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)

More Vow Than Wow

I saw on Facebook recently where a fellow mom asked the question, "Does your husband wow you?" I'm sad to say that some of the responses were disheartening. Seems to me there are a lot of women who are unhappy if their husband doesn't "wow" them every hour of every day.

Listen ladies, let's put the same question to your husbands. Does your wife wow you? I'm sure he's going to be quick to comment things like: Oh yes, I love it when she does the dishes. That BLT she made me knocked my socks off. Oooh la la, when she meets me at the door in her yoga pants and college t-shirt I'm in heaven.

Why is it that we expect our men to "wow" us when we're doing very little "wow-ing" of our own? I hear you, I know you're busy taking care of the kids, doing the laundry, and fixing snacks. But ladies, your husband is busy in his own right. Did he just put in 8 or more hours at work? Sat in traffic for 45 minutes? Mow the yard? Fix the leaky faucet? Did he tuck the kids in bed while you did those dishes? Did he literally bring home that bacon you asked him to pick up on the way home?

Don't get me wrong. I'm guilty. I'm so guilty of expecting more "wow" from my husband that they should probably start the Naggers Anonymous club just for me. But the truth is when I sit back and look for those "wow" moments they aren't so hard to find. And I bet you can find some too. And if you can't, I challenge you to give him a few of your own special "wow" moments and just see how he reacts.

Truth is, you didn't stand in front of a bunch of family and friends and vow to "wow" each other. You vowed to take care of each other. To love each other. Help each other out even when you don't feel like it. I know it may be hard to recollect the exact words you used as the rings were passed, but I guarantee no one was promising they'd be in "wow" mode all the time. 

Date night tip: pull out that wedding video or album and reminisce and you'll see that I'm right!

Focus on what you did promise and do that. Help your husband when he comes home by honoring his time. Be supportive and encouraging as he tackles his daily obligations. Be loving and gentle when you communicate your needs and desires.

Focus on the vow not the wow.

Heavenly Father,

Help me to focus on the vow not the wow. Help me remember what it truly means to be a loving wife. Give me the gentle and quiet spirit that I need to love my husband. When I feel the urge to be resentful and angry, give me Your grace and forgiveness. Help me to recognize my husband's needs and the desire to meet them with a joyful heart. 

Amen

"You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." - 1 Peter 3:4 (NLT)

Prayers For Oklahoma

Our hearts are saddened by the devastation that was left in the wake of the deadly tornadoes recently in the Oklahoma City area. Please continue to diligently pray for everyone in that area.

Heavenly Father,

We lift up the people of Moore, Oklahoma and those immediately affected by the tornado. We ask that you bring comfort to those who have lost friends and family and to those who are desperately searching for lost loved ones. Please be with any survivors that may be trapped or waiting to be reunited with their family. Send your Holy Spirit to give them peace and hope during this time. Lord we ask that you be with those who have lost their homes. As they sift through the rubble that was once their lives, we ask that you put your arms around them. Lead them in the direction to find shelter, warmth and solace. 

Lord we ask that you send your angels to comfort the children in that area. Give them loving arms to cling to, send them love and joy when none seem to exist. Also, preserve their innocence Lord, shield their eyes to the horrors of death and tragedy. Take away any fear or trepidation that overwhelms them. Fill their hearts and minds with Your love, Lord.

And Father, please be with the rescue workers who work tirelessly to uncover survivors. Give them the stamina and wisdom to seek life out of the horrific debris. Thank you for those that run to the devastation to lend a helping hand. Thank you to those who see a need and strive to fulfill it.

For those of us who stand from afar feeling helpless during times like these, may be hug our children a little tighter today. May we appreciate those little annoyances in life as we remember those who have lost so much.

Amen

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Blindspot

One Saturday I was out running errands with my two boys. In and out of the car. In and out of the store. Rinse and repeat. You know what I'm talking about right? It's the Mommy Mantra.

We finally finished our last stop, and as I'm creeping my way through the busy grocery store parking lot, I pass in front of the grocery store entrance. While inching along, I didn't notice a man walking with his daughter coming out of the store to my left. They obviously had the right of way, so they walk forward to cross in front of me. However, I only saw them at the very last second when the man was close enough to touch my car. Fortunately, since I wasn't going very fast, I was able to stop in time and let them pass.

I was horrified I hadn't seen them. He was even more horrified that I hadn't yielded and gave me the look to make sure I knew it. Where had they come from?! Why didn't I see them?! Simple. They were in my blindspot. You know, that annoying part of the car that keeps the roof and the windows in place? That is exactly the spot that obstructed my view. Although I thought I was being careful, I failed to recognize what was happening right in front of me (or at least to the immediate left).

Do you have something in your life obstructing your view? Or maybe a blindspot keeping you from seeing something clearly? It could be a thought, an addiction, or maybe even a friend or family member. We all have things hindering us from truly fulfilling God's will. When people, things and situations are against God's command, it's easy for us to overlook them. It's our very own personal blindspot. And unlike the one in the car, we can't just look around it anymore, we have to get rid of it.

Heavenly Father,

Please help me to recognize that area in my life which is causing a blindspot. There's something or someone hindering me from seeing the truth about myself and the people around me. I'm sorry I have let myself be blinded by this obstacle. I want to be made aware of what is keeping me from my full potential with You. Please remove any thought, deceit, or object standing in my way. I have believed the enemy's lies that I don't need to see things Your way. I believed people when they told me it was just the way I was, and that I didn't need to change my perspective. Lord I ask you tear down walls I have built to separate myself from others. Break down the strongholds weighing me down. Expose those areas of my life keeping me from Your will, Lord. Give me a new lens that reveals a new perspective on my position as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a friend. I need You to reveal Your love to me, Lord. Let my focus be on You, and not my defeats or weaknesses. I claim victory in this area of my life, Lord. Your vision will be my vision.

In Jesus' name, amen.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38, 39

Mommy Mondays

"Being a mom is my greatest joy."

"I love being a mommy."

"Motherhood is my calling."

I'm pretty sure the moms who said the above didn't say them on a Monday - or maybe even a Tuesday or Wednesday. While being a mom has its joys, there are days when the joy just never seems to show up. Cranky babies, whiny toddlers, rebellious teenagers, and fighting siblings can happen any day of the week. How often have you woken to find nobody in the house is happy? Breakfast is denied. Shoelaces are broken. Car keys are lost. And somebody forgot to mention they had homework due that day. It's enough to wear a mommy out. Unfortunately there's no human resources to call in a personal day, a mommy must punch the clock as usual - even if she literally wants to punch the clock. Take a deep breath. Look away from the spilled Cheerios and focus on the Heavenly Father who is ready to scoop you up in His arms.

Father,

It's been a day when nothing seems to go right we are left feeling unloved, unappreciated and discouraged. Renew our spirit and give us the strength to handle the little stuff as well as the big. Give us patience with our children. Make our tone loving and kind despite how frustrated we feel on the inside. Let us look to our great provider to show us how to love with gentleness and lead with tenderness. Replace our anger with delight. Turn our dismay to gladness. Our journey may take dips and turns but help us to see the reward that awaits a faithful follower.

Amen

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me - everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you." Philipians 4:8,9

Random Acts of Kindness - Day 2

Hopefully you were challenged by yesterday's post to look for an opportunity to perform a RAK. And if you didn't get your chance, that's ok. Continue to pray that the Lord will show you when and who you are to bless this week.

You know the old saying, it's better to give than to receive? For most of us we would agree with that. As moms we probably find pleasure in giving our children something special that makes their eyes light up. And nothing is more rewarding than to have your spouse or child embrace you with gratitude for something you did. However, there are people in our lives in which we give and give and give and never receive anything. It's the kind of relationship where you find yourself continually being disappointed because expectations weren't met. It's exhausting to give so much of yourself and yet never see a return on your investment. Often these situations leave you feeling bitter and broken hearted. This is especially hard when that relationship is with someone close to you.

While on this earth Jesus encountered many who would not reciprocate. He healed, loved, and comforted - and yet some turned their back on him when he journeyed to the cross. Imagine how disappointed he feels when we let him down. Fortunately, his love and forgiveness is greater than we could ever know and is not dependent upon reciprocity.

Heavenly Father,

We come to you with hearts that are broken. We have reached out and made ourselves vulnerable to someone who took advantage of us. Despite how kind, loving, and compassionate we are to certain people they continue to withhold gratitude. Please Lord, give us your perseverance when we just want to give up. When kindness is returned with anger and rebellion, give us your patience. Lord we ask that you take away feelings of resentment. Holy Spirit fill us with your fruits so that we can reach out to the difficult people in our lives. Give us a desire to show kindness no matter what we receive in return. We want to be a generous giver without regard to what we would receive. Thank you Lord that you love us despite our will or ability to reciprocate. You are such a good God!

Amen

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ." Colossians 3:23, 24

Random Acts of Kindness - Day 1

 

Have you ever been the recipient of a random act of kindness (RAK) from a total stranger? Maybe someone took care of your coffee at Starbucks. Or a neighbor anonymously mowed your lawn. Maybe you were fortunate enough to find yourself at the receiving end of a large gift such as a car or money for medical bills. If you've ever been on the receiving end of RAK you know just how good that makes you feel, especially if you're going through a difficult time. But an act of kindness doesn't have to be some grandiose display; a kind word, an act of thoughtfulness, or a pleasant smile are just a few simple ways to show kindness to those around you. 

In the bible we see all ways in which Jesus shows kindness. Of course Jesus is not random, his deliberate kindness is an integral part of his ministry here on earth. He spoke kindly to the woman at the well when the rest of the world was ignoring her. He was kind to the lepers while others shunned them. He washed the disciples feet when they should have been kneeling to worship Him. Jesus was still kind as he hung dying on the cross when he sought God's forgiveness for those who had been malicious toward Him. Kindness means humbling yourself when you'd rather be self-righteous. Being kind means you have to lay yourself down despite how you feel about that person or situation. Kindness is easy when we like someone, but Jesus was kind to all - the poor, the sinners, the hopeless, the diseased, and even to those who tortured Him.

Heavenly Father,

What a blessing it is when everyone is kind to one another. But we know in this world we run across all sorts of people who are inconsiderate, unthoughtful, and spiteful. Lord, we ask that you be with us today as we encounter others. Despite our feelings, we need you to help us to be good-hearted and compassionate to others. When that angry driver is riding our bumper, let us be the first to be considerate and let them pass. For that mom in the store with the kid throwing an inconsolable fit, let us be the one person who smiles and tells her she's doing a good job. Show us all the ways today in which just a kind word or friendly glance would make someone's day. We're here to shine your light, Lord. Make us a beacon in this dark world. Let not one opportunity for kindness pass us today. Keep our eyes open and our hearts soft to those hurting around us. Thank you Lord for the kindness you have shown us through your sacrifice on the cross. We pray that today we would be a perfect example of your gracious love. In Jesus' glorious name,

Amen


"The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness." Psalm 145:17

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12