write out every blessing that God has given you recently. Next make a list of what is not going the way you want it in your life right now. Write out why you are discontent and worried. Next present these worries to God, ask Him to clenase your heart of your negative attitude. Ask Him to help you see what it is that He is doing and pray to be a part of it. Life doesn't always go the way we plan it, BUT God works everything together for your good and according to His plan.

• What are some of your complaints?
• Did you know that God considers complaints as sin?
• Were you aware that worry is a lack of faith in God?
• Share your comments please.

Steadfast Mama.

     Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)



       Being a stay at home mom is no easy feat; in fact most days it's not as fabulous as I imagined when I first entertained the fantasy of staying home with my perfect child, perfect hair, and perfect home. I'm pretty sure my fabulous fantasies were induced by all the extra pregnancy hormones.  In reality, it's a job that's in motion 24 hours a day, 7 days a week...let's not mention for the duration of at least 18 years. 
     There's no one in which we can hand our two weeks notice, and when a dead line hits, it's up to us to make it or break it. Piles of laundry call our name daily, while the kitchen sink fills up at least four times a day demanding our attention to wash them. Then there's kid duty, entertaining, teaching, time outs, breaking up fights, and teaching moments. There have been many moments when I catch myself in the mirror after a particularly engaging battle with my toddlers when I question if it's all worth it. Is all my labor in vain? Does what I do matter? My answer is YES, it matters to God. He cares more than you could ever imagine over your frustrations and trials as a Mom!
        How do I remain steadfast and immovable for my children? What's the point of discipline when the little ones repeat the same offense day after day, sometimes minute and after minute and not give up? It's my mind set. Each morning before I get out of bed, I send up a prayer asking God for the strength and wisdom to parent and to get my check list done. My prayer is generally something like this, "Father God, I know You see me down here.(Elijah, Mommy is talking to God, you need to wait for your juice.) You know my temper, and the ability my kids have to push my buttons.  (I'm...just a sec God, gotta get Tori's poopy diaper changed), I'm committing this day to You and I ask that Your presence is with me throughout the day. Help me to live in the moment and impact my kids for You...(No, Elijah you may NOT play the Wii or use the remotes for swords before 7:00 a.m.) Let the little things like hugs and kind words make an impression on their hearts today. Please Lord, help me to not strangle them today....and help me to view my household work that I despise as a pleasing offering to You. Amen."
        The work of raising well rounded society minded, Christ centered kids is HUGE. And very often I don't see the results of my efforts for months to come. In the mean time I know that God is with me, He sees all that I'm doing which amps up my efforts in being a good mom today.
     What do you struggle with as a mom?
      When you feel like you are laboring in vain, is it hard for you to believe that God is willing to give you the strength to go on?
       Share your comments please!

Grace and Then Some...

He who did not spare His own Son,
but gave Him up for us all,
how will He not also with Him
graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 (ESV).

      This week's verse for the Hearts of The Home Challenge comes from Romans chapter 8, verse 32. Read it, write it down, and place it in your car, on your desk, sticky note it to your kitchen window or bathroom mirror!
       What does this verse mean to you? As a woman and a mother, what thoughts does this verse invoke? Does it remind you that God spared nothing at your expense?
    Moms know full well what grace is. Grace is embracing your child, terrible two's, and three's (and eight's for that matter) and loving them for who they are. We know that no amount of tantrums, screaming, and messes they make will ever cause us to love them any less. We may be frustrated, tired, and irritable, but grace is freely granted to our precious babes. That is how God love us. Before He spoke each one of us into existence, He knew what decisions we would make, and the grief we would cause Him. Yet He sacrificed His only Son so we can know Him. Just as we have a never ending love for our children, so does God for us.

• What thoughts does this verse arise in your heart?
• What areas are you afraid to pray about in your life as a mother?
• How are you going to apply this scripture to your life this week?

Leave a comment or two! Let the discussions begin. For more info about this scripture or last weeks, please visit http://www.mybridgeradio.net/community/events/3797. Sign up and follow along.

Your Worldview vs God's View

Psalms 1:1-2 (ESV)

[1] Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers
[2] but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.


     Part of my resolutions for 2011 is to know God's word by heart. As I go through this year memorizing scripture, I pray that you will join me and we can begin a dialogue about hiding His word in our heart. As mothers and women, our job is to be the heart of our homes. What better way to demonstrate Godly character than by meditating on His word day and night!


       As I meditate on the words of Psalms 1:1-2, it brings one thought provoking statement to mind. What drives the choices we make? We believe we make choices through a sound thought process. Its a script that incorporates our sense of right and wrong and what's best for us. In reality, its our worldview. Our world view is our past packaged and categorized by what has happened to us, the choices we've made, and the outcome of it all.
     Your worldview shapes how you want life to be. Its part of the core of who we are and shapes our future, our choices, and our decisions. So here are some thought provoking questions about your worldview.

• Have you always been a christian?
• Are your choices shaped by your past?
• Is your worldview painted by life circumstances or events that 'happened' to you?
• Is your worldview painted by the outcome of careful decisions you've made?

      Up until six years ago, my worldview was influenced by my past, I unknowingly operated out of fear. The  fear was the foundation and walls I built around my family, heart, and mind. Instead of making decisions out of a sound mind and judgement;  choices and decisions were made ensuring the walls I built would stand. After allowing Jesus to be the center of my life; He surveyed the walls and foundation of my heart and began demolishing the walls and the practice of operating out of fear. 
      Psalms 1 verse 2 is the key to this process. Meditating and on His word instills God's view instead our own worldview. Reading the Bible and memorizing His word is the foundation of a new heart and a new life. Meditating on His word means that not only are we reading His word, but we are allowing God to give us His point of view. We can then begin to operate under sound decisions that His law (the Bible) gives us. 
      Instead of calling your girlfriends to get advice about a choice this week, I challenge you to go to God first. Take this verse, write it on several note cards, then place these through out your house, workplace, and car. Memorize it. Then when a situation arises, allow God to speak to your heart through this scripture.