Eeny-Meeny-Miney-Mo

The memories of my childhood - not unlike yours probably - are filled with moments in which I found myself huddled among my peers, our feet or knuckles forming a sloppy sort of circle while one of us sets about the formidable task of determining who was going to be "it". No matter if the rhyme was "Eeny meeny miney mo.." or "Bubble gum, bubble gum in a dish...", the goal was to keep it random so no one could be accused of playing favorites. Anticipation was just part of the fun.

As a child I didn't mind that things were arbitrary. For the most part my days weren't planned. Other than organized sports or piano lessons, my days were pretty much my own. Pretend my dolls are having a giant slumber party which include a giant pink and white puppy dog? Sure. Lip synch the entire Muppet Movie album for hours on end? Why not! Hakuna Matata, man.

However, most people they see chaos as their mortal enemy. Our days are planned. Our trips are planned. Our meals are planned. Not much is left to chance these days. Don't even think about being spontaneous, we've got things to do, right?

Guess what - and moms know this more than anyone - our plans are worthless. Our plans are overwritten by an almighty God. And thank goodness because we'd get it all wrong. God has a great plan for us, and when we do things our way we are only getting in His way. That doesn't mean you leave everything to chance. I'm pretty sure none of us are going to buy a house on the Eeny-Meeny-Miney-Mo Method. Instead talk to God about His plan. Listen to what He has to say about your life. Trust me, He cares enough He'll tell you.

Heavenly Father,

Please forgive us for doing things our own way. Please forgive those times when we thought that we knew best and made decisions without you. Give us the ability to be still and know you. Open our ears to hear your word and your desires for us. Thank you for loving us enough to make a fool-proof plan if only we would listen to you. Throughout the bible you have revealed that your guidance is patient, kind, and loving. Help us to trust in your word and to not worry when things go awry. Your plan is better than our plan. Your ways are better than our ways. 
Amen

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."" - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Let It Go

Disney   

I'm sure by now you've probably heard the song from the movie "Frozen" called 'Let It Go'. Even if you haven't seen the movie you've probably heard the song at least once, twice or ten times. Seems like everyone from the Marines to your grandma is singing that song. One quick Google search and you'll find a myriad of renditions of the song - some quite enjoyable. In fact, just the other day at the park my boys and I were serenaded by a group of seven year old girls who found the chorus so intoxicating that they mindlessly sang it over and over. And over. And over.

I'll admit, it's a great song. It helps that the original singer is quite talented and sings it perfectly. And since the catchy chorus tends to have a lasting impression, I've found myself singing it like a seven year old girl running free in a park - if only in my head.

However, it's become more than just a sweet tune to occupy my brain at random times, it's become somewhat of a mantra for me. A reminder, if you will, to literally let it go. Frustrated at the insensitive driver that just cut me off? Let it go. Annoyed with the amount of time it took my boys to get ready for bed? Let it go. Washing machine leaking like a river into the hall? Let it go.

I love what Jesus tells us in the New Living Translation of Matthew 6, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" Think about that. That's Jesus' way of saying, let it go, girlfriend.

And not just that, He goes on to tell us, "... but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." That's like thinking you'd like an ice cream cone and Jesus suddenly hands you a huge hot fudge sundae with everything you ever wanted on top. Then He says, Dad wanted you to have this. He knows all our needs. God is telling us, let it go, girlfriend, I've got this.

Generous Giving Father,

Thank you for knowing what we need before we can even express it. Thank you for the promise that you will supply us with all that we need. We long to fully realize the extent of your love. We know that we fall short in the area of worry, Lord. Please give us a renewed heart so that can more easily let things go. Change our heart so that it is quick to look to you and not of the world; a heart that is at peace and not waging war against the things that have no meaning. Grow our faith in such a way that the cares of this world are but a speck compared to you. Just as you nurture the birds, we can rest knowing that you also clothe and feed us. We let it go, God, we let it go to you.

Amen

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough.” Matthew 6:31-34 (NLT)

On Our Hearts: Military Moms

Heavenly Father,

Today we want to lift up those moms who have dedicated their lives to the military. These women face unique challenges that most civilian moms never encounter. In addition to serving our country they deal with the day to day issues of parenting, home life, and spouses. While they defend our freedom they may have to leave their chilren and families behind. They often have to take off their "mom hat" and put on battle fatigues. They are mommy one minute and soldier the next.

Lord, we pray for those women who have laid their life on the line to serve in the military - past and present. We ask that You watch over them and protect them. May they be comforted as they leave their family behind for the battle lines. Father, we ask that You provide them with the right people and resources in their lives so that they are able to focus on their call of duty without worry. We pray for their families as they struggle with schedules, long absences and the stress that comes with military life. Lord we thank you for these women who make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Bless them, God. In Jesus' name,

Amen

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

"Be on guard. Stand firm in the fatih. Be couragous. Be strong. And do everything with love." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

On Our Hearts: Money

Heavenly Father,

Your word has said that we should not be focused on those things that are material in nature. We should be confident that You will provide for all our needs, but Lord all too often we forget that. In today's society money drives our daily lives, it is has become an integral part of us. They way we live, give, fellowship, and raise our children all seems to be dependent upon how we use money. For so many of us, money has become our identity or the way in which we associate with others. Are we driving the right car? Are we wearing the right clothes? Are we giving our children the right "stuff" to fill their lives? It's time to turn it all over to You, Lord.


Lord only You can change our mindset. Shift our focus from earthly treasures to the heavenly ones. We pray that we ignore the devil when he starts to tell us that we don't have enough. Help us to be thankful for what we have. Give us financial wisdom so that we may be good stewards for You, Lord. We also pray that we can be an example to our children so that their financial decisions are based on faith not on the world's views. Let us invest in You so that we may receive dividends of righteousness.

Amen

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:19

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8

On our Hearts: Insecurities

Father

Why do we worry what others think about us? Why is it so hard to accept others opinions or critiques about us? Ultimately You made us, You love us, we should be confident in ourselves. Whether it is our physical appearance- hair, nails, clothes, or our personalities, our attitude, our approach, our faith. We often worry if we will fit in, be good enough. Am I ‘that’ mom that all the other mom’s look at and scratch their heads at? Father this is just our insecurities.

Father we pray that we stop worrying what others think. Remind us that these are just the outward things, they mean nothing. What brand of clothes we buy, where we get our nails done, what vehicle we drive, how big our house is, or how successful our husbands are. In the end none of this will matter, the only thing that matters is our belief in You. We pray that we, as mothers, can direct our efforts to teach our children the true focus of life and not get so caught up in the madness of it all.

Amen

"Do not conform any longer 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." Romans 12:2

On Our Hearts: Worry

Dear Heavenly Father,

Right now there is so much resting on our shoulders. It's not enough that we have the day to day responsibilities of housework, the carpool, and figuring out what's for dinner; we're also worrying about our jobs, the economy, national healthcare and the war. Our neighbors' homes are foreclosing, our parents are going back to work, and we're terrified of our children coming home with a contagious disease. It sometimes feels as though the world is spinning out of control. We need You, Lord, now more than ever.

God it's going to be hard, but we lay our worries at Your feet. The Bible tells us that we shouldn't worry about tomorrow. Your word assures us that You have already taken care of all of our needs, just as You have taken care of the needs of the tiniest creature. Please give us the courage to take that to heart, Lord. Worrying is easy, letting go and trusting You has proven to be the difficult part. Give us strength in our faith that You are in charge, not us. We rest in You, Lord.

Amen

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

On our Hearts: Juggling Responsibilities

Father God,

Sometimes as mothers our responsibilities can be overwhelming, we feel like we are being pulled in all directions. Many moms also have to learn to juggle the responsibility of working out of the home while still trying to balance the mothering hat. Working moms struggle with wanting to spend more time with their children and yet still get all the normal chores done to maintain the household. Other moms work hard as they stay home during the day- that can be mentally challenging and non-stop.

Father we pray for all the mothers today. Show us how we can better manage our time and how we can spend more quality time with our children. We pray that we can just get dinner made, homework done, kids to bed, and all the day to day duties done. We pray that all moms take a step back, breathe, and take just a few minutes to reflect. Reflect on You and Your blessings, and reflect on the wonderful life we have, be it one we imagined or not.

Amen

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8

On Our Hearts: Feeling Alone

Heavenly Father,

Sometimes in our busyness we just feel like You are so far away. How could You ever have time for each and every one of us? We go through our day fighting the same struggles over and over and what if we never hear Your voice? We can’t do this alone, God, we need You to be our strength, our deliverer, our protector.

Lord, we pray that we never forget who and where You are. The Bible tells us that You will never let us down. Help us to remember that when others disappoint us. Remind us that You are always with us even when others have left. Press on our hearts the love that You have for us despite the fact that we may not feel loved. Shower us with Your mercy when we forget to rely on You. Do a might work in us, Lord.

Amen

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

On Our Hearts: Feeling Overwhelmed

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the many blessings that come with being a mom. It is only as a mother that we can even begin to understand the amount of love you have for us. However, motherhood can be so overwhelming at times. As our children grow, so do our responsibilities, our obligations, our commitments, and unfortunately our frustrations. God we ask for your wisdom and peace for all of us who are struggling with feeling overwhelmed right now.

Lord, we ask that you take away our worries. We rejoice in knowing that we can lay all of our cares at your feet and you will comfort us. You have told us that we do not need to worry about tomorrow, you have supplied us with all of our needs. Lord be our provision, renew our weary spirits, and let your grace cover us as we go throughout our day.

Amen

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" Matthew 6:25-27