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“Go to your room. I’ll be there in a minute.” Those words spoken to our daughters when they were growing up were serious words. They knew that it meant one thing – a S-P-A-N-K-I-N-G was coming! Sometimes they would hear our footsteps soon after they’d gotten to their bedroom. Other times, we would have to go off and pray and collect ourselves first!
In our home, discipline always took place in a private place. If we were at home, it Continue reading “Family Friday – Training in Discipline”
This past week I had two conversations that stuck in my mind and heart. One was when dear lady told me that after holding many responsibilities with titles, she was now “Just a housewife.” The other woman told me she was a part-time housewife and wished it was full-time.
Every woman probably has her own definition of what a housewife does and how she Continue reading ““Just a Housewife””
When Kroger recently put shrimp on sale, I know we were soon in store for a fast, scrumptious seafood dinner! I went searching for a great recipe to make this meal really special. When I saw the word, honey in the ingredients for this dish, my heart jumped. I absolutely love this special condiment! Lime is also called for in this dish, and its tartness added the perfect balance to the sweet honey. This sauce over the shrimp is perfect. Oh yum, we were not disappointed! Continue reading “Honey-Lime Shrimp”
Refreshing the decor in my home seasonally is one way I show my love for my husband. Does that seem strange? What I mean is I want our home to be inviting – not just to our guests, but to HIM! I want him to feel that happy sigh when he walks in the door and finds things welcoming and comfortable. It’s never going to be perfect, and we don’t strive for that standard. We just want it to be a place that draws us and others in, has a cozy warmth, and extends the love of Christ to any who walk in our doors.
There are some mornings that I am up doing my usual routine and there’s a gentle nagging inside. It isn’t always recognizable, but it causes me to be uneasy, even grouchy – not a pretty thing by any means!
When my girls were small we listened to LOTS of Patch the Pirate music. There was one song called, The Worry Warthog. The chorus says,
“Yes I’m a worry warthog, I worry every day. I worry, worry, all my time away. And if you want to look like me just fear and fret and snort, and very soon you’ll wake up with a great big worry wart!”
This described me recently. I’m not sure what it was that was nagging at me, but I got my coffee and headed with my Bible to my quiet place. I was currently doing a Bible study on having a peaceful heart (no coincidence!).
The Bible study book had me read passages about times when Jesus was in a stormy time like ~
As I read these passages it was brought to my attention that Jesus had been sorrowful, in tears, and in agony of spirit. None of these responses to His storms were sinful. The author reminded its readers that it’s okay to feel troubled about situations we’re in. However, if that troubled feeling is worry that is a sin.
How do we know if it’s worry that we’re experiencing and not one of the other emotions previously mentioned? She made it very clear –
“Disciplined thought moves in a straight line through a tangle of difficulties to possible solutions. Worry is a swirling tornado of thoughts centered on a fear. They repeat themselves over and over, making you dizzy but accomplishing nothing else. When fretful thoughts begin to sound familiar, that’s worry.”
When I read that, suddenly the Holy Spirit put His finger on that uneasiness in my heart – it was worry. My husband and I had been discussing something the day before that had my heart fretful and worrisome. One of the passages I studied that morning was Matthew 6:24-33 reminding me of God’s great care for His creation. What peace this brought to my heart. Yes, I can trust God to care for our needs; He is faithful. When I don’t believe this truth I John 5:10 says that I am actually calling God a liar! I asked the Lord to forgive me for worrying about this and gave it to Him that morning. I will believe and not doubt.
Gone was the irritating uneasiness and it was replaced by His sweet peace.
Is there something in your life today that has your thoughts twirling like a tornado – doing only damage? God cannot lie (Titus 1:2) and He will provide for you whatever it is you’re in need of today – strength, wisdom, provisions, faith, grace. It’s readily available in vast supply!
If you’re wondering if my grouchiness left too – it sure it did. You can’t be a grouch when you’re back in fellowship with the Lord!
Give your “tornado thoughts” to the Lord, believe His Word, and enjoy the peace that will take its place!
RefreshHer 