The Middle Finger?

Who made the middle finger, a part of our beautifully, God created bodies, such a bad thing? I mean, just by holding it up alone and directing at someone can send such a horrible message. To me it is so unclassy and really kinda stupid to use your finger to show your frustration or in most case anger towards another person. This isn't something I think about often, until Wednesday when Natalie said to me "mama, this your middle finger...and it the bad finger" My response to her triggered the thoughts I am writing about today. I said "Yes, it is sweetie. And now that you know that, don't ever use it as a way to show someone you are upset with them". Under my breath I said,"why at 5 years old are you learning such a hateful, ignorant expression?" Why on earth does a 5 year old know about something such as the middle finger, enough to teach it to my "baby"? I have positive thoughts about her public school education so far, and I know I can't shelter her from evil and hatred forever, but does it have to begin so early? All I can do is pray that my influence and what I teach her is stronger than what comes to her at school. I pray over her every morning  that God will keep his hands on her and his angels around her. That she is a positive influence on her friends and teachers and that she makes the right choices.

"Train up a child in the way he should go,Even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 

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A Jewel

All your sons will be taught be the Lord, and great will be your children's peace. Isaiah 54:13

After my divorce (ugh, I hate saying that word), I had two choices to make. I could either be hateful, bitter and miserable, allowing others to take care of my daughter and let everything I had worked for drift away, OR I could ask God to heal me emotionally, restore me and guide me to make the right decisions for my daughter and myself. When many times I wanted to choose the easy way, I chose the best way. I have always known that Natalie is a blessing, but this period in her life and mine is where this little jewel shined. I wanted my daughter to remember a fun, loving, childhood with me there (physically,mentally and emotionally) every step of the way. I wanted her to see me as a strong, peaceful, loving, determined and reliable mother. Most of the choices I have made have been for the sake of her and what she needs. Some might find it odd, that her dad and I can be a part of her life together. We can take her to the zoo, go to dinner or just play a game all together. I find it odd to deprive her of her family unit. She is happiest when we are all three together.  I believe one of the reasons God placed this child with me to help me make the right choices and see the differences between what I could've chosen and what I did choose. I believe there are awesome things to come of our lives because of the calling on Natalie's life.

Selah

Selah: "pause", stop, rest and reflect.

From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Selah  Psalm 3:8

This is just what I needed today. I do take moments to read my devotional book and I do look up the scriptures in the bible and sometimes I journal about them, but I don't ever really stop and reflect on it, and I don't do it as often as I should. I want to know what God wants for me and what choices He wants me to make, but if I don't ever Selah, or center myself in His prescence, I'll miss what He wants for me. "Things like deliverance and blessing are no quick fix- these good things take time. With time comes patience, With Patience comes understanding. with understanding come wisdom. And with wisdom comes freedom. Selah."

 

Open Love

"There is no fear in Love. But perfect Love drives out fear" 1John 4:18

Finding new love is very intimidating, no worries I have not found nor I am I searching for new love just yet. Those that have been wounded by a failed marriage or broken heart have a harder time with this concept than most. I am no exception to this. What I read today was very helpful. God is relational and us girls were made in this aspect of His likeness. We are not meant to be alone and were not made to fear Love. Praying for avenues to find love is so worth it! Children, beauty in nature, ministry, friendships and new romances are all doors waiting to be opened for has to experience Love. God doesn't want me or anyone to fear a broken heart. I've been there and I lived, so what's to fear? He is guarding and shielding my heart.

Perfect love casts out fear. I know no one is perfect but this jumped out at me today. 1 John 4:12 says "no one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in me and I in Him and His LOVE is PERFECTED in me." If He abides in me and I in Him, then I have His perfect Love to cast out that fear.

Blessed to be a Mother

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3

Being a mother is like a job you take on with God as your "boss". When He gives you a child, he is trusting you with a huge project. In my devotion, I read about several things God commands of a christian mother.

Availability: morning, noon and night. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Involvement: Interacting, discussing, thinking and processing life together. Ephesians 6:4

Teaching: Scripture and biblical worldview. Psalm 78:5-6

Training: help your child develop skills and discover her strengths (Romans 12:3-8)

and spiritual gifts. 1Corinthians 12

Discipline: teaching the fear of the Lord, drawing the line consitantly,lovingly, firmly. Eph 6:4, Hebrews 12:5-11, Proverbs 13:24,19:18,22:15,23:13-14,29:15-17

Nurture: Providing an environment of constant verbal support, freedom to fail, acceptance, affection and unconditional love. 2 Timothy 1:7, Ephesians 4:29-32, 5:1-2, Galations 5:22, 1Peter 3:8-9

Modeling Integrity: Living what you say, Being a model from which a child can learn by "catching" the essense of Godly Living. Deuteronomy 4:9,15,23, Proverbs 10:9, 11:13, Psalm 37:18,37

The Bible does not say that every woman should become a mother, but those women who are blessed with children should take the responsibility serious. Mothers play a crucial role in the lives of thier children, it's not a chore or a task. Just as mother bears a child during pregnancy and feeds and cares for the infant, so should she play the role in lives of her children as children, teenage, young adult and even adult children who rear their own. The role of a mother will change and develop, but the love, nurture, care and encouragment will never cease. I am so thankful to have the blessing of a child. I have always known motherhood is a blessing and a responsibility, but I need to make a better effort to follow ALL that

 God commands of me for MY daughter.

Happy Mother's Day!

(yes a day late- but I was enjoying my day)

Trusting God to Provide

"test me in this...and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing, that you will not have enough room for it" Malachi 3:10

God wants us to test Him on His Word. When I read this, I asked how am I supposed to test God? I always thought one shouldn't test or play games with God. That is not what is meant here though. Testing God equals Trusting God. We are to be obedient and trust Him whether in time of Joy or time of despair. We need to have Patience and always remember that He knows the How, When and Why. This isn't easy! I am notorious for rushing things along or worrying about things or trying to figure it out myself. I am here to say, "that has never worked out for me"! I have made it a point to let it go in every circumstance, and I can say "that IS working out for me".

This week has been terribly slow as far as business goes for the salon. Not good for the budget at all, but I have been so productive this week. I have been able to get things taken care of that have needed done for weeks.  I paid all the bills with some funds left over! Without going into the whole, long, winding story, there was a little financial blessing that was unfolded right after I paid the last bill! Amazing, isn't it?

FAITH

This devotion comes from Happily Ever After by Kristin Armstrong, day 32 from my journal.

Child-like Faith for Grown up Dreams

2 Corinthians 5:17

God never asks us to settle for anything less than he intends,
WE are the ones who settle. We hold ourselves back to please people with a limited view. As a child, I had big dreams! As most childhood dreams do, mine crashed in the REALITY called LIFE. Change is hard and it sometimes hurts, but it can be used as a time to reflect and remember how you
 USED to see yourself. Resurrect your youthful dreams that you dismissed impossible.
Nothing. Is. Impossible.