quiet-time | Designing 31

compared to oxen {day 15}

This from the Proverb for yesterday.

Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. Proverbs 14:4I heard this verse preached several times while in Bible College. I had never actually understood it before that.

It has become a motto of mine since becoming a mother of 4. {lol}

While I strive, regularly, to put things in order and keep things clean and straightened, it is not a possibility at this season of my life for my home to be perfectly “kept” at all times each day.

And yes, I realize I am comparing my children to oxen. { 🙂 }

But while they are yet small and in-training… and until they leave, my home will have some measure of chaos.

2012

I realize there are those ladies who have several small children and their home never seems to look like it {I applaud them!}, but I am not one of them. And while I hate tripping on blocks and slipping on books, I cannot compare myself to them.

I must compare myself with what I am asked to do and how diligently I try to do it.

I do not have the ability to keep all the plates juggling {pick-up toys, clean laundry, wash dishes, fold laundry, vacuum, put laundry away, etc} at all times every day. And some days, all the plates simply crash and stay there. {oh yes, they do.}

And besides all the “house-keeping” responsibilities, I am also trying to teach my children how to keep a house… as well as to love God and obey His Words.

2014

While my example is paramount, I must take time to speak to them also. And we must have hands-on discussions at times… either in actual chores being done over and over or in discipline-both apply.

And I also have several responsibilities outside of ‘home-keeping’ that I do from my home.

But my point is, people are messy.

Life is messy.

But when I loose site of the goal: my children being grown, functioning, responsible Christian adults, the messy makes me feel like I am not accomplishing anything.

So I have to remind myself….

when my “oxen” are gone… my crib may be a bit neater…

2015

but I pray Christ’s work is stronger because my children are active in it!

a crown for old men {day 17}

by tascha | 2 comments

Today is my youngest daughter’s 4th birthday.

this picture is a couple months old — and now a couple of years!

She is HOOT… and a whirlwind.

She has the energy of my entire life in her pinky. [still!]

And today, while reading the Proverb, I came to this verse:

Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. Proverbs 17:6

And it made me stop and think {as it has before} that MY children… are my parent’s “children’s children.”

with my grandparents <3

And I want them to be a “crown” to their grandfathers, and to their great-grand-parents!
And of course, I was reminded of another Proverb: Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

And that reminded me of a post I read [link is broken] yesterday… about “the way.”

Jesus is “the way.”

So, while rules give boundaries that are necessary, and we should expect rules to be obeyed, our main focus should be on pleasing Jesus… making Him our life.

And that in-between relationship… I know my husband {and I do too!} desires to live such a life that his children would see his heritage/legacy as a thing of glory, as something to desire to pass on to their own children one day.

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Let’s connect on FACEBOOK!

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I’m also on Instagram!
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and I’m on Twitter!

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the seed, the Word {day 20}

by tascha

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear…But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. from Luke 8:4-15, the parable of the Sower

These verses, this story, was in my scheduled Bible reading for today. I intensely wish for my own life to bring forth fruit, and I know it requires patience to see it.

But just as fiercely I wish for my own children to receive the Seed of the Word of God [become saved] and also bear fruit.

Only on the “good ground” is the Word received AND fruit is born. As a mother, my prayer is for my children’s hearts to be good ground… I am not a farmer, but I do know a few things about the general type of soil needed to grow good crops.

First it must also be rich in nutrients. All plants of the earth require different minerals to produce their various fruits. We must allow God to prepare the soil of our children’s hearts through consistent Bible reading [family devotions are a wonderful way to do this!], Bible memorization, and Scripture verses displayed where they can read them [when they can read!] Only through the principles learned thus will an honest and good heart be produced. [Mark 10:18]

It must also be moist. A dry heart is less likely to hold onto a seed. Moist soil is soft and pliable. We must ask for and then allow the Spirit of God [rivers of living water- John 7:39] to regularly and consistently pour water into our children’s lives. Our children need to see the Spirit’s work in our own lives. We must teach and exemplify the truths and principles found in Scripture to help their hearts to remain tender until such time as they understand their personal need for accepting Jesus.

It must also be able to receive sunlight daily. As saved parents, we are light to our children. [Matthew 5:14-16] Our testimony affects how our children receive God. This is a scary thought. My children see me at my absolute worst and know if I strive to allow God’s love to shine through me even during the frustrations and difficulties or if it is an act. And we must also be diligent to surround our children, as much as possible, with others’ whose lights shine brightly for the Lord.

And last of all, it needs to be in a good location to receive nutrients and water and light. When we neglect to take our children to church or read the Bible at home or speak of the Spirit leading us throughout the day, how can they know?

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Let’s connect on FACEBOOK!

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I’m also on Instagram!
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and I’m on Twitter!

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multiplying miracles {day 22}

by tascha

Today I read in Luke 8 of the man of the Gadarenes that was possessed of many devils and whom God healed.

After Jesus cast the demons into the swine feeding nearby and the animals died in a lake, the people talked about it. There was likely a frenzy of wondering what just happened?!

But when the people found out that Jesus had made this maniac to be sane, they were afraid… of Jesus.

I am sure they were not pleased that Jesus had killed their pigs [I am assuming they were part of someone’s lively-hood]. It is not normal for animals to wildly run down a ravine and into a lake.

But it was not until they saw a crazy man sitting sanely that the Bible says they were afraid. It is a fairly normal occurrence for a man to sit, clothed, speaking calming to other people.

And yet, this is what made them afraid.

And the city asked Jesus to leave.

One of their own was made whole, sane; and they were afraid of the Healer.

The Bible records that He came back later and was received gladly.

What made the difference?

Jesus told the man: shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. [v 39]

The man told the people of the city his first-hand account of Jesus power.

He told them Jesus was God… or at least, the man realized Jesus was God, and that influenced his story.

And then, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. [v 40]

And after this was when Jarius’ daughter was raised from the dead. It seems to be he was a man from the same town.

All this… led me to realize, yet again, that when the name of Jesus is elevated to GOD in our conversation… when we actively think of Him as God, thus changing our manner of life… people believe {maybe not all, but it is noticed!}, hearts are changed, and miracles continue!

How marvelous.

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Let’s connect on FACEBOOK!

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I’m also on Instagram!
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and I’m on Twitter!

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faith education

by tascha | 2 comments

faith education

This past weekend one of the pastor’s messages was on the “School of Faith”, and one comment that stood out to me was:

A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted.

photo source

In his text in Genesis, the story of Abraham, he pointed out many of the times that Abraham’s faith was tested [and the times he failed as well as the times he triumphed].

But one thought that really stuck with me was that quote.

Can my faith be tested?

I believe there have been many times that it has been. And I know there have been innumerable times my faith failed a test. But I want to think there have been times I have triumphed also. for His glory. And there are many avenues through which this testing approaches.

Life-events have tried my faith. When my husband and I were first married and we moved here to work in a ministry, I left everyone I knew. We moved into a new home within weeks and then, days later found out our first bundle of blessing was coming. I had just started a new job also. I had not even unpacked all our things into our home, and I was sick. For the next 7 months I was ill. I did not pass all the tests that arose from those situations [not by a long shot], but I surely did learn a lot! That was quite a few years ago.

The general populace, including family and friends, have tried my faith and tested my patience. [I am sure I have tested theirs also.] I have learned much about God, His love and mercy and graciousness, from interacting with people. I have learned even more about God from interacting with my children. Sometimes I lose something {ahem, temper}, and have to go looking for it and apologize. My husband has taught me much about dealing with people, and all of it stems from a root of humility. {But that’s another post.}

The temptation of more: having. wanting. going. doing- has tried my faith. But God is always faithful and has always provided more than we could ever [TRULY] need, way more. And, while there are days this becomes a struggle again, the Lord has taught me to be content with the what. who. where. & when of our life.

So, can my faith be trusted? can yours? I know God has tested. I have seen areas of testing generate ministry opportunity. I believe when that happens, I passed the test- that one – not all of them! [note to self: watch out! just because I passed it once doesn’t mean the same test will not come around again. for a refresher course!]

Which leads me to this thought.

Our perspective in the day-to-day is determined [solely] by our relationship with Christ in the day-to-day.

Perspective can and will change as often as our relationship with the Lord changes, and perspective fashions the attitude with which we face our faith tests, which in turn influences whether we triumph or fail.

My prayer today is that our relationship with Jesus is genuine, faithful and daily, for only then will our faith be ready for the tests, and only then will triumph even be possible.

Can the Lord “trust” me?

This past weekend one of the pastor’s messages was on the “School of Faith”, and one comment that stood out to me was:

A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted.

photo source

In his text in Genesis, the story of Abraham, he pointed out many of the times that Abraham’s faith was tested [and the times he failed as well as the times he triumphed].

But one thought that really stuck with me was that quote.

Can my faith be tested?

I believe there have been many times that it has been. And I know there have been innumerable times my faith failed a test. But I want to think there have been times I have triumphed also. for His glory. And there are many avenues through which this testing approaches.

Life-events have tried my faith. When my husband and I were first married and we moved here to work in a ministry, I left everyone I knew. We moved into a new home within weeks and then, days later found out our first bundle of blessing was coming. I had just started a new job also. I had not even unpacked all our things into our home, and I was sick. For the next 7 months I was ill. I did not pass all the tests that arose from those situations [not by a long shot], but I surely did learn a lot! That was quite a few years ago.

The general populace, including family and friends, have tried my faith and tested my patience. [I am sure I have tested theirs also.] I have learned much about God, His love and mercy and graciousness, from interacting with people. I have learned even more about God from interacting with my children. Sometimes I lose something {ahem, temper}, and have to go looking for it and apologize. My husband has taught me much about dealing with people, and all of it stems from a root of humility. {But that’s another post.}

The temptation of more: having. wanting. going. doing- has tried my faith. But God is always faithful and has always provided more than we could ever [TRULY] need, way more. And, while there are days this becomes a struggle again, the Lord has taught me to be content with the what. who. where. & when of our life.

So, can my faith be trusted? can yours? I know God has tested. I have seen areas of testing generate ministry opportunity. I believe when that happens, I passed the test- that one – not all of them! [note to self: watch out! just because I passed it once doesn’t mean the same test will not come around again. for a refresher course!]

Which leads me to this thought.

Our perspective in the day-to-day is determined [solely] by our relationship with Christ in the day-to-day.

Perspective can and will change as often as our relationship with the Lord changes, and perspective fashions the attitude with which we face our faith tests, which in turn influences whether we triumph or fail.

My prayer today is that our relationship with Jesus is genuine, faithful and daily, for only then will our faith be ready for the tests, and only then will triumph even be possible.

Can the Lord “trust” me?

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lights out. goodnight

by tascha | 3 comments

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Dueteronomy 6:6,7—we must teach our children God’s Word.

{This is the way we do this. it is not the “perfect method” for everyone. not what every family must do. Just what we do. and I pray it can be a blessing and an inspiration to someone seeking for a place to start.}

Our family’s evening devotion time centers around preparing for bed. The older 2 can get their pjs on by themselves. though I do have to check to see if they picked up after themselves. They are often silly during this time and I love to hear their conversations. so serious. so pretend grown-up. except Mikalah. she loves to ROAR. and be 3.

We have our set time that we start. with the goal of them being in bed by 8:30. We have two different routines. one for evenings we have been at church and one for all the other evenings. As a family, we do our best to not schedule our time to be out late on nights that are not church simply because our children are still young and need the stability of a set bedtime. I am so thankful we are able to do this.

Our non-church night devotions begin with each of us saying something we are thankful for and then read a story with a Biblical principle and a Bible verse. During this last month [December] we simply read our Advent verses each evening instead of our story. Then we work on a Bible verse for memorization. We end with our quiet song [God Is So Good] and then have prayer.

On church nights we skip the story and memory verse. We talk about one thing to be thankful for as a family. then our song and prayer.

After prayer, everyone kisses Daddy [and the baby-man], and Mommy trails them off to bed. covers and kisses. lights out.

Good-Night.

**family notes

Not every night is smooth sailing! Sometimes there has to be a reprimand for wiggling. or a potty stop. or… something. but we have been doing this as a family for 4 years now. and since they know nothing different, this is normal bedtime routine and they really do very well.

linked up at: raisingarrows

entropy:

by tascha

the gradual decline into disorder.

sometimes, not so gradual [toddlers anyone?]

the struggle against decay.

The constant upkeep of home, family, friends [life] is, at times, staggering. The weight of it causes my feet to stumble. My path becomes broken and I fall- sometimes so very hard, to my knees, where I should have been to begin this journey~every day~on my knees before the God of this universe~who deigns Himself to love me.

He reaches down, not to grasp a hand or push me onward, but to pick me up, soul and spirit, and brush me clean with tender Forgiveness.

He sets me on my feet- holding me steady until such time as I am ready to try again, this time with my hand firmly grasping His.

Only His steps can make my path straight again.

So I will follow.

There are no stumbling ridges when I simply hide in His shadow, walking this path under the cover of His wing.

And Gentleness reminds me
of Goodness every. time. I. fall.

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Let’s connect on FACEBOOK!

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I’m also on Instagram!
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~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

and I’m on Twitter!

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am I a Christian?

by tascha | 2 comments

am I a Christian?

I suppose that in order to know if I AM a Christian, I should understand what it means to BE a Christian.

The Christ of this word is Jesus of the Bible. the Son of God [only begotten].

And -ian has several meanings: belonging to or relating to; a person belonging to or coming from; typical of or resembling; adhering to or following; and adherent of; a person who specializes or is an expert in.

So by these definitions, a Christian would be a person who belongs to Christ [I do, do you?]. aka: saved [by grace through faith]

But further than that, a Christian would be a person who resembles Christ and/or adhere’s to His teaching. or someone who is an expert in Who Christ is and what He teaches.

I do suppose that most of you reading this blog are, indeed, saved [Christians]; but are you [am I?] actively BEING a Christian?

Do I resemble Christ? [producing good works and the fruit of the Spirit as He did in His earthly ministry]
Do I adhere to His teachings [as opposed to blindly following a human]?
Am I striving to be an expert in Who He is?
Do I study His teachings [the Bible] and try to apply the truths learned?

Do you?

I suppose that in order to know if I AM a Christian, I should understand what it means to BE a Christian.

The Christ of this word is Jesus of the Bible. the Son of God [only begotten].

And -ian has several meanings: belonging to or relating to; a person belonging to or coming from; typical of or resembling; adhering to or following; and adherent of; a person who specializes or is an expert in.

So by these definitions, a Christian would be a person who belongs to Christ [I do, do you?]. aka: saved [by grace through faith]

But further than that, a Christian would be a person who resembles Christ and/or adhere’s to His teaching. or someone who is an expert in Who Christ is and what He teaches.

I do suppose that most of you reading this blog are, indeed, saved [Christians]; but are you [am I?] actively BEING a Christian?

Do I resemble Christ? [producing good works and the fruit of the Spirit as He did in His earthly ministry]
Do I adhere to His teachings [as opposed to blindly following a human]?
Am I striving to be an expert in Who He is?
Do I study His teachings [the Bible] and try to apply the truths learned?

Do you?

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It has become a motto of mine since becoming a mother of 4. {lol}

I must compare myself with what I am asked to do and how diligently I try to do it.

Life is messy.

but I pray Christ’s work is stronger because my children are active in it!

She has the energy of my entire life in her pinky. [still!]

Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. Proverbs 17:6

And yet, this is what made them afraid.

The man told the people of the city his first-hand account of Jesus power.

How marvelous.

Can my faith be tested?

Our perspective in the day-to-day is determined [solely] by our relationship with Christ in the day-to-day.

Can the Lord “trust” me?

Can my faith be tested?

Our perspective in the day-to-day is determined [solely] by our relationship with Christ in the day-to-day.

Can the Lord “trust” me?

the gradual decline into disorder.

the struggle against decay.

And Gentleness reminds me of Goodness every. time. I. fall.

And Gentleness reminds me
of Goodness every. time. I. fall.