We have all been in situations in which things do not look like they are adding up to an answer we are going to like. For instance, when your child discovers a personality conflict with a teacher at the beginning of the year, one plus one does not look like it is going to make a happy two. You get a new boss and first impressions are sinking like a lead anchor in your gut. Not looking good. You move into a new neighborhood and the neighborhood gossip appears on your doorstep, happy to inform you of all of the problems with so and so. You can easily fill in the blank with details from your life that tempt you to wonder, “how will I ever…”

Our family struggled through various situations this past fall. As we re-integrated into American culture, each one of us encountered various situations that were challenging. Transitions often roll like that; it seems to be part of the territory.

When I use today’s grace to look into the future, I will get caught in the tension between the now and the not yet.

I see the gap and worry that the situation will go from bad to worse. So easy to forget that…

today’s grace is for today.

 

Today’s strength is for today.

 

Today’s focus is for today.

 

When I add up my depleting reserves and try to plan for tomorrow, I can be tempted to think, “I don’t have enough _______ for _______.”

Resist the temptation to look at that gap between your now and your  not yet,

between today and tomorrow,

between this year and next year with your eye on yourself.

 

See that gap with your eye on God. He is the one who fills in each gap with his providential hand. He is the one who puts the right pieces in place and at the best time to accomplish His purposes.

 

In light of this, Romans 8:28 comes to mind, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” You see, too often I see the gaps in my world and I try to figure out the answer or at least the reason why there is a struggle. I sometimes wonder if in my heart I re-interpret this well-loved promise to read something like this:

And I hope that God will cause everything to work out just like I want it too.

 

That is not what this verse says. God’s promise is to work his good and his plan in spite of all of the yuck that goes on in life, as well as in our own hearts. I am comforted by the words Joseph used to encourage his brothers, “…you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result…” Genesis 50:20

 

What are your eyes focused on today?

Are you looking at a gap in your life, wondering how things are going to work out?

Trust God with grace and strength for today and let him provide for tomorrow…tomorrow.

 

 

 

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.”–Colossians 3:15

The phrase, “Let the peace of Christ rule” is calling my name. Peace sounds especially good after a long, frustrating day or after a disagreement with someone I care about. There are days when I long for peace.  Some days I am desparate for peace.

When I look up the word peace, this is what I find:

by implication prosperity: – one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again. (e-sword)

Who doesn’t want that kind of peace in their day? Since I am feeling crazy groovy today, I also looked up the word rule, which means to arbitrate, prevail, and to govern. These are words that go with authority.  Peace is serious business!

Now I can let that peace come in and be a visitor, or I can let Christ, who is my peace, come in and take over. You see, Christ not only has peace, the Bible tells us He IS peace–our peace. That peace is a personal thing.

 

For He Himself is our peace…Ephesians 2:14a

Peace is a gift straight from the heart of God with my name on it (and because He is so good, He’s got one for you too). God wants for us to learn to live in the peace of Christ, to know the authority and power of His peace in our hearts.

Let the peace of Christ rule…notice it does not say make the peace. I don’t have to somehow create peace when my mind is in turmoil.

My job is to LET IT.

I am learning the lesson of letting.

As a believer, Christ dwells within me, therefore His peace is accessible. Letting lessons don’t come easily; there is something in me that will fight tooth and nail to hang onto anxiety, worry, or fear.

What is it for you? Maybe your lessons in letting the peace of Christ rule have more to do with frustration, impatience, bitterness, or unforgiveness. Maybe you have a drive for control that will not let you rest. Maybe there is someone stomping on your last nerve. For each one of us that trigger point of discord is different.

Too often I equate peace with getting what I want, feeling good, and believing all is right in my world…right now.

If those are my pre-req’s for peace, then peace is based on my situation rather than the fullness of Christ at work in me. There have been way too many days in my life when anxiety and desire for having it my way are ruling the roost. Learning to LET Christ bring His peace to my frazzled nerves will never come as long as I am looking to my situation, my solution, or my anything… to bring peace. Until I learn my lessons of letting, these words leave my spirit frustrated to see what I can have but not be able to get there.

Bottom line: that is no way to live.

 

 

 

 

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.’” --Romans 1:16-17 (NASB)

Sometimes living by faith can seem like a dry, rather nebulous concept. Other times it can seem like something only the strongest of Super-Christians can pull off. Both of these viewpoints miss the vitality of growing faith. God’s righteousness is revealed through power that brings salvation through Christ (the gospel). God’s way of living and doing right is also uncovered in a progressive way through faith; it is a process of discovery.  As I grow in faith, God reveals more of Himself, which stimulates more faith. The Amplified Bible expresses this concept in this way: “…both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith].”

 

God designed faith to grow strongest in a two-way, active relationship. Faith is not like a gift that I open and display on a shelf, admired but useless. Faith is a practical gift that is intended to be used continually. Faith begins with God (Eph. 2:8-9) and God graciously stirs up more faith as I embrace and live out the faith that I currently have. God is doing His part, am I doing mine?

 

Am I truly participating in the process of growing in faith, or am I somehow expecting God to do it all?

 

Faith is not only something that is received; it is also conviction and faithfulness that affects how I live.

 

Have you noticed that living by faith is something that is easy to say and usually harder to do.

 

What does it really mean to live by faith?

When I read the words, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH,” I notice that the word but indicates there is another way to live, that living by faith is a choice. When life brings challenges and problems that tempt me to waffle in doubt, I can choose to live by faith, believing God no matter what. Too often I choose to worry and search for answers that I think can control. In this context the word live means to enjoy real life, to know the vitality of God in my soul, to be active, powerful, and efficient, blessed eternally, to know true life and worth (e-sword.net).  There is significance and worth embedded in these words that grows from faith that goes far beyond what I think—it isn’t a head thing. It is an everything kind of thing.

How gracious God is to reveal Himself in ways that initiate and stimulate faith that blossoms forth in true life.

 

 

One easy step to feeding the picky eater and the beating the challenge of meal plannning: The Selective Menu Find six things your family likes to eat…and make them every week! You’ll never have to plan or have meal-time battles with your kids. It’s amazing how simple meal time issues become when you serve your kids what they like! Is anybody in agreement with me here? When you want a little variety, just change up the nights—How simple it that? Meal planning does not have to be complicated. Read the rest of this entry »

 

Hope Lives

 

God’s hope is filled with life and peace,

mercy and an endless love.

 It is powerful beyond what we can imagine.

 It is the power that raised Christ from the dead

and the power that will raise us up as well.

Hope rises.

 

God’s hope is deeper and reaches far beyond circumstances.

 His hope is the promise and the power to work all things together for good.

He is

and in Him is life and wholeness.

His hope is the power that brings life out of death,

 the power to rise up out of difficult circumstances,

   Hope believes.

 

 We do not have to create our own faith. 

 It is God’s gift of grace.

 It is God’s presence  that ignites hope to rise up

 and overcome doubt and fear.

Hope praises.

 

  Hope is powerful

 because our God is powerful.

Hope is certain

because our God is faithful.

 Hope believes and rests

 in the assurance that He is

and He will be faithful  to do all that He has promised in His word.

The burden of proof is on Him;

 It lies on His shoulders, not ours.

We just need to come and believe.

Hope lives.

 

Hope looks forward expectantly.

Hope dwells in me.

He is already here.

Christ in me,

the hope of glory

 

Happy Easter!

Ginger Harrington

4/7/2012

Why don't teenagers like to wash dishes? Open dishwasher, insert dish, shut the door...it's not that hard people! This task seems to swipe off all of the appearances of the helpful child, revealing the true heart that would rather be...texting. How texting possibly compete with the joys of a clean and tidy kitchen I cannot understand...but it is true. One solution is to glamorize dish washing in the media. How about some MTV videos featuring the exciting art of dish washing rather than break dancing? And have you noticed that there are no X-games for dishwashers? No competitions of Olympic proportions with cool uniforms. What incentive is there to train and build skills if there is no glory of competition...no opportunity to win trophies or accolades for dish washing. What are we thinking? There are few cool gadgets for dish washing...no crazy-fun soap dispensers, no cool noises, and no neon colors (unless you're into that color for your dishes). Seriously--a sponge, a rag, or a spray nozzle is as good as it gets. A rag? No wonder no one gets excited about washing dishes. Read the rest of this entry »

Okay…enough of the funny stuff.  Here are a couple of tips that might actually help:

  

Cut down on extra glasses used through out the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Special spot for Glasses:

Make personalized coasters from 4″ tiles and place them near the sink. (Home Depot or Lowe’s have these) Teach your family to rinse thier glass and place it on thier coaster until the end of the day.  This strategy cuts down on the glass farm that can quickly grow out of control.  We have used the method for years and it works quite well.

 

Here's the normal use for these useful items.

 

 

 

2. Use Your cabinets:

Who says the inside of your kitchen cabinets have to be unused space.  These days there are a variety of over-the-door type of bins and shelves for organizing. You can also install cork or paint the inside of a cabinet with blackboard paint for a handy spot for lists and those necessary, but annoying scraps of paper with important info on them.

 

 

 

 

 

Same product, different use–I like it!

 

 

3. Don’t overlook the Fridge:

Refrigerator magnets–I am okay with having the lived-in look on the side of my fridge, so I am a big fan of magnetized clips.  I like keeping the front   clean, but the side is up for grabs.  I store my bills to be paid, my grocery list, and my recipes for the week in this way.  I understand that this is a big no-no for some.  Out of sight is out of mind for me, so visibility is a plus for this girl. 4. Conquer Paperwork:  We are all familiar with these tips, yet I struggle to consistently follow good advice.

• Open mail at the recycle bin
• Take advantage of paperless options when possible
• Small plastic drawers are great for storing kid’s schoolwork
• Create an accessible and easy to use place for processing paperwork you can’t get to right away

Products and Blogs:

• How about this for a cute little tuck away file system:

Is it a hand-bag?  Is it a file box.  Yes. (For any of you who have wanted a file bag like Larissa has…I found a place to get them.)

I wasn’t able to copy a picture, but you can click here to see what I am talking about:

http://www.jamieraquel.com/default.asp

This is an attractive and portable spot for creating a Command Center for that paperwork that piles up on the counter.  This bag is a little price ($59), but like I said, I know a lot of folks who have been looking for this bag. There are other options of decorative file boxes-see the Martha Stewart line below.  Ikea is also a great source for this type of thing.

• In my search for solutions, I found a great blog by  a gal who definitely has the gift of organization. Here’s a big shout-out for Jen Jones.  Her blog is called iheartorganizing. In this post, she does a great job of tackling paper organization with a household notebook. In fact, check out her entire series on her paper challenge project.  Good stuff with lots of show-how pictures.

http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-challenge-project-paper-step-4.html

In another post, Jen reviews the Martha Stewart line.  For folks who dream about useful products, this will be a happy place to go:)You may also enjoy checking out the Martha Stewart Avery line of office items at Staples:

http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/03/martha-stewart-home-office-review.html

 

One thing I really like about this line is the vertical files–yes!  This is good!

                                                      Martha Stewart Home Office™ with Avery™ Vertical File Folders 24532, Assorted Black Patterns, 9-1/8″ x 12″,  2 Tabs

http://www.avery.com/avery/en_us/Products/Martha-Stewart-Home-Office-with-Avery/Filing/File-Folders/_/?int_id=msho-micro-file-folders

Here is another idea from this line that I like:

http://www.avery.com/avery/secure/submissioncontainer.htm

Martha Stewart Home Office™ with Avery™ Small Shagreen Pocket 24507, Brown,  8″ x 7-1/4″

Product Number: 24507

Hang shagreen pockets in a variety of places with either the built-in adhesive or grommets and included push pins. Their stylish finish makes them pretty enough to use in the kitchen, office, or near the front door. This is a great option for getting that ever-present paperwork off of the counter.  Big smiley face:)

4. Develop the put it away as you go habit:

• If you open it…shut it.
• If you drop it…pick it up.
• If you use it…put it away…NOW!  (The Swat-Method will work for this as well)

 

This method is very effective…if you can discipline yourself to be consistent.  There will be no pile clean up if you never resort to the ineffective pile-method to start with.  Ahh…there’s the rub, isn’t it? The discipline of consistency is so handy for many things in life isn’t it?  Maybe we will take a dive into that subject sometime.  It would be well worth a stop!

Good luck to all of you in your  battle of the kitchen counter!  Please chime in with other good ideas and websites. I know many of you have a few tricks up your sleeves that would be great to try!

 

 

#1 Top-Rated Trash Can Method: The Trash-Can Method of Clutter Control This number-one fix is rather self explanatory. The answer to Kitchen-Counter Clutter is to take a shower squeegee and sweep all clutter into the trash can. Those unfortunate souls who have left their junk on the counter will quickly learn to dump their stuff somewhere else. This solution is by far the fastest fix for the never-ending PILE. Pro: Quickly eliminates clutter of all kinds Con: Do I really need to go there? Read the rest of this entry »

I am looking forward to hanging out with the fantastic ladies from Quantico this weekend at the Spring Retreat.  To make things nice and easy at access, I am including the scripture references from each session.  Welcome Ladies to the Blog–this entry is just for you

Tomorrow we will be off to one of my favorite places–the OCF Retreat Center at White Sulphur Springs.

Session One:  Building Each Other Up

 

Mark 12:30-31 (NASB)

AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’ The second is this, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

 

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:13-22

So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it…13 13-15Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. ( The Message)

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil. (NASB)

 

Colossians 2:2-3,6-7 (NASB)

…that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself,  in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge…Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

Proverbs 11:25 He who refreshes will be refreshed.

Philippians 2:1-4

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.  Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. NASB)

Session Two:  God’s Blueprint for Encouragement

Biblical Tools for Building Others Up

Colossians 3:12-16

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.  Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (NAS)

1 Corinthians 13:1-8

1If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.  Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails; (NASB)

2  Corinthians 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. (NASB)

Proverbs 3:3 (NASB)

3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.

Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Romans 12:16

Phil. 2:4-5 …do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.  Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus…

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS

1 Corinthians 4:22 Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?

Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

James 1:19-20 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

Colossians 1:28-29  2:2-3 “And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ.  And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me…“that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (NASB)

Colossians 1:28-29, 2:2-3

“And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ.  And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me…“that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Romans 12:9-18 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

Ephesians 4:25  Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another. (NASB)

Ephesians 4:29-32 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (NASB)

Proverbs 25:11

11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances. (NASB)

Session Three: Building Up or Tearing Down:  What’s Happening in Your Life? Hindrances to Encouragement

Romans 8:5-16 (MSG)   5-8Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God.

Mind set on Self (Flesh)

Mind set on the Spirit

Death (miseries arising from   sin)

Life and (soul) Peace

Do it on your own mentality

Obsession with self

Attention to God–

Ignores God

Focuses on God

Sense and reason without the   Holy Spirit

Indwelling presence of the Holy   Spirit

Mind with carnal thoughts and   purposes/hostile to God

Mind of Christ within

Does not submit to God’s law

Directed by the Spirit

Catering to the appetites and   impulses of carnal nature

Led by the Spirit

Not pleasing to God

Pleasing to God

Romans 8 (AMP)

6Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].

Romans 2:1  Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. (NASB)

2 Cor 5:16  So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view.

Galatians 6:3-5 (MSG)

1-3 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

Galatians 5:25-26 MSG

25-26Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.

Galatians 5:26 AMP 26Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Bearing  with another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” Colossians 3:13

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

2 Corinthians 10:5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, Session Four: Discouragement Tears Down but the Lord Builds Up

Galatians 6:9-10 (NASB)

9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

1 Thessalonians 3:7 (AMP)

3:7Brethren, for this reason, in [spite of all] our stress and crushing difficulties we have been filled with comfort and cheer about you [because of] your faith (the leaning of your whole personality on God in complete trust and confidence).

Matthew 11:28-30 Amplified Bible (AMP)

28Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]

29Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.

30For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good–not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

Matthew 11:28-30The Message (MSG)

28-30“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

“David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Sam. 30:6

Hebrews 4:16 (NASB)

16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

 

James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

 

Colossians 1:9-11

The Message: We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.

Ephesians 1:17-19

17[For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,18By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),19And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,

 

2 Corinthians 4:16-17  (NASB) 16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

Ephesians 3:14

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Isaiah 61 Exaltation of the Afflicted

1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; 2 To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

4 Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins, They will raise up the former devastations; And they will repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations.

Colossians 1:27 NASB) 27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

 

 

Psalm 23: Rephrased

Look at the statements in this Psalm.  Is this about us or is it about God?  This is one of Scriptures most beautiful passages of the strength and provision of God.  Rephrase this from God to you:

I am your shepherd…I will  provide so you do not want.

I make you like down and rest.

I provide green pastures.

I lead you and give you still waters—restoring peace.

I guide you in the ways of righteousness

I am with you no matter what.

I comfort you with my presence, my word, and my guidance. (rod and staff)

I prepare a place for you—even among your enemies.

I anoint your head with oilàmy Holy Spirit

I fill your cup (heart/life) and cause it to overflow—not  just enough, or almost enough….but overflowing.

Because I am all these things and because I do all these things for youàsurelyàA SURE thing

Goodness and loving-kindness will always be with you.  You will always dwell with me, now and forever.

 

 

Do you ever feel like your kitchen is a battleground?   So much of family life takes place within 5-10 feet of the fridge.  Ever noticed this? There are so many days when I can’t seem to get out of this room–maybe I should move my bed down here just to complete the package.  The  kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and you would think that if this is so that the kitchen would be a calm and serene place filled with love, joy, peace, and good food.  However, as with many things in life, it is just not that simple.  Life can get messy, and so do kitchens.  There are many kinds of battles that can take place here.  Do any of these squirmishes invade the peace of your home?  (Please tell me I am not the only one that lives life this way!!)

…what will I make for dinner?

…it’s your turn to do the dishes!

…I don’t like brocolli!

….you got a what on your math test?

…is your homework done?

…don’t drink out of the milk carton!

…don’t rock in your chair.

…what will I make for dinner? (Yes, I know I already said that.)

…don’t speak to your mother like that.

…do you want to stay here all night?

…put your napkin in your lap…

…who ate the Cheeto’s?

…oh gross! What is that?

…Great.  Burned toast….again.

 

Need I go on?  Case made.

  Point taken. 

 The kitchen can be a dangerous place.  Let me show you one of my greatest irritations and fiercest kitchen battles:

Yes–it is the kitchen counter top. 

 This battle zone has a life of its own.  I know it is alive because EVERY TIME I clean it off, within minutes, it has re-populated itself with stuff.  Seriously, how much time in a day do I spend in the fruitless effort to pretend that I am a reasonable decent housekeeper.  At times I wonder if this is some kind of special ability or intelligence. Is the ability to keep counter tops clean part of a special DNA package that I obviously missed out on? Do people go to school to learn this skill?  Is it a skill or a sport?  Well, I would gladly forgo this battle, but the results of choosing not to fight this battle aren’t pretty:

 

Kitchen battles gone bad.

 

 (Actually this is my old kitchen, but I couldn’t resist adding it in.)

Yep, Martha Stewart doesn’t live here…just in case you were wondering.  I think it is safe to bet that Southern Living will not be doing a spread on this designer kitchen any time soon.  What good would new kitchen counter tops be if I can’t keep the one’s I’ve got cleared off?

Now if any of you has the audacity to tell me about the Fly Lady and her hot spots, I will gladly give this battle over to you to fight.

Now here is a spot check inventory of what is hanging out on my counter at the moment: keys, sissors, a package to be mailed, soy sauce, cookie sprinkles, a measuring cup, butter, salt, two calendars, a house phone and a cell phone, coupons, a high school course catologue, mail, a hair tie (yuck), and a dish towel.  Somehow, my counter top becomes a desk, a phone station, homework hangout…and when all this is done, maybe there will be a little room left over for cooking.

Just to show you what I mean, here is a shot of our kitchen all cleaned up.

Yay for me!! Oh the bliss of a clear, pristine counter!

See I am not truly a total slob…very often.  This is the look that I aim for. Good intentions.

Now here is what happens within what seems like minutes of the last swipe of the counter in the picture above.  Spontaneous cumbustion.  A chemical reaction of some kind:

This is the two hours later shot.

Only the most gifted of Kitchen Goddesses can reign victorious in this battle zone.  (No, it doesn’t count if you don’t actually use your kitchen!) If you happen to be one of those Kitchen Goddesses and carry the right DNA for the continuously clean kitchen counter, please share your tips with those of us who are losing this battle. Seriously…this is a serious kitchen battle and I need a new strategy!

Leave your tips in the comment box and I will post them for all to enjoy.