For Every Mom

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/08/10-ways-to-be-a-happier-mom/

A Double Day of Thankfulness and Praise

I opened my eyes early so I could just stare at him before he woke. I rubbed his precious little face and praised the Lord for the beauty of His creation. 

My heart full, I whisper a prayer of thanks for this precious gift of life. A life full of health, love, and laughter. 

I am blessed. He is blessed we are all blessed. 

We spend the day celebrating and thanking Jesus for 6 years of life. 

As the day nears an end, he looks at me across the table and says, "Mommy can you believe I have been alive for 6 years? That is a really long time.'

Daddy and I laugh.

Not fast forward several several years to the life of a man who has done nothing but give of himself for me and my sisters and mom. 

He has shown us Jesus through every action and shows us what it means to serve. He still gives of himself to be there whenever we need him. 

With my heart filled up, I whisper another prayer of praise and thankfulness for allowing me to have the most amazing earthly daddy a child could have. I am blessed.

Jesus we are blessed, thankful, and can't praise You enough for this precious gift of life You gave us 6 years ago. Nor can we praise You enough for the precious gift of life You gave my daddy ...years ago. I am thankful, not only for two wonderful men in my life, but that You have made this day double precious. Bless these two as they celebrate another year of life. Amen

Heart Check

"You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.  For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.  They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.  They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.  They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!" 2 Timothy 3:3-5

How do we keep from becoming like this? How do we make sure our family does not fall into these categories? 

Maybe we could start by admitting which ones we personally struggle with and then make sure we confess and repent turning away from them. 

It's not an easy thing, but if we don't confess and repent then not only will that way of living destroy us, it will destroy our families.

Have you already seen these things amongst your family and yourself?

It happens, God even says so.  

It's sad when you see families fall apart because of pride, selfishness, bitterness, and anger. 

You know this verse goes against Christ's nature, love and commands.

Maybe we need to stay here a little while and allow Christ to reveal to us the parts that He sees in us. Then we need to take those parts and see what the rest of His Word says about them and how to overcome them and be set free from them.

I will be the first to admit it stinks when the Lord reveals to you areas that need to be fixed. But what's worse is when He shows us and we don't do anything about it! 

But I want to be better for Him, don't You?

Jesus reveal to me any of these sins that are lurking within me.  Reveal to me any and all sour aroma. I want to be better for You. I want to offer up the sweetest aroma to You and I want to be a reflection of You, so others will come to know and want more of You. Amen

The Role of Dads

"Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus

It's this role, this example that daddies and men must set for their boys. It starts at birth and continues until death. 

Every action, expression, word spoken, mannerism is watched. Trust must be established and kept. Love must be weaved through every single thing. 

The example that is set now will last a lifetime.

Let's pray for our dads as they seek to raise young boys into Godly men.

Jesus thank You for all the dads. We ask Your hand to be upon them as they raise these precious boys You have given them. Give them wisdom and strength and discernment. May their greatest achievements come from knowing their sons have a personal relationship with You. Amen

Altar Sunday

She entered the Church for the first time nervous and scared. She didn't know what to expect but she was desperate; desperate for help, hope, and relief.

The shame and guilt she carried was so great she felt as though everyone could see it. She makes her way to a seat, sits down completely unnoticed. The emptiness grew even bigger within her.

As the service began she realized how alone she felt surround by a big group of people laughing and hugging and visiting. She began to fill out of place.

But she stayed...

She was desperate to learn about this Jesus that could save her, free her and heal her. She stayed in hopes of finding Him.

As the service began to draw near to the end the invitation was given and the altar was open. Not sure what she was to do she felt a uncomfortable tug to go. Shaking, scared and broken she kneels at the altar and begins to cry. Having no idea what to say she feels someone kneel beside her and they begin to whisper all the words she was searching for but couldn't find or say through the tears and pain.

The altar...someone needs you there.

What's the Title of Your Book?

"Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him." Ephesians 5:1-2

If our lives were an open book for all to read, would Jesus be found on every page? Would people come to know the Lord from what they read? Would they see and desire a relationship with Him like the one you and Him have that has been written about?

Would they read a life that has been saved by His amazing mercy and grace, that now offers the same mercy and grace to others?

Would each page represent the magnificent blood of Christ that delivered you and set you free?

At the closing of your book would people walk away knowing more about Christ than they did before they read your life book?

What would the title of your book be?

A Thick Layer of Jesus

"Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil." Ephesians 6:10-11

I was overwhelmed by the group of kids that walked in front of me and my family at the mall. I couldn't believe the language that came out of their mouths, nor could I get over the outfits these young ladies were wearing. 

I was shocked to say the least and as I did what I could to remove my boys from the profanity G looked at me and said, "This overwhelms you doesn't it?"

Right after G said that another wave of young teens walked by us doing the same thing, and I felt trapped, sad, and uncomfortable. 

We finally got out of the mall and I was speechless. I became so sad at the thought of all these young men and women acting in the manner that they did that I immediately wanted to home school my boys. 

And then it began, question after question I began to throw G's way. Why? How? Where are their parents, do their parents know they are doing this, dressing like this, speaking like this? 

How can I protect my boys from all of this, what is it going to be like when they are that age? How can I make sure God is the focus of their life?

Oh, merciful Lord cover my babies in the thickest layer of Your Word that is possible. I can't remove them from this world and the sin that fills it, but You Father can protect them, surround them, and live so strong within them that they live differently. Help them to see the bigger picture, the picture of heaven and You that awaits them. Take control of their thoughts, guide their every action, and shield their eyes and protect their ears from the ugliness that is seen and heard that is not of You. Jesus choose their friends for them, friends who love and serve You with all of their being. Friends who challenge them to be better for You. Friends who will encourage them and build them up. Jesus G and I know the importance of Godly friends, they are valuable and last a lifetime. Fill our boys with wisdom beyond their years, wisdom that is genuine, loving and sincere. Make them leaders who lead others closer to You. Give them a desire to live and reflect You. Clothe them in Your armor protecting them from the fiery arrows of Satan. Thank You for loving us and most of all thank You for what You did on the Cross for each of us. Amen

Bleach Germs Sin and God's Word

I was once told to stop using so much bleach and to stop keeping my house so clean so that some germs could get in allowing our bodies to build up ammunity to them. I laughed at the comment because if anyone knows me they know that is not going to happen.

Besides it doesn't matter how much bleach or Lysol I use germs are always present. Just like sin!

Sin is everywhere and it needs to be handled just like germs. We need to be constantly on guard, prepared, covered and protected with God's Word. His armor is our weapon of defense. It is our safety, protection and it is what kills and keeps sin at bay.

Bleach is a killer to germs like God's Word is to sin.

We need more of God's Word, we need to be using it more, sharing it more, speaking it more, and storing it more because sin is spreading.

Jesus wrap us in Your armor and protect us from sin. Amen

Teaching our Children Selfless Living

How do you teach your kids to be selfless?

I have noticed with my two that we have been headed in a direction of selfishness. Are we giving them more than they need? Are we showing them what living a selfless life looks like?

Do they see and understand through our actions what selflessness is, does, and it's purpose? Or do they see selfish living?

Jesus was the most selfless person, so if we desire to be like Him, won't we too desire selflessness for ourselves and our children?

Jesus help me and G to set a better example of selflessness. May we put our selfish desires aside and do more for You and others. Amen

Be Reminded

"Now you can have sincere love for each other as brothers and sisters because you were cleansed from your sins when you accepted the truth of the Good News." 1 Peter 1:22

Is there a hurt or fault that is so bad that you can't forgive? Do you, in your heart hold such resentment towards that person(s) that you are allowing Satan to have such a stronghold on you that you are full of more bitterness than you are love?

If so, be reminded that not only did Jesus forgive you, He took everyone of your sins upon himself and then died so that you might be saved.

How can you not forgive when you have been forgiven?

Easily Tainted

Do you know how quickly we can be absorbed by the things of this world? Think about a paper towel placed in a cup of coffee. If you roll it up and stand it straight up you can actually watch as the coffee moves up the paper towel. Do you know what the coffee does to the paper towel? It turns it brown.

My point, the coffee represents the world and we are the paper towel. The more we sit and soak in the things of the world the more we become tainted and like the world. 

So, how do we really separate ourselves from the world? Do we really even desire to be separated from the World?

I often find myself caught up in so much of the worldly stuff and when God slows me down I realize just how easy it is to lose sight of the things of heaven. 

Is this what I am teaching my boys, the busyness of life, the pleasure of worldly things, a right now mentality? 

These are my own personal convictions, convictions that the Lord reveals to me with so much force it knocks the breath out of me. 

We desire more time in our days, yet so much of the time we are given is wasted on wants, self, pleasure, money, feel good things. 

Could it be that are minds, thoughts, and hearts are being saturated with more of the world than with God's Word?

Oh, brethren this is truth. If we don't discipline ourselves and spend time in God's Word, we will become tainted. We will begin to go through the motions and pace of the world instead of living and action on God's Word.

I need a change to take place within me that is so powerful, so strong, so overwhelmingly real that my heart is shattered and then put back together new and absorbed with only Christ and His Word. 

"You would not be pleased with sacrifices, or I would bring them. If I brought you a burnt offering, you would not accept it. The sacrifice you want is a broken spirit. A broken and repentant heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:16-17

  

Jesus only You are able to turn our tainted hearts back to white. Please do so Father. Move in a mighty way with in us. May the move be so real, so strong, so life-changing that we are never the same again. Shatter the hardness and remove any and all callouses within us. Jesus help us to be better stewards with our time. And may we be more thankful for the time You are giving us to be changed, and make right what has been wrong. Amen

Altar Sunday

Is your need and desire for Jesus so great you run to the altar?

Their Hearts are Tender and Sponge-like

"When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instruction with kindness." Proverbs 31:26

It's important to remember how much of an impact our words have on our children.

Be wise and heed the counsel of the Holy Spirit when speaking to your children. Your words will either build them up or tear them down. Don't let your words become your child's downfall.

Jesus take control of what we say O Lord keep our lips sealed so that nothing ugly will spew out. Remind us that there are little hearts involved along with little ears that hear more than we know. Amen

Mom, Mama, Mommy, Mother...

She is more than my mom, mama, mommy, mother. She is my best friend and there is not an ounce in me that could possibly love her anymore. I am beyond capacity.

Today she celebrates another year of life, and it's another year I savor and cherish. The older I get the more I realize just how important every second is with those you love.

I have said many times before that I have the most amazing parents in the world and could not be anymore blessed than I am.

She has been my biggest supporter, encourager, comforter, protector, care-taker and listener. She is now and will always be the best Nana to two little boys who think she hung the moon.

I know where she learned it, from her mama. Her mama was the same way!

Loved mama, is what you are, not by just me, but by 8 grand kids, two daughters, three son-in-laws, a husband, two sisters, three brothers, and a mommy and daddy who although went on ahead of you still love you more than their hearts could hold.

You have blessed me, set the most amazing example for me, and have showed me that living a life for the Lord is done through action and character.

You my sweet woman, surpass them all. There is none greater than you.

No matter how old I get, I will ALWAYS be your baby.

Happy Birthday Sugar

God's Abundance of Blessings

"He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding." Ephesians 1:7-8

I would be lying if I told you I was aware of all of the amazing gifts and blessings the Lord pours out upon us.

I have begun studying the book of Ephesians and in Chapter 1 alone, Paul lists blessing after blessing. And who receives all those blessings? All who belong to Christ Jesus.

I can't shake this immeasurable amount of love God has for me/us. It's overwhelming, yet so simple.

All who believe in Christ are identified as His own and given the Holy Spirit, whom He promised long ago.

What on earth can ever compare to God's blessings? Nothing!

Brethren, God loves you and He wants to pour out His blessings on you. Let Him and accept them.

Jesus thank You for showing me over and over in Your Word Your love for me. There is not one thing I deserve yet You continue to shower Your blessings all over me. Thank You that I am Yours forever. Amen

How Brief the Time

"Lord remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath." Psalm 39:4-5

I could not help but come back to this verse today as I was watching my boys play and talk and do all the things a 5 and 3 year old do. I can't believe how quickly time goes by. I can't believe how quickly August came.

It is so easy to get caught up in the craziness of life that before we know summer has flown by, School is about to start, and a new year is already at our heels.

Life has been far from normal for the Morgan family, especially since April when the Lord called G out of something we though he would do forever. 

I hold my breath not wanting to miss another second with my family. Just this morning Avery was telling me how excited he was to begin school and turn 6. I made a sad face and he said, "Mommy, why don't you want me to get big?" 

What do you even say to a little boy who can't wait to be big like his daddy? I want them to stay little forever, but I know it's just not reality. 

So I cling to the Lord trusting Him with every growth spurt, every new school year and every new age. Time is so brief and I don't want to waste it being so busy that I miss the little things God is showing me and teaching me.

Lord remind me how brief my time and my families time is. Remind us that are days are numbered and that we must spend every second of those days honoring and obeying You. Loving one another and sharing Your Word with any and every one we come into contact with. Amen

Out of Commission

This is the longest I have ever gone without posting a devo. I have missed it, but it has been a nice break, and well I have been out of commission since Monday.

I am finally getting back on my feet and have been missing writing.

I love sharing God's Word with you so I am thrilled to be back.

Go Farther

“May grace and peace be yours, sent to you from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” Ephesians 1:2

When is the last time you spoke, text, emailed or called someone and said, “May grace and peace be yours, sent to you from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord?”

How does it make you feel just reading it? Do you laugh or mutter to yourself, “I would never say that, it’s weird.”  Maybe those words make you feel weird and so to say them would just be plain awkward.

Why?

Whatever the reason is, Paul did it because he had a genuine love for people and Christ. He didn’t just settle with a mere, “I’ll pray for you.” He always went further.

Paul was so good about pouring out the sweetest blessings and prayers to the Churches. I have yet to read one of his letters where He did not either pray or speak God’s richest blessings, love, grace and peace to fall on the Church and its people.

How often do we pour out sweet blessings and prayers to those we are in contact with? I don’t know maybe people find it weird, or uncomfortable, but honestly when I read Paul’s letters I find joy and hope in them. I like to read those sweet words from him and I want to pour out the same comfort and hope it brings me to others.

Although Paul had to be stern at times with those in the Church, he still wanted God’s best for them.

Isn’t it sad to think that maybe we don’t always want the best for others. Do we wish to have the Lord withhold His blessings, grace, and peace from those who have hurt us or offended us?

Do we want God’s absolute best for our brothers and sisters in Christ? So often I hear people say that Christians fight more amongst one another than any other religion. That is devastating!

Paul knew that he was not capable of giving any greater gift than the gift of Christ Jesus. He also knew that God was the ONLY one that could give grace and peace.

God’s Word is so powerful, so what better way to bless and be blessed than by praying and speaking God’s Word over others. Let’s go farther and do more than just mutter an “I’ll pray for you.”

May grace and peace be yours sweet brethren, sent to you from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

One and Same

“We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and there is only one God and Father, who is over us all and in us all and living through us all.” Ephesians 4:4-6

There are several key words in this passage I believe we need to pay close attention to.

One and Same

We are ALL “ONE” body-The Church

We have the “SAME” Spirit-The Holy Spirit

We have ALL been called to the “SAME” glorious future-Heaven

There is only “ONE” Lord-Jesus Christ

“ONE” faith-Our faith and trust in Christ

“ONE” baptism-The same baptism and emersion as Jesus

“ONE” God and Father-He is the Creator, Inventor, Ruler, and over ALL

We as the Body of Christ are ONE and the SAME in Christ Jesus.

Are we living and working as ONE and the SAME?

Do we believe we are ONE and the SAME?

Do others outside of the Body of Christ, see the Body working together functioning as ONE and the SAME and want to be a part of it?

Jesus in You and through You we are ONE. Help us as the Body to live and do as though we are ONE and the SAME in You. Unite us to be stronger and to function as a ONE. Amen

Faithful Followers

"It is written to God's holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus." Ephesians 1:1


The minute I read this passage I thought what an unbelievable compliment. Paul referred to the people of Ephesus as "Faithful Followers" of Christ Jesus.

Do we live our lives in such a way that we too are known as "Faithful Followers" of Christ Jesus?

For me, there is no greater compliment or reputation that I would rather have and be known as than a "Faithful Follower" of Christ Jesus.

Jesus I want to be known as a Your faithful follower from here to eternity. Help me to live my life in such a way that others are drawn to You. Amen