Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

I drive my kids to school each day. As we head down the driveway, I turn off the radio and pray (with my eyes open, of course : )). We then listen to KLOVE, a Christian radio station, so that the songs in our minds throughout the day are pure and praiseworthy to God. After school, when all of us are together again, I ask each of them how their day went, if they have any homework, and what their favorite part of the day was. I added the last part just a couple of months ago. Usually, because we are all rather fatigued, the answer to the first question is only a short word, “fine, good, okay”. Now, they think about the good parts of the day and our conversations on the way home are much more enjoyable.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Many years ago, I was listening to a devotion and the teacher said to put your name in the place of the word love as you read this passage. These verses became much more meaningful. I need to be looking at myself to find these virtues, and not looking for them in others. Be love to others today on Valentines Day.

Hebrews 13:4-5

Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:4-5

It breaks my heart to hear that a married couple is separating or going through a divorce. I know there a many variables and problems in marriages that run deeper than just "not being content." But many times, discontentment in a marriage is where it all begins. It's like a small thread which, as it gets pulled and tugged on, causes a whole sweater (marriage) to completely unravel.

To keep the grass just as green on my side of the fence requires care: watering, feeding, pulling out weeds, and getting rid of pests and varmints. It is work. Hard work. But isn't it a comfort that God will always be there with us to do that work?

Matthew 2:11 & Isaiah 1:13-18

And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

Each Christmas, we give our children three gifts to remind them (and us) of the three gifts brought to Jesus, which helps to keep everyone focused on why we celebrate Christmas. But as I was reading Isaiah a few days ago, I pointed out to the kids that even though the gifts the wisemen brought were rare and expensive, they aren't what God wants from us. He wants us to live for Him, to turn from evil, do good, seek justice, defend orphans, and help widows. Why do we do this? Because He washed our sins away and made us white as snow.

Isaiah 1:13-18
13 Bring no more futile sacrifices;
Incense is an abomination to Me.
The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies—
I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.
14 Your New Moons and your appointed feasts
My soul hates;
They are a trouble to Me,
I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands,
I will hide My eyes from you;
Even though you make many prayers,
I will not hear.
Your hands are full of blood.
16 “ Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;
Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.
Cease to do evil,
17 Learn to do good;
Seek justice,
Rebuke the oppressor;[a]
Defend the fatherless,
Plead for the widow.
18 “ Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD,

“ Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool."

Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

Happy Thanksgiving (a few days late). This is the time of year we give thanks. Let us always give glory to the One who blesses us. Psalm 75:1 We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near. The most wondrous gift of all for which we should be thankful is our salvation through Christ. 1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. As we step into the Christmas season, and celebrate the birth of Christ, I need to show my thankfulness by my actions, living my life for God out of thankfulness for the redemption of Christ. My focus should be on giving and showing my children through my example. When I keep this in the forefront of my mind and heart, the holiday season isn’t daunting at all.

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Many times I wake up in the early hours of the morning long before my alarm is supposed to beep. I can lay there for hours without being able to fall back to sleep because of my racing mind, thinking, and worrying. Sometimes it’s nervousness, doing something exciting, or a cold that wakes me and keeps me awake. I’ve realized that if I stop thinking about all that’s going through my mind and life and just pray, then I fall asleep quite easily. I pray for each family member, immediate and beyond. I pray for my church families. I pray for those with whom I work, adults and children. I pray for specific church ministries local, national, and abroad. I also pray for missionaries, naming each I know or have heard about through my church and Christian publications. And before I know it, I’ve fallen into a peaceful sleep.

Proverbs 14:7

Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. Proverbs 14:7

Walk away. It’s what we were always told to do. It’s what I’ve told my own children…..sometimes.

It takes self-control (Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control ) to walk away instead of saying something you’d regret. However, it’s also important to know when to walk away and when to stay and defend what you believe (1 Peter 3:15 and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you). I also remind my kids that if it is an adult, they have to be respectful and listen, honoring those in authority over them, whether they think they are right or not (Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you).

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Happy Reformation Day.

I'm very thankful to God for those in the 16th century who risked their lives so that I can now freely read and study the Word of God today almost five hundred years later. May I never take for granted the privilege it is to have, read, and study the Bible (even on my iPhone!). The verse above is one of the passages that convinced Martin Luther that we are saved by faith in Christ, and not by our works. On October 31, 1517, he nailed the ninety-five thesis to the church door in Germany, which ultimately began the Protestant Reformation.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

This passage is such a comfort in all walks of life: for college age kids who are struggling with making decisions regarding their degrees and coursework, as well as those who are just finishing their schooling and stepping out into working full time. This verse can also be a blessing to young mothers who go through each daily task wondering if there is anything beyond wiping noses, washing laundry, and doing dishes. Although we may not know what lies ahead, God knows. He has our life plans mapped out already. Such a weight goes from my shoulders when I really let that sink in.

Acts 20:35

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

Last spring, when I was given my new assignment for this school year, I was quite upset and worried. Mostly because of my lack of knowledge in the medical field regarding the needs of the student I would be working with this fall. I have definitely been challenged while caring for this five year old who is in a wheel chair, visually impaired, cannot speak, and has a feeding tube. However, after four weeks of working with her, Acts 20:35 has taken on a whole new meaning to me. She is a doll and such a joy to work with each day. By her giggles, smiles, and the patting of my arm for reassurance of my presence, I am so blessed.