My little girl is scared.  

It’s not just a phase, my six year old has always been fearful. I’ve come to realize, or to think, that it’s her cross in this life…to be anxious.

There was no leaving her in the nursery as a toddler. When she was three, we had several months of her irrational fear that I’d left her alone in the house. I mean, she would call my name once, I’d answer from the laundry room (or whereever) and she wouldn’ t hear…so she’d immediately run screaming my name, panicked that I’d abandoned her. It’s enough to make you think I’d threatened to leave home without her or something. I assure you, I did not. Ever.

Now, lest you think she’s afraid of everything, she’s not. She’s never been afraid of storms, of the dark, or of big dogs or bugs. Rarely do nightmares plague her. She has no fear of heights–her constant tree climbing, and monkeying-up-doorframes proves a certain lack of inhibition.

The experts have plenty of recommendations for the above fears: exposure to a new litter of pups (a non-threatening version of what terrifies them, ie: big dogs) or pretend play with a new stuffed animal dog, playing with flashlights or colored lights in a dark room (for fear of the dark), interacting with bugs by use of ant farms and butterfly habitats…but when we rely only on the “experts” we may miss the important spiritual lessons needed learned.

These fears are part of God’s plan for my daughter. Sadly, I’m only now realizing this and connecting the dots.

With prayer and encouragement, she overcame the majority of her fears by the age of 4.5. However, they’re resurfacing. She’s afraid of strangers. Terrified.

She will not go to Sunday School anymore, because there are several new children in the class…and when the SS teacher left them unattended once to go make copies…it freaked 6 yo out. When this spilled over to not attending Christmas program practice, my concern flags flapped in overtime. Yes, just like the children of Israel, I’m a slow learner. Here we have another opportunity for growth, and what do I do? Anxiety is sin, you know.

Three weeks have gone by and here’s what I’m doing:

• I’m acknowledging her fears, and trying to remain patient as we work through them. These last 3 weeks she’s been sitting with us during adult SS.
• I’m praying for her the power prayer of Ephesians 3:14-21. (the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is ours for the asking!)
• I’ve told several trusted prayer partners of this need.
• She and I talk. She knows God is with her, and that she can pray for His help and peace. She knows two verses on fear: Isaiah 41:10 and Psalm 56:3.
• We had a devotion on Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

This past Sunday, though she opted to sit with us in adult SS, she decided she was safe attending Christmas program practice without me. (This practice is done during the sermon…)

 So, by the grace of God, we go…

(and for anyone tempted to say this is a by-product of homeschooling, a socialization issue, it’s not. A personality and spirit issue, yes. )

Do you feel at times that you are just on the brink of knowing God? No matter how many times you read the Bible, there is always something new springing up at you from its pages?

Have you ever heard someone praying to Jesus? I have, and though I know they do it innocently, I still cringe. Yes, we’re to pray “in Jesus name”, but our guidelines in Matthew 6:9-11 (The Lord’s Prayer) clearly tell us to Whom we’re praying. God the Father.

My dad has always said that God the Father is the most neglected member of the Trinity, and today I found another site saying the same thing. In fact, my dad’s burden is for God the Father to become real to today’s Christian. He says that one of the reasons men are such “back-seat Christians” (my term, not his) is because of the lack of teaching on the Father.

I’ve asked my dad to share some of his thoughts on God the Father here, hopefully soon. But for now, let me leave you with this thought that as far as I know, originated with my mother:

Was it Jesus’ love for us that made Him willing to die on the cross for our sins? If so, why did He shed drops of blood and pray to have ‘this cup removed’ (His upcoming death)…He died on the cross for us out of His great love of His Father, and wanting His Father’s will to be done.

John 3:16 says,

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

For God so loved the world…God the Father…

And then, how amazing in light of the Godhead:

John 17:3,

This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

Have you given God the Father much thought lately?

What to do when sneezing progresses to coughing, and drippy noses turn into absolutely worthless stuffed blobs in the middle of your face?

Don’t know if any of you remember the hydrogen peroxide remedy I mentioned back in October…but I’ve had a chance to try it a few times and wanted to update everyone. It works!

It seems the key is catching the cold at the beginning symptoms. I soak a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and tilt my head, squeezing a few drops into one ear at a time. The link to all the hydrogen peroxide testimonials says to let it fizz in each ear for 5 or more minutes. I’ve done the remedy 3 times since I posted about it, twice on myself after recognizing a few cold symptoms (stuffy head, sneezing, drippy nose), and once on my daughter. And she was 3 days into her head cold before the light went on in this mom’s head to try the “hp” treatment on her. She’s infinitely better on day four!

Other things we do include taking a chewable Vitamin C and liquid echinaccea (make sure it’s a non-alcohol base). I’m really hearing a lot of good things about Congaplex by Standard Process (especially for treating recurrent Strep infections) and my medical dr always recommends sucking on a zinc lozenge. Zinc is known for boosting the immune system.

Speaking of zinc, if you’re pregnant, and wanting a good read go here: Zinc for Colds While Pregnant: How much is too much? 

Harder to swallow, is the apple cider vinegar treatment…my friend Deborah gave me the info on that…still learning. Did you know the health food stores sell a type of this vinegar that has the “mother” in it? It’s very good for you! :O) Deborah also gave me the tip to use lemon juice in the ears to bring down a fever.

I’d love to hear what works for you…

I’m blessed with such godly parents. This morning, after watching the discouraging results of our state’s elections last night, I was comforted by the email awaiting me…written by my mom. Here it is, and thanks go to my wonderful gem of a mom!

Well, this morning, after the results at the polls, we have to see if our divine viewpoint is up and functioning! Remember, in Daniel, how God set up Nebudchadnezzar (evil) and then humbled him? Remember in Psalm 118:6 and 8 how ‘the Lord is on my side…What can man do unto me?’ and ‘It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. And Prov. 21:1 where the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord. We are loyal Americans and we treasure the right to vote but the whole process is in God’s hands. He sets up some leaders for cursing and some for blessing. Democrats are not evil because they are democrats. Republicans are not good just because they are republicans. I heard Jan Michaelson on WHO as we were driving south of … the other day. He made a dogmatic statement that is based on solid Bible truth. He said, “the only purpose of government is to protect its citizens from evil!” But we believers have accepted the view that government owes us something and so we are crippled in our viewpoint. Where did we get the idea that our hope is in a republican governor or president?

I want my hope for freedom as an American to be based on what God has said, not on the veiled promises of ANY politician, don’t you? Our nation really needs to be judged and it is being judged…God being taken out of schools, the media, government, etc. But not out of our lives as individual Christians, right? Its kind of special to remember that ‘my times are in His hands’. and ‘when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold’ and ‘all things (election results too!!!) work together for good’. So whether you wanted the results of yesterday’s elections to be democratic or republican, don’t put your hopes or fears on the political ‘line’. Go with God!!!”

Wow, I feel better, don’t you? :O)

(Mom, you need a blog!)

Have to admit, this Weekend Kindness assignment was another case of perfect timing.

Our family went to Hobby Lobby last week to buy some stamping supplies…as my oldest daughter wanted to make cards for her “birthday craft”. Imagine our excitement as we came down the stamping aisle to see that EVERYTHING was 50% off! Everything! So we were able to get twice the amount for the money…stamps to make a variety of cards…and alphabet stamps in upper and lower cases…white cards/envelopes, cream colored cards/envelopes, postcards, etc. And today, we stamped to our hearts content!

It was so much fun. Reminded me of a few years ago when my dear friend Jana came for a few days visit and brought me the coolest hostess gift…supplies to make “coffee themed” cards. Don’t you just love it when someone takes your interests to heart and blesses you like that? Love you a ‘latte’ Jana!

So, I scanned my “Just Because” card for dh…assignment fulfilled. Now we girls are going to hurry to the mailbox so he’ll find it (and the ones they made for him) when he gathers the mail on his way up our lane…

Thanks for another fun WK!

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A good friend from my grade school days has been going through some marriage trauma. She recently gave birth and her dh of less than two years is filing for divorce. Long story. Aren’t they all? Sigh.

She called me the other night wanting straight talk, and I told her according to my understanding, if her dh divorced her, she wouldn’t be free to remarry till he remarried someone else or died. (Matthew 5:31-32)

My “verdict” was like delivering a death sentence. She’s fairly sure he won’t ever remarry, having once been burned. She’s not even sure he was a Christian to begin with.

You all know how I feel about “choices” and that marriage vows have to mean something. You have to enter into it with no “back door escape clause”…God’s ways may seem unfair, and harsh, but they’re for our good. However, my heart hurts for my friend.

I found this blog entry on commitment and marriage the other day, and wanted to share it here. Minuteman and his wife Candy, of Keeping the Home, have great blogs.

I just love reading husband/wife blogs. I’ve got another set for you later this week…

Commitment isn’t for the faint of heart. The truth is, most couples are incompatible in the beginning. God’s ways aren’t always our ways, but once you marry that person, they become Mr. or Mrs. Right…

Here are some scriptures regarding this topic (thanks Dad and Mom for your help with these):

Malachi 2:16, “For the LORD God of Israel says that He hates divorce for it covers one’s garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. ‘Therefore, take heed to your spirit that you do not deal treacherously’.” (Use the link to read the verses in context.)

1 Corinthians 7:15, “But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. (This verse leaves room for argument, but in light of Matthew 5:31, I don’t think the innocent spouse is up for remarriage…and reading Matthew 5:31-48 with a hard marriage in mind, well, it’s kind of a tough message.)

Hebrews 13:4, “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” (and the next verse, 5, is meaningful for those wanting to persist in a hard marriage) “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have for he hath said, ‘I will never leave thee, I will never forsake thee’.”

And ponder this:

Isaiah 29:13, “Therefore the Lord said, ‘Inasmuch as these people draw near to me with their mouths, and honor me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from me., and their fear toward me is taught by the commandment of men’.” (easy to take a pastor’s word for it, but make sure it aligns with the Bible)

Matthew 15:8, 19, and 20, “These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man…”

For out of the heart proceed…adulteries… Being married is being one, it’s a sacred trust. You can’t allow your heart to wander, it’s the same as committing adultery. Different consequences, but faithlessness all the same.

I always like to recommend Restore Ministries to those in hurtful relationships, marriage or otherwise. You’ll find encouragement and testimonies from those who’ve fought the fight and endured, wanting God’s best for their lives.

Remember Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Besides the Bible, get your hands on a copy of Created to Be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl. Read it before you get married, if possible! I’d been married 12 years before reading it, and my eyes were opened and convicted!

Anybody want to chime in on this topic? Feel free.

Below you’ll find my oldest’s first poem written on November 2nd, 2006.

I called her to dinner the other night, and she begged for me to hold the meal a couple minutes. Not long after, she came in brandishing the first half of this poem. It had suddenly come to her and she had to jot it down before she forgot. After dinner, she finished it.

Seems she’s full of new songs lately…it’s pretty sweet. She turns nine on Monday.

My Great Lord

I wish I may, Oh God I pray

To see my need through every day!

I love you Lord with all my heart,

You see my need from day to dark!

Oh Lord, you made the great sea blue,

Oh Lord, oh Lord, I really love you!

You see the things I do each day,

Oh Lord you always hear me pray!

Oh Lord you love me, I know you do,

Oh Lord, oh Lord, I love you too!

Several years ago, I read Revolution in World Missions by K.P. Yohannan. Amazing book, and a free one at that. Currently, I’m reading Rich Christians In An Age of Hunger by Ronald J. Sider. Both books include the following: an itemized list of the “luxuries” most of us would have to give up if we were to live the life of the world’s desperately poor.

The following was written by prominent economist, Robert L. Heilbroner: 

“We begin by invading the house of our imaginary American family to strip it of its furniture. Everything goes: beds, chairs, tables, television set, lamps. We will leave the family with a few old blankets, a kitchen table, a wooden chair. Along with the bureaus go the clothes. Each member of the family may keep in his “wardrobe” his oldest suit or dress, a shirt or blouse. We will permit a pair of shoes for the head of the family, but none for the wife or children.

We will move to the kitchen. The appliances have already been taken out, so we turn to the cupboards…The box of matches may stay, a small bag of flour, some sugar, and salt. A few moldy potatoes, already in the garbage can, must be hastily rescued, for they will provide much of tonight’s meal. We will leave a handful of onions, and a dish of dried beans. All the rest we take away: the meat, the fresh vegetables, the canned goods, the crackers, the candy.

Now we have stripped the house: the bathroom has been dismantled, the running water shut off, the electric wires taken out. Next we take away the house. The family can move to the toolshed…

Communications must go next. No more newspapers, magazines, books—not that they are missed, since we must take away our family’s literacy as well. Instead, in our shantytown we will allow one radio…

Now government services must go. No more postman, no more firemen. There is a school, but it is three miles away and consists of two classrooms…There are, of course no hospitals or doctors nearby. The nearest clinic is ten miles away and tended by a midwife. It can be reached by bicycle, provided that the family has a bicycle, which is unlikely…

Finally, money. We will allow our family a cash hoard of $5.00. This will prevent our breadwinner from experiencing the tragedy of an Iranian peasant who went blind because he could not raise the $3.94, which he mistakenly thought he needed to receive admission to a hospital where he could have been cured.”

Order a free copy of Revolution in World Missions today, and be inspired at the vision that God gave K.P. Yohannan, the founder of Gospel for Asia. Yohannan is unique in his approach to missions, believing rightly, that though money, medicine and food are needed and a blessing to the world’s poor, what they truly need is the message of Christ. For instance, if India turned to God, their “sacred” cattle and grain would no longer be consumed at the altar of Hinduism.

Sider’s Rich Christians book, on the other hand, is full of scripture on how dear to the Lord’s heart are the world’s poor, and that it’s a responsibility many of us ignore. Despite Sider’s liberal stand on world population, he makes many good points. I’ll leave you with one.

“The clearest statement about Jesus’ identification with the poor is in Matthew 25:35-36, 40: ‘I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…I was naked and you gave me clothing…Truly, I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me’

What does it mean to feed and clothe the Creator of all things? We cannot know. We can only look on the poor and oppressed with new eyes and resolve to heal their hurts and help end their oppression.

If Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24:40 is startling, its parallel is terrifying. ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me’ (v. 45)

What does that mean in a world where millions die each year while rich Christians live in affluence?

What does it mean to see the Lord of the universe lying by the roadside starving and walk by on the other side? We cannot know. We can only pledge, in fear and trembling, not to kill him again.”

From MInTheGap:

“I’m pleased to announce the return of Weekend Kindness!

What is Weekend Kindness? It’s a site devoted to helping you reach out to those around you with a kind spirit in the effort to make a difference.

Each week (on Wednesday) a new “mission” is presented to you to accomplish by the following Monday.  Participants have done crazy things like give treats to people in line at the grocery store, attempt to babysit children for parents, and  give secret surprises.

With this new installation, we’ve streamlined the “code” a little and we’ve added a new wrinkle in that we’ll be providing you with ways to help build your relationships with others around you– particularly your spouse!

How does it work?  We give you a mission, you sign up, you perform the mission (or write about a time when someone was kind to you) and write a post about it on your blog.  We’ll link to you and then others will go around, read your kindness and link to theirs!”

This first week’s mission is posted, so go on over to Weekend Kindness and sign up today!