Weeping....

".....weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5

I love this verse. It is such a reminder that sorrow doesn't last forever....there will be JOY again. The night may be dark. It may seem long. It may bring pain....trembling....foreboding....

but, in the morning, there will be joy.

There will be peace.

There will be comfort.

There will be rest (no matter how un-restful the night had been.)

There will be celebrating.....

REJOICING.

I absolutely love this weeping willow tree. It stands so regally near my home. I took this picture when I was running one morning. The sun was rising beautifully behind the tree. As I thought of the sad tree, the weeping willow, the sun was a reminder that in the morning there will be

JOY.

Blessings!

Peace....

Hmmmm......
This is the peace I need....
how about you?

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Word Filled Wednesday....

This is a cross I have hanging on my wall at home. I love it.

It reminds me of things I need to remember.

Like how much God loves me. That He will always be there for me. I don't have to worry....be afraid....be anxious....because He is with me. The God of the universe. The Creator of life and everything that exists.....of me. And, as BIG as He is, He is "small" enough to be intimate with me.

He loves me.

Please join us at the Cafe for more wonderful inspiration!

I can do all things through Christ!

AAAAHHHH!!!!!!!! Why did I schedule a Party Lite party AND a garage sale both during the LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL??????? Looking at the calendar, it didn't seem so bad.......

But, silly me....don't I know that in ALL things God works for my good? He teaches me so many lessons when I meet quietly with Him. And, WOW! How His Holy Spirit works when I allow Him....when I stay close to Him.....walking with Him.....leaning on Him.....clinging to Him.

Let me give you an example. Being a "good girl", I was making reminder calls to some of the ladies I had invited to my party. During that time, TWO of my friends that I hadn't talked to for a while shared tremendous trials and difficulty with me and we had the opportunity to pray together. I also am continuing to lift them up on my own. I will also continue to encourage them now that I know about their struggles. IF I hadn't been having a party, I wouldn't have known. IF I hadn't obeyed the Spirit's prompting and begun making calls, I wouldn't have known. Oh, my sweet sisters and brothers in Christ, "God works ALL things (even Party Lite parties) together for the good of those who love Him and all called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

As I have been pondering this, and as I have been encouraging myself NOT to be stressed, but reminding myself that He will equip me and help me IF I lean on upon Him, trusting Him.....and clinging to Him, I read this in my daily reading:

"When you turn from your problems to My Presence (Jesus "speaking" to us), your load is immediately lighter. Circumstances may not have changed, but we carry your burdens together. Your compulsion to "fix" everything gives way to deep, satisfying connection with Me. Together we can handle whatever this day brings." from Jesus Calling.

Lord God, I thank You that You care for all of the silly, little things in my life. I am tempted to NOT pray about things like garage sales and parties and kids' activities because I think YOU may think it silly.....YOU have more important things to listen about.....like cancer and oil spills and lost jobs. I can feel "guilty" about "bothering" You with my petty things when there are so many other "more important" things to be praying about..... But, are You not God?? Are You not big enough for ALL of these things???? From garage sales to oil spills, YOU ARE BIG ENOUGH! And, You care about it all! If it is important to me, then it is important to YOU! If it is a concern to me, then You want me to bring it to YOU! You can "handle" all of our problems.....we don't "use up" Your power.....it is endless........You are enough! Lord, I pray Your Word over my circumstances today- I trust in You with all of my heart, leaning NOT upon my own understanding, but in all of my ways, I acknowledge You and You will direct my steps, You will straighten my path. I choose NOT to worry about anything (not any of my trials, problems, or circumstances), but instead, in prayer and petition, WITH THANKSGIVING, I present my requests to You and then the peace that passes all understanding will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Jesus, You tell me to come to You.....to give You my burden and take Your Yoke upon me because YOUR yoke is easy and You will give me rest. And, You promise that in ALL things You are working for my good because I love You. Thank You, God for Your love......for Your mercy....and Your grace. You are GOOD. In Jesus' Name. AMEN!

How do I slow down?!.....Word Filled Wednesday

"He will quiet you with His love." Zephaniah 3:17

Well, how do we slow down?!

I was once preparing for a talk called "Don't Waste Your Life!" when a dear friend asked what the topic was about. I told her it that it is about God's plans for us ( and how they are very different from our own at times!), our relationship with Him, and the busyness of life. She then said, (and I love this!) "Well, are you going to tell me how to NOT be busy or just that I am too busy! Because I already know that!"

I can relate to her frustration. Sometimes we get caught up in the "busyness trap," and we don't see a way out! We know we are not feeling at peace, but don't know how to slow down. Sometimes we are looking for a "magic formula" or some "secret."

I wish I had a "secret" to tell you. There is no "magic formula." We all know in our hearts what we need to do, but we struggle with doing it! It is so simple- we need to begin taking things OUT of our schedules instead of continuing to put them in! I heard some sound advice from Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life) once- anytime you add a new activity to your life, you need to take something away. I know, I know, it sounds too simple. Then, your next question is HOW?! How do I remove "stuff?"

The first thing we need to begin doing is PRAYING about what God's will is for our lives. Now, we are really good at doing this when some big catastrophe comes up, or we have to make a huge decision, but we forget about the "little" things. Maybe we just don't want to "bother" God with the "trivial" stuff. Or, maybe we really don't want God's input into our activities because deep down we know He will tell us to let go of some things. Maybe we have just never thought about before!

Jesus was a busy guy here on earth! He WALKED (no cars to get Him there in a matter of minutes or hours, it took days!) the land, healing the sick, casting out demons, performing miracles, teaching the people, and ministering to them. But, I never saw Him stressed about His workload! Why? Two things. First, He got away OFTEN to pray! As busy as He was, He met with Father continually. And, the second was He always did the will of the Father.

I am sure that while He was on earth, Jesus could have healed many more. He could have taught more. He could have done more! But, He sought out God's will for Him, and when God said, "Go to the next town." It was time to go! In His obedience, He followed the Perfect Plan, doing exactly what He was meant to do.

How many times do I pray about my kids' activities? Now, I am pretty good about praying for God's will in my own activities (learned that the hard way!), and I seek out His will for what I am doing. I always tell people I need to pray first before I make a commitment. (Like I said I learned that the hard way!!!!) But, with my kids, I just barreled ahead, signing them up for all of these activities because, my goodness, if the girls don't dance, they will be deprived, or if Andrew doesn't play football, well, ALL boys play football. And, if you don't play soccer, you can't live in America!

God has really been dealing with me in this area over the last few years and it has been so LIBERATING! (Both for me and for the kids!) It started one spring when both girls were in dance and Andrew was busy with scouts and basketball. The girls were also playing soccer. A typical Saturday was two soccer games and a basketball game before noon. Well, the girls were supposed to get dance recital pictures taken, (different times) and Andrew had to do an activity for scouting. I was freaking out, wondering how I was going to pull all of this off, because they were at different times. The Holy Spirit spoke directly in my heart, "Tracy, you don't HAVE to get the dance picture! You'll take plenty of your own pictures. They just had soccer pictures done and Spring school pictures. Just because it is written on someone's calendar, it doesn't mean you HAVE TO DO IT!"

Freedom!!!!!!!!!!! I never realized until that moment that I didn't have to do these things!

I don't have to go to that meeting, just because they are having it? I don't have to sign the kids up for this, even though "everybody" else is?!

The climax came the next fall. I had already decided that we would take a break from dance. The girls weren't "in love" with it as much as mom anyway! So, we decided we would only do soccer for them, with church on Wed. nights and Indian Princesses once a month. Well, mom missed the deadline to sign up. I immediately felt guilty and horrible. I rushed to the YMCA with my check, hoping to still get in (it was only one day after the deadline!). They wouldn't take my money, but they did put me on a waiting list. Then, I felt a leading to pray. I realized I hadn't really sought out God's will in all of this. I know He has plans for my children as well as me, and I needed to seek Him out in all of this. Well, I prayed that if it was His will that they do soccer, then He would open that door. But, if it was better for the girls not to play in the spring, that He would close the door. I surrendered it to Him and asked Him to be over it.

Well, the girls did NOT get on a team (hallelujah!) and it was wonderful! They were so happy! They were able to play (like kids!) after school and our Saturdays were spent as a family, doing some chores, running to Target for our groceries, and then having fun! They just needed a break. They both are playing again, but it was a season where God's best was that we didn't do it.

Jesus promises that His burden is light. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, (remember- Jesus prayed and spent time with the Father, and obeyed the will of the Father) for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” If we are not experiencing peace, then something is wrong. Isaiah says, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” If God has truly called you to everything you are doing, then He will equip you to handle it all! Let us seek God and ask Him what we should be doing with our time.

"My soul finds rest in God alone."

I pray that you will experience the peace that passes all understanding as you continue to seek Him out- above all!

My prayer for you today (from Psalm 20)
"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress (when the washer has broken down, when you are feeling sick, when your child has failed a test...)
May the name of God of Jacob protect you.
May He send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.
May He remember all of your sacrifices. (Selah- think on this...)
May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the Name of the Lord!
May the Lord grant all of your requests.
We trust in the Name of the Lord our God."

Blessings!
In His grace, love, joy, and PEACE,
Tracy

Please visit Lori at All You Have to Give for more inspiration!

Mama said there would be days like these!

OK....what a crazy day....

Got up late (set the alarm for PM instead of AM).

Began with a run. Time to be with Him. Worship to awesome praise music. Prayed over my day, it was going to be a busy one. Asked God to be over it all. Told Him I surrendered my time to Him.

Hmmmmmmm.....

Cut beautiful lilies for inside. Went upstairs to wake Ashley for swim practice.

"Mommy, I don't feel good."

"You'll feel better once you wake up and eat a little something. Come on, you can't miss practice." (Unspoken translation: I don't have time for you to be sick today. Have to stick to our plan. )

Took Ashley to practice. Came home to make toast for the rest of the kids. Aaron came running down. "Mom, the bathroom is FLOODED! The water is running!"

Ran upstairs to find 2 inches of water on the floor, water running in the sink, overflowing.....

"No! No! Please help, God!"

Every towel from the linen closet soaking up the flood. (Just washed, dried, folded and put away yesterday.....another mess to clean up).

Run downstairs to make sure water isn't flooding through family room ceiling.

It is.

More towels.

Holding towels to ceiling. Run to get fans!

All the kids pitching in to help.

Soaking water.

Phone rings.

Ashley threw up at the pool.

Andrew, hold the towel while I get Ashley.

Paint chipping off the ceiling.

Tuck in Ashley. Check the ceiling.

Fight with Andrew.

After 2 hours of taking care of flooded bathroom, time to do basics and chores.

Take a shower (still had not from the 7 AM run!)

Walk into the kitchen.....Buddy (the dog) threw up.

Clean it up.

Start on lunch. Oops. Forgot that the pasta was boiling on the stove.

Lord, what a day. (and it's only lunchtime).

Lord, I know there are things that You want to teach me through the trials of life. Days when "everything seems to go wrong"....I know You are there. What is it, God that You want me to learn from all of this?

I sang this morning that I want to depend on You....to trust You. I know that it is so much easier to say, pray, and MEAN when I am running with praise music playing in the ipod.....just me and You, God. No worries. No chores. No tasks. Just me and You on a country road, basking in the beauty of Your nature.

But, when I come home, that is where I have to live it.

When the ceiling floods. When the dog throws up. When life doesn't go how I would like it. This is where I must live it. To choose to surrender to You. To choose to trust in You. To choose to turn to You, depend on You.

I love You, Lord. Thank You, God.

Blessed be Your Name.

And.....I ALWAYS APPRECIATE your prayers! :)

Gathering at the Well

Maintaining Home Peace in Times of Chaos

The discussion questions are:
Life's storms will come sometimes when we least expect them, how do we give our children a "safe feeling" in the midst of a life storm?
Sometimes chaos is created by our own efforts of trying to do too much, how can we maintain a peaceful home where chaos is prevented?
How can we as wives and mothers actually calm the storm?

"If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"

I have experienced first hand this little "truth!" I have seen with my own eyes the affects on our family when I set the tone- both negatively and positively. If I am stressed, hurried, upset.....it trickles down to the kids. If I am positive, they will generally reflect that (taking into personalities and hormones!).

I guess the example comes to mind of getting ready and getting out the door for school in the morning (or soccer practice, Sunday School....). If we are running late, I can yell, freak out, be frantic.....and the kids follow suit. Or, I can be calm, cheerful, going to God in prayer in the midst of our struggle, asking God for help.

A gentle answer turns away wrath. Proverbs 15:1

Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry....
James 1:19

I want to be that Proverbs 31 woman who speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction on her tongue, setting about her tasks daily, blessing her family and all those around her.

I want to be the woman of 1Peter 3 whose beauty doesn't come from outward adornments, but a GENTLE and QUIET spirit....a spirit at REST in her faith.

How do I achieve this attitude?

Only through a relationship with Christ through...

Prayer!

A prayerful home is a peaceful home!

Philippians 4:4-9: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again rejoice: Rejoice! (Not only in at the birthday party, but during the difficult times- in ALL circumstances!) Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything (THERE'S THAT EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE AGAIN!) by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving (heart attitude again!), present your requests to God. (OK! LISTEN TO THIS!!!) Then the PEACE that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

No matter how chaotic, stressful, difficult our circumstances, when we choose to give thanks to God for all that He has done and all that He is....turning to Him in prayer, then HIS PEACE fills our hearts and minds.

Paul goes on in verses 8 and 9 telling us to guard our thinking and then the peace of God will be with you.

Another thing I have found in my home is the need to keep it picked up. When our home is chaotic, we feel unorganized, disjointed, stressed....

God is not a God of chaos....

So, I have found it is important to keep our home straightened (even if there are dustballs in the corners...). The kids also feel so much better when their rooms are tidied. It sounds so simple, but we feel better when our home is organized.

Please visit the Gathering at the Well to find more wonderful wisdom on keeping a peaceful home!