Wind

The wind has been blowing at hurricane forces with red flag warnings covering my state for over a week. Wind escalades consuming fires; causes dust storms, and blows the tumbling weed you may have seen in Wild West movies. Those weeds can grow into the size of house doors. I have a friend who shared seeing an entire front of a house covered by them, with a senior citizen needing help.

I have been meditating on the wind, the Hebrew word for wind is Ruach. Strongs Concordance definition: Ruach means breath, wind, spirit with its’ phonetic spelling is (roo’-akh). Johnathan Cahn, a Messianic Jewish author shares his interpretation in his “Book of Mysteries”. The Holy Spirit, the breath of life along the wind are synonymous with the power of the Lord. Have you ever thought of this concept?

The Bible supports this premise, as I did research I found the wind described in Genesis through Revelations. It was an amazing read I will share some scriptures.

Genesis, the first book of the Bible, describes God’s action to blow across the earth and dry land after the flood.

Genesis 8:1    But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and livestock with him in the boat. He sent a wind to blow across the earth, and the floodwaters began to recede.

The Lord used the wind to bring a holy fear to enemies in war just by its sound in Leviticus, wind cleared locusts and brought quail to the hungry Israelites in Numbers 11.

2 Samuel 22 describes how the Lord heard the cries of David and David saw Him in the storm clouds. What a visual? I choose to believe the same is true today. We may have other noises or busy lists drowning out this revelation.

2 Samuel 22:11
Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew,
  soaring on the wings of the wind.

Elijah described being worn out and feeling alone as He continued to serve the Lord even though many peers thought he was crazy and stupid. In 1 Kings 19, we are reminded that despite the noise around us the Lord speaks in whispers. Are we spending time with our Lord? It is hard to hear His whispers when we aren’t listening for them. I am guilty as charged at times.

1 Kings 19: 11-12   11 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper.

At one point, Job was rebuked by the Lord for his rantings. The Lord reminded Job where all things began, with Him. Job 38:24 Where is the path to the source of light? Where is the home of the east wind?

In Psalm 28, the Lord is increasingly frustrated as His children are not walking with Him, the Lord says in verse 26: He released the east wind in the heavens, and guided the south wind by his mighty power.

My time hearing the winds, seeing the trees sway, watching the tumbleweeds, not being able to walk a straight line outside, eating dust, and sneezing from the wind, made me consider the Lord made the wind and it holds the majesty of His power.

Matthew 8:26-27 is one of my favorite stories of Jesus calming the storm at sea while his buddies freaked out. Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” The winds were out of control and Jesus rebuked the winds. It was a defining moment because they were in awe that even the winds obeyed Jesus. Sadly, I can be like the disciples! But I don’t have to stay in that place.

Psalm 104 describes the majesty of the Lord and his creation of sky, heavens, clouds, and wind.

Psalm 104: 1- 4   
1 Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed 
with honor and majesty. 
2 You are dressed in a robe of light. You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens; 
3  you lay out the rafters of your home in the rain clouds. You make the clouds your 
chariot; you ride upon the wings of the wind. 
4  The winds are your messengers; flames of fire are your servants.

Ah, another windy day, red flag warning in case of fires, the earth is so dry, just a spark of flame will light up the pastures. Isn’t that a metaphor for life, my friends?

Action steps: Meditate on these: Am I walking with the wind, in a sense my Holy Spirit, my Lord? Or am I walking against His instructions with worry, defiance, pride, grumbling, basically, in sin? If I choose the fleshy sin ways, I am dried up, worn out, depressed, anxious and lonely. If I walk with the Lord I allow Him to carry me or at the very least, I let my burdens be directed by His wisdom and the negative mindset to be blown away as I trust Him.

James 1: 5-7       5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

I want to be in control, do you? However, with each passing year, I am learning my need to control is not helpful. I can’t control the future and world events any more than I can control the wind. I am choosing loyalty and a walk with Him.

Walk with the wind not against it! Hold onto your hat, life will be more interesting and less parched.

Squirrel?

What comes to mind when you hear the word, “Squirrel”? Is it a cute, red-furred animal that frustrates your dog by taunting from a tree? Does the word, squirrel, bring up visions of Doug, the awkward, friendly dog from the Disney movie, “UP”?

Perhaps, it’s my recent trip to Disney World? I feel like Doug the distracted dog with multiple voices calling in my head. The voices say, “conflict in relationships, it’s your fault… you are unreasonable, just a judgemental Christian. is that true Lord? If so, I repent. Family is joy and trial but must I be quiet, keep the peace? My thoughts detour to wars waged across the world, sadness, and despair for the family of God in harm’s way. Frustrations for decisions by those you love may cause health issues or even death, do I speak up as a nurse?”

These are just a few thoughts swirling in my mind. Distractions of news, social media, and just plain life make me feel poked to limit time with God, or drop a quick prayer and walk along my way. Do my prayers matter or are they useless? However, prayers do matter.

James 5: 16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Prayer is a way to battle in the heavenly spaces. It matters when I take time to praise the Lord, putting the praise music loud in my home and singing along are action steps of faith even when I feel spent and weary. Can you relate?

Psalm 103 : 1- 5
1 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
    with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
    may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
    and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
    and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
    My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

Squirrel!!! There it goes again, the voice in my head, I feel the distraction coming again. Hey, wait a minute, God created that amazing animal, he is shy, yet motivated, he is free to run, and climb trees and fences. He may taunt my pets but He brings joy as he chatters loudly.

God listens to me as I chatter, ah there now I feel better, the same God that made me has made the squirrel. He has a purpose as do I. Let me sing a new song to the Creator God, and let me spend time climbing (in my mind) onto the lap of my Father. Let me imagine the joy of time spent with Him as He renews my strength as a youth.

Breathing deep, I feel calmer and I hope you do too. Blessed when I seek more connection with the Lord. Peace is coming even if temporary.

So the next time you feel the call of the Squirrel, pause, and chatter with the Creator. Find the joy again even in the midst of a chaotic time.

Galatians 6:9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Broken?

Are you hurting? Are you broken by the trials of life? I know who can change your life, transform your mind, and love you beyond all human understanding. He calls you by name. His name is Jesus.

Psalm 139:1 - 6
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is high; I cannot attain it.

Let your heart believe again or for the first time, He wants to pour out His Love. He is your Savior, He knew you before you were born. He sees the whole painting of your life, not just the broken pieces. He can be the gold thread that ties all things together. Trust Him, Believe He is who He says He is.

I am broken, we are all broken and need a Savior, Jesus. This song by Stars Go Dim is so amazing, “Yes He does”. He can turn all things for good. Let Him heal all the broken places.

Ephesians 2: 8 - 10  
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Yes, He loves you. Yes, He has plans. Yes, He wants to change the hard places into amazing purposes. He uses everything. Let Him!!

Kintsugi and Life

Photo by Mary Mesikapp

This is a reblog of my first post. It feels so relevant for current times. May it encourage and remind you we all have broken parts. The world seems to be fracturing between nations. We all need peace and unity with our Creator. Our cracks can be healed and patched up by time meditating on His Word. Let Jesus provide the glue and wisdom.

_______________________________________________

I am inspired to share wisdom from the challenges in life. I went to an adoption group meeting last week, one of the leaders spoke about an ancient Japanese art called Kintsugi.

This Japanese art mends broken pottery with gold lacquer making the repaired piece more beautiful for having been broken. The message of using our broken stories, mistakes, trials and pains, for good, resonated with me.

Why do I see broken experiences as loss? Why do I see mistakes as failures? Why do I see trials as punishment? Do these broken stories mean I am forever broken? Who gave me this pessimistic thought? Should I stay in the negative or choose instead to see the other side? That is the choice I must make no matter which road I choose to journey.

As I purposely broke the creme colored china tea cup, I pondered the long list of my challenges with myself, and others. I pondered the mindset of the negative. I thought back to how in my infertility I found God. I thought in the stress and fears of adoption, awaiting God’s blessing, I felt His presence again. I thought, how each one of my children came to my husband and I at just the right time, God’s time, His Presence, His blessings to me. Why is that surprising and yet inspiring? The trials brought me to a closer relationship with Jesus. I had to trust Him with the unknown.

As I watch each stage in my children’s life, I am reminded yet again, God is refining me as the epoxy and gold flakes reconnected the broken pieces of my china tea cup. The bond of strength in this cup is stronger, the gold shimmering edges of the cracked pieces are more luminous. The beauty of the creme colored tea cup is changed and more meaningful to me now than if the tea cup hadn’t been broken.

As I was breaking the tea cup, I thought in the back of my mind how amazing it would be if there was a small irreparable opening. I reflected if that opening appeared it would be a reminder of how the Lord God Himself has shown Himself through the cracks of my life. It would remind me I am not meant to go through repair without His Light.

Interesting enough, the small opening in my creme colored tea cup did appear, I carefully dabbed on gold dusted epoxy in the opening. Surely I will remember He is steadfast in all trials, joys and the steps of life. May I be the example to those who watch the step by step journey of His Light shining through the cracks. Refined, remade, richer and Luminous!!!

Thank you for joining me on this journey!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

Conflict

Conflict, according to Merriam Webster has a two-part definition: a conflict of principles involving divergent ideas, opposed, and in the verb tense, to contend in warfare.

From personal experience, I was afraid of conflict because I often wondered, “does the squeaky wheel get the grease”? This old adage reminds me of generations past and the assumption you have to speak up for yourself (maybe even rage)or you will be squashed.

Watching our dog navigate the animal world of our two cats shows the difference between assertion and aggression. Barking and hissing, or using a bite and slashing with claws are their skills of conflict resolution. I added the photograph as a visual for the topic of conflict :).

In human terms, we may have to pause before we throw out words that we can’t take back. Words can hurt more than punches. Words seem to find a way into the deep crevices of our minds. They can fester into pus that scars our self-concept or another’s for a lifetime.

Yes, there are times we need to be held accountable for our actions. However, a soft gentle answer turns away wrath. Proverbs 15:1 has been a gem to me. I have it posted on my refrigerator. Can you guess why it is in this location?

Proverbs 15: 1 - 5 
 1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
    keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
    but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

Hangry and tired people hurl words without thinking. Can you relate? Grrrrr. Words that can bring regret, pain, loss, and permanent damage to relationships are the way the enemy devours the good people from our lives. That is the enemy’s plan to destroy our healthy relationships!

Jesus is our Shepherd, the gate for His sheep. We must learn to listen to His voice and wisdom not the impulse and emotions of the enemy who wants to rob us of good things.

John 10: 7- 9 
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Action steps to healthy conflict resolution:

1. Deep breathe, slow down impulse reactions.

2. Post one of the scripture verses in Proverbs 15 ahead of time in places where you are triggered.

3. It is Spiritual warfare when the battle is on. It isn’t about flesh and blood but the enemy trying to destroy our relationships.

Ephesians 6:10-12
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

4. Realize we all need a reboot, we sin, we need a Savior to help us change unhealthy patterns.

5. Go to Jesus, talk to Him, ask for insight into your reaction.

6. There are times the other party needs to be laid at the cross of Jesus. What does that mean? Let go and let God!

You may need to step back from another for a while and almost detox from the conflict. Or even leave the dysfunctional relationship. The One (God) who created you knows all about you. He will be a safe place to regroup.

Self-care means putting your needs to refresh ahead of people-pleasing. Rest with Jesus!

The other party without your intervention may actually get a God revelation and change reactions. Even if that doesn’t occur, your time with Jesus will refresh.

Seek to learn from each experience. Let your mind be renewed.

Romans 12: 2  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Conflict can bring new revelations, they provide us with the opportunity to see our flaws and work to change them. We can’t do this on our own we are too self-absorbed.

Don’t fear conflict seek to want a better relationship. If the Lord is asked into your communication He will give the best advice. Choosing God’s best and believing He loves and wants to give a good life can bring joy and a healthy future.

It is Well

The Big C-word (Cancer) has a way of stopping a person in their tracks, your breath stops, your mind is blank and you are standing on the precipice of mortality.

Will cancer be my undoing or will I have faith in God as I tackle the necessary doctor-designed treatments and care? It is an independent reflective time, no one can take the process from you.

How will I be changed? Will my body be forever damaged? Will my emotions, psychological outlook, my spiritual walk be in trusting God or in anger to this potential future?

It is a dichotomy of thoughts. It is life and death in balance. It is knowing family and friends watch your faith in action or your questioning of faith. (It is ok, God understands.)

It is a time to let friends and family help, pray for you, and serve your needs. I am a giver and not the best receiver. However, as I went through this process, I was humbled and felt the love and support of many. God and his people were with me. I am a breast cancer survivor for two years. I reflect on my past and I celebrate the completion of my dear friends’ cancer treatments today. Praise the Lord!

I share this song by Kristene DiMarco today, It is Well. I love her rendition. It flows in such a way you will feel empowered, or should I say Him Powered!!

No matter the trial, choose to hold onto Jesus, It is Well with Him.

Music Matters

I was a teen when MTV was introduced. I love music it brings joy to my day. For this reason, I love to share songs most weeks on my blog that have impacted my life. In our current generation with YouTube, Spotify, Sirius radio, and even the standard FM radio, the access points are endless. I was blessed to see We the Kingdom in concert and they were amazing.

Music can soothe, can pump ya up as you get ready to play a sport, bring you down with lyrics that express despair, or just get your feet tapping. Music can bring flash photographs of the first times you heard a song or a season of your life. Parenting and music go hand in hand. I love to share my love of music with my kids and remind them the best music was in the 80s :). I use instrumental or classical music for homework or stressful times.

Lyrics to songs add intensity and address the human condition. Somehow the singer expresses your inner emotions better than you could. Sometimes their despair is catching especially when you are a teen in angst. Sometimes their joy can fill your heart and mind with peace.

Did you know there are men and women in the Bible that love music? In fact, we are called to sing songs and dance with joy. When we choose this action, we feel calmer, more energetic, more peaceful. Our bodies were made for the beat.

There are many scriptures that reference music and instruments. 1 Chronicle 13 shares a time David and all Israel celebrated before God in songs and with musical instruments.

1 Chronicle 13:8 David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments—lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.

David was a man after God’s own heart. He was known for his love of music. The Book of Psalms has many of David’s songs written on many human emotions, he is able to express times of hopelessness, depression, sadness, fear, and joy. Psalms is a great place in the Bible to feel a connection to God regardless of the days’ events. You will feel understood and like David you will see how he processed despair and came to the knowledge of the Lord and their amazing loving relationship as the answer.

Psalm 42:8 But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.

Psalm 66:4 Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs.

Psalm 98 beautifully expresses singing to a new level. It describes victory and love for God’s people and even describes the earth singing and making music. I was in awe as I read this psalm. Take a moment to ponder its words written by David.

Psalm 98

1 Sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
    have worked salvation for him.
2 The Lord has made his salvation known
    and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
3 He has remembered his love
    and his faithfulness to Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
    the salvation of our God.

4 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
    burst into jubilant song with music;
5 make music to the Lord with the harp,
    with the harp and the sound of singing,
6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—
    shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it,
    the world, and all who live in it.
8 Let the rivers clap their hands,
    let the mountains sing together for joy;
9 let them sing before the Lord,
    for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
    and the peoples with equity.

Have you ever wondered why you love music? It started at Creation. It is a God-given gift. Just imagine the sea, the earth, and every living thing praises their Creator.

Visualize the river clapping in glee. Beautiful creation resonates with their own sounds. I see that smile forming on your face. Find joy, dance if you wish, and Praise Him.

Let me know if you found these amazing scriptures as fascinating as I.

New year New hope

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

We live in a time of challenges, COVID, mandates, isolation for some, human trafficking, addictions, political unrest, etc.

If we fix our minds on the worlds crisis points we can easily be taken over by fear, anxiety, and depression. But the Lord tells us to believe in His plans for good not disaster, for a future of hopeful things.

In our human mind, those goals seem unreachable. But putting our fear behind us and choosing to hold onto faith in our Creator takes guts, a strength beyond ourselves. People may think we are nuts but choosing to live with the Joy of the Lord as our strength is the place to start.

Consider writing the Jeremiah 29:11 scripture on a post it note or index card. Tape it to your mirror or place it on your car visor. As you feel the worries of the world attempt to steal your joy or purpose take a look at the scripture, read it aloud again and remember the truth.

Mindset changes do not happen over night. So start today, it is a new year, choose new hope. It may be contagious as the COVID virus. You may not feel complete confidence in the Lord at first, but He can be trusted.

Let me know if your posting the scripture was helpful. I know this technique has been helpful to me.

Leave your response on my blog. Answer this question: What worry do I have to give to the Lord? Why do I resist handing the worry to Him? Let us grow together in the knowledge of God.

His story and life has been shared for over 2000 years, make a change in where you place your hope today.

Psalm 25:9 NLT
He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.

Under construction

Men and women, you are under construction. The architect of your existence made you to be a solid example of the character of Jesus. But, it takes effort and a carpenters tools to break through the character defects. Hammers, nails, drills, whatever is needed.

My hammer occurred this morning as I read Proverbs 14, the words of truth practically bounced off the page. I was given a personal lesson in the life of a women. It is hard work in the building up of faith and tearing down of my character flaws.

The choices I make can bring foolish or rewarding results.
The impulse of my heart ( by the way the heart can be deceitful) can lean to the fool at times especially when hangry, insomniac, or misunderstood. Brain fog, stomach grumbling I can take the bait in communication and bark sometimes. Can you relate?

Words and impulsive reactions matter to God and they should matter to me. Foolish responses effect all relationships. It starts at home in our inner circle of influence. It can be your friend, coworker, family group, or even the places where you find joy such as the gym, with music or sipping coffee with a friend.

Proverbs 14:1
1. The wise woman builds her house,
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
2
Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly,
but those who despise him are devious in their ways.
3
A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride,
but the lips of the wise protect them.
4
Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.
5
An honest witness does not deceive,
but a false witness pours out lies.
6
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
7
Stay away from a fool,
for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
8
The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,
but the folly of fools is deception.
9
Fools mock at making amends for sin,
but goodwill is found among the upright.
10
Each heart knows its own bitterness,
and no one else can share its joy.
11
The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
but the tent of the upright will flourish.

Reading this chapter in Proverbs, I pondered the scriptures as if I was looking at the face of Jesus, His image reflecting love and a need for some hammer and nails with a little mortar for my cracks.

I am under construction, we all are under construction. He wants to build in us a solid foundation. The rocks and bricks need to be in His wisdom and we must let Him put the pieces together. Yes, there may be cracks in the dry places but He wants me/us to trust He will patch the breaks and provide living water when we get parched in this dry weary land. Progress not perfection my fellow women and men!

Consider these questions for yourself ( women and men):
Do I build my house with wisdom or tear down those in my home?
Do I understand fear of the Lord is reverence to His instruction and refusal to live otherwise?
Do I lash out in pride using my words without thinking?
Am I an honest example even if it is hard, or do I find ways to speak little white lies to keep peace?
Do I think carefully before I speak or assume everyone must hear my opinion?
Do I make amends when I sin or hurt others ask forgiveness?

We all can think bitter, nasty thoughts, pessimistic attitudes pollute our minds and cause our joy to be snuffed out like the Light of our witness.

^{Matthew 5: 14 – 16
14}“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

We want to have a tent of Light, His Light, filled to abundance. We want to help others to see daily life is hard but not impossible when We choose to walk with wisdom. When I seek to choose the better path, the life of those whose paths We cross can be effected for the Kingdom in more hope, love, mercy and grace.

It takes a Village

The more time passes as a parent, the more I realize how little I truly understand about parenting. Even if you are not a parent, this post is to encourage you. We need each other to walk on this earth and raise our children.

Children are a masterpiece of God. We are the caretakers, coaches, encouragers, the listening ears, the cheerleaders, the disciplinarians, the peace-giving, the conflict resolution teachers, and provide comfort with kissed boo-boos and emotional support. Most importantly, we are the example of authority as Jesus walking on this earth.

Because we are all created in unique, beautiful ways, our DNA is intricate. There are physical, psychological, and spiritual elements to our parenting process. We want to do it right. We want to be the most perfect mom or dad to our children. But it is not possible without allowing God to direct our steps.

Genesis 18: 18- 19   The Lord said, "Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.[c] 19 For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”

Genesis is the first book of the Bible and Abraham was chosen by the Lord to be an example of being a father to all nations on earth. Abraham had some good and bad choices but he kept seeking the Lord and allowing the Lord to complete the work He started. We are descendants of Abraham, we have the same promises available to us.

Just like Abraham, we come into the parenting relationship with our own baggage that needs to be purged by the Lord. We are sinners, our children are sinners, and it all started in the Garden of Eden. Because of the first original sin, we are marked by the same fleshy thorn.

We can’t get mad at Eve and Adam. They were human and as are we. They were given free will to make choices. Their flesh nature, our children’s flesh, and our fleshy nature get in the way of being the best parent. Of course, the snake in the garden, the devil, loved to detour the plan of human and God’s personal relationship from the beginning of time.

The snake still works hard today, attempting to devour our potential and our children’s potential. Scripture tells us he runs around like a roaring lion seeking to kill, steal and destroy. He hates the Children of God.

1 Peter 5: 6 - 9      Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

I am learning that God must be my authority. God speaks in His Word in the Bible, through some amazing sisters and brothers in Christ, and when I am willing to be still He prompts me to remember the instructions in His Word.

When I drop the fleshy, no it all, I am in control, anxious, restless selfish actions and words, I can better reflect Him in my parenting or even in any relationship.

However, it really does take a village to keep me on the trail to improved parenting. My village is full of wise women and men who are not afraid to speak His truth and go against the current trends, our world views. The wisdom of the Body of Christ is the answer in all relationships whether you are a parent, friend, have family members, or coworkers.

Philippians 4:  8 - 9   Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

We all need a village of compassionate, loving, wise people. The village spends time in the Word of God and shares what they are learning. They are willing to be transparent at times of their own sins and mistakes. This way others can be blessed to be a blessing to others.

If you are not a parent yet, not sure you want to parent, or struggle with infertility I can relate. I have been where you are. As the Lord wills, this post is for all of God’s people.

This scripture encouraged me to seek the Lord for who I was to impact for His Kingdom prior to my becoming a mom. May it encourage you to make a difference in those children or young adults that walk across your path. You can be an influencer for Jesus wherever you walk.

Psalm 113:9 He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.