You Wanna Know What I Think?

Probably not.  :oP  But what kind of friend would I be if I didn't tell you the truth?  Not the kind of friend that I'd want for myself, that's for sure!   Please allow me to share some things I've learned recently from Mark Driscoll's sermon series on Proverbs, specifically regarding true friendship...

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."  Proverbs 1:7

Want to be wise?  Ask for advice, accountability, instruction!  Then, when advice, accountability and instruction are given, in accordance with God's Word, don't be a fool and argue or ignore it!  ACCEPT IT!  WITH SINCERE THANKS!  Save yourself some folly and heartache!  Show your advisor, accountability partner, instructor, that you appreciate them and encourage them to continue to encourage you!

"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."  Proverbs 27:6

Got a friend that loves the Lord and loves you but keeps ticking you off, telling you things you don't want to hear?  Think about it!  Got a friend that usually only looks out for themselves but is suddenly interested in encouraging and counselling you to do the very thing you want to do (that seems to upset the other friend)?  Think about it. 

There is wisdom in a multitude of godly counsellors!  Prov. 11:14, 15:22, 24:6 

Think your friend is picking on you?  Don't ask your self-seeking friend about it!  Ask another friend that loves the Lord and loves you! 

This isn't rocket science, but it can be harder to grasp when you're struggling with your flesh.  I know, from experience...and I'm a good enough friend to tell you the truth about that when you need to hear it too!

Here's the link to Mark's sermon series, if you'd like to listen to it:

http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/proverbs-2009

Something Good or Something Great

“The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail.” - Chuck Swindoll

Homeschooling...So Far, So Good!

This year we decided to try something new in homeschooling, called the "Charlotte Mason Method". I could give you a bunch of background information on the woman, but you can find that all over the internet and I'd rather not waste my time repeating all that. Instead, I'd like to talk about my experience so far using her "method".

Basically, it's about spending time with each child, one-on-one, encouraging them to learn and share what they've learned with enthusiasm. Isn't that what parenting is about anyway??? Sad as it may sound, it wasn't for me...

In the past, our homeschool days were so difficult. I never could figure out how to get it all done! Here I am, supposed to be this supermom, homeschooling one child while tending to two little ones, keeping the house clean, cooking and baking, being involved in friend, family and church activities, going here and there...it felt impossible.

This year I decided we needed to prioritize and keep some sort of schedule or routine. I am a perfectionist who sincerely appreciates organization but can never seem to figure out where to start! I make lists and keep calendars, type up color coordinated schedules and chore sheets, all to no avail. Then someone told me that I had to start with one thing that I wanted to change. I had to pick ONE thing and work from there...Seemed easy enough. But what? Hmm...

Well, I really want to get my life in order and live in a way that is simple and pleasing to God and hopefully teach my children how to do this before they're my age...and I was reminded of these great quotes from Hudson Taylor that I'd read recently:

"I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God; first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done." Hudson Taylor"

God's word done in God's way will never lack God's supplies." Hudson Taylor

So, the first thing we changed was starting the day with devotions. Duh. :o) That was the key! Rain or shine, we get up, make up our beds, eat our breakfast and then 8 a.m. we sit down for devotions and it makes all the difference in the world! Now our homeschooling days go so much smoother.

It's nothing fancy. I just give the kids an opportunity to present prayer requests and then share some of mine. We write them in our prayer journal, so we can be sure to offer thanks as we see the Lord at work in the situations. We pray, do a short devotional together and pray again, asking the Lord to help us apply it to our lives. It takes about 20 minutes altogether!

After that, we discuss and review our weekly memory verse from Proverbs. This weeks verse is, "The man of integrity walks securely, but the man who takes crooked paths will be found out." Proverbs 10:9 Jacob usually memorizes them by recitation. However, Joe writes it down each day as copywork and we play games to help him memorize it.

After that, we sing our hymn for the month, which is "Blessed Assurance" by Fanny Crosby. I found several links on youtube that we could sing with, until the kids got the hang of it. I also printed out the chords so Jake could learn to play it on his guitar. Now he plays and we sing!

This quarter we are learning about Raphael, the artist (as opposed to Raphael, the Ninja Turtle :o), focusing on several of his most popular pieces. We analyze and discuss what we see and have learned about the history of each painting. Then, I'll have the kids draw their own rendition of what they saw. They LOVE this! All the while, the music from one of this term's composers, Elgar or Vaughan Williams, is playing in the background. This, of course, is very inspirational music, and with all their inspiration they love to share all their observations about the instruments they hear and what the song is about.

Then our day goes on to reading (in many subjects), narration and math, for Joe as well as vocabulary and grammar for Jake.

Both of the boys have really enjoyed the classical literature that corresponds with Ambleside Online's curriculum program. Starting out, I was a little afraid that the vernacular might be a bit over our heads...but I'm happy to say, I underestimated us!

Jake is reading, The Sciences, Plutarch's Lives, Trial and Triumph, School of the Woods, Hamlet, The Hobbit and several others and has yet to complain that he's bored!

Joe and I read and enjoy Aesop's Fables, Trial and Triumph, 50 Famous Stories and several others as well. I do break things down for him a little and read with a lot of animation but he really loves it.

As for narration, I couldn't stop either of them from telling me what they've read and learned if I TRIED! lol They are so full of enthusiasm they tell everyone about it! It's incredible.

I really believe that this is the way children were created to learn and this is the way mothers were created to teach. It's wonderful.

If you would like to know more, just ask. I'd be happy to share our schedules and lesson plans with you too, if it will help you get a better idea of how to plan your own! We are using the curriculum, as suggested on Ambleside Online, for years 1 and 6. We've spent about $85 so far this year for school supplies. Most of the texts are available to read online! I'd be happy to share those links as well.

As for becoming supermom, I'm still working on it. :o) Surprisingly, however, even after spending all morning (from about 8-noon) working with my children in school, I still seem to have plenty of time to get everything else done too. My house has never been cleaner or more peaceful and my family has never been so happy!

Anyway, just wanted to share my encouragement with others. I am so blessed, happy and thankful that God has allowed me the privilege to homeschool. I'm really enjoying it, now more than ever before.

Climbing Offense

God's timing is so perfect! His love is so amazing! If I were Him, I would have given up on me a long time ago, but He is always faithful! I can't help but praise and thank Him for His wonderful grace and mercy! THANK YOU LORD!!!

Recently I found myself struggling with an offense. Toward who and regarding what, it doesn't matter. I was just having a hard time. I guess you could say, I was climbing offense and finding it very difficult to get over. :o) Know what I mean??? Well, allow me to elaborate and I'm sure you'll be able to relate. After all, I think it's part of our human condition to have our feathers ruffled, right? lol

It seemed that each day I'd find the peace I needed to get a grip and then someone or something would come along and tear it away! This was definitely one of those days and I knew there was only one thing to do...Pray...but I was surrounded by people! When and how was I going to get alone with God? I had to keep my cool and wait to act until I had some direction from God. All the while, my flesh and the Holy Spirit were having a tug-o-war! My flesh was dieing to get even and the Holy Spirit was challenging me to overlook the offense! Then, as if for confirmation, He sent along some friends to share this verse with me, JUST when I needed it...

"A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11

At the time I was too consumed with my problem to really process what they were talking about in relation to myself. But I'm so glad they planted the seed! Because the Lord used it to carry me through that moment and each moment after, until I could get alone with Him!

Now, I don't know about you, but God seems to teach me in themes and the current theme is humility. Over and over again, He has shown me just how arrogant and self-centered I am. And, just as He always does, after having spent some time in prayer about the situation, He showed me my arrogance and self-centeredness.

This is what came to me after my time in prayer:

The only one who benefits from an offense is Satan, and I definitely don't want to lend him a hand! I need to remember Whose I am. I am a servant of the Most High God! I shouldn't waste my time demanding my "rights" because I don't have any! Besides, being offended is a waste of time. I have much better things to do! It is God's place to judge, not mine. (How fortunate for the rest of the world! lol) So, I must leave the judgement to Him because I know He will do what is right!

Suddenly, when I realized who was really behind the offense, it became insignificant. And, just as suddenly, when I was reminded of my place in God's great mercy and grace, my patience was restored. He has since shown me how to get over this offense. I don't have to climb it! I just have to take a step of faith, forward, trusting Him with the rest.

One more thing I'd like to say here, for my own future reference...

Humility would be much more easily achieved if I would sincerely pursue it, if I would wholeheartedly participate in the process that God is using to mold me into the image of His Son. I need to put my pride aside and figure out what it is that He wants me to learn through each lesson, right from the start. (I realize this is easier said than done, that is why I'm hoping this reminder will help! :o)

In closing, I'd like to share one of my favorite verses that has also become my prayer in Psalm 26:2-3...

Test me, O Lord, and try me. Examine my heart and my mind; for Your love is ever before me,
and I desire to walk continually in Your truth.

"In Spite of the Obstacles"

We started back to school last week and it was WONDERFUL!!! However, I've been so busy preparing for and participating in school I haven't had much time to post lately. Sorry 'bout that. However, if anyone is out there reading, hoping to find some encouragement here, as a wife, mom or homeschooler, I want to help...

"In Spite of the Obstacles" by Pastor Joe Gruchacz

I would like to share this link to a wonderfully encouraging sermon from Pastor Joe Gruchacz, my pastor, entitled, "In Spite of the Obstacles" and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Keep up the good work. Keep your eyes on the prize. Remember your calling. Take one day at a time. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Keep on swimming...and all those other cliches meant to encourage a person. :o) I mean them all from the bottom of my heart!

I pray God's continued blessings for you and your family!
Tammy

Minding My Busy-ness - Part II

I was asked to share a short devotional with the women at my church recently and having just blogged about my "busy-ness" I thought I'd share some of what the Lord had shared with me! So, here it is, "Minding My Busy-ness - Part II". Enjoy!!!

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In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says,

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

I’ve been really exhausted lately. So, the other day when I read this verse in one of my devotionals, I began to wonder, “If I’m serving God, Whose yoke is easy and burden is light, why am I so exhausted?” Then, I decided to quit talking to myself and talk to God about it.

I asked Him, “Lord, why am I so tired? What am I doing wrong? Is there something you want to change in my life?” I believe His answer can be summed up pretty well in these three words, “Mind your busy-ness!”

God has a call on my life, same as yours. As women, we were created to be “helpers”. In Genesis 2 we see that God created Eve because Adam needed a “helper”. So, there you go! Our compulsion to help is genetic. We can’t help ourselves. But that’s a good thing! Helping is what God wants us to do. However, it doesn’t mean He wants us to do everything! Sometimes I think we forget that and we get so caught up in busy-ness that life becomes MUCH harder than it needs to be.

There are so many people and places that need help it’s not hard to find something to do! And if for some strange reason you do have difficulty finding something to do, there are plenty of people who will gladly help you find some way to help! But how do we know what God wants us to do and when God wants us to do it?

Let’s establish the basics first. Titus 2:3-5 gives a pretty basic explanation of what God expects of us as women:

“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”

Basically, a Christian woman, living in obedience to God’s Word will prove that His Word powerfully works THROUGH her life!

I want to be that kind of woman, don’t you? I believe this level of obedience is God’s first call on our lives. And if all He’s asking of us is to behave ourselves, take care of our families and homes and submit to our husbands, is He really asking too much? I’m sure it’s probably harder for some than others, depending on the people in your families. But remember: We’re not doing this on our own! God has given us the Holy Spirit! He will give us the strength and encouragement we need to endure all things, through God’s love!

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying we shouldn’t help outside our homes! I’m just saying that until we’ve gotten a good handle on what God has called us to first, we probably shouldn’t be answering any other calls! We should probably eliminate a lot of non-essentials.

I’ve been “put on the spot” many times and I rarely handle it well. I’m a “people pleaser”. I like people to like me. Yes, I know its wrong, because I should never be more determined to please anyone more than I am determined to please God! But I’m human and I make mistakes like everyone else...this is an area where I need to learn to practice self-control! However, many times people have called or approached me about doing something, “putting me on the spot” and without giving any consideration to what God would have me do, I’ve said, “Yes!”

Now, I’m sure there were a few things I’ve agreed to do that God actually did want me to do…I mean out of all the times I’ve said, “Yes!” there had to be a few, right? But recently, when I began to feel so overburdened that I wanted to throw my hands in the air and quit, I knew it was time to pray and reevaluate things! To really stop and think about what was keeping me so busy. That’s where I’ve been the past few weeks. Praying and reevaluating.

I believe that Jesus says His yoke is easy and His burden is light because it is! If we’re overburdened, we’ve probably done it to ourselves. We have a tendency to overcomplicate life by taking on much more than God would have us to. That’s what I had done and that’s when I stopped to ask myself a few questions, like these…

Is what I’m doing really serving the Lord or serving my pride? Am I making time in my life for everyone and everything at the expense of my time with God? Am I continually experiencing spiritual growth or has my spiritual life become dry and dissatisfying? Am I living proof of the power of God’s Word or is God’s Word being maligned as useless because of all the chaos in my life?

After asking myself these really humbling questions, I realized it was time for me to prioritize and put God first in my life again. This has required me to make some changes. I’ve had to undo some of the mess I’ve made. It isn’t easy, by any means. However, I’m taking away from the experience a very important lesson that I can share with others, and that makes it worthwhile.

I’ve also decided that from now on, when someone calls or approaches me to do something I’m not sure God wants me to do, I’m gonna ask for time to pray about it! And then, I’m gonna really spend some time praying about it. If there’s no time to pray and I’ve felt no prior leading by the Holy Spirit in this area, then my answer will most likely be, “No.”

In James 1:5-8 the Bible says,

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.”

Pretty cut and dry. Ask, and then follow the direction. Don’t hem and haw around it about it, just be obedient. If the answer is yes, then say, “Yes!” If the answer is no, then say, “No.” Trust me, if you’re double-minded about it, you’ll just end up looking like a flake. (I know this from personal experience.)

So, if you’ve been feeling overburdened and wondering why, I hope you’ll go to Jesus, the way I have. Just do what He wants you to do and make Him the priority. Ask Him to help you be the best Christian woman you can be. He will! And don’t be surprised if He starts by telling you to mind your busy-ness.

In closing, I’d just like to say this. There will be times when people will make you feel like your calling isn’t important or isn’t enough. Satan would love to see you get overburdened again and quit. That is why all of us must be careful not to get caught in this trap again! Here’s a little something from my heart to your’s…

We have a high and noble calling to obedience. It is a high calling because it came from Heaven. It is a noble calling because it was given by God, the Most High King of kings and Lord of lords. So, NOTHING is more important than that. And don’t you forget it!

Simple Truth

The following is an excerpt I got from Chuck Swindoll's book, "Come Before Winter and Share My Hope". The author of this particular poem is unknown, but his words are incredibly simple and true. I just had to share...

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;

I was made weak, that I might learn to humbly obey.

I asked for health, that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy;

I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

God knows what is best for us...

Love,

Tammy