Beth Moore is one of my heroes. The way she talks, writes and teaches speaks right to my heart. Here’s one of my favorite stories she tells. It’s an incredibly powerful, touching true story!
In the Bible, in the book of Exodus, Moses asks God, “Who should I tell the people who sent me.” In other words, ‘What’s your name?”
In Exodus 3:14 God answers Moses by saying,
“I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
Have you considered that because God calls himself, “I AM,” we could be using God’s name in vain by saying “I am ____” and filling in the blank with something negative.
Exodus 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.”
I still believe that we shouldn’t use God’s name as a swear word, but perhaps we should also avoid calling ourselves something that contradicts who God made us to be!
When my children say something negative about themselves, it hurts this mama’s heart. I immediately correct them. How much more does it hurt God’s heart when we talk negatively about ourselves – His Creation…His child?
Who does God say that you are?
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
You are righteous Romans 3:22
You are loved Jer 31:3, Ephesians 3:18, I John 3:1
You are created with a purpose Jeremiah 29:11
You are chosen, special, royalty 1 Peter 2:9
You are protected Psalm 121:3, 2 Thessalonians 3:3
You are strong 1 Peter 5:10, 2 Timothy 1:7, Isaiah 41:10
You are a child of God 1 John 3:1
You are Holy and Blameless Ephesians 1:4
You lack nothing Psalm 23:1
You are honorable Psalm 8:5
“Our minds will be influenced either by our Father’s affirmations of us revealed in the Scriptures or by the negative thoughts and images that continually try to cripple us through feelings of rejections, loneliness and shame.” -SJ Hill, What’s God Really Like?
Let’s help our children remember who they are and WHOSE they are.
When they are talking negatively, have them REPLACE their words with truth.
Change “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this, YET!” (or “I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me Strength” Philippians 4:13)
“I am afraid” becomes “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of LOVE, power and a SOUND mind” (1 Timothy 1 :7)
“I’m a failure” to “I was chosen by God!” (John 15:16)
“No one likes me” to “I am loved by the Creator of the Universe!” (1 John 3:1)
Take a minute, close your eyes, and let God tell you who you are!
You are LOVED!
Click here for a POWERFUL Daily Declaration to speak over yourself and your family.
Click here for 12 verses to reduce your fear and build your FAITH.
Please subscribe so you don’t miss a post!
.
As a mother, I’ve experienced the incredible joy and fulfillment of raising children, but also the intense challenges and stress that come with it. I try to keep the house picked up, but sometimes it feels like a hurricane has swept through. Breakfast dishes pile up, spills happen, and my sons love to make forts out of all our pillows and blankets. In those moments, I feel overwhelmed.
.
Some thoughts that run through my head are:
- I’ll never have a clean house.
- I’m depressed.
- I can’t do this.
I give myself about 60 seconds to think this way, then I purposefully stop myself. When I choose to think different thoughts, my mood immediately changes.
.
I’ve learned that I have a choice in how I respond to the thoughts. I choose to focus on gratitude and joy instead of stress and negativity.
When I start to feel down, here are two things I’ve found that are helpful.
Scripture:
- “I can’t do this” is replaced with: “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
- “I am depressed” is replaced with “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 ESV).
Gratitude:
- Replace “I’ll never have a clean house!” with this thought: I have young children, but I will eventually have a clean house again and may even miss their messes. Messes means life is happening here.
- Replace “Look at the messy kitchen!” with this thought: My children aren’t hungry. They have food to eat.
- Replace “The living room is a mess!” with this though: My children are creative. They are playing together.
.
Feeling stressed is a choice. Joy and gratitude are choices too.
I’m choosing joy one day at a time, sometimes one minute at a time.
.
Motherhood is a journey that requires us to let go of our own desires and priorities and focus on our children. It’s a tough but rewarding path, and we can choose to find joy even in the midst of messes and chaos.
If you’re struggling to find joy and gratitude as a mother, I encourage you to ask God for help. You can also start a gratitude journal and write down five things you’re thankful for each day. And don’t forget to involve your children in household chores! Even young children can help pick up toys or set the table, and older children can do more advanced tasks like laundry and cooking.
Remember, joy is a choice, and it’s one we have to make every day. Let’s choose wisely and embrace the challenges and joys of motherhood together.
.
.
Thanks for reading! If you found this post helpful, please consider subscribing for more tips and encouragement.
Want more on Motherhood?
Read this:
3
In Faith/ Family/ Motherhood/ My Journey
What I learned in going back to work after being a full-time mom
Facebook memories let me know that today would have been my one-year “anniversary” of working at New Life Church in Colorado Springs.
Dr. Michelle Anthony is the Family Ministry Pastor at New Life, and in the summer of 2017, I asked her if we could meet so I could share some ideas on how to grow our volunteer team. At that meeting, she asked if I would go from being a volunteer to joining the staff.
As always, my first reaction was to say “no.”
– I’m a mom with four kids, do I have enough ‘gas’ in my tank to do more?
– I’ve been a full-time mom for 6 years, do I have marketable skills left?
– With a church this size, will I have a voice? Can I really make a difference?
I told her to give me a few days to pray about it and talk to Ted.
Ted encouraged me to go for it. It would be a part-time role, and he thought I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity. I prayed and felt good…nervous…but good.
So, I said yes.
I’m SOO very glad I said yes! It was an HONOR to work with amazing people, being a part of helping kids know Jesus and grow in their relationship with him. I also loved having the chance to bring to fruition those ideas I shared with Michelle at our initial meeting.
Years ago, I was a children’s ministry director of a smaller church and wore a lot of hats – greeter, teacher, worship leader, curriculum writer, curriculum prep, shopper, event planner, event host, etc.
When working with a larger team at a mega-church, each of us could specialize in our gifts. I enjoyed the opportunity to focus on one service (Friday night), and one theme (volunteerism), while supporting others in the church in what they did. We all worked together with one mission.
I loved being a part of the New Life church staff. Some days I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to do what I love! Before I started, I was SO nervous; but 9 months later, when we found out we were moving, I mourned having to say good-bye!
New Life Family Ministry Team
Working again gave me confidence that the gifts God placed in me a long time ago did not disappear as a stay-at-home mom.
Mamas, the work you do at home is INCREDIBLY important. Stay engaged there. Be the best mama you can be for those children, cherishing the fact that you get to invest in them, mold their beliefs, and watch them grow!
Your time as a full-time mother is not causing your gifts to depreciate. Changing diapers and chasing after toddlers will NOT eliminate all your marketable skills. Your gifts will only grow stronger. Focus on the task of being a mom and a wife! Know that in the future, you will have opportunities and new ways to use your God-given gifts. God will EQUIP you to do whatever He calls you to do!
I’m so grateful to be home full-time again right now. Moving while Mommin’ is hard and all-consuming. The kids just started school, and I have 100 things on my to-do list. This blog post is NOT on that list…so I’m going to run now… thanks for reading my thoughts for today!
Lately as I’m approaching my bed to sleep at night, a wave of fear sweeps over me. I’m afraid to lay down in the dark because that is when the thoughts begin…thoughts of –
- things I’ve done wrong and should have done differently.
- thoughts of something bad happening to my kids
- thoughts of them getting hurt or dying
Negative, painful, fearful thoughts were weighing me down, making my chest ache. I felt like I was suffocating. I could barely breathe, let alone sleep.
I know I can do something about this. I didn’t need to hold on to these fears and anxieties. I needed to purposely, actively, STOP the bad thoughts filling my mind.
The Bible tells us to:
“Cast ALL your ANXIETY on Him because He CARES for YOU!” I Peter 5:7
I began to pray over my worries and stresses. I prayed Psalm 91 for my children: “… With LONG LIFE with I satisfy him…”
Prayer allowed me to cast my anxiety on HIM. I was literally handing my worry and fear to God.
After just a couple of minutes of prayer, I honestly felt God take the heavy burden off me and carry it for me.
I “saw” (not literally, but in my mind) Him take the “backpack” that was weighing me down and place it on His shoulder!!!
Suddenly, the weight was lifted.
The fears and anxieties were replaced with joy and peace!
I could breathe. I could smile. I could rest!
Friends, give Christ your burden. Your fear. Your anxiety. Your negative thoughts. He wants to carry the load for you! Hand it over to Him in prayer.
The following Scriptures have helped me tremendously. Feel free to print these out and lay them beside your bed. Try to memorize one or two so that you can repeat them when you are feeling anxious or afraid:
Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Jeremiah 29:11 “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.”
You can also read Psalm 23 and Psalm 91 for further encouragement!
Do you have a favorite scripture, a quote, a book or something that has helped you when you are faced with fears and anxiety? Please share!
Another suggestion is to fall asleep to the sound of music. I love to play this song just before I go to sleep:
Faith minus vulnerability and mystery equals extremism. If you’ve got all the answers, then don’t call what you do faith.” — Dr. Brené Brown
I’m so thankful that I have a God I can trust. I look back on my life and see His faithfulness over and over.
However, entering new territory, heading toward the unknown, is still hard. Every time.
Why? Why do I fear? Why don’t I rest in the fact that the same God who provided for me throughout my life, will continue to be by my side?
He is faithful, so why do I worry?
There’s a story in the Bible about the Israelites traveling to an unknown place. I can’t imagine being a mama back then – with no restaurants or grocery stores – no guarantee of food for my children. However, day after day, God miraculously provided food for them. Each morning, there was fresh “manna” on the ground. They ate all they wanted.
However, they weren’t sure the food would always be there. God provided yesterday, He provided today, but would He provide again tomorrow? And every.single.day. after that?
Would He always be this good?
Since they weren’t sure, they began to gather as much as they could and store it in their tent for the days to come. However, the food they stored would be rotten by morning. They’d go outside to discover that God had, once again, provided fresh “manna” for them to eat. They slowly learned to trust Him, one day at a time. You can read the story in Exodus 16.
This season has a made me realize – I’m just Iike those Israelites!
I can look back and see how God provided for me (over and over) but I STILL say: “God, will you do it again? Will you be as good tomorrow as you were today?” In my heart, I know He will. But the trusting day-by-day is so hard.
I reflected back on how God miraculously provided for us in Colorado, but wondered if He would do the same in Minnesota?!
For instance, we had to sell our house in Colorado before we could make an offer on a house in Minnesota.
The waiting, day after day.
Will we get an offer…WHEN will we get an offer…PLEASE someone…give us an offer!
The waiting, the trusting…was HARD.
We DID get an offer – A FULL PRICE OFFER!
However, the family who wanted our home, wanted it in less than 30 days.
We had not yet decided on a house OR a mortgage company.
Ted and I talked, prayed, and chose our home Minnesota home, while I interviewed mortgage companies to find the best rate.
Once those big items were decided, we had only 2 and a half weeks before we had to be out of our Colorado house. The mortgage company needed almost 30 days to close on our loan. We’d be in limbo for about 10 days.
Ten days where we’d be ‘homeless’ – 10 days between the time we needed to be out of our Colorado home and close on our Minnesota home.
We asked the Minnesota homeowner if we could get a ‘pre-occupancy’ agreement – letting us move in early. We’d essentially “rent” the home from him until we close. This would save us from having to stay in a hotel for those 10 days, and even more important, we wouldn’t have to move our things TWO TIMES (from our Colorado home to storage, then from storage to our Minnesota home). That would be a lot of extra effort and EXPENSE!
The homeowner said NO. He’d had a bad experience with this before and he would not let us in early, even though he was no longer in the house – the house was EMPTY!
We asked the family purchasing our Colorado home if we could stay for 10 extra days. They said, “no, we have everything on a specific timeline.”
This was so discouraging.
So I prayed. I asked a few others to pray. Ted talked to our realtor to see if he could get the Minnesota homeowner to change his mind.
We waited.
I tried not to get anxious as our moving day approached.
Well, moving day came. Our movers asked us where they’d be taking our stuff. I gave them our new Minnesota home address…in faith, praying we’d have favor and could move our stuff in.
As our movers were finishing and Friday was coming to a close…we heard back from the Minnesota homeowner.
He would let us into his home early!!!
The movers left our home Friday and we met them at our new home on Monday morning at 7:30 AM!
Our Miracle Home in Minnesota!
Thank you God for answered prayer.
Thank you to our realtor who negotiated on our behalf.
Thank you to those who encouraged and prayed for us!
I’m thankful that I follow a God who provides, day after day, year after year, generation after generation.
If you are going through a tough situation, and wondering if God is with you, read this verse:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV
PS – The homeowner really DID have a BAD experience and it’s a MIRACLE he let us in early! Someone had moved into this home a year earlier, requesting a “lease-to-own” deal. After moving in, he didn’t pay rent and did damage to the home and he couldn’t get the renter out. The floors had to be refinished, carpet replaced and walls painted. What a mess! Somehow, in spite of this, we were allowed in early! Amazing!
Feel free to leave a comment about how you’ve seen God provide for you!
Recently in the middle of the bedtime craziness, my youngest son Luke cried out:
ALL OF MY FEELINGS ARE HURTING!!!!
I tried not to laugh and was able to comfort him that night with a hug.
However, his words stuck with me because throughout the last couple of months, I completely understood what he was talking about:
ALL of MY feelings were hurting! I was feeling sad, mad, worried, anxious, and fearful.
- Sad that I have to say goodbye to people and a place I love
- Mad that a job was moving us to Minnesota
- Worried that we wouldn’t sell our Colorado home or find the right house to purchase in Minnesota
- Anxious about all of the changes and everything that I needed to do to move across the country
- Fearful of the unknowns
Then I read Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud. It was full of truth and ENCOURAGEMENT and was the exact book I needed during this transition! He put into words everything I needed to hear. I didn’t know if it was okay that ALL of my feelings were hurting. People move EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. NBD!
And then I read:
“When you don’t feel your feelings, you remained tethered to them in some way” Dr. Henry Cloud.
This gave me the freedom to FEEL all of the feelings, to process them, write about them, talk about them, cry over them and pray about them. I also allowed others to pray for me, hug me, remind me of God’s truth and encourage me.
“To the degree we were invested in something that’s ending, we will have to work the grief through our system in order to be ready for whatever is next…
“When you feel grief, you are saying: I am looking this reality right in the face and dealing with it. Grief also means I am getting ready for what is next, because I am saying goodbye to it.” Dr. Henry Cloud
I said Good-bye.
After processing all of the feelings, I said goodbye. Goodbye to the sadness, anger, worry, anxiety and fear. I also said goodbye to the priceless Colorado adventure and looked back with gratitude!
Then I said Hello!
Feeling the feelings and processing them allowed the closure I needed to end that glorious chapter and to say hello to a NEW one! New friends, new opportunities, new memories and experiences.
I will take my memories, my friendships, and what I’ve learned and build on that in our new place. I will discover new things and develop new relationships.
Treat endings with respect.
“Look at the experience, break it apart. What was good about it? What did I learn? What skills did I attain? New knowledge? Take all of that and make it a part of you. It becomes part of who you are. You are now smarter and wiser for having that experience.”
“Face your grief, work through it and let it equip you will make for a good necessary ending.” Dr. Cloud
Thank you Dr. Henry Cloud! I LOVED your book (especially Chapter 12 – Embrace the Grief: The Importance of Metabolizing Necessary Endings!) It said everything I needed as I ended one chapter to begin a new one.
If you are about to have an “ending” of some sort (or know you NEED to end something) – I highly recommend you get this book!!! And maybe start with Chapter 12.
(Affilate Link)
Have you read this book? If so, did you like it too? Leave a comment!
Do you feel Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Are you ready to quit?
Faith does not look at the FACTS and say “Well, I might as well give up.” Faith looks at circumstances that have “impossible” written all over them and then listens to what heaven is saying. In heaven, you will never hear God say, “You should quit. This is impossible.”
Scripture is clear that faith has nothing to do with what we feel or see. We walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Cor 5:7
If you listen, you will hear God telling you that He is on your side, he is FIGHTING FOR YOU, that with Him you are more than a conqueror!
Determine today, as a person of FAITH, to move your eyes off your situation and open your ears to God’s voice.
When you are in crisis, God is not. When you are in depression, God is not. When you are lost, God is not. When you want to quit, God will not. God has not vanished. Just because you may not understand the path you are traveling doesn’t mean God is not leading you! Choose to trust Him.
Choose to believe:
He will comfort you in all your troubles. Ps 23:4
God will meet all your needs (Phil 4:19)
He will turn your darkness into light and make straight your crooked path (Is 30:5)
Joy comes in the morning (Ps 30:5)
God will not forsake you (Ps 9:10)
When Marcus Luttrell (from Lone Survivor) was training to be Navy seal he noticed that men around him were quitting, giving up and not fulfilling their dream to be a Seal! These men were STRONG, some stronger than Marcus. Though they had PHYSICAL strength, they didn’t have the mental strength. When you make up your mind that you are not going to quit, the battle is WON! There comes a time in every marriage, family or situation when it’s easier to quit than endure. Decide now that you WILL NOT QUIT!
I am never going to quit loving.
I am never going to quit serving.
I am never going to quit forgiving.
I am never going to quit praying.
I am never going to quit believing.
I am never going to quit being kind.
Ideas, quotes and inspiration came from the book “Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt” by Jentezen Franklin. Pick up a copy by clicking on this link:
Books are affiliate links.
14
In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Faith/ Family/ Finding our place/ Moving/ My Journey
Life is Either a Daring Adventure or Nothing – Helen Keller
When we moved to Colorado, we thought we’d be staying here forever.
Ted found a good job.
We found a beautiful home.
We met so many new (and old) friends.
I began a job that I love at an amazing church.
I’ve become a writer in Colorado:
- I write for YOU (Thank you for reading!)
- I recently began writing for Colorado families through the Colorado Springs Mom blog,
- I write for churches and families throughout the United States through Homefront Magazine,
- I write for mother’s through the Help Club for Mom’s Bible studies
- I even published a Colorado children’s book – hoping to make it a series.
Our family has thrived here, and we absolutely love this place. There is so much beauty all around us every day. It’s soul-filling.
However, changes are ahead.
We are about to embark on a new adventure: We are moving to Minnesota.
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. – Helen Keller
My husband has accepted a job with Target Corp. He will be working in Executive Leadership Development at the Target headquarters in Minneapolis.
Until a couple of weeks ago, I had never been to Minnesota.
The only two things I knew about Minnesota were:
Minnesota was not on our radar. It was not in the plan.
I guess sometimes we go off script and follow the adventure of the unknown, unfamiliar.
After I went through the stages of grief, I’m choosing to move forward in joy, trusting we will find and create beauty in a new place.
Though we chose Colorado as our place, my true place is with my family. Wherever they are is home. Where they are is my place. They are my people.
My people. My place is wherever they are!
My favorite quote over the last couple of weeks has been:
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Thank you Dr. Suess!
Our friend and pastor, Daniel Grothe, reminded my husband that when we moved to Colorado, we were ALL IN! He recommended we have the same attitude in Minnesota. Be ALL IN. This is such a good reminder, such wisdom. Thank you Daniel!
I’ll be re-reading the book: This is Where you Belong: Finding Home wherever you are. I’ll also refer back to this POST: 8 ways to LOVE where I LIVE – as we adventure into a brand new place.
I’ve begun following the Twin Cities Mom Blog, and other blogs and checking out Pinterest to see all there is to do in Minnesota.
I’m looking forward to:
- meeting new people,
- finding a good church,
- discovering the best places to eat,
- learning how to stay warm in winter,
- exploring this beautiful state!
Have any of you been to Minnesota? What can you recommend we do and see? Where should we go?
Everybody expected Jesus to do what dead people usually do – stay dead. For what they intended as the end, was actually just the beginning. – Andy Stanley
Deb and Kathryn – December 2017
Today I’ve invited my step-mom Deb Freeman to write a guest post. I’m grateful for her love for me and her love for Jesus! Being a step-mom is not easy, but she’s done a wonderful job of teaching, encouraging, and being there for me and my siblings. I think it’s her relationship with Jesus that’s given her the strength and wisdom she’s needed to be a mom of EIGHT – three of her own, plus FIVE step-daugthers. This is her first guest post but definitely not her last!
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Good News of Easter continues for all who have simply asked Jesus to be their Savior.
In the fall of 1980, my world started to spin out of control. Actually … it started to do that many years before, but now, it had reached break-away velocity, and a major UNRAVEL was taking place. I desperately needed help for a world I could no longer understand. I had come to the end of myself. I was 22, tired and exasperated. I NEEDED – HAD to have HELP to make it through the next day.
No matter how you would describe your story right now, there’s good news. Your story is not over. It’s not too late to change the story you’ll tell in the future. – Craig Groeschel
In all of the church services I had been in, all of the ruffly Easter dresses with red patent leather shoes I put on. All of the Vacation Bible school perfect attendance certificates I’d received and tucked into my desk; and all of the crafts about Jesus I had made ~~ no one had ever asked me if I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart. In an attempt to ease the pain, I even tried to read the Bible. Ohhhhh my goodness ~~~ DRY and BORING…like crispy dry & cardboard boring! Three minutes of reading, turned into a great NAP.
While attending a little church in North Webster, Indiana, on Sunday, November 9th, 1980 ~ Someone finally asked. The pastor wanted anyone interested in a New Life, Peace of Mind, Salvation in Jesus, to walk forward to the altar for prayer. Well, I wanted to, so very badly, but I was petrified. I couldn’t budge from where I sat. I can still see it in my mind ~~ the altar down at the front of the church looked like it was ten miles away, and I just knew that if I walked that distance, EVERYONE in that church would know just how creepy I was. How dirty I felt. What a loser I was, every failure I had in my life…. and …. I couldn’t do it. I was frozen in fear. So I stayed in my seat.
The end.
No, not really.
Two days later that little church sent some people to my home to pray with me. A simple PRAYER changed my life. The same Bible I used to think was DRY and BORING, would now cause me to stay up ALL NIGHT reading!! Goodness, Jesus changed Me!!
That simple prayer sent me on a GREAT adventure! I’m still on it.
So. How was Church this morning? Did someone ask you if you wanted to receive Jesus into your heart? ~~ Do you? Too scared? I get it. But listen to me, the ADVENTURE is TOO GREAT, the peace is magnificent and I don’t want you to miss it !! I mean…….wayyyyy too great …
Send a message if you want more info!
Hugs, Deb
God is not in love with some future version of you. It’s not you tomorrow that He loves and delights in. It’s not you when you get your act together….If you believe that Christ’s love for you is a future love for you, then you dismiss the cross of Christ. – Matt Chandler
Deb and a few of her grandchildren
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Hey friends, it’s Kathryn again! I wanted to share this post because, just like Deb, my life has been positively impacted by having a relationship with God, my Creator!
He is my Father, Friend, Wisdom, Peace, and Hope.
If those words describe something you WANT, then tell God you want to KNOW HIM! You can have a personal relationship with Him that will fill you will unspeakable JOY and PEACE in the midst of whatever you are facing.
Send me a message so I can encourage you.