I have recently been reading a book- Broken Down House by Paul Tripp- which has made me rethink my views of some things. One of things the book has made me rethink is my view of ministry.
Often, I see ministry as what I do at church. I work in the nursery once a month. I teach a Sunday School class. I help in AWANA. I am involved in ministry. But Tripp challenges us in the book to think of ministry as our lifestyle. Ministry shouldn’t be what I do on the side. My life should be my ministry.
When I am frustrated with my husband, remember, my marriage is my ministry.
Continue Reading »
Hebrews 10:24and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
25not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
These are verses we often hear discussed within the context of telling us we should not miss church on Sundays. I’ve been reading a book- Broken Down House– by Paul Tripp, and one of the things he discusses in the book that has really made me think is this idea of living in Christian community. He suggests that living in community is much more than just meeting at church for an hour on Sunday.
Continue Reading »
Think about that person who really annoys you. You know who I mean. We all have someone. What about that person who is deliberately mean to you, who has hurt you again and again? What about the person who has hurt your friend, your family member? Just thinking about those people can produce some unpleasant feelings.
Now, imagine that God is speaking directly to you, telling you to reach out to that person.
What? Are you sure God? Let me remind you what they’ve done.
This is what happened when Saul, who became Paul was converted.
Acts 9:10Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.”
Continue Reading »
I’ve been thinking recently about my impact and about how I do or don’t touch those around me. I want to be more aware of the needs around me. I want God to use me to help those He puts in my path. Sometimes I am deterred by the thought that I don’t have anything to offer.
I am not rich. I can’t give much money. I don’t have a lot of creative talents. I don’t sew or cook well. I’m not a very good party planner. As a busy, homeschooling mom, I don’t even have a lot of time.
And I wonder: What can I give to those needy people around me?
Continue Reading »
I visited IKEA for the first time on Saturday. If you are fortunate enough to live near one of these colossal stores, you’ll know what I’m talking about today. If you don’t have an IKEA close by, or if you (like I was) are unaware of the magnificence, let me explain. IKEA is a HUGE home organization, home decor, and furniture sales place. Our IKEA covers two enormous stories and houses hundreds of showrooms, a restaurant, a kids play place, a furniture warehouse, and a Swedish bistro. (IKEA is Swedish in origin.)
As we wandered the store (everything is arranged in a semi-circular manner so you can’t walk the aisle; you have to circle around and see everything), I began to lust.
Continue Reading »
My son is going through a hard time at night. He is suffering from typical childhood fears- the dark, noises, zombies. When he suffers, I suffer. He wakes me up and sleeps in my room. He makes lots of noise. I don’t sleep well. It could be easy to be frustrated instead of being patient. But, I know his fears are real to him.
And sometimes, I am afraid and don’t sleep well also.
I’m not afraid of zombies. But, what about bills to be paid? Family members who are sick and may not get well? Fear of failure? Those things often keep me awake at night.
Continue Reading »
I recently read Same Kind of Different as Me, a memoir co-authored by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. The book chronicles the unlikely but amazing friendship that develops between these two men- one and international art dealer and the other a homeless vagrant.
Ron Hall first meets Denver when Ron and his wife volunteer at a homeless shelter/soup kitchen. Ron admits his disgust when he first meets these people. He describes his revulsion at their appearance and smell and he relates how he hoped his wife would soon “fulfill” the call she felt God had given her to work with them.
Continue Reading »
“The finger of God that points the way is on the hand of God that supplies the need.” I heard that quote at a Missions Conference when I was young, and I have always remembered it. The speaker was talking about those who are called to be missionaries and pointing out that if God called one to the mission field, He would provide the means to get there. As I have grown older, though, I have realized that the quote is true for me in every aspect of my life.
God has called me to be a wife and mother. He will provide strength when I am tired, frustrated, and discouraged.
Continue Reading »
