Archive for the 'God Lessons' Category

Hand in Hand

Published July 2, 2010 Devotional , Faith , God Lessons , Inspiration 4 Comments

Lisa, I have called you by name, and you are mine. I am always with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you.

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Close your eyes and picture me holding your hand throughout your day. Wherever you go, whatever you do, you are never alone.

Tie something around your wrist to remind you that I am with you. We are tied together. I am leading you with cords of human kindness, with ties of love.

Stay in step with me. When you get anxious and flustered, you charge ahead of me. You are pulling on my arm and dragging me. Slow down. Walk next to me. Talk to me. Trust me.

When problems enter your day, there is no need to worry or fret. The Creator of the entire universe is holding your hand! Is there anything too difficult for me to handle?

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Nothing can separate you from my love.

–Jesus

 

 

 

Isaiah 43:1  Joshua 1:5  Isaiah 41:13  Hosea 11:4  Isaiah 43:2  Romans 8:35-39

What Will Your Kids Be Like as Teenagers?

Published June 5, 2010 Faith , Family , God Lessons , Missions 11 Comments

My friend Beverly wrote a great post detailing some parenting tips from John Rosemond. One point jumped off the screen: “As parents, you MUST have a vision for what you want your children to be in the future.”

That statement swirled around in my head. Yeah, I want my kids to be kind and love God, but do I have a specific vision for them? Not really.

About a week after I read Beverly’s post, I turned on the radio. A woman was sharing how each year she sits down with her husband and sets long-term and short-term goals for their children. They talk about what they want their kids to be like when they are older, and they discuss what they can do now to help them reach those goals.

She said something like, “A vision for the future helps you make decisions for today.” Her encouraging words reminded me of something I read in a parenting book a while ago: It’s much easier to prevent problems in your kids now than to fix problems later.

I’ve learned when God sends me the same message from different sources within a few weeks, it’s as if He is putting his arm around my shoulder and gently saying, “I really want you to get this.”

I shared the concept with Kevin, and we spent some time talking about the kind of people we would like Caleb and Chelsea to be when they are in high school.

Here are some of the things we discussed:

  • We want them to love everyone (put others’ needs before their own) and reach out to the kids in their classes who need a friend.
  • We want them to find their worth in God and be confident and secure in themselves.
  • We want them to be mission-minded and have a heart for those who do not know Jesus.
  • We want them to be involved in at least one extra-curricular activity, but we don’t want to them to be committed to 10 different activities. We don’t want their lives to be so busy that there is no time for family or personal time with God.

We might alter this list as they grow, but it’s a start. Helping our kids attain these goals requires us to model godly characteristics. Wow, what a great tangible way to keep ourselves accountable to live holy lives.

What vision do you have for your children? Are you setting practical goals to help them become the people in your vision?

I hope to write a post soon about one practical way we are helping Caleb develop a heart for missions. In the meantime, I’d love to hear what goals you have for your kids.

Overwhelmed

Published May 27, 2010 Faith , Friends , God Lessons 6 Comments

(I tried to think of a photo that depicts stress, and I remembered the day Caleb had his first hair cut. I think this is the only picture I have of either of my children crying. I didn’t want a bunch of pictures reminding me of unhappy moments. I’m thankful mental pictures fade over time.)

Last week I started to feel overwhelmed. A lot of things were piling up. One of my children has been dealing with much anxiety. The death of a friend. Lots of extra activities and volunteering at school. Feeling chronically behind in all my chores and to-do tasks because of our sick April. Trying to be all things to all people. And a few other things.

God reminded me that I can handle all these things. Not because I’m Wonder Woman. But because His grace and power enables me to deal with everything that comes my way, IF I give them to Him and stop trying to solve problems by myself. Did I listen to Him? Yes. Did I allow His gentle reminder to sink into my heart? No. I just kept plugging along, pretending I was fine, and WHAM, I had a meltdown on Tuesday.

I prayed. I sent a message to a friend, and I asked her to pray. I thought I was going to be okay. But then more stress was dumped on me, and I felt helpless. I talked to Kevin after the kids went to bed, and I just cried everything out. Nothing like a good cry to relieve stress.

The next day? I was a different person. Happy, calm, secure. The only explanation is God. I didn’t come up with some grand solution to all my problems. I just knew everything was going to be okay. I knew God has all the answers, and little by little, He will give me the guidance I need to deal with all the unexpected circumstances that pop up.

Thank you to Kevin and TZ for praying for me. I was in the place where the only thing I could think to say was, “Help me, Jesus.” So I know your words moved the heart of God. Thank you for speaking to Him for me.

“Because of the LORD’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

“weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:15

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” John 16:33 (AMP)

One of Those Mommy Moments

Published April 23, 2010 Faith , Family , God Lessons , Health 9 Comments

This was an unusual week. On Monday, Chelsea was covered in hives, and her right foot started swelling up and turning purple. She was in so much pain she couldn’t walk. And Chelsea is a tough girl, so when she was crying and asking me to take her to the doctor, I knew it was serious. I took her to the emergency room.

While in the ER, her knees started swelling up, and she was not able to straighten her legs. After blood tests and x-rays, the doctor said it was either Fifth Disease or a reaction to the amoxicillin she took for strep throat.

After two visits to Chelsea’s pediatrician on Tuesday, he was almost certain that she has Serum Sickness, which is a bad reaction to penicillin drugs, especially amoxicillin. She is taking steroids to relieve the hives, swelling, and pain.

There were a few moments when I was deeply concerned about Chelsea, but I didn’t freak out. I poured myself into research to make sure Serum Sickness was the right diagnosis. I trusted God would give her doctor wisdom to determine if it was something other than Serum Sickness.

Each day when I prayed, I thanked God for making Chelsea feel better, and I asked Him to heal her completely. I have been unemotional all week, but I had one of those mommy moments today at lunch. When I was praying, the reality of the week settled on me, and I got choked up.

As I watched Chelsea eating her crunchy carrots, I realized how thankful I am that she is here. Even though her situation was not grave, it showed me how fragile life is and how our lives can change in a moment.

God reminded me that my children are not mine. They are His. They are only here for a short time, and He could call them home at any moment. And one day I will stand before God and give an account of how well I cared for and loved His children. Sobering thought.

Thank you, God, for your faithfulness in teaching me how to care for and love your children. I want to live in a way that reflects your character.

I Will Not Forget You

Published April 3, 2010 Faith , Family , God Lessons , Holidays , POTD , Salvation 2 Comments

I’m not big on the whole bunny, chick, dyed egg, candy deal at Easter time. I’m not saying you shouldn’t do those things at your house. By all means, have a blast! I’m just saying we don’t do them here. Our kids do egg hunts at school and at church, and we enjoy those fun times, but at home we try to focus on Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

For the last few years we have used Resurrection Eggs to talk about Easter. I highly recommend them. Yesterday, I saw a great idea on Marla Taviano’s blog. I think it will become an annual tradition in our family.

I drew red dots on Caleb and Chelsea’s hands and told them the dots represent the place where the nails pierced Jesus’ hands. He shed His blood for us. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

Then I read Isaiah 49:15, 16, which says, “I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” God loves us so much that our names are written on His hands. He will never forget us.

Jesus died for Caleb.
Jesus died for Chelsea.
Jesus died for Kevin.
Jesus died for Lisa.
Jesus died for You.

Good Friday

Published April 2, 2010 Faith , God Lessons , Holidays , POTD , Salvation Leave a Comment

Caleb drew this a couple weeks ago.

Chelsea had to be like big brother and drew her own version.

These pictures are sunny and cheerful, but Good Friday was actually dark and sorrowful. Jesus Christ was beaten, spat upon, mocked, whipped, insulted, and nailed to a cross. Willingly. For you and for me. He could have easily refused to go through with it. “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53) But He chose to die a cruel and agonizing death so He wouldn’t have to live without you and me for all eternity. If that isn’t a picture of true love, I don’t know what is.

He was sinless, but He chose to take our sin upon Himself and be punished for us so we won’t have to be punished. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Imagine I am crossing a busy street, and I don’t see a car coming straight at me. A man jumps out and pushes me away from the car to save me. The man is struck by the car and killed. I would be eternally indebted to that man and his family for saving my life and dying in my place. Would I keep his good deed to myself? No way. I would tell everyone. You wouldn’t be able to shut me up. I would live to honor him, and I would do everything I could to make sure his family was loved and cared for.

That’s what Jesus did for me. He died in my place. How can I not live for Him?

Robbing My Brothers and Sisters

Published March 23, 2010 Chiropractic , Faith , Friends , God Lessons , Purpose , Sunday School 3 Comments

I mentioned doing a series of posts about lessons I’ve learned in the past eight months (since I became a chiropractic patient). This post is the first of three. 

My recent trip to the ER was a blessing in disguise because it led to a friend calling me last week, which led to God driving home a BIG lesson: I have been robbing my brothers and sisters.

I’ve been very hush-hush about the struggles with pain I have had recently with my chiropractic journey. I know the reasons why, but I won’t go into all of them here. You don’t have time to read a novel. I’ll just boil it down and say pride and fear of what people will think are at the root.

So last Wednesday my friend Amanda (from Sunday School) called and asked how I was feeling. I opened up, took off the mask, and shared with her my doubts, fears, frustrations, beliefs, and hopes. She listened. She shared some of her own personal struggles. We prayed for each other over the phone. She ministered to me big time. (Amanda said a couple things in her prayer that brought two major breakthroughs–more on that in the next post.)

My willingness to share my true thoughts and feelings allowed my friend to help me. And in return I helped her. When I refuse to reveal the difficult stuff in my life, I rob my brothers and sisters of the opportunity to minister to me. I prevent them from using their gifts and fulfilling their purpose.

Most of the time I am a self-sufficient, I’ll-handle-this-myself-thank-you-very-much kind of person. I don’t want to burden others with my problems. But that 45-minute phone call proved to me that we are not made to handle things alone. We are made to lean on each other. I don’t want to steal the joy that a friend could experience from helping me or my family.

I am asking God to humble me and give me a willing heart to accept help. By His grace, I will choose to be real and allow others to walk alongside me, sharing the burden.

Photo Friday #11

Published February 12, 2010 Chiropractic , Family , God Lessons , Photo Friday Leave a Comment

This week has not been easy. Actually, the last four weeks have not been easy. I’m reluctant to say “it’s been tough” because my problems are insignificant compared to devastating situations that have occurred lately, like in Haiti and in our church family last week. Those are heartbreaking tragedies, and those people need much prayer and help.

But I also want to be transparent and real. I’ve hit a rough patch with my spinal therapy. When you are changing the structure of your body, you are bound to experience some discomfort, right? Right. Up until about a month ago I had not experienced much pain, but I’ve had some very painful days recently, which just throws everything off. The good thing is God is teaching me some much-needed lessons through this small trial. He is bringing some junk to the surface that needs to be removed. And He’s removing it.

I’m sure some of you have had a really tough week. I have not read any blogs this week, and I haven’t been on Facebook, so I have no idea what is going on with many of my friends. Please email me or leave a comment and let me know what has been great or not-so-great about your week. I would love to pray for you, whether I know you personally or not.

Okay, on to this week’s pics.

February 6, 2010–Party time! We had a small birthday party for Caleb with some of his friends from school. They played Wii, ate pizza and cupcakes, built Legos, played a bean bag toss game for prizes, aggravated Chelsea, and generally had fun!

February 7, 2010–I love crafts. And I love the fact that crafting can keep my kids occupied for long periods of time.

February 8, 2010–On Sunday, I went to the trash and found one of Chelsea’s sticker books. Unused. I told her to be more careful about putting things in the trash can that aren’t really trash. On Monday, I went to throw something away and found Chelsea’s shoes in the trash! I thought it was funny, but she thought she was in trouble. I’m pretty sure it was an accident because she didn’t even remember putting them in the trash can.

February 9, 2010–Making Valentines for friends at school.

February 10, 2010–Cowboy Day at school. No hat or boots, but a plaid shirt and bandana did the trick. Caleb was good to go!

February 11, 2010–I couldn’t let a week go by without including a Christmas picture. This is our artwork “clothesline” in the playroom. You would think it would have Valentine crafts hanging on it by now, but it doesn’t. Still Christmas.

February 12, 2010–A new butterfly bow for my butterfly girl.

Have a blessed weekend everybody!

Goals Revisited and New Year’s Theme

Published January 12, 2010 Books , Faith , God Lessons , Holidays 2 Comments

Looking back…

What’s the point of having goals if you don’t evaluate how well you met them? Here’s how I did:

My Goals For This Christmas Season

I will NOT…

1. stay up until 1 a.m. on Christmas Eve wrapping presents. I finished all my wrapping by 9:30 and spent the rest of the night reading and blogging. Woohoo!

2. spend over my budget. I overspent by $34. This is a huge improvement for me. In the past I overspent by hundreds each year, so yay me. Next year, I need to get it down to zero or less.

3. pull out every decoration I own. I only put out about 50% of my decorations and about 75% of my ornaments. It was much quicker and much less overwhelming.

I will…

1. watch the Nativity Story (great movie!). I watched it on Christmas night after the kiddos went to bed. I am so amazed by Mary. That woman rocks. I can’t wait to meet her one day.

2. read Touching Wonder: Recapturing the Awe of Christmas by John Blase. I read half of it. Great book. I looked at many Christmas books this year. I didn’t want one about Five Ways to have a Better Christmas. I wanted one about the incarnation. Just give me Jesus. This book did that. The only reason I didn’t finish it is was because I was reading another book at the same time and couldn’t put it down. I finished “Same Kind of Different as Me” on Christmas Eve–a Christmas gift from God:

This incredible book deserves a post of its own, but for now…If you have a heart for the poor and homeless, read this book. If you struggle with stereotyping, prejudice, or favoritism (like me), read this book. If you love a true story, read this book. If you want to see how God uses ordinary people to do amazing things, read this book. You’ll thank me.

3. spend time daily in the Word (especially in Matthew and Luke) looking for new nuggets of truth about Christmas. Check.

4. spend lots of time snuggling on the couch under a warm blanket with my two little munchkins reading Christmas books. Lots and lots of time. Wonderful memories. Thank you, Jesus.

5. be like Jesus’ friend Mary and sit at Jesus’ feet listening to Him. “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41 I’m becoming more and more acquainted with Mary’s ways and less and less with Martha’s. Spent lots of time sitting, reading, and listening to Jesus.

Looking ahead…

I don’t do New Year’s Resolutions. I have tried in the past, and I never kept them. A long list is too much to keep up with. Instead, I ask God what He wants the theme of my year to be–something that He wants to teach me. I got this idea from my friend Jenny F a few years ago.

This year’s theme is breaking my approval addiction. You know…the obsession with what people think of me instead of total dependence on and security in God. My self-esteem is also tied up in this addiction, so that needs an overhaul too. I’ve struggled with this for several years. I distinctly remember it in college, but it probably started before that. I’ve tried and tried to overcome it in the past, but it keeps sneaking back up to the surface. It’s been particularly ugly in the past six months, so I wasn’t surprised when God said, “We’re going to put an end to this in 2010.”

So that’s it. I’ll meet you back here at the end of 2010 and let you know how it went.

And I’d love to hear your goals and themes (or resolutions) too. If you want to share, leave a comment.

Sleep in Peace

Published September 7, 2009 Family , God Lessons 2 Comments

My favorite moment of the day is walking into dark bedrooms to gaze at my two precious gifts as they sleep peacefully. We leave their doors wide open when they go to sleep, and right before I crawl into my own bed for the night, I first go to Chelsea’s room. Her mouth is usually open, and most of the time she is on her stomach. It’s funny how her personality is evident even in her sleep. Although she is still, she looks as if at any moment she could jump up and start singing and dancing.

Caleb is Chelsea’s opposite, awake or asleep. He prefers sleeping on his side, and his mouth is usually closed. The peacefulness on his face tempts me to sit and stare at him for hours. I’m thankful for the calmness I see resting on him. He needs it and deserves it after days filled with concern. The peacefulness of my little ones reminds to me to rest in the quietness of the Lord.

“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

Next Page »

Follow Me on Twitter

Contact

I would love to hear from you! You can reach me at lisakellywrites (at) gmail (dot) com.

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 7 other followers

2009 and 2010

Since Sept 2009

  • 12,765 hits
All content and original photographs on Fulfilling My Purpose are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent.
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.