Fifty reasons to say NO

Books.

Movies.

It seems this is the summer to bombard women with pornography aimed straight at them.

And make no mistake that is  exactly what it is.

And while, I guess I'm not so surprised about the fact that these things are being written and produced, I am 

surprised at the level of which Christian women are flocking to them.

As if we're no different at all.

It's almost like we're children saying 'nah nah boo boo', to a society that's created this garbage for men for so long.

But, in our attempts to 'get back' or, at least, level the playing the field in this area will only come back

and hurt us more.

Because, just like for men, pornography kills you from the inside out.

It deadens you to what is actually real.

And suddenly you become dissatisfied with your flesh and blood spouse, maybe not today, but given exposure to it long enough, you will.

Or if you don't have a spouse, no ordinary man will ever be able to fill the fantasy driven scenes in your mind.

Because everyday life is harder than some book, and more real than any Hollywood movie could ever be.

Suddenly, the man who holds back the hair of your little one while they're sick isn't glamours enough because he doesn't have a six pack, or doesn't read your every thought.

That same man who works hard everyday is now boring, because real life isn't always a party. And sometimes, well he's just tired.

Hey, I KNOW men have had this stuff available to them for decades-if not longer-.  . .

But, is that really how we're going to justify reading and watching pornography?

Our standard is never mans, but a Holy God's.

And don't ever be naive and think He doesn't care about what your feeding your soul.

Lest you read this and think I'm sitting in judgement of you if you've already read the book or seen the movie, I promise I don't. 

That is not my intent.

But, if I saw you drowning I would jump in to save you, not watch from the side lines.

Walk in the light,

WATCH ME! WATCH ME! WATCH ME!

While playing at the pool with my kiddos today, a day care group was there as well.

Since my kids have the ability  to make friends wherever they go, several of those kiddos where playing with us.

The phrase most often I heard today was, "Watch me! Watch me! Watch me!"

I enjoyed applauding them and giving them shout outs for underwater flips and holding their breath and some awesome cannonballs.

What occurred to me as I was passing out high fives was how much each of us wants to be acknowledged.
We want one someone to see us.
We want to know what courageous thing (and holding your breath under water can be very courageous for a five year old!) we did was seen by someone.

Last week was a very difficult one for me.  I won't go into all the reasons, but I will tell you the list was a long and hard one.  By Friday night, I felt alone, like no one could see-or if they could, they didn't care.

Of course, I know in my head that's not true.  I know I'm never alone or forgotten.

But what the head knows the heart sometimes forgets.

What a simple reminder I was given today, as "Watch me!" was being shouted my way.

God is watching, he sees every brave thing, every dip, dive and difficult thing.

And one of my favorite verses came to mind:

The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17




So, not only is he watching and saving, he's singing a song over me.


That will take those feelings of being alone and push them far, far way.




If you are feeling lost, alone or abandoned, take some time and reflect on that verse.


Keep moving forward!


Blessings,

Ducklings

I sometimes call my kiddos my Little Ducklings, especially if we're out somewhere and it would be much easier for them to follow me instead of being all spread out, going in three different directions.


We went to our local petting zoo a couple of weeks ago and much to our delight, saw this Mama and her babies.

Mama Duck even had 3 ducklings she quacked to get them to come and follow behind her.

I've been pondering that these past weeks, as schools been out and the kids and I are spending

much more time together.

Do I REALLY want them following me? 

Am I giving them something worthy of following?

Not perfection! But, real genuine love for Jesus and others that worthy of being followed.

Because, make no mistake, whether we wish they would or not

THEY ARE FOLLOWING US!

Perhaps, if we make following Jesus our priority those behind us will too.

Blessings,

Six

Every year I'm caught by surprise.

But, it's no wonder really as her arrival was a surprise as well.

I pray I never get over the wonder of the best surprise ever.


In my minds eye, of course, this is what I see when I look at you.

Or this

Or even this

But now you're a Ballet Dancing, Kindergartner.

Of all the things Mommy's can do, stopping the clock isn't one of them.

So Beautiful Girl, here are 6 things I love about you.

The list could go on and on, but here are 6 for your special day.

1) I love the way you love your brothers.

Your presence in their  lives has soften them up in all the right places.

2) I love that you love to snuggle. 

I pray it's a long time before you're to big for climbing up in Momma's lap.

3) I love that you love animals. 

Your delight in God's creation is so delightful to watch.

4) I love that you always have a song in your heart.

Whether it's one you've heard, or one you've made up, a song is never far from your heart.

5) I love that you can go from playing  princesses to digging in the dirt.

Never lose your ability to be well rounded. It will be a great asset someday.

6) I love your compassion for others.

Your tender heart is a testimony and example for all of us.

Once again, I am reminded of God's goodness and grace to me. Neither of which I deserve,

but both of which He's given to me in abundance.

Thank you, Lord for my three greatest gifts, and for making one of them the BEST surprise anyone

could ever ask for in a lifetime.

I love you Little Girl. I'm blessed to be called your Mommy.

God is Good

All the time God is Good.

I'm in church circles, and hear that phrase all time.

And, I don't disagree with it; God is good, all the time, God is good.


Here is what makes me pause. . .

It seems a bit like we only use it when God is doing what we want him to do.

The news from the Doctor comes positively -God is good.

Money in the bank-God is good.

Jobs going great-God is good.

Hubby brings us flowers-God is good.

Kids are obedient and excel in sports/school-God is good.

But what about when

The doctor says there is no hope.
The checks bounce.
You get laid off from your job.
Hubby come home and said he's not coming back.
Kids are struggling.

Are we so quick to say "God is good"?

That's where faith and real life collide.

The stuff of Heavens meets the stuff of life.

Where we have to walk out what we believe.

Sometimes, that can be extremely difficult.

In the moments of darkness and doubt (and please don't feel like you're the only one that has them, because I promise people are lying to you if they say they never doubt.) one of the best things you can do is

Remember.

Remember every time God has walked you  through the valley.

Every time in the dark, when He was your only light.

When the only love you felt was coming from Him.

Remember.

God is good

Reflect.

All the time God is good.

And know, this isn't all there is. . .

 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12




Someday we'll see Him face to face, someday we'll know why this life was so hard.


But, for now we believe, God is good.


All the time, God is good.


Blessings,